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Jim Despain's innate desire to do the right thing was tapped early in his life. Beginning with the harsh reality his father showed him when he killed the family dog after Jim had disobediently egged the dog on to go against the rules. It was evident early on that when Jim broke the rules, he paid a significant consequence. Fortunately, the lessons Jim learned with each consequence handed to him, he saw not only the error of his ways, but he saw the bigger picture and how his actions affected those around him. Of his father, Jim wrote "His parenting approach was a combination of the obsession to honesty of Abe Lincoln and the demanding obedience to authority of the mines." (Despain, (2003), p. 3) Throughout Jim's journey in management, he would use both harsh and lenient approaches to his team, this is a direct effect of having been reared on fear and integrity. This approach, however, didn't necessarily have a universal charm. Another lesson learned early on was also exceptionally harsh when he cut down the pear tree after hearing his father tell his mother that he wished that it was gone. The fact that Jim only heard his father's desire to get rid of the tree and not the fact that his father was only wishful thinking because the family needed the tree that provided another source of sustenance for the family. Jim learned that it was necessary to have all the facts before making such decisions as this. From the very beginning of his journey at Caterpillar, when he swept the floors, he wanted to sweep them as well as they had ever been swept. He always wanted to shine in his superior's eyes, to make them happy as he did with his father. Before long he was no longer sweeping, but working on the heavy machinery producing parts. The machinery was dangerous and intricate. He took his time researching his machine and the safety precautions that went along with it. The machine meant more than just a paycheck to Jim. He knew that his part in the company had an impact on the end result. If there were orders to fill and deadlines attached, the company depended on his effort in order to meet these demands. If he slacked off, and a deal fell through, the company would not only lose money, but potentially, a client as well. This fueled him further into a let's win mode. While he pushed his machine to the limit and produced in record time, he earned praise from the supervisors. This was what he strove for, as he did when it was his desire to please his father. However, unlike at home, here, there was a confusing negative side to his doing a good job.
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