This is the time of year when many people consider how to change their lives (so they can "check the box" for New Year's Resolution), yet they are so busy running around that they don't actually make improvements in their lives. They don't take the time to think how small changes in themselves can change the world.
There is a phenomenon called the "butterfly effect." When the smallest of events - the beating of a butterfly's wings - can alter the course of other events. The person who researched it most used the example of how the movement of wings several weeks prior can impact the formation of a hurricane.
That's a pretty significant impact for something so small. Juxtaposed to chaos theory of the 1890s, this 1960s revelation shows how simple systems make a huge difference.
It also lets us know that however prepared we'd like to be, we never know all of the conditions that impact an outcome - we never know what butterfly could alter our lives when it's on its normal path.
Think of the difference your smile can make as you complete those errands - perhaps you help distract an upset child as he's being toted along another person's list of things to do. What if the pennies you left in the change dish by the register meant that another person at the checkout could buy the bag of flour needed to make cookies for a sick relative?
Conversely, when something pretty amazing takes shape in front of you, don't rush to get to your next errand. You should stop and see what develops from a moment of randomness, such as this Paris train station moment. Even time seems to stand still when the broadcaster stops reading the schedule so the butterfly effect impacts everyone nearby.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5679f8a9e4b014efe0d780a6
Monday, December 28, 2015
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Stand Up
Real strength is not how much you bench-press, but rather the invisible threads that keep us standing tall in the toughest of situations. Whether its something at work or situations at home, we have all found things "to test our strength."
How you handle difficulties says a lot about you and how you were raised. Interviewers love to ask the questions trying to ferret out weakness. It seems to be a focus of future employers to find ways that determine how they can get the strongest candidate. Not always functional inquiries, they are almost always uncomfortable for the interviewee - and we are never quite sure, on either end, what was really gained by the exchange.
There are some employers - the people, not the companies - that seek out a weakness and then use it to manipulate a situation to their advantage. These people are hard to spot at first, but that punch that comes after trying to engage in camaraderie, and they figure out how to twist a proverbial knife every chance they get. It's up to the employee to do the right thing when really it should be both sides working together and being productive instead of classic cases of one-upmanship. (Think of all the great accomplishments if people actually focused on work instead of gossip and getting out of work!)
And then there are other leaders that may see your weakness easily and painlessly, yet become gentle mentors as to how you can reduce your weakness. It may be learning about a certain topic, but more often than not it is tutelage from their own experiences, perhaps through a lesson they learned the hard way. It becomes a work partnership - and if you've ever had the fortune to work with someone like this, your work is a pleasure and the workplace is more productive than you could ever imagine.
While the workplace is trial-and-error with strangers, home is where the foundations of skills and relationships were built, and where imagination starts surrounded by people that love you. It's where you learned how to balance the important things growing up and you now do with your children, as the chores need to be completed at certain times and board games taught you to think on your feet. There, the reason behind your mistake (child or adult) is explained, your values are lived and the right things encouraged every day in a safe environment.
People like tests and to see how they fall against others' results. Everywhere we go, we make a stronger impression with our actions than our words. Evaluate your strengths honestly, and stand up to the bullies and bad situations in the world. When you focus on the good in you, you bring more good to you. You don't know how strong you are until the time comes, but follow the advice of #21 and be your best self.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Leading By Example
Today, Angela Merkel is the Time Magazine Person of the Year. This is significant for many reasons, not the least of which is the accomplishment of a lone female winning the award for the first time in 29 years. (Philippine President Corazon Aquino was the last lone female in 1986, for "leading a democratic revolution that captured the world's imagination.") But the considerations of today's selection are much more than this statistic that some MSM are reporting today.
Time Magazine gives many reasons for her selection. She has outsmarted her opponents. "Providing steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply" is the closing phrase of the article. She "brandished a different set of values - humanity, generosity, tolerance." Another quote about leadership reveals an intriguing insight: Leaders are tested only when people don't want to follow.
The truth of this statement rings worldwide. In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, leaders in any realm (politics or commerce) must lead... not manage or just rearrange the papers. The four important descriptors show us how all leaders need to incorporate and embody (not just reflect) in order to succeed in times of turmoil and how we reach those times of peace.
Of course, being a PhD quantum chemist helps you outsmart. Being the daughter of a minister helps you practice humanity. Opening doors when the world is afraid shows generosity. Putting up with the dogs of a peer (Putin) when you are reportedly afraid demonstrates your tolerance.
Nature versus nurture, environment versus biology. The end result - You have to make the choice every day who you want to be. Find a good place to start and begin, with baby steps, to make bold change in the world.
Time Magazine gives many reasons for her selection. She has outsmarted her opponents. "Providing steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply" is the closing phrase of the article. She "brandished a different set of values - humanity, generosity, tolerance." Another quote about leadership reveals an intriguing insight: Leaders are tested only when people don't want to follow.
The truth of this statement rings worldwide. In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, leaders in any realm (politics or commerce) must lead... not manage or just rearrange the papers. The four important descriptors show us how all leaders need to incorporate and embody (not just reflect) in order to succeed in times of turmoil and how we reach those times of peace.
Of course, being a PhD quantum chemist helps you outsmart. Being the daughter of a minister helps you practice humanity. Opening doors when the world is afraid shows generosity. Putting up with the dogs of a peer (Putin) when you are reportedly afraid demonstrates your tolerance.
Nature versus nurture, environment versus biology. The end result - You have to make the choice every day who you want to be. Find a good place to start and begin, with baby steps, to make bold change in the world.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Special Notes
This is the time of year when people realize it's been twelve months since they've caught up with some friends, typically wishing them a happy holiday season. In an ever-busy world, have you noticed that with cards you still receive, there's a generic typed missive with a paragraph on each person's successes and activities of the sender's year?
Increasingly, people give a note-dump in the holiday card... intended to be easy for them to make, easy for you to read. But friendships have a lot of value in the little things that make them special - the sharing of the small details, the extra effort to wrap a gift in the favorite color, the connection even in the "mundane."
At these holidays when friends are celebrating a significant religious event, a hand-written note is something special. You put time into what you are going to say to that particular person. The flaws of your script are endearing, not troublesome. Even selecting the perfect card for that friend is an important part of the ritual of holiday cards.
Office cards for important clients (or some send a card for all donors, for instance) show that you thought of them, too. It's sets your brand apart. Business cards aren't necessarily hand-written, but a quick note or thank you, wishing them a great year ahead, at the closing of the company card shows that you took time to say something special.
When communications become transactional rather than relational, it's not the time to get desperate. After all, when you feel forced to communicate and send electronic notes for "status updates," it starts feeling awkward with updates on updates that you will get, or repeat updates from generic notes you already got. Keep your work brand special and your friendships maintaining that unique touch all year long.
http://fortune.com/2015/12/07/us-postal-service-email-mail/
Increasingly, people give a note-dump in the holiday card... intended to be easy for them to make, easy for you to read. But friendships have a lot of value in the little things that make them special - the sharing of the small details, the extra effort to wrap a gift in the favorite color, the connection even in the "mundane."
At these holidays when friends are celebrating a significant religious event, a hand-written note is something special. You put time into what you are going to say to that particular person. The flaws of your script are endearing, not troublesome. Even selecting the perfect card for that friend is an important part of the ritual of holiday cards.
Office cards for important clients (or some send a card for all donors, for instance) show that you thought of them, too. It's sets your brand apart. Business cards aren't necessarily hand-written, but a quick note or thank you, wishing them a great year ahead, at the closing of the company card shows that you took time to say something special.
When communications become transactional rather than relational, it's not the time to get desperate. After all, when you feel forced to communicate and send electronic notes for "status updates," it starts feeling awkward with updates on updates that you will get, or repeat updates from generic notes you already got. Keep your work brand special and your friendships maintaining that unique touch all year long.
http://fortune.com/2015/12/07/us-postal-service-email-mail/
Monday, December 7, 2015
Seventy Four
Returning from recharging - good to do at this time of year.
It was actually Seventy for me. It was 70 years after those horrible events that I was able to travel and see the memorial. My grandfather fought for America's freedom - I have his medals framed where I can see them every day, along with another shadow box with things like the "censor approved" anniversary postcard he sent to my grandmother from "abroad", his dog tag (and hers) as well as some of the family ration cards.
Indications are, from fact and some of his statements, that he was one of the first paratroopers into the European front. When he came home, even though the family vacation was 1200+ miles each year, he refused to fly. He gently refused to eat things out of cans. Sometimes, he would just sit under the big tree they planted at the house right after my grandparents were married.
Today - 74 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor - it is especially important to remember the sacrifices others have made to keep us safe. In these tumultuous times, keep your families close to your heart; enjoy your time and make happy memories. It is difficult to remember unpleasant things, but it is the only way we learn lest history repeats itself (in actions as well as responses).
According to officials at the Pearl Harbor Museum, this was the first year that there were no Pearl Harbor survivors to attend a ceremony.
Though time has passed, remember what others have given so that you may have so much. Anniversaries come and go, happy and sad - remember what they mean as it's not the things that count, but how events impact our lives.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
It Matters
A century ago, a man struggled around this time of year to find anything for which he was thankful. There was a war at home that he knew could never be won, and shouldn't have been started in the first place. He was getting divorced, and his wife took the kids seemingly halfway around the world. People made fun of his creativity, undermined his idea, not understanding him at all.
