The best laid plans....

Before going to bed Friday evening and knowing that we would be snowed-in this weekend, I had high hopes of accomplishing alot inside the house.  Knowing that shoveling snow would require about 2-3 hours of time, I figured on doing a little work from the office and catching up on such scintillating tasks as replacing our bathroom caulk.  Incidentally, I found a pretty good website, via Google, for such such a task.  To see the link, click here.

As I prepare for the coming week, I am reminded of David McCullough's book "John Adams".   Mr. McCullough had access to the Adams' diary and letter.  Two entries embody what this past weekend was like for me.  On July 21, 1756, he wrote:

Like Adams, the 2nd entry, above, is how I feel most Sunday evenings.  But, I remind myself that there is always next weekend!  Even one of our founding fathers allowed rainy or snowy days to steer away from a planned regimen.

Though I did not see the HBO series on John Adams, which I understand was very good, Mr. McCullough's book on Mr. Adams is excellent and provides some wonderful insight into our 2nd US President. 

Party Before Country

To observe America's two-party system in action is to watch absurd human behavior.  For instance, when a President delivers a State of Union speech to both chambers of congress, parties sit on opposites sides of the aisle.  Typically, the party of the sitting President stands in applause to the speech while the opposing party sits like sulking children.   Seems childish to me.  The behavior conveys division, not unity in purpose.

Before President Obama completed his first 90 days in office and while the US economy was teetering at the precipice, the GOP was test-marketing potential opponents for 2012 and looking for ways to subotage his agenda.  Support for or against proposed leglislation was based upon its impact on the 2010 mid-term elections. 

To give the Democrats equal chastisement, when President Ronald Reagan proposed major tax and budget cuts in 1981 to revive a ravaged US economy, the Democrats did not have an alternative plan.  Rather, its only alternative was the failure of the Reagan proposals so that they could regain power.  The Democrats played the Social Security fear card to cut into Republican-controlled seats.   Eventually, the Democrats regained control of power yet Social Security is a ticking financial time bomb that will eventually blow up due to unfunded liabilities.

My exhortation to Congress and President is this: focus on solving America's problems rather than gaining power and obstructing progress.  Find the common ground to get legislation passed for America's good rather than your own party's good.  Who knows, some of our most intractable problems such as Social Security, budget deficits, energy, etc. could be addressed if unified energy and effort was brought to bear.

Here is a novel approach to our political leaders: country first, party second, your congressional seat third in order of priority. 

"Distinct or Extinct"

Recently, I made some critical comments about Tom Peters' book "Re-imagine!"  I do not know what the technical term is for recanting blogs is, but I do need state now that there were some nuggets of wisdom contained in the book.

In addition to his message "We are not prepared", Mr. Peters used the phrase "Distinct or Extinct".  He expounded upon this statement by explaining the following:

1.  technology will continue to render many 20th century jobs obsolete

2.  re-tooling our skill set, re-imagining our views, re-engineering ourselves is not optional; rather, it is the price of admission to work in the 21st century

3.  technology will render many current jobs to a commodity status and faster than we are prepared to absorb it in our economy

4.  Americans will find their high-priced salaries/wages, relative to the rest of the world, as unsustainable for companies to remain competitive with the rest of the world (whither America's auto industry, steel industry, etc. and look at the impact of outsourcing)

5.  Therefore, we must continue differentiate ourselves lest we become extinct in the 21st century landscape

6.  Hence, "Distinct or Extinct" - let this be our clarion call to begin differentiating ourselves via training, learning, incessant curiosity, and embracing not fighting technology

Note: "Re-imagine! was written circa 2004.  Some of what Mr. Peters has admonished has manifested itself in the last 2 years in the "Great Recession".  To wit, 7 millions jobs have been lost in the US since 2007 yet worker productivity continues to increase. 

Our politicians and "the American people"

They profess to serve the people.  They invoke "the American people" in justifying their actions.  Yet, the majority are really serving themselves, their special interest groups, their party, and their own constituency. That is their definition of "the American people".

Getting re-elected takes precedence over what's best for "the American people". 

How can our Congress say that they have the American people's best interest at heart when our financial house is such disrepair and there seems to be no inclination to repair it?   Trillion dollar annual deficits for years in the future yet they continue to propose new spending programs.  Like so many Americans, our Congress has used its ability to borrow money like at ATM with little regard for the long-term consequences.

