Meet John Haman | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Haman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
There are two necessary components for achieving success: Head Skills and Heart Skills. Head skills are the technical skills each job requires. No matter what we do, we must be technically outstanding in our work—not merely proficient, but excellent. Performance matters because whether we are musicians or surgeons, people expect us to get things right.
Heart skills are different, though. Heart skills define the kind of people we are, such as how caring, concerned, honest, and cooperative we are. Heart skills are vital because we all work with other people, and if our heart skills are poor, we will be ineffective. When we look at the really great people in the world, not only are they good at their jobs, they are also really good people. We need good head and heart skills to succeed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
If you ask me how I became a writer, I will tell you that I don’t really know. Before becoming a writer I was the manager of the air traffic control tower at Denver International Airport. But a few years ago I realized that was no longer where I needed to be, so I quit. I didn’t know what I was going to do next in life, but I knew things were deteriorating in the world, and I wanted to help. So among other things, I became a writer to share what I have learned in many decades of living and working. I felt driven to address the dysfunction in the world today. Everyone is fighting. A phrase that has become common is, “You have to fight for what you want.” But that is one of the most damaging phrases ever because fighting never solved a problem. Fighting is meant to defeat someone, but others are not the enemy. The opposition is the problems we are dealing with. Fighting is not helpful because it leads to discord, and when people stop working together, nothing gets done. We need cooperation to make progress, but if we are continually divided, all we will get is more fighting. This is why the world is struggling––because divisiveness reigns over unity.
Instead of fighting for what we want, I am trying to promote a more productive approach, which is working for what we need, because work leads to productive outcomes. I am trying to convince people that we should use our lives for more important things than just making money. Most of our problems could be solved if people would cooperate, but when we fight, we create more ill will and everyone loses. Jealousy and competition are tearing the world apart, and we need love and cooperation to mend things. Our problems are not the result of our circumstances, they are because of how we are living and treating one another. As long as fighting is the norm we will have problems. It is only through productive activities like work and cooperation that we will advance things in the world.
Part of the problem is that we have redefined success. We shouldn’t look at success in terms of financial gain only, we should define it in terms of helpfulness. If we can help others through our work, that is the greatest success of all, and when we do that, financial rewards will find us. One of the biggest mistakes people make is chasing wealth, because that leads to greed and coldheartedness. A better approach is to pursue helpfulness because everyone needs help, and when we help each other, we progress together. That is why hardworking, honorable people inspire me. It is because they use their lives to serve others, not because they must, but because they know that serving and helping is a better way to live than demanding and taking.
In my book, “Work Hard and Serve Others,” I wrote, “The purpose of work is not to make money, it is to serve others, and when we do that, money is the reward.” Good things flow to those who are helpful, and while others may end up with more money than us, that’s ok. If we dedicate our lives to helping people, our finances will be taken care of and our sleep will be sweet, and that is a good way to live. Life is empty when we have no purpose, and work provides that purpose. The trick is finding work you love, and when you do, happiness will find you.
I also recently published a small book in Europe with a group of teenagers on the topic of leadership. The book introduces young people to the idea that leadership is not a control function, it is a service function.
And I have another book coming out in 2023 that defines a common set of values to build our lives on, because if there is one problem in the world today, is that we live in a valueless society.
So to answer the question about how I became a writer, I would say my writing career was a gift. It is what I am supposed to be doing with my life right now.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Colorado is known for its mountains, and if there is one thing most of us need, it is the solitude and peace that comes from spending time outdoors. During Covid, many people remained confined. They cancelled outings and vacations and began working from home, but that is not healthy. We need to be out in the world to appreciate life, and Colorado’s mountains will renew your joie de vivre-your joy in life. We should adopt healthier ways of living and it starts with getting outdoors. Plan a trip to the high country, and even if you are not a skier, cyclist, or kayaker, just being among God’s creations will renew your spirits.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My inspiration comes from people, and I have been fortunate to know many great people in my life…colleagues, friends, students, family members, and strangers. I watch and listen to people, and try to learn from their experiences.

The world is currently enamored of knowledge, but most of the problems in the world are not because of our circumstances, they are a result of how we are living and treating one another. The answers we are searching for lie in wisdom, not knowledge. There is much valuable wisdom in the minds and hearts of good people, but we have to pay attention to find it.

My primary source of inspiration is my wife Annette, who is my model for how people should live and treat one another. The second is every other person on the planet, because we can learn something from everyone.

Website: johnhaman.net

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-haman-73318070/

Other: https://www.amazon.com/Work-Hard-Serve-Others-Professionalism/dp/B091F5Q2JX/ref=sr_1_2? https://www.amazon.com/HOW-BECOME-LEADER-LEADERS-QUESTION/dp/1913310590/ref=sr_1_1?