Leading Through Chaos

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”  When Charles Dickens penned those words in 1859, he had no way to know he would be describing our world in 2020.

To say this is a unique time in history, is a massive understatement but with the chaos brought on by Covid-19, it is also a time of great opportunity.  The true metal of leadership is not known in the good times. True leadership is demonstrated in and through chaos.  In no way do I claim to have all the answers, but as I consider the impact of leadership in our world today, three essential elements come to mind.

A leader must REACT.  No one could have dreamed how quickly our world would change 3 weeks ago.  While leaders should plan for bad times, planning for the impossible is, well, impossible.  So a leader must react and react quickly.  Plan on the fly, determine your options, choose the best one but be willing to change.  One thing a leader can’t do, is nothing! Failure to act can become a calamity.  Your team needs you.  Your team is watching you and in this case, their very livelihoods depend on you.  Don’t get caught in fear of unknown. Take action and work to a solution.

A leader must ANTICIPATE.  Your plan won’t be perfect. Fine.  Anticipate what the next obstacle will be. Anticipate what impact there will be to those you lead. Anticipate the their fears, doubt and unbelief. Most importantly, anticipate their questions.  No one expects the leader to have all the answers. They do expect the leader to ask questions and then listen. Your aren’t in this alone. You have a team waiting to jump in and help. They just need you to lead with anticipation.  Anticipation you will get through. Anticipation your plan will work. Anticipation you will look back on lessons learn and be proud of how you led.

A leader must COMMUNICATE.  I’m not talking about cheerleading and platitudes. No, I’m talking about real, authentic communication.  In yesteryear, leaders were expected to be tough and show no emotion.  That ship capsized long ago.  Today, leaders are expected to be genuine.  It’s ok to show emotion, ok to show fear and uncertainty. Not ok to stay focused on them.  Be open with your team about your feelings and the enormity of your tasks but always communicate confidence!   Confidence in your plan. Confidence in your people and confidence together you will get through the chaos.

In times of chaos, too many leaders revert to a hierarchical style leadership.  Huge mistake!  Too often the leader has been too far removed from boots on the ground to have all the answers.  Chaos is a time to turn to your team, listen to your team and depend on your team. Give them your vision and let them execute.  You will be surprise what you all accomplish together. 

Are There Still Giants Among Us?

Recently, several people from my parent’s generation have passed. To the casual observer, these were just ordinary folks. Had you passed them on the street, nothing about them would have stood out.  However, if you looked into their lives, you would find many of them were legends.  No, their accomplishments weren’t listed in newspapers and magazines. There wasn’t mention of political correctness. They didn’t receive awards or recognition, in this life; but that’s what made them giants.  They went about their daily lives in a non-spectacular fashion. They gave a hard-day’s work for a day’s pay. They were committed to their country, churches, local communities and families.  They served others and served God.  They didn’t expect handouts or government assistance. They believed you earned what you received.   Many served our country during wartime, yet were humbled by the responsibility.

When I look to subsequent generations and the culture of today, it gives me pause.  When I hear younger people squeal about this country owing them, it’s cause for concern. It’s become cliche to complain and expect someone else to carry the burden. Too many expect this country to do something for them, instead of exploring what they can do for this country. When the marriage rate is declining, while divorce rate is growing, it reveals a lack of commitment to each other. When churches have to create an almost circus-like atmosphere to boost attendance, it shows a lack of accountability to a higher power.  When presidential candidates want to “fundamentally change” this great country to a form of government that has lead to other country’s demise, I tremble in fear.

At a recent funeral, a friend told me it’s time for my generation to stand up.  I couldn’t agree more but  when I look around, I wonder, as the old Merle Haggard song goes, “Are the Good Times Really Over for Good?”  Are there still giants among us?  I believe there are and hope they will stand up.

Hebrews 12: 1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses....”

How Do You Feel About America?

Let's play a game.  I'll give you some descriptors and you see if you can identify the country.