The American people have a say in the matter, via their vote.  Yet, most Americans don't vote but bemoan their travails brought on by the current economic recession.   We "the American people" need to vote and write our congressmen and senators and hold them accountable.   When we do not hold them accountable, they simply tend to their special interest groups.   We need to remind them that their position as congressmen is to serve the American people, not vice versa.  Their elected positions are a privilege, not an entitlement.

We should all write, e-mail our politcal leaders and reach out to at least 10 more people to do likewise.  I once read that as little as 3,000 letters on an issue will get a congressman's attention.  E-mail make the process easier and more instantaneous.  I am going to write my two senators and district congressman telling them that I will hold them accountable and base my vote in their next election upon how they vote on spending programs.  I will encourge them to propose spending restraint and spending cuts, not just tax increases though I believe we will need some new taxes.

Please consider doing the same.  It's our country, too.  They are supposed to be public servants.  We must act to ensure that they perform their duties to truly serve "the American people" not vice versa.

My friend, Mr. Bell

I first met Mr. Bell in 2003 when he came to my office to replace overhead light fixtures.  I liked him instantly.  He is a genuine man who has a humble yet reassuring spirit.  When he greets me around 10am each day, Mr. Bell always says "My friend, Mr. Hayes" to which I respond sincerely "My friend, Mr. Bell".  We both have an affinity for baseball and often reminisce of its glory days prior to steroids, free agency, charging the mound, pitchers pumping their fists, hitters watching their home runs into the stands before running, etc.  We love to exchange anecdotes about famous players. 

Mr. Bell retired from teaching public school.  He taught government in Richmond City Schools and coached athletics.  Mr. Bell has taught the current Richmond Commonwealth Attorney, Mike Herring, and a few Hunton & Williams lawyers. 

Though educated with advanced degrees, Mr. Bell humbly does his work and can be seen wishing others well and imparting wisdom on them.   Mr. Bell recently told me that he wants to retun to teaching and is awaiting an adjunct teaching postion at Virginia State.  He feels that the Lord has blessed him with good health so that he can return to his passion of teaching others.

In parting, his words to me are just as encouraging as his greeting:  "Always good to see you, Mr. Hayes and God bless you!"   Mr. Bell plans to retire after this year.  It will be a sad day, indeed, for me when I no longer encounter my friend, Mr. Bell, around 10am each morning as he makes his rounds.

44 blogs and still blogging....

One quick blog.  I find it much easier to write these if I have either encountered others or stepped from work long enough to observe people during the day.  This goes without saying:  it much more interesting to write about others and observations of others than myself. 

"We must do the best we can with laughter..."

The late President John F. Kennedy was once quoted as saying:  "There are three things in life that are real:  God, human folly, and laughter.  The first two are beyond comprehension, so we must do the best was can with the third."

A phychologist once posed the question:  are we happy because we laugh or do we laugh because we're happy?  These chicken or the egg conundrums make my head hurt.

But, I do know this.  Today was a rainy Monday.  Coming off an extended weekend, by taking off last Friday, I felt the Monday morning blahs even more than normal.  My first meeting was at 10am and all attendees seemed slugglish, too.  We slogged through the meeting.  Things seemed to flow in slow motion.

Enroute back to my office, I ran into some colleagues on my floor.   We talked about the NFL league championship games.  After a few good, hearty laughs, I began to feel better.  A few more unplanned interactions with colleagues generated more laughs.  Before I knew it, I was back at my desk but happier and out of my doldrums.  That good feeling stayed with me throughout the day. 

I once read children, on average, laugh many times more often during the day than adults.  Perhaps the children have it figured out and we adults just forgot how to laugh somewhere along the way.  Maybe we all need to take stock and learn to laugh again and often.

Some of the happiest people I know laugh alot and often at their self.  Some of these happy folks just seem to start laughing to themselves when they remember a funny moment or thought. 

Our Lord created laughter.  I believe He created it to help us.  Perhaps it is the natural refreshment for the soul.   Readers Digest used to have a page entitled "Laugher is the Best Medicine".

We should ask ourselves: how often have I laughed today?   Feeling the blahs?  Ensure that you have at least two hearty laughs before resuming your activities.  Then, gauge your mood.  I bet you'll find yourself happier. 

The Super Bowl Phenomena - the unofficial American holiday

Hard to believe that the first Super Bowl was in 1967 between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs.  

The Super Bowl has almost become an American holiday given all the advertising, media hype, and festivities associated with the event.  Many folks get together for a Super Bowl party of wings, munchies, beer, and lots of otherwise unhealthy food.   Pre-games shows that day start hours before the kick-off.  The half-time show is typically an extraveganza with a rock star performer.  The post-game show, interviews, awards make up another segment. 