Yet, he "pulled himself up by the bootstraps" and figured out his biggest problem. He used creativity to do the impossible. He ignored his attackers. He focused on his own projects and his own "story" - and he won. And he has well-over fifteen minutes of fame.
Be Thankful for the gifts you've been given and the Blessings you've received. Focus on your own story rather than what others are doing - who knows, you may have a Thanksgiving discovery just like Einstein.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/11/24/science/a-century-ago-einsteins-theory-of-relativity-changed-everything.html
Yet, he "pulled himself up by the bootstraps" and figured out his biggest problem. He used creativity to do the impossible. He ignored his attackers. He focused on his own projects and his own "story" - and he won. And he has well-over fifteen minutes of fame.
Be Thankful for the gifts you've been given and the Blessings you've received. Focus on your own story rather than what others are doing - who knows, you may have a Thanksgiving discovery just like Einstein.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/11/24/science/a-century-ago-einsteins-theory-of-relativity-changed-everything.html
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Your Next Journey
It's the time of year when people are wistfully planning their next vacation - a voyage to warmer weather, a secluded cabin with a roaring fireplace showcasing a few good books, partying in an international locale. But, what would happen if you let your break take you wherever it happened to lead?
Sometimes, we take mini mental breaks at a spa or during meditation. We need reminded that to refresh ourselves, we should let our imagination explore ideas or images - by reading stories others have written or those we create ourselves. We can paint, cook, explore learning new languages - anything that keeps working the "non-work" side of the brain.
Take time to smell the roses. You'll feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and relieved that your mind can have a little fun as the days grow shorter for the winter.
You may find it interesting to follow along the real life path of a favorite book - even one of your children's favorite stories. While tasting new foods and exploring different cultures is fantastic, I'm not sure shrinking potion should be on anyone's menu.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Behind the Scenes
Tis the Season... for holiday parties. When you are at events catching up with old neighborhood friends or popping into happy hours with work colleagues, you expect to have questions that help people understand what's happened in your life since the last time you saw each other. Be wary of these questions. But, these simple question-answer interactions never represent everything about you, especially between appetizers and cocktails.
Just as when you are baking, different ingredients and events combine to make up the 'end product.' You don't always add the exact measurement in the kitchen, and you don't always recall the chemistry behind ingredient interaction that makes your cake rise or your candy caramel harden. Giving stats about your job, your home life, your recent moves doesn't say much about who you are.
When you answer questions, remember that it's going to be interpreted deeper than you may intend. Think of all of those quizzes about "what your favorite drink says about you" or "your favorite vacation says 1,000 things about you" - those are generalizations that don't give your story. You need to control your story and own it, because it's your own personal brand.
The best way to own your brand is not become braggadocios or egocentric (and at holiday parties after that first drink or two, that slippery slope quickly becomes a cliff). You can let your actions speak for you, empower your clients to rave about you, deliver the message through actions rather than words. Share a volunteering story or a meaningful book that impacted your vision - it's more interesting than where you go to work anyway.
When other people talk about your great qualities and humanitarian deeds, it's more powerful than you yapping about where you've been and all you've done since the last party. A canned speech about your last 365 days is boring... and no one wants to be boring! A carefully selected "peek behind the scenes" about what makes you tick is much more beneficial to your relationships with coworkers as well as potential customers.
Chose your actions carefully - perhaps even more carefully than your words. It's says far more about you... and someday, history will look back at your accomplishments and just maybe you'll rise to the top because of what you've done, not what you've told people you've done.
http://www.upworthy.com/15-badass-women-of-world-war-ii-you-didnt-learn-about-in-history-class
Just as when you are baking, different ingredients and events combine to make up the 'end product.' You don't always add the exact measurement in the kitchen, and you don't always recall the chemistry behind ingredient interaction that makes your cake rise or your candy caramel harden. Giving stats about your job, your home life, your recent moves doesn't say much about who you are.
When you answer questions, remember that it's going to be interpreted deeper than you may intend. Think of all of those quizzes about "what your favorite drink says about you" or "your favorite vacation says 1,000 things about you" - those are generalizations that don't give your story. You need to control your story and own it, because it's your own personal brand.
The best way to own your brand is not become braggadocios or egocentric (and at holiday parties after that first drink or two, that slippery slope quickly becomes a cliff). You can let your actions speak for you, empower your clients to rave about you, deliver the message through actions rather than words. Share a volunteering story or a meaningful book that impacted your vision - it's more interesting than where you go to work anyway.
When other people talk about your great qualities and humanitarian deeds, it's more powerful than you yapping about where you've been and all you've done since the last party. A canned speech about your last 365 days is boring... and no one wants to be boring! A carefully selected "peek behind the scenes" about what makes you tick is much more beneficial to your relationships with coworkers as well as potential customers.
Chose your actions carefully - perhaps even more carefully than your words. It's says far more about you... and someday, history will look back at your accomplishments and just maybe you'll rise to the top because of what you've done, not what you've told people you've done.
http://www.upworthy.com/15-badass-women-of-world-war-ii-you-didnt-learn-about-in-history-class
Monday, November 9, 2015
Meaningful and Motivating
We are moving well into fall and winter, where most of the country gets gray and dreary. They say there is a correlation with "lack of sunshine" and depression. Many Americans relate sunny days to happy days - because we are accustomed to taking vacations during sunny days, maybe at a beach or a park. So when there is no sun, we are focused on something we don't have.
When you get used to doing things a certain way, there is a ripple effect in other areas of your life. If you think, even a little bit, that your best days are on sunny days, then you effectively push away control of your happiness and contentment. And any day not sunny becomes a not-good-day.
What would happen if you started considering the good things in a different way? What if you experienced joy from fall breezes that gently brush your hair out of your face.... looked at falling snow as a clean crisp way to start a day and see the little footprints of children and pets.... check the front lawn for the first signs of spring peeking out from the rich brown soil?
Make a difference with your happiness - find what's closer and enjoy it. Use the small gifts every day to notice the niceties and be thankful. Take note of the meaningful things in life, and revel in them! Get motivated today!
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/11/whats-the-best-way-to-stay-motivated/414633/
When you get used to doing things a certain way, there is a ripple effect in other areas of your life. If you think, even a little bit, that your best days are on sunny days, then you effectively push away control of your happiness and contentment. And any day not sunny becomes a not-good-day.
What would happen if you started considering the good things in a different way? What if you experienced joy from fall breezes that gently brush your hair out of your face.... looked at falling snow as a clean crisp way to start a day and see the little footprints of children and pets.... check the front lawn for the first signs of spring peeking out from the rich brown soil?
Make a difference with your happiness - find what's closer and enjoy it. Use the small gifts every day to notice the niceties and be thankful. Take note of the meaningful things in life, and revel in them! Get motivated today!
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/11/whats-the-best-way-to-stay-motivated/414633/
Monday, November 2, 2015
Don't Get Too Comfortable
"He who dies with the most toys wins." Many people look to collect the most creature comforts and make themselves a very cushy life. How we appear to others on the outside means a whole heck-of-a-lot to many, many people. Our bank accounts and assets define success to this group. Some people just want to scratch the surface and create a calm, peaceful life - and that works for them.
But, what about who you are on the inside? Your inner self shines through to everything that you do. There are people who want to do more than scratch the surface. They ask questions, hold people to higher standards (perhaps the legal standards), and work to make their community a better place. It's not easy, and it sure isn't comfortable.
There are many controversial people in the limelight that are being defined by others - Caitlyn Jenner (gender), Rachel Dolezal (race), and even the Pope (religion): topics etiquette says not to discuss at cocktail parties. Whether you agree with them and their perspectives or not, they are taking a huge step away from comfort and created conversations about values.
Stand up and be tall - and try to be as tall figuratively as this super star in the story below. He hasn't been in a major spotlight for himself for decades, but has always looked at what is the right thing to do. We should all be conscious and mindful of the right things - comfort in the soul isn't always comfort on a couch, but you sure do sleep better at night!
http://www.npr.org/2015/11/01/453739566/kareem-abdul-jabbar-if-its-time-to-speak-up-you-have-to-speak-up
But, what about who you are on the inside? Your inner self shines through to everything that you do. There are people who want to do more than scratch the surface. They ask questions, hold people to higher standards (perhaps the legal standards), and work to make their community a better place. It's not easy, and it sure isn't comfortable.
There are many controversial people in the limelight that are being defined by others - Caitlyn Jenner (gender), Rachel Dolezal (race), and even the Pope (religion): topics etiquette says not to discuss at cocktail parties. Whether you agree with them and their perspectives or not, they are taking a huge step away from comfort and created conversations about values.
Stand up and be tall - and try to be as tall figuratively as this super star in the story below. He hasn't been in a major spotlight for himself for decades, but has always looked at what is the right thing to do. We should all be conscious and mindful of the right things - comfort in the soul isn't always comfort on a couch, but you sure do sleep better at night!
http://www.npr.org/2015/11/01/453739566/kareem-abdul-jabbar-if-its-time-to-speak-up-you-have-to-speak-up
Friday, October 30, 2015
Children's Stories Are Powerful
Remember the stories that shaped our lives when we were younger? The Giving Tree... The Very Hungry Caterpillar... The Little Engine That Could.
