Otto Calling
For many people in our community April 15th has meant more than tax day but this year is different. It was Otto Kroeger’s birthday and (using his brother Bob’s expression) sadly Otto is now “on the wrong side of the grass.” Otto’s work on personality type was far reaching and we can still learn much from him. He was a great communicator of ideas and a connector of people and one simple thing he did practically everyday had big impact.
For several hundred people, on our birthdays, wherever Otto was in his travels, he would call us with his wishes. He had an incredible memory for dates supplemented by his little notebook always in his shirt pocket. He was a telephone guy – never embracing email or electronic greetings. Otto was personal and so were his phone calls. For him, birthdays were a reason to joke, to share ideas, and to catch up with friends.
This is something we all can do more of to keep our friendships from tarnishing. While calling people on their birthday is often reserved for family and the closest of friends, Otto considered so many as close friends and his yearly calls became tradition.
One year when Otto called my wife with his best wishes. I answered the phone and pretended to be surprised to learn that it was her birthday. I thanked him for reminding me while I still had time to buy a gift.
I wish I could call him today. When larger than life figures pass, they can no longer do any wrong, they can be idealized for their strengths and with the voices they leave, we can continue to follow their guidance. Otto’s voice remains strong in my mind. If there were ever reasons to celebrate or just about any reason at all, Otto would pick up his phone to call. Something we all can do more often.