Interestingly that Super Bowl III in Miami between the Jets and Colts featured a marching band in blue and white uniforms.  It is believed that their assemblage in the end zone as half time neared apparently caused Colts QB Earl Morrall to miss a wide open Jimmy Orr whose jersey blended in with the marching band.   Rather than an easy TD, Morrall threw an interception.  

Theoretically, one can spend about 12 hours in front of the TV on Super Bowl Sunday, not to mention hours preparing and entertaining.  Sounds like a holiday to me.  Perhaps one day, someone will suggest Super Bowl Monday as a national holiday for everyone to recover. 

Late Night Drama

Like the weatherman, my predictions are either hit or miss.  For example, I remember telling Lynn that "Batteries Plus" would never make it as a retail establishment.  That was 12 years ago and they are still around.

Right after Conan O'Brien was named to take Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" spot, I told Lynn that he would be out of there in six months as the ratings would fall.  Well, he lasted 7 months. 

Seriously, what really troubled me about all this is the lack of class demonstrated by both O'Brien and NBC.  Their feud was played out in public.  Both parties did not come across well.  By the way, O'Brien dissed NBC pubicly and walked away with a $32M severance package -- nice message to our children.

Despite lousy ratings and his established lack of class, some network will probably pick-up O'Brien and pay him a hefty sum to host a show.  My question is why?   Why reward bad behavior and lousy ratings?  Take a stand any network that is considering O'Brien.  If he dissed in NBC in public, what will happen when things sour between O'Brien and your network.

Society as a whole must stop honoring bad behavior. 

"We are not prepared..."

I have just finished this book, "Re-Imagine!" by management guru Tom Peters.  Throughout the book, Mr. Peters asserts that America is not prepared for the global economy of today's world.  Citing deficiencies in our educational system, worker skill sets, management mindsets, etc., Mr. Peters paints a gloomy picture.  Nothing new.  We have all read or heard this doom and gloom stuff for years.  Now, however, we are actually witnessing this decline in America's economic dominance and it is certainly worth re-examining the areas of disrepair Mr. Peters cites.

Working through all his bombast and profanity, however, one thing I do agree with Mr. Peters on is this: given the mind set that I see everyday at work, we certainly are not prepared.   I continue to see 20th century thinking as to organizational charts, problem-solving, distrust of management, workers not taking ownership, many resisting change and technology, departmental boundaries, and a general lack of consistently collaborative and innovative thinking.   We seem to be stuck in the 20th century.

Mr. Peters, like so many other gurus of his kind, are great at sounding the alarms but short on providing the insight and tools to help us get and be prepared. 

My takeways from this and other books like this are:  (1) acknowledge that we are not prepared (2) prepare myself and others to address our individual and organizational deficiences.   

Someone once wrote: "there are two kinds of people in this world.  Those who curse the darkness and those who seek a way out".   I hope and pray and I encourage myself and others to be the latter.

The Greater Good over Self

Over the years, I have witnessed many interesting behaviors in the workplace.  More often, I observe how the actions of others are typically driven by self-serving, career-enhancing motives.  Sadly, I have not witnessed too many individuals who have displayed Edmund G. Ross-like behavior -- placing the greater good of the team, organization, or project over oneself. 

This week, I exhorted my colleagues, via e-mail, to consider the following at the conclusion of each day:

1. what value did I add today to my team and how does that value translate into value for the firm?


2. what value did I add for myself, my skill set, and knowledge base today which, in turn, benefits the firm?

3. did my efforts/actions today positively impact more than just myself?

Pursuits of self-serving interests does, at times, benefit the masses.  The challenge for us, however, is to consider the greater good always.  I am fortunate today to have colleagues who remind me regularly of this.

Speaking of Irony....

Deciding to focus on winning the Super Bowl and jettisoning a chance for a perfect season, the Indianapolis Colts pulled their starters in game 15 of the regular season which enabled the New York Jets to crawl back into the playoff picture.  The following week, the Cincinnati Bengals pulled their starters and also lost to the Jets.  In turn, the Jets beat the Bengals in the first round of the playoffs and now face the Colts this coming weekend.

The WRVA sports radio host Chuck Noe once said "you can' turn it off and on" when it comes to level of competition.  Teams and players can often look too far ahead to the big prize only to be knocked by the next opponent.  

