The Goodwill Jar: Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

Positivity is contagious.

Sometimes it seems that too many people are suffering from a crisis of identity, not sure what they stand for or what they want to do with their lives. The Goodwill Jar answers this problem.

It teaches that when we focus on the good, offer the benefit of the doubt, and open our hearts to love, we can all live a richer life full of meaningful relationships.

After all, humans are social creatures. Imagine what kind of world we would live in if everyone shared the goal of leaving others better than we found them. The world would be a better, happier place forever!

Follow the path of a typical person as they navigate the relationships that occur in every stage of life, from childhood to the grave. It starts with the foundational values of our youth, proceeds through those tumultuous teen years, on to early adulthood, mid-life, and finally ends at retirement. Every choice builds a legacy.

Our leadership foundation begins when we are very young, setting the core values that drive choices for the rest of our lives. Once you know how to fill the goodwill jar of others, you can’t help but to live with a full goodwill jar yourself.

This book unlocks the secret to creating lasting relationships of trust, and thereby leaving the world better than you found it. We can all make a difference!

NICK ROWE retired after 35 years as senior vice president of American Water Works Company, Inc., the largest publicly traded US water and wastewater utility company, and president of Kentucky American Water. Throughout his career, he held various management positions, including serving as senior vice president of American Water’s Central and Eastern divisions. He is also involved with various regulatory agencies, civic organizations, and professional associations and recently served as chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky on a golf course with his lovely wife.