The great thing about children's stories is that they open our eyes to the possibilities. They give listeners the power to believe, the freedom to imagine, and the desire to be a better person. The lessons taught aren't given in stern school-room fashion. Rather, they show what to do by giving the right examples in 'follow what I say and what I do' format.
How many times have you heard managers spew "do as I say, not as I do"? Why would incongruity be a good thing at work? Isn't it disingenuous to promote authority to those who don't do lead by good example? And, why would you ever WANT to be "one of those people"?
The Little Engine That Could illustrates how a small engine accomplished big things through the power of positive thinking. He didn't listen to the ones that told him he couldn't solve the problem, that he wasn't good enough, that he wasn't strong enough. He repeatedly encouraged himself with "I think I can, I think I can" - and indeed he could.
If you tell yourself it's possible, it is. If you surround yourself with people who are drama-free and who are supportive (rather than nay-sayers or doubting folks), not only will you be happier but you will amaze yourself at how the power of positive thinking allows you to exceed your wildest dreams. You can dream as big as you want - like creating a successful life in the heart of a volcano!
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/10/25/451643327/descending-into-a-volcano-to-farm
The great thing about children's stories is that they open our eyes to the possibilities. They give listeners the power to believe, the freedom to imagine, and the desire to be a better person. The lessons taught aren't given in stern school-room fashion. Rather, they show what to do by giving the right examples in 'follow what I say and what I do' format.
How many times have you heard managers spew "do as I say, not as I do"? Why would incongruity be a good thing at work? Isn't it disingenuous to promote authority to those who don't do lead by good example? And, why would you ever WANT to be "one of those people"?
The Little Engine That Could illustrates how a small engine accomplished big things through the power of positive thinking. He didn't listen to the ones that told him he couldn't solve the problem, that he wasn't good enough, that he wasn't strong enough. He repeatedly encouraged himself with "I think I can, I think I can" - and indeed he could.
If you tell yourself it's possible, it is. If you surround yourself with people who are drama-free and who are supportive (rather than nay-sayers or doubting folks), not only will you be happier but you will amaze yourself at how the power of positive thinking allows you to exceed your wildest dreams. You can dream as big as you want - like creating a successful life in the heart of a volcano!
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/10/25/451643327/descending-into-a-volcano-to-farm
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Start Giving to Yourself First
There’s been a lot of talk lately about GenXers saving more income than Baby Boomers for retirement, as well as the lack of participation in 401k plans or other means of saving. But what people aren’t talking about is the ideological differences that may be driving these differences.
Tom Brokaw wrote a book, The Greatest Generation. The nomenclature derives from a sociocultural definition - meaning, a consciousness among people in a cohort - in addition to a geographical place and era. Even back in the 1920s, people were seeing the problems with divisions of generations - just ask Karl Mannheim.
The defining of a non-related group of people by sheer cultural or historical circumstances eradicates individualism and creativity. A member of any given generation has to be nearly as tough as nails to stand out from a crowd. Subculture is overlooked and tensions are falsely created or, more typically, emphasized because “they” don’t understand “us”. [Remind anyone of “movements” lately because people aren’t seen for who they are? Yet, I digress…]
When considering “Baby Boomers”, they emerged post-war as they rejected traditional values or wanted near wholesale redefining of rhetoric. Though there is “generational ownership” debate with the early versus later boomers, all are still focused on the post-war American spirit, and the ironic surge of power in the concept that “we defeated everyone”. So should not come as any surprise that this cohort didn’t save like their parents, didn’t have companies with lifetime employment like their parents, didn’t think anyone could bring them down (because their parents won, so would they).
Conversely, the Me Generation/ GenX, were the children of the ‘revolutionaries’ and denounced the America that the Greatest Generation helped create (and from which they were prospering). They have the highest education levels, which should be no surprise being a personal-achievement-oriented group. This particular cohort bleeds into the GenY group, who have been described by some as narcissistic (i.e. what’s best for me). It is no surprise, then, that they look out for their retirement welfare first, sometimes at the detriment of other important milestones in life.
But this all gets back to the generalizations of cohorts, and throwing the baby out with the bathwater. While we may not like the sense of entitlement that Millennials have (because too often, perhaps, we are cleaning up the mess they leave) or the personal Me-focus of GenX (because teamwork produces better results in a relay race), as with all other things, we can benchmark the good and adopt portions. Looking out for yourself, for your financial future rather than the good of the whole community to your own detriment is important. Perhaps philanthropic endeavors gear back a bit until you have more saved for yourself in the long days ahead. Or consider what this article says about how you choose to invest.
After all, when we plan for disasters, just as the flight attendants say - put on your own oxygen mask before attempting to help others.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
The Phantom In Your House
Perception is Reality. Any marketing student has learned it; any advertising professional has used it; any public relations expert has spouted it. They can create what doesn’t exist or intensify what may only be a trace, a ghost, a whisper of a presence.
Yet, science and medicine know it, too. The pain of a leg removed after a war injury. The itchy finger that was severed during an accident. And now, they realize that you can taste things that aren’t there, either.
Perfumer and Flavorist noted six years ago that there can be phantom aromas. Perhaps you smell the scent of a loved one on a favorite shirt. There could be the baked apples your mom used to make when you walk into her empty kitchen. Memories can shape the sense - including your scent with smell.
We know that food stores like it to smell like pumpkin or vanilla in the fall, as it promotes a feeling of need (not always hunger… men seem to associate it with “attractiveness” as reported in the NYT last December and many other places previously). Marketing people use scents to lure people to specific areas of the store, too - I used to do it as an assistant manager in retail, just like the store playbook said, though they likely didn’t have science, just a push of the scent of the month.
So now the “big boys” are beginning to scent your food to mask the “healthy qualities” such as lower sodium or lower fat. If you smell something associated with salty tastes (such as ham, in the article below), your mind will convert the scent to taste influences. Maybe this is how the Starship Enterprise got away with all of those replicator meals being deceptively “normal”.
By pushing the envelope of dimension and blending two usual things to mask that one is missing, a new normal can be created. Granted, it’s a bit duplicitous. But if it moves a generation toward the right end, can the means be justified?
Starting here, with the most elemental of sensations, where will it go from just a simple taste test? Maybe getting back to home-cooked meals and wholesome ingredients has more than just meets the eye (and nose)…
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
What Do You Value Most?
If you were working on a team in the 90s, it is likely that you played some team-building games - or you may have even played The Question Box Game or Table Topics game at home with friends and family members. A question asked may be “if you were on a dessert island, what are the three things that you want with you?” These playfully oriented questions are painted to reveal where someone’s beliefs and ethics fall in a more relaxed manner than what could be comfortably revealed an “inquisition”, so to speak.
Investments frequently give insights to someone’s values, too. If you put your money where your social responsibilities align, then you feel comfortable knowing that your investments support the community habits and projects you choose to support. Perhaps you put your money on “Made in America”, showing that even if the costs of construction are a little higher here, you want to invest where you live and your national community. Then again, you may just select stock that is high risk in order to maximize returns - and that’s okay, too.
New opportunities for investments include fine arts - including paintings, sculpture and wines. These unique objects cannot be replicated and never truly duplicated (only mimicked). Returns on purchases of master paintings, original sculptures or fine wines increase independently of the stock market. It’s about the value to the eyes of the beholder… and the one who covets that prize.
You can take a hobby into a fun investment and learn new things at the same time. But watch your security systems - who knew that you could steal a bottle of wine and sell it for $25,000 or more? Or that $2.5 million in wine was easy to heist?
What this article really tells you is that someone who choses fine art realized he had a hot bottle of wine and did the right thing - returned it to the rightful owner at a huge financial hit. But it was the right thing to do instead of furthering sour grapes. He did have a reputation, though, in that small circle of doing the right thing and that matters more than an old bottle.
Make good investments and choices in your life. When things start to ferment, it can only get explosive and sour from there. Remember what matters most and act on it.
Monday, October 26, 2015
You Are Worth It
Talking about work one night, a friend commented that you better know what you’re worth. The conversation was oriented toward our jobs. My job at that time for a large and growing company that was going head-to-head with the big dog in the industry. If you don’t know how you contribute to the bottom line and (worse) cannot articulate it to the boss, then you can’t really know if you are making a difference.
How do you evaluate your worth? There are ways to see your contributions to sales, for instance (some of my sales team laughed once when we determined my SEVEN HOUR impromptu meeting earned a deal with a huge client, and that my hourly rate was about $1.7m in direct bottom line contribution for that one experience. Client told the sales rep that I sold it, and I wasn’t in sales! Whew!) It’s not always easy to figure it out.
It depends on the industry and corporate culture as to what’s important to the boss - and how to not “threaten” the boss because you are good. If your boss is a leader, no sweat: my best boss >>ever<< told me here’s what I need in three months, go to it and find me if you need me. We exceeded that goal and blew it out of the water, because the leader empowered team members! If your manager can’t produce and worries you are out-producing him so has paranoid behaviors, you need to find a leader anyway.
At some companies, the team atmosphere is the desired outcome and the dollars are the second tier outcome. That you are available when the team needs you… that you your area of expertise… that you aren’t grumpy and bring outside baggage to your office… that you shine for your own brand and represent the company well.
