Our train trip and visit to Budapest provided additional insight into the trauma of Eastern Europe. Hungary had first been invaded by the Nazi's and then by the Communists. The citizens of Hungary had to turn themselves into chameleons in an attempt to survive the concentration camps, general brutality and murder. This sense of history was gained by visiting the House of Terror, a museum housed in the building that served as the center for atrocities reined down upon the Hungarians by both of their invaders.
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| St. Stephen's Cathedral |
That history is in contrast to the artistic and architectural beauty of this vibrant European City. Visits to St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Parliament, the Opera House, the Danube riverfront, and other sights gave us an appreciation for its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities on the Continent. We enjoyed shopping in the Central Market for "real" Hungarian paprika, but passed up the food for several dinners at La Pampa, an Argentinian steakhouse! Our culinary adventures are a bit limited!
Our interviewee Imre Lovey's view, however, goes well beyond Hungary. He is a very well regarded organization and management development consultant around the world, but especially in Europe. He sees most organizations as being diseased with sicknesses such as customer exploitation, aggressive approaches to the environment, alienation, short-sightedness and workaholism. While having very specific knowledge about how to heal those diseases, Lovey advocates going beyond healthy to becoming a joyful organization. He speaks of seeking harmony among customer satisfaction, employees who feel as though they belong, and the minimization of entropy. Some management writers speak of balance, but it seems that Lovey's concept of harmony goes beyond that. He is a gracious host and thoughtful leader.
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| Imre Lovey's Beautiful Garden Offices |
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