The Power of the Ballot Box

It is easy to take for granted.  Sadly, most Americans do not vote.  Yesterday's election  results in the "progressive" (euphemism for liberal) state of Massachusetts demonstrates that voting does matter.   In the Senate, because of its unique rules, one vote can make a huge difference.  It was the vote of a Nebraska senator, bought off by major financial considerations for his state, that tipped the scale to pass a health care bill in the Senate.  Ironic how the Senate seat once occupied by an icon for health care reform will soon be held by someone who can prevent the unpopular measure from becoming law.  Life and politics are full of irony. 

But, once again the American voter has spoken.  He/she must speak often, carry the proverbial big stick, and hold our political leaders accountable.  Otherwise, left unchecked and to their devices, they will perpetuate the free fall our country has been in. 

We, the voters, can effect term limits and vote out lifelong politicians.  Let us encourage one another to show Washington that we still recognize and have at our disposal the power of  the ballot box.  Let's continue to remind our political leaders that they cannot ignore us and to do so will be to their detriment.  Good job, Massachusetts, the state of champions (Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics --- sorry, had to throw that in).

America's Affinity for the Underdog

Perhaps it was due to our nation's attaining independence by vanquishing the great British army against all odds.  The historian David McCullough in his novel "1776" describes America's winning indpendence from Great Britian as nothing short of a miracle.  Mr. McCullough argues that the 1776 travails embodied so poignantly at Valley Forge, not the post 9/11 days, was America's darkest hour.

Likewise in sports, Americans like the underdog.  To name a few:

1.  the 1969 New York Jets upset over the highly favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III

2.  the 1969 New York "Miracle" Met shocking the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series

3.  the 1982 NCAA Championship NC State beating a highly favored Houston Courgars (Phi Slamma Jamma)

4.  the 1980 US Olympic hockey team's "Miracle on Ice" victory over the USSR

Historically, Americans have pulled for the underdog, those who prevail against great odds.   We are so blessed in our land that I pray we never forget the underdogs everywhere and root for them as many rooted for us during those dark days of 1776.

Is there an underdog in your midst who could use encouragement?  If so, encourage them so that they, too, can one day inspire another facing obstacles and great odds.  For we all are or have been underdogs at one point in our life.  It is in our nation's DNA. 

Annual Lunch with My Brother

For 30 years now, my oldest brother, Mike, and I get together for lunch.  It is our way to catch up and talk one-on-one which is hard to do when more members of the family gather at our parents' home in Hopewell, VA.

It is an annual tradition that has witnessed the change in both of us getting married, Mike's wife having 2 children, both of finishing graduate school, buying new homes, his children graduating from high school, their attending college, and moving into our 50's.  Today, we focused on the health of our aging parents which I'm sure is the concern of most 50-somethings.

Hard to believe that it has been 30 years.  At our first lunch, I promised Mike lunch at a fashionable Richmond restaurant which turned out to be McDonalds.  It was Mike's first year of teaching and I had just completed my 4-year Army enlistment.

Over the years, we have often discussed our parents, our marriages, our careers, and our childhood.  I am blessed to have a brother who commits time to our annual lunch.  As in the very 1st lunch 30 years ago when I promised Mike lunch at a fashionable Richmond eatery, today we ended up at Red Lobster since Bonefish, my recommended restaurant in Southside, was not open for lunch.

Nevertheless, we had good conversation in catching up.  The Lord willing, Mike, same time next year.

Eventful 1968

1968 was an eventful and historical year.  As a ten-year old, it was quite memorable on many fronts.  Key events that I remember include the following (not necessarily in chronological order):

1.  Tet offensive as most major US military installations in South Viet Nam were attacked
2.  Seizure of the USS Pueblo off the coast of North Korea
3.  Loss the USS Scorpion submarine at sea
4.  President Johnson announcing that he would not run for another term
5.  Martin Luther King assassinated in Memphis, TN (whose holiday we celebrate today)
6.  Robert F. Kennedy assassinated in Los Angeles, CA
7.  Beginning of Paris Peace Talks on Viet Nam
8.  Detroit Tigers come back from 3-1 game deficit to beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series
9.  Denny McClain winning 31 games
10.  New York Jets lose to the Oakland Raiders in the infamous "Heidi Bowl" game
11.  "Doris Day Show" and "Julia" starring Diahann Carroll air
12.  "Prague Spring" ends with the Soviet Union invading Czechoslavakia
13.  Apollo 8 circles the Moon on Christmas Eve and the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis
14.  Olympic track medalists John Carlos and Tommie Smith bow their heads and raise clenched black fists in protest during the playing of the National Anthem
15.  Richard M. Nixon elected next U.S. President beating Vice President Hubert Horatio Humphery in a very close election (my brother and I actually met and shook hands with the Vice President)
16.  Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis
I am sure that there are many more significant events that occurred during 1968.  These events left a lasting impression on me as to the suddeness with which the world and history can change and how in 42 years since '68 our nation has both changed and progressed.