Know yourself and your talents. Determine how you help the company where you are. Decide if they value you, or just have you fill a chair… and know that you can find a great leader at a fantastic company who values what you bring to the table every day. It’s all up to you. You’ll find that great fit and enjoy life that much more.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Flying High
As a child, what did you love to do? If you lived in the city, perhaps on car trips you liked to look out the window and fantasize about the wide open farmland, the rolling green hills, and the fresh cold streams through the mountains.
When people fly, they have preferences for the window or aisle seat. And face it, no one likes the middle. But some people make the best of it, no matter where they are. Last week, returning from a business meeting, three people were in the back of a plane that had no air conditioning (it was in the upper 80s in New Orleans, so yes we are still using the AC) and an older plane with very small seats/leg room - and I got the middle seat.
I was prepared to work on the laptop for the short final hop from Houston, but the young man to my right was so excited to come to Nola for the first time - from Canada. Way, way northern Canada. It was late at night, travelers were tired, but he had just finished college and saw a cheap flight, so he and a friend booked the trip.
He didn’t care about how he got there, he was just focused on the final destination. So, the plane was hot? It was 30 below when he left. Could he get food on Bourbon Street when we landed? When did the casino close? Will he really not get arrested for walking with my drink in my hand?
His enthusiasm was contagious. I began talking about where to eat because food seemed to be his number one priority. The guy across the aisle said walk down to Frenchmen for music while he carried his drink. The guy to my left leaned over and offered the phone number of two buddies that would take him deep sea fishing. The guy in front of the one on my left said to not believe us that nutria isn’t good eating (but when our young friend said “yeah dere, but does it look like a rat, eh?” and he admitted “it sure does”, he said he would stick to boudin balls and other less rat-like things).
Window or aisle or across the aisle, these two rows were nearly all involved in helping the guy spend his nine days the best way we could recommend. When we exited at Moisant Field, the window guy on my left said if it wasn’t for our lively conversation, the trip home would have been miserable.
Amazing things happen when you reach across the aisle or just to the person next to you - and you don’t even think about what seat you wish you had. Maybe some other folks need to remember to reach across the aisle.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Fearless and Fabulous
Businesses may say they want diversity, but is that only skin deep? Bosses say they want transparency or open communication and feedback, but do they really? The best way to evaluate what someone says is to watch what they do.
When we talk about different people can bring different ideas, it makes brainstorming fabulous. Someone can bring ideas and respectfully that counter someone else’s - but it’s how the boss reacts that makes a difference.
If the boss is receptive, then people will feel free to contribute ideas. If the boss discounts everything, then no one speaks up. You could have Einstein in the room and he would be shot down (likely because the boss’ ego overrides all common sense). Two heads in the room don’t mean didley if the one head shuts his ears.
But a picture (a snapshot or picture of past action) shows how a person has reacted in the past, the actions predict future behavior. It’s not your job to force everyone’s eyes open. Only a few people have the metal to do that - to be fearless in the face of the boss-man. Know your strengths and work them!
For those leaders that only do lip-service to the possibilities of diversity: If you don’t embrace other’s ideas as a boss (note I’m not saying a leader because real leaders listen!), then you will find yourself with yes-men that will yes-you right down the drain… and if you are a working for a boss that doesn’t embrace all facets of diversity, including the ideas that aren’t your own, then you should find a real leader or become one yourself.
Remember it is your most important role to be true to yourself, to hold your ethical standards high, and to be as inspired as you were created to be. When you are fearless and give feedback that’s worthy of your intelligence and creativity, people will see you as a fabulous star - it may not come right away, but your legacy is more important than one meeting.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
A Client's New Book
One of my clients decided to write a book and created a great novel. It's the first of a trilogy, so there's more to come.
Timely in light of discussions about colonizing Mars, and the possibilities of the future - harkens to the anniversary of Back to the Future on Oct 21, 2015, too. Check it out! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
http://amzn.com/1516950127
Timely in light of discussions about colonizing Mars, and the possibilities of the future - harkens to the anniversary of Back to the Future on Oct 21, 2015, too. Check it out! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
http://amzn.com/1516950127
Monday, October 19, 2015
Polite Satisfaction
I was recently traveling for business, and was pleasantly refreshed about the polite manners business people showed not only to one another, but also to service workers. College students, presumably witnesses to this routinely nice commentary, mimicked the polite thanks and quips of "have a nice day" to service personnel - from restaurant staff to bus drivers. How admirable!
And surprising. Living in the Deep South, which is supposedly the epitome of culture and chivalry, I realized that the niceties are given more frequently upward. Deference and politeness are overly exuberant toward persons of higher rank. Alas, these genteel folks aren't so appreciative in thanking someone for bringing tabasco to the dining table or opening a door for someone who's hands are full if it doesn't seem like they can get something out of it. There is an aura of expectation that others simply perform what they consider menial tasks for them - even when the tobacco is set on a service area for them to access themselves.
Many suppositions could be made for why the upward deference remains in the south. But, I cannot imagine why you cannot be polite to everyone. Why would anyone choose to be self-isolated on a beautiful day and not even share a smile of not mutter a thank you?
Perhaps the message of community needs to be reinforced without huge natural or manmade disasters in the south again. Community is important, regardless of where you are or when you lived. When a community is weak and propped up essentially on propaganda, it's not healthy for anyone and the smoke and mirrors will eventually focus the light in the right direction to see the puppeteer behind the curtain.
Even in the 1800s, there were guardians of propriety as well as doing the right thing - and it was everyone looking out to make sure everyone was ok, well-informed, and not rudely overstepping bounds or takin advantage of others. The link below is interesting for many reasons, but it shows how society viewed things such as the sanctity of someone's home.
It's a shame that people have forgotten why being nice and doing the right things are important (and it doesn't cost a thing). But you don't have to go along with the crowd - stand out and stand up for what's right and polite.
http://www.npr.org/sections/npr-history-dept/2015/10/16/448709223/12-etiquette-screw-ups-in-1896
Friday, October 16, 2015
Investing Wisely
Everyone should be investing for their future - not only with education and math, as has been the focus of recent posts, but also with their money. There has been lots of news about bears and bulls, who's making big salaries off investments, and more. We get tired of hearing about how much we should be investing, what are good investments (or not), and even being 'pushed' into options based on our age.
But what if you invested your money with your heart instead of your head? What if you picked something because you liked the "look" of it? Have you invested in a company because you like what they make and the way in which they make it? Perhaps they are environmentally conscious or they may invest back into the community for projects near to your heart. Good reasons to check the investment box.
If you live as you believe, then it truly fits to put money where your mouth is - your wallet should align to what you say to others "matters most" to you, so you aren't just talking a good game. If you believe in using in environmentally products, shouldn't you consider the stocks in which you are investing, so it's not preaching about projects that are good enough for cocktail conversation but not having other support from you?
While experts make good recommendations, you should always make choices based on your comfort level. You never know when your $2.00 will yield $5,000,000 after a one year investment - and you picked it just because you liked it. And, that is some good math right there!
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/10/15/448993361/-2-photo-found-at-junk-store-has-billy-the-kid-in-it-could-be-worth-5-million
But what if you invested your money with your heart instead of your head? What if you picked something because you liked the "look" of it? Have you invested in a company because you like what they make and the way in which they make it? Perhaps they are environmentally conscious or they may invest back into the community for projects near to your heart. Good reasons to check the investment box.
If you live as you believe, then it truly fits to put money where your mouth is - your wallet should align to what you say to others "matters most" to you, so you aren't just talking a good game. If you believe in using in environmentally products, shouldn't you consider the stocks in which you are investing, so it's not preaching about projects that are good enough for cocktail conversation but not having other support from you?
While experts make good recommendations, you should always make choices based on your comfort level. You never know when your $2.00 will yield $5,000,000 after a one year investment - and you picked it just because you liked it. And, that is some good math right there!
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/10/15/448993361/-2-photo-found-at-junk-store-has-billy-the-kid-in-it-could-be-worth-5-million
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Reach Again for the Stars
STEM - science, technology, engineering and math - gets higher notoriety and "appeal" when integrated into shows such as The Big Bang Theory. This particular bunch of nerds have close social connections with a few non-STEMs thrown in for their apparent entertainment. But, in a nod to audiences of non-STEMs, it shows how even nerds that speak a different language are attracted to an unarticulated "sexy" factor on a molecular level.
Though likely not the declared intention of big studio producers and investors, focusing on the more mundane (less scary) parts of academic life and the old-school dreams of being an astronaut bring new careers to the American living rooms. They aren't new, but since smartphones don't easily link kids to quarks the same way that games might attract their attention, it brings a level of interest and exposure to fields where America used to excel.
We need kids and adults alike to be invigorated by math and science again. Encourage imagination and playing mad scientist, even if it means the kitchen needs detoxes after the little ones make their first volcano from baking soda and vinegar. Just use your feet and move the project outside before Vesuvius erupts again.