* Culturally and racially diverse
* Home of some of the top universities in the world
* Has the most powerful military in the world
* Ranked 7th best country for education (US News and World Report)
* Ranked Most Influential Country in the world ( US News and World Report)
* Ranked Mot Generous Country in the world ( CNN Dec 2015)
* Give more to charity, per capital & as a percentage of GDP than citizens of any other country (Forbes)

If you listen to all the negative news coming from main-stream media, you would never guess America is the country I just described.  We live in a country today where the MSM, political pundits,  establishment class and sadly, many university students have made it in vogue to complain about this great country we have the good fortune to live in. To hear the elites tell the story America is a place no one would want to live, yet we have an illegal immigration problem.  A country where celebrities claim they will leave if their candidate doesn'twin an election, yet never follow through on that promise.

I am tired of all the nonsense and apology tours about America.  In the 200+ short years we have been a country, we have done more to improve the lives of citizens of the world than any country in history!  When trouble comes to any nation, America is looked to as the one who will provide the most assistance.  When brutal dictators kill innocents, it's America the world looks to for resolution.  America is a great country no matter how much it pains elite snowflakes to say it!

Many complain about the condition of our country yet do nothing to change it.  I'm done with that nonsense.  Today, I make a decision to be a PROUD AMERICAN.  I'll wear an American lapel pin proudly. I stand for the National Anthem and openly shame you if you don't do the same.  America is still the "shining city on a hill" and I will never apologize for her. I hope others will join me in being a proud American today.  I close with the words from the late Meryl Haggard, "If your talking about my country hoss, you're walking on the fightin side of me."

3 Things GOP must do....

As the 2016 race for the White House heats up, I'm afraid the GOP is not listening or learning.  I know we won big in the 2014 mid-terms but that is in the past and we need to be focused on the future.  I know I'm not a big-time politico but in spite of what the Establishment of both parties want you to think, this stuff isn't rocket science.  Don't believe me? Just look at some of the folks who serve in Congress....(Pelosi just popped in my head).  Here's the deal.  If the GOP wants to win, they must do three very basic things:

1) Learn who your friends are- Newsflash GOP! The mainstream media does not like you and does not want you to win.  CNN, MSNBC, ABC and CBS don't care about your ideas or the truth. If they did, Obama wouldn't have been elected the last two elections. They refuse to address the scandals of this Administration. They don't care the IRS treats conservative unfairly. They don't care Bergdahl was likely a traitor and yet we gave up terrorist in exchange for his release. They don't care border patrol agents were killed with guns from Fast & Furious. They are defenders of a liberal agenda and this President ,so quit trying to cozy up to them! This brings me to my next point.

2) Ignore Obama!  I know he is the President but he is done. Learn from Joni Ernst and her rebuttal to the SOTU speech.  She welcome his thoughts and then promptly ignored him and spoke directly to the American people.  She outlined what she believes Republicans are going to try and accomplish. Obama likes nothing more than to bait you into fighting with him! It keeps you from accomplishing anything and gives him more press time. Stop it! Pass legislation, put it on his desk and dare him to veto it.  IF he does, go back to Congress and work to get votes to override the veto.  Let that happen a couple of times and he will stop. Even if you can't get votes to override veto, it shows the American people the truth about this President and many in the Democratic party. It shows who is obstructing progress. Finally....

3) Stay on message- I probably should start with actually get a message as we keep hearing different things from Republicans. You don't have to respond to everything the President says.  The American people elected you to STOP the President's liberal agenda. Do it!  Talk about cutting individual taxes, reducing corporate taxes to make us more competitive, reducing the size of government, getting us out of debt and eliminating fraud.  These are things main-street Americans know and understand.  Come out every day and outline what you did, that day, to stop the President's agenda and help the American people.  Talk about how you are focused on protecting our homeland and fighting radical Islamics. Call it what it is and the American people will rally around you. Ignore the daily polls. The one that mattered happened in November 2014 and you WON!