Hollywood's assault on fathers

Over the years, there have been several TV shows that depicted fathers or men functioning as fathers as strong, moral, and supportive individuals.  My favorities included:

Fred McMurray in "My Three Sons"
Robert Young in "Father Knows Best"
Brian Keith in "Family Affair"
Dan Lauria in "The Wonder Years"

One could argue that these fatherly images were idyllic and somewhat unrealistic.  However, at least these portrayals provided role models for men to emulate. 

Gradually, though, Hollywood has painted fathers as bumbling and irresponsible individuals who are not qualified to lead a family.  "Married with Children" comes quickly to mind.

There are many socioeconomic reasons for the decline in our society.  I believe that the absence of fathers in single parent homes and abdication by many men of their fatherly roles have contributed greatly to the ills of today's society.

In the 90's, Judge Robert Bork wrote "Slouching Towards Gomorrah: Modern Liberalism and American Decline".  When interviewed by Larry King and asked if there were any signs of hope, Judge Bork cited the "The PromiseKeepers" movement as one source of revival and American men re-embracing their societal responsibilities. 

I know personally several men who are outstanding fathers.  I encourage them to continue being strong leaders in their families and roles models for other men.

Edmund G. Ross - A Profile In Courage

Many Americans have never heard of him.  I may have heard his name before in US history class but certainly forgot it.  Though he fought in the Civil War and served as the junior U.S. senator from Kansas, he is an obscure figure in our American history. 

Senator Ross was one of several men featured in John F. Kennedy's book "Profiles in Courage".   So, why was this obscure Kansan featured in a book about courageous men?  For a short bio on his life, click here.

For the complete list of the men featured in "Profiles in Courage", click here.

It was Senator Ross's vote that prevented the conviction of President Andrew Johnson.  While we read throughout history and today how key lawmakers trade their votes on legislation in exchange for financial largesse for their state or district, Senator Ross took a stand.  Regardless of how that vote impacted history, it was truly a lesson in courage and personal conviction.

Though there are different views as to why Senator Ross voted against Johnson's conviction, we do know this: his vote relegated Senator Ross to the back row of history.   What I find both encouraging and fascinating is that the man took a stand knowing full well that it would ruin his political career.  How many politicians today would be willing to do likewise?  Sadly, I think we all know that answer.

To all current and future political leaders, I exhort them to emulate Senator Ross's courage and convictions.  Take a stand and do what's right for the greater good, not oneself.  To the rest of us, I pray that if found in circumstances that challenge our courage that we look to the example set by Senator Ross and others featured in "Profiles in Courage".

"I am not a role model" -- Charles Barkley

Former NBA star Charles Barkley once uttered these words.  I beg to differ.  Whether athletes grasp this or not, they are role models, whether for good or ill.  Parents are role models for their children.  Supervisors are role models for their direct reports.  We all have role model responsibilities, even sports figures who are so visible in today's society. 

Here's an excerpt from Bob Costa's eloquent eulogy of the late, great Mickey Mantle (I know he was a Yankee). 

"Mickey Mantle had those dual qualities so seldom seen-exuding dynamism and excitement, but at the same time touching your heart-flawed, wounded. We knew there was something poignant about Mickey Mantle before we know what Poignant meant. We didn't just root for him, we felt for him.

Long before many of us ever cracked a serious book, we knew something about mythology as we watched Mickey Mantle run out a home run through the lengthening shadows of a late Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.

There was a greatness about him, but vulnerability too. He was our guy. When he was hot, we felt great. When he slumped or got hurt, we sagged a bit too. We tried to crease our caps like him; keel in an imaginary on-deck circle like him; run like him, heads down, elbows up."

I would say that the great Mickey Mantle was a role model.

Yes, our sport heroes are role models.  I just think that many have forgotten their social responsibility admid their wealth, fame, lavish lifestyles.

"In spite of everything...

