This weekend, we pay tribute to our fallen heroes. In our country, we have the luxury of freedom of speech. I know not everyone believes in the military policies our country pursues. Yet, I feel so ashamed of people who live in this great country, who do not see fit to pay tribute to those who gave their life for the freedoms they have.
If you do not believe that our country was won, paid for with the blood of men and women, then you do not understand the realities of freedom. There is always someone waiting to to take your freedoms away, so that their idea of what is right can be put in place. Countries that are ruled by despots and dictators do not happen by accident. Why do people in N. Korea or Cuba live in darkness? Because they are not willing to pay the price. We are fortunate there were Americans who came before us, who were willing to gvve their lives to ensure that we can live a country where we have liberty.
Today, less than 1 in 10 people have served in the US military, the great majority are over 60. Today, just 0.3% of our population serve, so that the other 99.7% can enjoy the freedoms we have. Pretty astounding numbers when you think about it.
Take some time this weekend – to thank those who gave their life… for you.
Thanks to those… who have served, who were injured and who paid the ultimate price for my freedom.
I belong to a leadership group on Linked In where this question was asked: “Are Women Leaders Better Than Men? The discussion generated over 1,000 comments, so obviously it is something many people have an interest in. My take? In my humble opinion, unless you are trying to sell books or fund a research project, this question is a waste of time.
My wife and I were hanging out this morning at one of our favorite places in Roseville called The Fountains, an upscale outdoor mall not too far from where we live. We love sitting in the outdoor air, watching young families with their kids admire the main fountain which moves in synchronization to catchy music blaring over loudspeakers. Inevitably, the young children begin to bounce and jiggle and dance to the music. The older kids and the adults have smiles on their faces as they watch the often hilarious, joyous and free moves of the children. I think that we were created to dance, but over the years something happens. We begin to be conscious of ourselves and soon learn that it’s fun to watch, but not ok, to dance. When was the last time you danced?
Are you worried about your financial future? If you aren’t, you should be. As Bob Dylan said, These times they are a changing. If you put national pride, ego and heritage aside, it is fairly easy to see that the world is changing around us… fast, and that the US is losing ground in many areas. While it is changing, you only have to fear this if you are unprepared. If you see the change coming and prepare for it, you can not only survive, but you can prosper.
As a leader, I often hope to achieve consensus by working with individuals and groups to get them to a common ground. However, sometimes this just isn’t possible. I recently had several experiences where I had to push an issue until several people got upset with me. If you are practicing true leadership, sometimes you’re going to have to make people uncomfortable.
Have you ever led a team that just didn’t want to be led? You know the situation… you inherited a team that has several problem children on it and not everyone will follow your lead. Getting things done is difficult, and getting them to give you status updates is just as hard. If you’re lucky, they’re at least competent, but in a worst case scenario you have, 1) Individuals on the team who think they know what they’re doing, but don’t, 2) Lack of cooperation amongst team members and 3) an unwillingness to follow you. So… what do you do?
Today I had the privilege of attending a 4 hour session on Workplace Violence. The session was good, but in my opinion, not good enough. The topics covered were pretty much what you would expect. There were the 911 calls, the videos, THE video about how to recognize potential warning signs and of course the obligatory review of the Workplace Violence Prevention Policy. While well intended, I don’t think the organization takes this seriously enough and there are more steps that the leadership could undertake to battle workplace violence.
I was reading Scott McKain’s Viewpoint where he told a heartwarming story of a woman who was truly a good Samaritan and it got me thinking about an experience I had a few months ago. I was driving to San Francisco with my wife for a weekend get away. We were coming up to the toll booth on I80 as we approached the Oakland Bay Bridge, so I began to dig into my pockets for the $4 that would allow us to get to the city. As I pulled up to the toll booth, the collector had a smile on his face and motioned with his hands to keep going. I stuck my money further out the window and he turned to look down the bridge at a car pulling away. He smiled. I smiled. He waved me on again… then just said… “They paid for you. Have a nice day.”
I read a great article by Tom Schulte at Linked2Leadership called Pray For Your Organization. I thought it was a great article but as usual, it got me thinking about a quote from an unknown source that say:
Pray like it depends on God, but work as if it depends on you
I am Christian, but understand that almost all other religions pray so this is good advice for anyone. Instead of just praying, why don’t we all start living our faith. I don’t mean trying to convert people. I’m talking about something that Islam, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish faiths all have in common; Compassion, Tolerance, Love, Service, Diligence, and Honor.
So, have a problem at work? A team that is fighting? Someone who needs counseling? A loner? Bad leadership? Well… praying might help… but perhaps YOU are the answer. So… go DO something.
Live Your Faith…
JT
For those readers who are Christian, please read the book of James where he admonishes those who will pray for the poor, but not help them get their needs met.
With Mother’s Day coming up, I got to thinking about Moms. I thought about my mom Maggie, of course my wife Debbie as the mother of our kids, and Stephanie the mother of my grandson Bryce. I am so lucky to have all three in my life. I just want to thank them for being the remarkable women they are.
While tomorrow is going to be a special day for them, a few weeks ago I was watching the church announcements up on the big screen and noticed that they were looking for people to sponsor single moms for Mother’s Day. I thought how hard it must be for those who are moms, but who may not be remembered. So in addition to moms, this is also for those of you who are single moms and also those who may not technically be a mom, but who are mothers even so.
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