The lambchop theory of success

I asked my friend Charlotte to recommend a professional the other day.

She sent me a note today, recommending someone, and pointing out that his wife was a real "lambchop."

I had never heard the expression before, but immediately knew what it meant. No, not a sock puppet.

A kind, thoughtful person. Someone who keeps her promises. Someone who does great work but doesn't always brag about it. Someone you'd like to work with again.

It used to be that a real jerk who got results was exactly what you needed. Today, in a world that's a lot more connected and a lot more permeable, lambchops win out.