I believe most people are good at heart."  -- Anne Frank, July 1944

This is a remarkable testament to a forgiving and understanding heart and spirit of a young girl.  I remember reading these words in 8th grade as our English class studied Anne Frank's diary.  I remember the sadness I felt to read of Anne's passing away just weeks before British troops liberated the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. 

A few years later, I visited the Anne Frank House in downtown Amsterdam.  I felt a sense being close to where so much injustice happened yet this young girl was not filled with hate toward others.  

She dreamed of one day becoming an author.  Little did she know that when she penned the poignant words to her diary, Anne Frank's writing would endure for generations to come. 

In search of another Frank Capra

I will admit to taking a film study course while in college.  It was offered during intercession, the 2-week break between the fall and spring semesters.  An intercessioner attended class 5 hours per day, 6 days per week for 2 weeks.  I saw it as easy way to earn 3 credit hours.

We watched about 4 films per day, listened to instructor lecture on the movies' historical background, and the main characters. In exchange, we had to write a paper on each movie as to its theme, meaning to use, etc. Talk about an easy 3 credit hours!

The course was a study on the films of Frank Capra and Preston Sturges.  I had never heard of them.  Nor had I seen any of their movies.  Of the two, I enjoyed the Capra films the most:  "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town", "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", "Lost Horizon", "Meet John Doe", "You Can't Take it Without", "It Happened One Night", and "It's A Wonderful Life". 

Capra had a recurring theme throughout this movies:  friendships were important; good wins out in the end; honesty was important; and, avoiding the sins of political corruption.  For a complete list of Capra's more popular movies, click here.

Capra saw movie making as his way to influence individuals, to remind them of simple and good values.  He felt a great burden and responsibiity toward those who attended the movie theatre.   He saw this as an opportunity to influence the audience with moral messages and values.

Many movie critics have sought to minimize Capra films as overly idealistic, preachy, and too sacrine.  Since that film class of many years ago, I have often bemoaned what Hollywood produces today: the violence, the corruption, and greed.  I believe our society and the generations since the Capra age have been unduly and negatively influenced by such movies and TV shows. 

Sadly, many producers do not take their role and responsibility as deeply as Frank Capra. 

Individual Hubris a/k/a pride or arrogance

Very few people I know like this quality in individuals.  While self-confidence and expertise is valued by our society, sometimes such qualities transcend into arrogance or pride. 

Success can be intoxicating and self-deluding.  Once it is achieved, the drive and hunger that pushed an indivdual to that level is often lost.  Sadly, many successful people forget their roots and those who helped them along the way.  Further, many are seduced by the acroutements of success and lose sight of what made them successful.  Hence, they fall and often hard and fast.

The Scriptures address pride often.  See Proverbs 11: 2 which reads: "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

So, like companies described in the "How the Mighty Fall", we as individuals can fall, too, as a result of "Hubris borne of success".  I pray that I, with the help of others, can keep my pride in check always.

"Hubris Borne of Success"

Hubris, originally a Greek word, is defined as excessive pride, presumption or arrogance.  In his book, "How the Mighty Fall" Stanford Professor Jim Collins cites this character flaw as one of several reasons why good and often great companies fail.   I recommend this to anyone who is interested in the history of once great companies such as Circuit City, A&P, Ames, etc. and how they fell.

This hubris can also apply to governments.  One can say that America's winning WWII and Cold Wars has fostered extraordinary hubris.  After all, we are supposedly the one remaining superpower yet our financial house is one built of cards, smoke, and mirrors.

The auto and newspaper industries are other examples of this hubris.  The leaders of this industry have failed to recognize and adjust to such major socioeconomic shifts brought on by higher oil prices, the internet, and changing consumer habits. 

Finally, we can often attribute hubris to our personal lives.  Our baby boom generation grew up feeling that lifetime employment and a comfortable retirement was not only guaranteed but a right.  All that changed with the "Great Recession" of 2008.

More on hubris tomorrow.

Monday's in a law firm

I find it quite interesting how on most Mondays, activity does not really pick up until after 2pm.  It is as if everyone spends the morning catching up each others' weekend, figuring out where they left off on Friday, and planning their week ahead.  It seems that e-mail traiffic picks up substantially after 2pm here at Hunton & Williams. 

Of Consultants and Motivational Speakers

Currently, I am listening to a Tom Peters' book entitled "Re-Imagine". Peters has co-authored much publicized books such as "In Search of Excellence" and "A Passion of Excellence". Suffice it to say that some of the companies featured in these works have either fallen on bad times or like, A&P, no longer exist.