Learn more about the fun of math and help your memory last longer in the process. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/10/12/opinion/the-importance-of-recreational-math.html Or the full screen version at http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/12/opinion/the-importance-of-recreational-math.html
Though likely not the declared intention of big studio producers and investors, focusing on the more mundane (less scary) parts of academic life and the old-school dreams of being an astronaut bring new careers to the American living rooms. They aren't new, but since smartphones don't easily link kids to quarks the same way that games might attract their attention, it brings a level of interest and exposure to fields where America used to excel.
We need kids and adults alike to be invigorated by math and science again. Encourage imagination and playing mad scientist, even if it means the kitchen needs detoxes after the little ones make their first volcano from baking soda and vinegar. Just use your feet and move the project outside before Vesuvius erupts again.
Learn more about the fun of math and help your memory last longer in the process. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/10/12/opinion/the-importance-of-recreational-math.html Or the full screen version at http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/12/opinion/the-importance-of-recreational-math.html
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
When Pennies Count
For the students in my MBA class, the Economics professor was brilliant - a PhD from MIT. Yet, he was so difficult to understand for two reasons - he predominantly talked to himself while facing the board as well as his thick accent. Students had to put on an interpreter hat that filtered his language AND what the heck does guns versus butter really mean?
Do you find you learn more from teachers - either in a formal school setting or life lessons 'on the road' - that speak your language? I'm not talking about literally the King's English, but I mean relate to your situation, take time to find parallels and relative experiences to make it more personal?
One of my teachers had a writing exercise (in a pharmacology course) where he asked "do you need to do heroin to know how to treat it?" Experiential learning isn't necessary, but you need to have someone that can relay information in a way that can students can understand.
An American was awarded a Nobel Prize yesterday by doing just that (not heroin - explaining things well). He was able to explain various aspects of poverty and inequality. For the past four decades, he has completed research and explained why numbers matter in terms of every day wealth for people around the world.
If the stock market matters to your retirement planning, or the health of the American nation, or working towards greater equality for all really means something to you, see how this American helped shape the world by watching - and explaining - why simple things matter in big ways.
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economic-sciences/laureates/2015/popular-economicsciences2015.pdf
Do you find you learn more from teachers - either in a formal school setting or life lessons 'on the road' - that speak your language? I'm not talking about literally the King's English, but I mean relate to your situation, take time to find parallels and relative experiences to make it more personal?
One of my teachers had a writing exercise (in a pharmacology course) where he asked "do you need to do heroin to know how to treat it?" Experiential learning isn't necessary, but you need to have someone that can relay information in a way that can students can understand.
An American was awarded a Nobel Prize yesterday by doing just that (not heroin - explaining things well). He was able to explain various aspects of poverty and inequality. For the past four decades, he has completed research and explained why numbers matter in terms of every day wealth for people around the world.
If the stock market matters to your retirement planning, or the health of the American nation, or working towards greater equality for all really means something to you, see how this American helped shape the world by watching - and explaining - why simple things matter in big ways.
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economic-sciences/laureates/2015/popular-economicsciences2015.pdf
Monday, October 12, 2015
What Are They Thinking?
Do you ever look at someone and wonder to yourself, "what are they thinking?" This could be a result of the outfit they chose, the words they say, or how someone handles a situation. The choices we make are readily seen by others, but we forget that the world is quick to judge (or what we do may not really be what we meant).
Psychology looks at why people make the decisions they do, while sociology considers the interplay of others on an individual. Sociology is closer to game theory, which is used in economics to consider mathematical solutions for the best outcomes.
The weakness of all three of these 'social-oriented science theories' is that they place serious importance on rational intelligent people. How many people are always rational and are focused to use their highest intelligence when making decisions? What about that normal human nature factoring into the situation?
Marketing looks at variables for consumer behavior as people satisfy their needs - the crazy irrational gut-feeling choices that people make, and tries to appeal to the "human" side of choices. It crafts messages to get through the irrational haze and filter to the main message. Marketing is the process and design behind the drive for profit - because you need to explain to someone the value of a decision to purchase, to replace, to dispose, to try new things.
Yet psychology and group think (sociology) play into decisions all the time. We need to learn to evaluate using our 'gut instinct' as well as the environmental plays around us. Take this quiz and learn a little more about how well you understand people and the choices they make.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/wonkblog/majority-illusion/
Psychology looks at why people make the decisions they do, while sociology considers the interplay of others on an individual. Sociology is closer to game theory, which is used in economics to consider mathematical solutions for the best outcomes.
The weakness of all three of these 'social-oriented science theories' is that they place serious importance on rational intelligent people. How many people are always rational and are focused to use their highest intelligence when making decisions? What about that normal human nature factoring into the situation?
Marketing looks at variables for consumer behavior as people satisfy their needs - the crazy irrational gut-feeling choices that people make, and tries to appeal to the "human" side of choices. It crafts messages to get through the irrational haze and filter to the main message. Marketing is the process and design behind the drive for profit - because you need to explain to someone the value of a decision to purchase, to replace, to dispose, to try new things.
Yet psychology and group think (sociology) play into decisions all the time. We need to learn to evaluate using our 'gut instinct' as well as the environmental plays around us. Take this quiz and learn a little more about how well you understand people and the choices they make.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/wonkblog/majority-illusion/
Friday, October 9, 2015
Good Eating and Good Lovin'
Everyone has a story. Your family tree has some strong roots.
Sometimes, you can spice your style, like Chef Paul Prudhomme did for many years in New Orleans. His roots shifted from Opelousas to the Big Easy, where he branded his own style of fabulous fusion from local things he loved.
You can make magic yourself. Find something you love and get paid to do it, just like Paul did.
Today is in memory of a master chef, who reminds us in one of his cooking videos, it's all about "good eating and good lovin." Remember what's important!
http://nyti.ms/1VHGEil
Sometimes, you can spice your style, like Chef Paul Prudhomme did for many years in New Orleans. His roots shifted from Opelousas to the Big Easy, where he branded his own style of fabulous fusion from local things he loved.
You can make magic yourself. Find something you love and get paid to do it, just like Paul did.
Today is in memory of a master chef, who reminds us in one of his cooking videos, it's all about "good eating and good lovin." Remember what's important!
http://nyti.ms/1VHGEil
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Remember Whose You Are
Many musicians are known by the instruments they play. Keith Richards' 1950s Fender Telecaster named "Micawber". Joseph Bell's 1713 Stradivari that is only known as "he". Coltrane's saxophone, Gillespie's trumpet. The great musicians are often only half of an intimate duo. They helped create an instrument's brand and future generations try to live up to that name. When it's good, it's really good.
And the next line of that poem goes along like "and when he's bad, he's very very bad." Back in the day, kids knew if they did something out of line, that a neighbor would call their parents and before they got home, there was already a lecture coming. Parents were highly involved, neighbors had an "eye out" for the wee ones in the community.
There was no doubt in years past where you belonged and your home. If you got that lecture when stepping out of line, there was little doubt that you would be reminded that you were a reflection on your parents. You were reminded that when you were out and about, you needed to "remember whose you are." You are a direct reflection on your family name and on God (or your family's deity).
Take some time to read this article, to have your eyes open. Make your life better. Have your priorities right. Remember Whose You Are - live up to your name.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html
And the next line of that poem goes along like "and when he's bad, he's very very bad." Back in the day, kids knew if they did something out of line, that a neighbor would call their parents and before they got home, there was already a lecture coming. Parents were highly involved, neighbors had an "eye out" for the wee ones in the community.
There was no doubt in years past where you belonged and your home. If you got that lecture when stepping out of line, there was little doubt that you would be reminded that you were a reflection on your parents. You were reminded that when you were out and about, you needed to "remember whose you are." You are a direct reflection on your family name and on God (or your family's deity).
Take some time to read this article, to have your eyes open. Make your life better. Have your priorities right. Remember Whose You Are - live up to your name.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Do More Than "Acceptable"
Have you ever seen a problem around your house that you thought you could fix? Maybe you went to move furniture and noticed that there were scratches in the hardwood floor. Perhaps with the purchase of a new washer and removing the old hose, the cold water valve was then slowly dripping. Sometimes when the light catches a mark on the wall, it looks like a scratch instead of a little dirt (or both) and you consider a little touch up.
Start to repair a scratch and if you select the wrong stain, you find yourself refinishing a whole floor and that requires large sanding equipment with room isolation precautions for dust, etc. It’s a mole hill that turns into a mountain - and is directly related to your actions. If you had gone to the store and bought the small furniture pad when you placed that couch, the scratch wouldn’t have happened.
A small deviation from the norm can be a large distraction. A slow drip turns into a slow steady stream, giving way to a flowing river yielding enough pressure to cause a disaster.
But do you know how you can fix it? When you have the right tools for any job, it makes the work much easier. A small cost outlay for the right part instead of “satisficing” and making due with a nearly-right part saves headaches and more money later. If you had gone to the store and bought the appropriate cleaner rather than trying to touch-up with the original paint (which no longer matches due to aging and now you have a polka-dotted wall), you’d save lots of money on the repainting of the entire wall.
As it works with money, the same principle also applies for your time. If you spend the time up front and invest in the right things, your life will go smoother. Anything worth doing is worth doing well; stop trying to get away with half-efforts and do the right thing with the right tools at the right time.
Right tools, right place, right time. Solving problems from the American colonist's days. http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/10/north-carolina-lost-county-lines/409090/
Monday, October 5, 2015
Where Were You?