I know it may sound overly simplistic but I guarantee you it will work and 2016 is yours for the taking.  Continue on your drunken-sailor path, allowing liberals to define you and good luck winning the White House.

The Case for Ted Cruz

Quick. Name the top three senators, most likely to be viewed negatively, by the mainstream media, all Democrats and even a substantial number of Republicans.  I am betting one name consistently pops up on everyone’s list and that is Senator Ted Cruz.  His willingness to say what’s on his mind and even put his thumb in the eye of the Republican establishment makes one either love him or hate him.  There is no middle ground when it comes to how folks feel about Ted Cruz.   A few comments from Republicans about Cruz’s efforts to force a vote on President Obama’s executive action on immigration make my point:

“I don’t see any goal other than irritating a lot of people”- Sen. Orrin Hatch

“I failed to see what conservative ends were achieved”- Sen. Jeff Flake

“Very unfortunate and counterproductive” –Sen. Susan Collins

“His move is a problem not a strategy- Sen. Johnny Isakson

With friends like this, who needs enemies?  Fortunately, Ted Cruz isn’t looking for new friends.  In a 2013 interview with ABC’s Jon Karl, Ted Cruz said, “And, you know, I’m not serving in office because I desperately needed 99 new friends in the U.S. Senate.”  This simple statement exposes a lot about Cruz’s mindset and it’s something I believe most of his Republican colleagues would do well to learn.  Ted Cruz is serving the people who elected him to office! I know that’s a novel idea but the facts speak for themselves.  Public Policy Polling on April 17, 2014 showed Cruz had a better net approval rating in Texas than both Rick Perry and John Cornyn at +12, with 47% of voters approving him.  It seems the more Cruz ticks off the old guard of the Republican Party, the more he endears himself to those who voted him into office.  I would suggest, Republicans would do well to take a break from criticizing him and work with him for a better 2016!

Here is the case for the man, sarcastically referred to by liberal stalwart, Bob Beckel as “my man Teddy Cruz.”  If you look back in history, many of Republican’s greatest victories came when they not only campaigned to change things but, once elected, actually worked to make that change.  Let’s look at a couple of examples:

Reagan Revolution- Ronald Reagan campaigned on a brighter future for America.  After President Carter had spent most of his term bowing to foreign leaders (sound familiar), with a let’s just  “go along to get along” mentality, the American people were ready for someone to take a stand for America! Enter Ronald Reagan, who soundly defeated Jimmy Carter by establishing confidence in the American dream; promising America’s better days were still ahead and making it popular to have pride in America. If Reagan’s defeat of Carter was big, it was nothing compared to four years later when he trounced Walter Mondale, receiving the highest number of electoral votes ever received by a presidential candidate.  Reagan enjoyed success because he did what he promised the American people he would do.

Contract With America- Even with a hugely popular President Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich felt Republicans could win big, if they promised the American people they would take action on specific legislation.  In the 1994 mid-term election, Republicans gained the majority of seats in the 104^th Congress.  The consummate politician, Bill Clinton, understood the voice of the voters, compromised with the Congress and moved to the center, in order to achieve great legislative success. This was done because Republicans did what they promised voters they would do.

Ted Cruz was elected to stand for the American people and specifically the voters of Texas.  His recent efforts show his willingness to suffer ridicule by the Establishment, as long as he is doing what the voters elected him to do.  A recent Bloomberg poll reveals 56% of respondents disapprove of President Obama taking executive action to deal with illegal immigration, with only 39% approving.  Ted Cruz heard the voters and is doing what he promised.  Republicans argue they don’t have the votes to stop Obama, so they cave to his wishes.  I would argue, it doesn’t matter if you have the votes to stop him…. try anyway! If you fail to stop him but can show you tried, the results are on Obama and Democrats.  If Democrats ram their policies through, over your objections, you can campaign on the fact you tried. The American voters are tired of a “go along, get along” group of Republicans and they elected conservatives en mass in November to STOP Obama and the Democrats.  Republicans would be well served to stop attacking Ted Cruz and other conservatives and join forces with them.  Let the American people see you stand for something, get your message out and 2016 will be impressive!