This comes to my point about consultants, management experts, and motivational speakers: I question their value to organizations and whether they really make a lasting impact.

For example, I recall a few years back where a local church brought in a motivational speaker for the womens' ministry. The church worked very hard to publicize and promote the event. On event day, the church was packed with women. The mens ministry served coffee, snacks, and lunch. I understand that the speaker was well received. As I felt then and I feel today, I wonder if any woman who attended can cite what the speaker covered or point to anything that added value to their lives or even remember the speaker's name. I suspect not. Not to impugn this particular speaker, I feel this way about most such speakers: they give you a shot in the arm that serves as a temporary boost and go on to their next engagement rarely, if ever, checking back on their previous engagements' progress.

Consultants can be the same way. My experience with them is that they want come in and give you a PowerPoint presentation and, of course, charge you hefty fees for doing so. Typically, they want you to buy more of their services and products from their company.

This brings me back to Tom Peters' book. A lifelong consultant, author, and speaker who claims to spend 200 nights per year on the road, this book "Re-Imagine" is full of hype and some compelling points. When I asked our Executive Director about this book, he questioned its value and wondered if this was another Peters ' book written to maintain the author's lavish life style. Well, half way through the book, I have my answer. The book is all hype and my Executive Director's skepticsm was justified.

Now, I must decide whether to finish the "Re-Imagine" book or just pack it in as a bad choice.   I shudder to think how much this guy charges per speaking engagement which he admits typically features 100+ PowerPoint slides  -- yikes!

Finally, it is my belief that if a speaker or consultant cannot provide you with a tool or something that fosters a life-altering or mindset change that can be sustained in one's life, then avoid it like the H1N1 virus. Please remind me of this I ever tell you that I'm considering a career change to be a consultant or author of motivational material.

Anger Management in these high-tech times

It has been written of President Lincoln that he often vented displeasure by writing lengthy letters detailing his heartfelt emotions. However, unlike most he never mailed the majority of these rantings. Upon his death, a stack of letters marked "unsigned and unmailed" were found in his desk drawer.

In today's world, I have discovered that applying President Lincoln's approach to e-mail has prevented me recently from sending harsh and scathing e-mails.

In addition to walking away from my PC, I need to walk away from my desk and visit others and talk face-to-face with them. Plus, I need to avoid the "Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz" syndrome of launching diatribes and frustrations behind the safety curtain of my computer lest others begin to ignore "the man behind the" PC "curtain".

Too many ways to communicate - addendum

In my earlier blog, I failed to mention Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc. Social networking has also become a source for communications. When these individuals who grew up with social networking hit the workforce soon, there will be some interesting implications for the work culture. Will all meetings be virtual?

Perhaps our sociologists are already studying and contemplating the implications.

Too many ways to communicate

Instant Messaging, cell phones, cell phone voice mail, text messages, e-mail from PDA, e-mail from laptop, e-mail from desktop, VOIP, etc. After a while, this can cause one's head to spin. Eventually, will face-to-face discussions be the rare event in the communications realm?

I recall a day when I returned to the office from a meeting or lunch and scrolled through my phone messages and listened to voice mails. Eventually, people quit calling and started sending e-mail.

Now a days, I find myself having to check some of the devices/applications cited above to determine who is trying to communicate with me. At times, I have had urgent e-mail come in, someone texting me, someone IM'ing me, all simultaneously. Talk about the ultimate multi-task challenge!

Seriously, I truly feel that rendering the personal touch and developing the personal relationships have been greatly hindered due to the many wonderful technological advances we have seen. Like many of my colleagues, I do love this technology yet bemoan the long-term implications.

In the not too distant future, will grandparents sit down with their grandchildren and say "I used to talk or meet with people face-to-face" only to see their grandchildren express astonishment and ask why?

Another compelling and thought-provoking quote

One of my colleagues was so impressed with the quote about encouragement of which Todd spoke that she researched the individual who made that statement. To learn more about William Arthur Ward, just click on the title of the blog, above.

Here is another quote from him:
"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." -William Arthur Ward

To me, the quote begs the question which one are you?

Finally, I really like what the Chinese Proverbs said:
"Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

Why do we think the way we do?

Some people, like me, do not like to bring attention onto themselves. I would much rather write 100 blog posts as opposed to giving a public talk or presentation. But, for me, public speaking is part of the job at times.