There's a pop song out right now that asks "Where Are U Now?" This is a very difficult question for a lot of people. They compare themselves with the Jones, considering they should be someplace that isn't even on their radar (and they likely wouldn't be happy there anyway).
It takes a strong and faithful person to really admit where they are - to him or herself or to others. It's not correct to check a box where he would like to be or where she thinks she should be. To honestly know your own strengths and weaknesses creates a powerful understanding of the possibilities.
A better question is retrospective - where have you been? It's about your growth as a person, your community and family development. It's also about how the nation has grown and how we can set up our goals to meet our ideas - and work together to combat social problems.
Take a look at back down your path to see where you've been... you may be surprised to see where you are actually going. And check out when and where people have come to this country. It's an interesting three minute video about demographic shifts that may show you where there's opportunity for you to grow further.
http://www.businessinsider.com/animated-map-shows-history-immigration-us-america-2015-9
It takes a strong and faithful person to really admit where they are - to him or herself or to others. It's not correct to check a box where he would like to be or where she thinks she should be. To honestly know your own strengths and weaknesses creates a powerful understanding of the possibilities.
A better question is retrospective - where have you been? It's about your growth as a person, your community and family development. It's also about how the nation has grown and how we can set up our goals to meet our ideas - and work together to combat social problems.
Take a look at back down your path to see where you've been... you may be surprised to see where you are actually going. And check out when and where people have come to this country. It's an interesting three minute video about demographic shifts that may show you where there's opportunity for you to grow further.
http://www.businessinsider.com/animated-map-shows-history-immigration-us-america-2015-9
Friday, October 2, 2015
What Comes After Lions?
One of the earliest lessons we teach children comes is identifying dangers. Even when dancing down the yellow brick road, there are warnings of lions and tigers.
It's the wild and wooly west this week in the media, and yesterday's lion brought us to today's next big cat - leopard. You see, the basic needs of all animals must be met - such as food or water - or rapid deterioration ensues of whatever society and hierarchy has been established. The leopard was thirsty; an unattended bucket had water. Natural progression to try to drink.
But, the size of the problem was underestimated by the fierce feline. He got stuck in a new problem while solving his other problem. Tigers are not ones to ask for help - and it's good that people still want to help a beast that could kill them with the flick of a claw.
Some people rushed to help - not hurt, not avoid, not make fun of the plight of the tiger. Six hours and many hands made the work a success. And the tiger and people went on their ways, unharmed.
Yet some people stood at the wayside, waiting to see the outcome of man versus beast versus pot. How useful is that? So do you want to lead a rescue or watch others take action?
Another "Big Cat" comes to mind, more than 200 years ago in the Songs of Experience that served as the companion of Songs of Innocence. The Tyger is the retort to The Lamb, from stanza two:
In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?
Seize your fire and run with Tygers toward your dreams.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2015/sep/30/pot-head-leopard-gets-head-stuck-in-pan-video
(As a bonus, if you are a person who needs the trifecta, the trilogy, the story as originally sung on that yellow brick road - never fear. The bear story is here: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/10/151001-grizzly-bears-animals-science-conservation-nation/)
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof... or a Pole
The animals of our world certainly are reminding us of important life lessons this week! Today's helpful feline friend gives a graphic demonstration of fear - when afraid, you can flee or fight. When you are out of your element, it's best to get to a better vantage point, reassess the situation in order to glean information (not just collect data), and then take appropriate action.
The mountain lion in the urban area ran into some mean children, who started to scream at her. Seriously, this is not a parable. In the link below, she climbs a telephone pole to retreat from the immediate threat and determine the best course of action. She didn't attack the threat - smartly, as she was uncertain if the noisy evil kids were an actual danger to her or just "background noise". She determined she could wait out the distraction and then resume her previous path.
Sometimes, humans fight first and ask questions later. Frequently in office spaces, this happens because a boss may realize his ill-equipped skills set for his newer promotion, and out of fear he verbally lashes out to protect his space. It may be a co-worker who was promoted for her ability to navigate the landscape and pick a good ally, but again, that skills set is far from developed in order to perform her assigned role - so using tools around her, she wins battles by recruiting others to fight for her.
There is no doubt the best work scenario is having a leader (not a manager) that is mature and brilliant, coaching and allowing star employees to excel beyond their self-determined potential. [And when you find him or her, even if one of you goes to another job, by all means keep in touch as you may be able to reconnect for mentoring or jobs later!] Distractions happen, toxic situations develop, and we are left to wonder why we are working in such a zoo.
Visit a real zoo and see what the real survivors have learned. Whether you believe in creationism or evolution, both concepts believe animals were here first. They have adapted and are still here. There's a lesson in that.
http://m.vvdailypress.com/article/20150930/NEWS/150939983
The mountain lion in the urban area ran into some mean children, who started to scream at her. Seriously, this is not a parable. In the link below, she climbs a telephone pole to retreat from the immediate threat and determine the best course of action. She didn't attack the threat - smartly, as she was uncertain if the noisy evil kids were an actual danger to her or just "background noise". She determined she could wait out the distraction and then resume her previous path.
Sometimes, humans fight first and ask questions later. Frequently in office spaces, this happens because a boss may realize his ill-equipped skills set for his newer promotion, and out of fear he verbally lashes out to protect his space. It may be a co-worker who was promoted for her ability to navigate the landscape and pick a good ally, but again, that skills set is far from developed in order to perform her assigned role - so using tools around her, she wins battles by recruiting others to fight for her.
There is no doubt the best work scenario is having a leader (not a manager) that is mature and brilliant, coaching and allowing star employees to excel beyond their self-determined potential. [And when you find him or her, even if one of you goes to another job, by all means keep in touch as you may be able to reconnect for mentoring or jobs later!] Distractions happen, toxic situations develop, and we are left to wonder why we are working in such a zoo.
Visit a real zoo and see what the real survivors have learned. Whether you believe in creationism or evolution, both concepts believe animals were here first. They have adapted and are still here. There's a lesson in that.
http://m.vvdailypress.com/article/20150930/NEWS/150939983
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Thrive Where You are Planted
When you look at a fat, round and fuzzy bee, doesn't seem like an ideal design to take flight - or produce a sweet attractive nectar. The Wright Brothers did not design The Spirit of Saint Louis in the shape of a water balloon, after all. Using their logic, they designed the infrastructure of their wing like a bird's wing.
The bee has none of the aerodynamic traits of a bird. Yet, it still flies, and for relatively long distances, too. It builds a great life where it lands. Literally. Like on top of a building in downtown New Orleans - tens of thousands of bees made a home atop of a stone building. They found food in flower boxes and along the river, and made a sixteen foot wide home where now one expected a thriving colony.
No one has ever been promised that life would be a bowl of cherries. You may find yourself in a less-than-ideal situation. But there are always opportunities to make the best of it. You have the creativity to make good things happen.
Do you believe you can fly? Take a lesson from the honey bee and use the tools you were given to do great things, no matter the challenges that seem to be in your way.
http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/news/13580331-123/sting-operation-beekeepers-go-after
The bee has none of the aerodynamic traits of a bird. Yet, it still flies, and for relatively long distances, too. It builds a great life where it lands. Literally. Like on top of a building in downtown New Orleans - tens of thousands of bees made a home atop of a stone building. They found food in flower boxes and along the river, and made a sixteen foot wide home where now one expected a thriving colony.
No one has ever been promised that life would be a bowl of cherries. You may find yourself in a less-than-ideal situation. But there are always opportunities to make the best of it. You have the creativity to make good things happen.
Do you believe you can fly? Take a lesson from the honey bee and use the tools you were given to do great things, no matter the challenges that seem to be in your way.
http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/news/13580331-123/sting-operation-beekeepers-go-after
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Dog Days
Global warming studies by a variety of sources say we are having the hottest summers ever recorded. Proof of the lyrical "Dog Days of Summer" that have just passed us by with the beginning of fall. The saying 'dog days' was originated by the Greek poets, who noted that the constellation with Sirius - the brightest star - was always prominent in the Mediterranean skies during the hottest points of the year. Homer eloquently wrote in The Iliad:
The suffering references pestilence, plaque, fever and then ravages of war that would occur during these same days of summer. Not lazy days, as the spring had troop movements and attacks could easily be cast during summer and early harvest season (when food would be plentiful) prior to returning to their homelands and the onset of winter.
Dogs on the Earth (as opposed to the heavens above) are in more than 36% of American households according to statistics posted on the American Veterinarian Medical Association website (yes, cats are second at 30%). Between heaven and earth, our four legged friends remind us about unconditional love, friendship, loyalty - and a host of worthy attributes for any kind of friends.
But remember - if you aren't in the northern hemisphere, the throws of winter are upon you during the Greek's dog days of summer. Then, dogs are trying to keep warm along with their owners.
It's all about perspective, isn't it? That's the way it is with everything... including walking your dog or someone else's well-loved pup or with projects and relationships with others. Think about the perspective of others (including your poochie) before you take actions that will make others think twice about walking with you.
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/09/the-dog-walking-economy/407971/
Sirius rises late in the dark, liquid sky
On summer nights, star of stars,
Orion's Dog they call it, brightest
of all, but an evil portent, bringing heat
And fevers to suffering humanity.
