Happy Independence Day 2021!
I’ve been thinking about the July 4th holiday for weeks before today. We are not back to normal after COVID-19 but getting there. I am also glad we are almost six months removed from the painful events of January 6. Hopefully, time and true patriotism will heal this wound. It is worth remembering that […]
The Courage Of Our Founding Fathers
As we get set to celebrate another Independence Day here in the United States, we should rightfully pay tribute the obvious courage that had to be exhibited by our Founding Fathers 236 years ago. Many of these men had much to lose and only marginal personal benefits to gain by signing the Declaration of Independence. They were already part of the established social and economic order and for the most part were beneficiaries of the existing system. In fact, although we often hear about the select few who rose to historical prominence, most of the others suffered great personal hardship as a result of their decision.
Leadership Thought #201 – Leaders Are Still Being Cultivated Every Day
When you teach leadership at a graduate level (which I do part time) it’s easy to be an optimist. You get to see the vibrancy and drive in people. These are individuals who are proactively investing their money and time to better themselves and create a more hopeful future. Some students automatically rise to the top while others shine in different ways depending upon the assignments/discussions. If you are paying close enough attention, it does support the management philosophy that every individual has a strength to share and will step up if they are properly motivated and given the opportunity to do so. No one at this level wants to fail. It’s important to remember this reality as the instructor.
Daily Leadership Thought #134 – Leaders Don’t Complain, They Take Action
It does feel at times that we have become a nation of complainers. People have become very adept at communicating what they don’t like. Whether it is the cost of living, our current political climate, the actions (or lack thereof) of our elected officials, the purported selfish behaviors of big business, the impending doom of multiple environmental and social phenomenon, the undisciplined behavior of our youth and the irresponsible actions of our neighbor, there is always something perceived to be wrong or not working. Leaders have to rise above this level of discourse and actually do something to make a positive difference.
Daily Leadership Thought #77 – Leadership Implies Responsibility
The objective of a leader, especially a public figure, should be to bring people together and foster a dialogue that strives to bridge our differences and find areas agreement. The end result should be to tap into the greater good rather than pursuing a Win-Lose agenda.