Let's take birthdays. Mine happens to be Valentine's Day. While I typically don't tell folks that it is my birthday, I find myself somewhat irritated when others do not acknowledge my birthday. But, how can they when they either don't know or realize that I do not like attention???

Such conflicting differences put our colleagues at a disadvantage and in a no-win situations. Why do we think like this???

Then, we wonder why others do not understand us. Human feelings are so unpredictable and difficult to fully comprehend.

Nicknames in Sports

Perhaps due to my diminished reading of the daily sports page, I seem to see less and less of the descriptive and intriguing nick names of sports figures from the past.

Growing up and long before Chris Bermanisms, I remember how the Oakland A's had two pitchers with nick names that stood out: Jim "Catfish" Hunter" (he ran away from home, went fishing, and returned home with catfish) and John "Blue Moon" Odom (he also ran away from home and returned on a night that featured a blue moon). The nicknames fit like actual middle names and sports announcers typically referred to them by their nicknames. Even the Yankees had George "Doc" Medich who became an orthapedic surgeon after his playing days. In the 80's, my beloved RedSox had Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd owing to his penchant for drinking large quantities of beer which is referred to in his homestate of Louisiana as "oil".

In college football, Notre Dame feature Rahib "Rocket" Ismael who would propel out of the backfield like a rocket. His brother, who played for the University of Pittsburgh was dubbed "Missile"; and, their mother was given the honorary moniker of "Launch Pad".

Oh, those good 'ol days.....

Encouragement

I just returned from hearing a wonderful message (sermon) delivered to the Goochland Christian Fellowship by Pastor Todd Brooking. His message tonight was chocked full of nuggets of spiritual wisdom right from the Book of Hebrews.

Pastor Todd touched upon the importance of encouraging one another, particularly in a fellowship of believers. We Christians must encourage one another so that we can fulfill the "Great Commission" and make disciples of one another. As an example, Todd cited President Abraham Lincoln who carried on his person a newspaper article that supported him and his policies.

I found it extremely interesting that at the time of his death, President Lincoln had in possession that and other articles that must have served as a source of encouragement to him during those dark days of America's Civil War.

For a complete list of those items found on President Lincoln after he was assassinated, please click on this blog's title "Encouragement".

I really liked the quote the Todd shared on encouragement:
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.” -- William Arthur Ward

Thank you, Pastor Todd, for an uplifting and encouraging message!

Post-holiday visit to the malls - some observations

After I was able to find a few good buys at the mall, I settled down into a chair to wait for Lynn and began to watch the other shoppers. Sitting across from me was a young boy begging his mother for a dollar only to be turned down repeatedly. He did not give up but reduced the frequency of his begging.

Then, I caught a very interesting sight. Walking out of the store was a man proudly carrying his new ottoman high for other men to see and covet. It must have very light for he held it shoulder high almost like a trophy and walked with a skip in his step and a proud smile on his face. He must have been contemplating many hours of watching TV with his legs propped up, relaxing, and maybe catching a wink or two while resting his legs on the new ottoman. Yes, here was a proud man who was pleased that he ventured out into the post-holiday mall scene. Behind him, though, walked someone who seemed to be his wife. She wore a scowl on her face and walked as if she was hoping the man would come to his senses and return the ottoman. Perhaps she was contemplating the lost hours away from yard work, home repair and other man chores that would be lost on the ottoman. She may have regretted asking the husband to accompany her to the mall.

Last night, as I was relaxing on my couch and I realized that I do not own an ottoman on which to prop my feet. I thought of the man from the mall and wished I had asked him where he purchased the ottoman.

Dr. Charles Stanley on Forgiveness

As I lapse from time to time into anger and bitterness over what happened at Salem in 2009, this devotional and others from Dr. Stanley ministers to my heart.

October 2009 Devotionals - In Touch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley 2009

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New Year - a time for reflection and resoutions

First of all, Happy New Year! May 2010 be a healthy, blessed, and prosperous year for us all.

When I return to the gym on Monday, I suspect that as in previous years there will be new faces of those who have resolved to get in shape. Two years ago when I made that commitment to workout 3x per week, I got discouraged as I could never get to a machine either after work or during lunch time. I remember a young man in the gym encouraging me by saying something to the effect that by February, things would return to normal. He was right and I have seen this happen almost as an annual rite of passage.

Though I enjoy the less crowded gym, I hope that the new attendees do not get discouraged and resolve to stick with their New Year's resolution. It is one thing to resolve to do something, yet quite another thing to follow through.

May we all follow through on our resolutions for 2010.