The suffering references pestilence, plaque, fever and then ravages of war that would occur during these same days of summer. Not lazy days, as the spring had troop movements and attacks could easily be cast during summer and early harvest season (when food would be plentiful) prior to returning to their homelands and the onset of winter.
Dogs on the Earth (as opposed to the heavens above) are in more than 36% of American households according to statistics posted on the American Veterinarian Medical Association website (yes, cats are second at 30%). Between heaven and earth, our four legged friends remind us about unconditional love, friendship, loyalty - and a host of worthy attributes for any kind of friends.
But remember - if you aren't in the northern hemisphere, the throws of winter are upon you during the Greek's dog days of summer. Then, dogs are trying to keep warm along with their owners.
It's all about perspective, isn't it? That's the way it is with everything... including walking your dog or someone else's well-loved pup or with projects and relationships with others. Think about the perspective of others (including your poochie) before you take actions that will make others think twice about walking with you.
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/09/the-dog-walking-economy/407971/
Monday, September 28, 2015
Ready for Winter?
This is the time of year that squirrels begin hoarding food for the winter. Chubby little cheeks full of seeds and nuts, running back to their homes so they know they'll be prepared for the future months to come. Cute and smart!
People can take a lesson from squirrels. While the economy hasn't been stellar in many years, we should adjust our living styles so that we can prepare for a winter ahead, too.
Framing things in the hopeful context leads to more success than thinking about things in the deprivation lingo. Instead of thinking: "I won't go on a vacation if I save $X per paycheck for a rainy day", try dreaming: "I'm saving for a great relaxing getaway instead some smaller half-way weekend trips."
Goals of losing weight, eating healthier, exercising or walking more are much more successful not only if you do them with a friend, but also you vision the future good that comes from your moves.
Finding that you can be home ten more minutes in the morning with family instead of leaving early for an expensive cup of coffee, or walking in your neighborhood rather than using a gym membership can help you not spend money on things you don't need and let you spend more valuable time on your family and friends. It's all about what matters most - not whoever has the most toys.
Need some tips to help take a human-approach to the squirrel's smart move? Try this http://www.businessinsider.com/tricks-real-people-use-to-be-better-with-money-2015-8
People can take a lesson from squirrels. While the economy hasn't been stellar in many years, we should adjust our living styles so that we can prepare for a winter ahead, too.
Framing things in the hopeful context leads to more success than thinking about things in the deprivation lingo. Instead of thinking: "I won't go on a vacation if I save $X per paycheck for a rainy day", try dreaming: "I'm saving for a great relaxing getaway instead some smaller half-way weekend trips."
Goals of losing weight, eating healthier, exercising or walking more are much more successful not only if you do them with a friend, but also you vision the future good that comes from your moves.
Finding that you can be home ten more minutes in the morning with family instead of leaving early for an expensive cup of coffee, or walking in your neighborhood rather than using a gym membership can help you not spend money on things you don't need and let you spend more valuable time on your family and friends. It's all about what matters most - not whoever has the most toys.
Need some tips to help take a human-approach to the squirrel's smart move? Try this http://www.businessinsider.com/tricks-real-people-use-to-be-better-with-money-2015-8
Friday, September 25, 2015
What Is Your Legacy?
We spend a lot of time considering how others see us and what other people think about us. Honestly, if this describes you - then you are going about life all wrong.
Esse Quam Videri. To be rather than to seem.
My high school motto had the classes think often about how we wanted to be. You didn't want to just seem kind - you wanted to be kind. You didn't want to just seem intelligent; you needed on a granular personal level to be intelligent.
Genuine people seem exactly as they are. You can only seem genuine if you are genuine. And if you are focused on the good things in life, that reflects outward from you, and is kind of contagious. Instead of misery attracting company, energy and inspiration will attract enthusiasm and happiness. Let your experiences and sharing be absorbed and then reflected by others.
When people discover things about you, what do you want them to discover? Don't automatically think about what you want to hide. Think about the true you, the center of who you are - the goodness, the creativeness, the inspiration. People are initially attracted by how you may seem, but rapidly unwrap the layers to find out what really makes you tick.
In the office, that happens sometimes sooner than people may realize. Being together 40 hours a week is a lot of awake time! Items in your workspace reveal more than you probably ever considered. The pieces of life you share in stories also shows your true self.
Be thoughtful, but not over-planned. Be considerate, but not condescending. Be honest, but not brutal.
An epitaph was the original tweet, limited to the sum of someone's life work engraved boldly on a tombstone. Bleak considering how people tend to put off thinking about funerals and such, spending much more time living in the moment. How you lived your life, though, can be an inspiration.
Every day of your life is a step toward your legacy. Live it with intension and passion.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Do the Right Thing
We need to be kind to one another and help each other out. Different people are given different talents and different abilities - it's what makes the world so interesting.
And when we stop to help one another, it makes life all worth while. It's free to be nice. Being mean takes more work and ends up costing you in the long run.
Don't think about the dollar, don't think about "not my job" - benefits will come flowing back to you when you do the right thing. You can't blame other people for everything that's wrong if you don't help to make it right.
This is what being part of a community truly means.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/javiermoreno/this-photo-of-a-mcdonalds-worker-helping-an-old-man-eat-will#.ugW9E4yq2
And when we stop to help one another, it makes life all worth while. It's free to be nice. Being mean takes more work and ends up costing you in the long run.
Don't think about the dollar, don't think about "not my job" - benefits will come flowing back to you when you do the right thing. You can't blame other people for everything that's wrong if you don't help to make it right.
This is what being part of a community truly means.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/javiermoreno/this-photo-of-a-mcdonalds-worker-helping-an-old-man-eat-will#.ugW9E4yq2
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
It's Time
Today is the autumn equinox. But do you realize what an equinox really means? It's all about time - it's about a moment, actually. National Geographic explains that it is the very moment when the sun is on the equator at noon. Northern people get longer nights, Southern ones get longer days.
But, what about an equinox in your life? It's about seizing a moment when the sun is shining on you exactly the right way. It's when you have the ability to filter the truth from the darkness in your life, to take charge of your next moment in destiny.
When you don't follow the well-trodden path by the drudgery of managers pointing down a predictable direction, when you challenge all of those mainstream busybodies as you are reaching upwards for the stars, some people call that rebellion or being a rebel.
Consider this: there are quite a few noteworthy people in this rebel category. Johannes Gutenberg was considered a terrorist rebel - because he developed a fast way to release the magic of the written word to paper by inventing the printing press. William Wallace, a treasonous rebel, wouldn't just change allegiance to a different king in another country, and instead inspired his people to fight for their heritage. Galileo Galilei, a heretic rebel, was put on trial by the church for the mere suggestion the Earth moved around the Sun... leading to more knowledge about the stars and today's equinox.
Are you a rebel, a rogue, a renegade? My first example of knowing I was not going to accept the status quo came in the second grade (a story for another day). For others, it comes later in life. Everyone is gifted with varying levels of creativity and energy, inspiring their own story and accomplishments.
For those of you who are rebels, it's time. Begin charting your route with inspiration on today's equinox - or, if you are well on the way to forging a new direction, motivate those around you toward greater heights.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250075
But, what about an equinox in your life? It's about seizing a moment when the sun is shining on you exactly the right way. It's when you have the ability to filter the truth from the darkness in your life, to take charge of your next moment in destiny.
When you don't follow the well-trodden path by the drudgery of managers pointing down a predictable direction, when you challenge all of those mainstream busybodies as you are reaching upwards for the stars, some people call that rebellion or being a rebel.
Consider this: there are quite a few noteworthy people in this rebel category. Johannes Gutenberg was considered a terrorist rebel - because he developed a fast way to release the magic of the written word to paper by inventing the printing press. William Wallace, a treasonous rebel, wouldn't just change allegiance to a different king in another country, and instead inspired his people to fight for their heritage. Galileo Galilei, a heretic rebel, was put on trial by the church for the mere suggestion the Earth moved around the Sun... leading to more knowledge about the stars and today's equinox.
Are you a rebel, a rogue, a renegade? My first example of knowing I was not going to accept the status quo came in the second grade (a story for another day). For others, it comes later in life. Everyone is gifted with varying levels of creativity and energy, inspiring their own story and accomplishments.
For those of you who are rebels, it's time. Begin charting your route with inspiration on today's equinox - or, if you are well on the way to forging a new direction, motivate those around you toward greater heights.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250075
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
The Games People Should Still Play
What better test of problem solving than to have a puzzle scattered on the tabletop and points for being able to solve it? The only better thing to test your skill may be having only eight puzzle pieces and creatively designing solutions.
Think it's the Apollo 13 mission to Mars? It very well could be. But, consider the more "reachable" tabletop of the dining room - and Scrabble. The lessons we learn there, and games in general, are applicable to every day life. And if we stop playing games, sometimes we forget the lessons we learned as a child.
This particular game was created during the Great Depression, as an outlet for creativity (and the source of income for its inventor). Until this point, there were essentially two types of games - strategic moves and number-based games (mostly geared to adults - kids were allowed free play. Imagine that.) The formation of this new outlet engaged new "buyers" that were previously left out of the fun if they weren't chess players or enjoyed bingo. The marketing types, the visual types, the literary crowd and families together were previously discounted for games and now could engage in activities geared to them.
