Honoring Those Who Serve

On this Veteran's Day weekend, I remember and appreciate those who serve. I honor those men and women in our armed forces who sacrifice in service of country. In wartime, this service comes at extreme risk and personal sacrifice. We Americans are truly grateful to our Veterans and their families.

Service occurs in other ways as well: non-profit organizations, local community organizations, and simply donating time or resources to help others in need. Volunteers in the Red Cross and Peace Corps serve people in need all over the world. I believe that our best government leaders are those who pursue government service through a desire to give back.

Stop Pandering!

Our political system has deteriorated to a point where our leaders are constantly pandering. They tell us that we deserve an easier path and that someone else should shoulder the challenges that we face. They offer us favors and special treatment in order to gain our support.

Do our leaders think so little of us and believe that we only care about ourselves? Do they believe that we need to be bought with favors and handouts?

The Dream that is America

Last night when "God Bless America" was sung during the 7th inning stretch of the baseball game, I found myself moved with emotion. It was not anything specific, nor did I consciously understand what brought on the emotion. The emotion came first and made me consider it.

My reaction reminded me of the premise of Start With Why, the premise that great institutions and leaders define a purpose that connects with us at an emotional level. When we have an emotional connection, we use reason to rationalize the beliefs that the emotions inspire. 

Don't Lose Perspective on What Truly Matters

When my oldest son Luke was born almost 9 years ago, it should have been one of the happiest days of my life. Instead, that day was fraught with fear and concern because Luke was born 2 months premature after a very difficult pregnancy. He was delivered by C-section and had to be rushed into the NICU because he could not breathe on his own.

While my wife recovered from surgery, I was alone with my tiny son who was connected to all sorts of sophisticated machines to keep him alive and monitor his vital signs. As I sat there in the NICU, I remember reflecting on my life and had a momentous, life-changing realization.

Great Managers Enable Exceptional Performers

Most everyone wants to perform well in their work. Very few people wake up in the morning wanting to fail or do poorly. Occasionally you will find someone with a bad attitude, which can be easily resolved by removing that person from your organization. More often, those who do not perform at the highest levels are missing one of the following:

1. clear expectations on what is required of them.
2. the necessary training or procedures to know how to do their work correctly.
3. the materials and equipment necessary to perform well.
4. the proper fit into a role at which they can excel.