At work, do you give assignments that are geared toward someone's natural abilities? You should. This is what leaders do - they set employees up to succeed and encourage them. Leaders challenge themselves with a version of game theory (which is economics, but still a game) when they are mentoring and figuring out the puzzle pieces with who can contribute with their skills in the best manner. This keeps a leader's interest - the path to the outcomes - and makes the job fun and engaging for both employees and leaders.
Leaders also make sure they communicate in the various ways that their team members understand. Adult learning theory shows many ways to interact with people, so they can "hear" the message as it's intended, without having extraneous noise disrupt the message because in the manner it was delivered.
When a solution initially yields a $20 loss, don't give up - Scrabble shows that not only learning something new can be fun, but instead of selling just 84 'widgets', your new idea could sell more than 150 million.
"Never give in, except to the convictions of honour and good sense." "Lead by example. " And let games into your life.
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20150911-word-up-the-secret-story-of-scrabble
Monday, September 21, 2015
Keep the Spice in Your Life
Variety is the spice in life. Making sure you don't work too hard... or play too hard... ensures that you have balance and diversity in the things you do everyday.
But, it seems that as we do more things in the workplace and rely more on technology, we forget the basics of life. Trust the experts (that what they teach above all else in the MBA schools, as they teach you to be an expert in your field). Food sustains life. What if we balance our food plate with a variety of colors... just like we should be encouraging our workplaces to have a variety of races and ethnicities?
The basics of life, according to Maslow's hierarchy of need, is food and shelter. Most people don't forget about shelter, but the importance of the right food choices goes to the wayside. If you don't fuel your car properly, it shuts down (and is expensive to repair) and likewise for the human body!
Balance in your meals is important, just like balance in other areas of life. When you skip a meal, you are imbalanced. You become sluggish and unable to concentrate. When you over-indulge, you are so uncomfortable that you also are unable to concentrate (as all the blood is being used to digest your food).
What if we, in the business world, committed to working toward something better? When we are able to encourage or set good examples - either in our workplace cafeterias or when little ones watch our food choices - so that we aren't always skipping fresh veggies or don't always drown our meat in rich sauces. The same thing goes for selecting the right employees to work for our company mission.
If you don't have something from each food group representing the different nutrients you need, you will fall short. Same thing in business - if you just have one type of employee, you won't be able to creatively grow and increase your revenue. Life doesn't work when you just eat one thing, what makes us think creating and sustaining business would work that way, either?
Create and encourage more of what you need - either in food or the food of business (employees!)
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/09/19/441494432/the-u-s-doesnt-have-enough-of-the-vegetables-were-supposed-to-eat
But, it seems that as we do more things in the workplace and rely more on technology, we forget the basics of life. Trust the experts (that what they teach above all else in the MBA schools, as they teach you to be an expert in your field). Food sustains life. What if we balance our food plate with a variety of colors... just like we should be encouraging our workplaces to have a variety of races and ethnicities?
The basics of life, according to Maslow's hierarchy of need, is food and shelter. Most people don't forget about shelter, but the importance of the right food choices goes to the wayside. If you don't fuel your car properly, it shuts down (and is expensive to repair) and likewise for the human body!
Balance in your meals is important, just like balance in other areas of life. When you skip a meal, you are imbalanced. You become sluggish and unable to concentrate. When you over-indulge, you are so uncomfortable that you also are unable to concentrate (as all the blood is being used to digest your food).
What if we, in the business world, committed to working toward something better? When we are able to encourage or set good examples - either in our workplace cafeterias or when little ones watch our food choices - so that we aren't always skipping fresh veggies or don't always drown our meat in rich sauces. The same thing goes for selecting the right employees to work for our company mission.
If you don't have something from each food group representing the different nutrients you need, you will fall short. Same thing in business - if you just have one type of employee, you won't be able to creatively grow and increase your revenue. Life doesn't work when you just eat one thing, what makes us think creating and sustaining business would work that way, either?
Create and encourage more of what you need - either in food or the food of business (employees!)
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/09/19/441494432/the-u-s-doesnt-have-enough-of-the-vegetables-were-supposed-to-eat
Friday, September 18, 2015
Inspiration
Music is colorblind. It’s fabulous and soaring. It’s one of the true places where the product is able to be judged on its own merits. As one of the pillars of the fine arts, music can be created by anyone - and when you can play or sing in one of the finest halls in the world, there’s no feeling quite like it.
Two other fine arts outlets are similarly situated as equal opportunity. Painting is similar, moving the person with colors and emotion. Literature and writing can also transport the reader to far away lands, all with the descriptions that bring vivid life to your own living room.
But, why are we still a community that, indeed, judges a book by it’s cover? I was surprised in this article that the industry person make such a grotesque and blatant statement of prejudice and generalization. Many times, personal beliefs creep in under the darkness of contracts and promotional outlets and brand positioning. To see it in black and white, no pun intended, brings a realization that we have a lot more work to do in order to appreciate creativity and vivaciousness for the blessings they truly are.
If you work, work hard at ensuring equality and fairness and promoting an open-minded culture. The benefits reaped by companies who are socially responsible as well as encouraging of brilliance will see the bottom line increase exponentially. You will miss so much if you take steps forward looking only in one direction - explore and expand your horizons. And if you are one of the creative souls, keep at it - your light will be seen. We promise.
You read the article, but listen to the youtube clip first… with your eyes closed and let your imagination soar, then see the book’s cover in the article below.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Using All The King's Horses When Up Against A Wall
Children's nursery rhymes have fantastic origins and were actually created to deliver lessons to children and the lesser-educated population. For instance, "Ring Around The Rosey" continues to the next phrase with "pocket full of posey", or herbs and flowers, which was a method used to try to keep germs away during the plague in London in the mid-1600s. Another English story created "Humpty Dumpty", who was likely an allusion to England's King Richard III (a rather portly and humpbacked fellow) when he was defeated in battle even though there were many soldiers around that should have won the fight, and the English learned they had a new leader.
Creative ways to deliver a message - even with death, the posey tries to put a positive light on things can be done in the fight of "good versus evil" - gives encouragement and provides a ladder for building energy for more creative solutions.
In more recent times, the media prefers to sensationalize everything, and many times the good news is lost or buried or never even investigated. Media loves a good train wreck, and the public falls for it every time. No demands for strong writing, investigations, or "homework" pieces. Bah, humbug!
But if you look, you can find success stories - even ones that were built in response to one brick wall and seemingly continued to hit brick walls. Another childhood activity, a game rather than a story, encourages children to be creative. "Let's go on a bear hunt" reaches multiple states of "Can't go over it... can't go under it... can't go around it..." and has teamwork to "let's go through it!" The power of creativity, teamwork and the promise of a brighter tomorrow should enlighten and empower even the toughest of Scrooges.
I know this story below was published a few months ago, but as all of the "stats" are coming out now with the Fed meetings, campaigning, as well as it being federal budget time, we cannot forget the great lessons of our past (even our recent past). People are mud slinging and pointing fingers to remind of all the failures. Taking something that was coined "a spectacular failure" and using common sense, expertise and creativity to turn around a hot-mess-train-wreck is a staggering accomplishment that should be celebrated (regardless of your opinion on why the project was necessary, this was a great fix-it job!)
When all the king's horses and all the king's men not only can't fix a problem but fail to admit they made the problem worse, take your creative confidence and know that you can achieve whatever you decide you want to do. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can't do, and you'll surprise yourself at how much you get done. Make sure you spread good news, too, so that success can be shared.
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/07/the-secret-startup-saved-healthcare-gov-the-worst-website-in-america/397784/
Creative ways to deliver a message - even with death, the posey tries to put a positive light on things can be done in the fight of "good versus evil" - gives encouragement and provides a ladder for building energy for more creative solutions.
In more recent times, the media prefers to sensationalize everything, and many times the good news is lost or buried or never even investigated. Media loves a good train wreck, and the public falls for it every time. No demands for strong writing, investigations, or "homework" pieces. Bah, humbug!
But if you look, you can find success stories - even ones that were built in response to one brick wall and seemingly continued to hit brick walls. Another childhood activity, a game rather than a story, encourages children to be creative. "Let's go on a bear hunt" reaches multiple states of "Can't go over it... can't go under it... can't go around it..." and has teamwork to "let's go through it!" The power of creativity, teamwork and the promise of a brighter tomorrow should enlighten and empower even the toughest of Scrooges.
I know this story below was published a few months ago, but as all of the "stats" are coming out now with the Fed meetings, campaigning, as well as it being federal budget time, we cannot forget the great lessons of our past (even our recent past). People are mud slinging and pointing fingers to remind of all the failures. Taking something that was coined "a spectacular failure" and using common sense, expertise and creativity to turn around a hot-mess-train-wreck is a staggering accomplishment that should be celebrated (regardless of your opinion on why the project was necessary, this was a great fix-it job!)
When all the king's horses and all the king's men not only can't fix a problem but fail to admit they made the problem worse, take your creative confidence and know that you can achieve whatever you decide you want to do. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can't do, and you'll surprise yourself at how much you get done. Make sure you spread good news, too, so that success can be shared.
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/07/the-secret-startup-saved-healthcare-gov-the-worst-website-in-america/397784/
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