Making A Difference in School Year

All across this country there is wailing and gnashing of teeth, as another summer comes to an end and another school year starts.  I still have one in college but it's been a few years since we had to experience the angst that comes with school age kids.  Here are a few Common Man tips that seemed to work well:

1.  Make school a positive experience! Get your kids excited about making new friends and learning new things. The more positive the parents, the more positive the kids.

2.  Know your kids teachers.  Do more than just go to "meet the teacher" night.  Really do what you can to get to know the teacher.  The more you show interest in the teacher, as an individual, the better results your kids will experience. Remember, the teacher will be shaping your child's thought processes, so best to know how they think.

3.  Get involved!  Volunteer for the PTA and other school activities, donate your time & money.  Know the administrators of your child's school and the school board.  The more you are involved, the more influence you have on issues.

4.  Have your child's back.  Overall, the school will do a great job but in those rare occasions where they mess up, don't let it slide.  Get all the facts and then address the issue with the teacher and/or administrators. (Be careful because Little Johnny doesn't always tell the truth). Your kids must know you will stand up for them.

5.  Show interest!  Take the time to let your kids tell you about their day.  LISTEN to them, let them vent in a positive manner, help with their homework, know what they are being taught.  You are the parent after all.

I was by no means a perfect parent and recognize there are great improvements needed in our education system but these tips helped my kids have great school years.  Most teachers are hard-working and sincerely want to be a positive influence in your kid's lives.  Support them!  When you do encounter a knucklehead teacher....deal with them and get results.

And now your news for the day:

*  Another company looking to leave USA due to high corporate taxes:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonhartley/2014/08/25/burger-kings-tax-inversion-and-canadas-favorable-corporate-tax-rates/

*  Uh oh....dumb criminal alert:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/facebook/ice-bucket-challenge-arrest-456730

*  Interesting facts about education system:

http://dailysignal.com/2014/08/25/4-charts-every-mom-kids-going-back-school-see/

*  Ann Coulter with the facts:

http://dailycaller.com/2014/08/20/no-facts-no-peace/

Optimism of Opportunity

Ok, I admit, the titel is not original with me....I read it today and it served as my inspiration for this edition:)

Every news report you see, hear or read reminds us of all the problems our world is facing. Unemployment is above 8%, price of gas is $4.00/gallon, homes are being foreclosed on in record numbers, our government is engaged in grid-lock, wars and rumors of wars, on and on it goes! It is no wonder more Americans are depressed and upset than ever before. But, what if we just have the wrong perspective? What if we quit focusing on ourselves and our problems long enough to focus on the postive? What if, we...you and I, need to stop with all the pessimism and realize there is a certain Optimism of Opportunity? Following are a few areas I believe we have an opportunity to be optimistic.Let me show you what I mean....

Government: At the risk of being Captain Obvious, let me point out we are in an election cycle. It is very easy to complain because our politicians are doing nothing. Easy to think nothing will change and they aren't listening to the people. Easy to believe that "little ole you" can do anything about the stalemate of our government. Here is an area with much Optimism of Opportunity! In an era where every vote counts, if you ever want a politician to listen, you have that chance now! So quit just setting around complaining and get involved! Call them, email them, get to know what they stand for.... campaign for or against them, contribute your time and/or money and watch what happens! Trust me, we have an opportunity to change how things are doing in our States and in Washington DC but we have to be optimistic and make our voices heard. I'm optimistic we recognize we have no right to complain, if we do nothing!

Families: we have too many single-parent homes, too many selfish parents thinking only of themselves, too many willing to just let kids raise themselves while mom and dad go do their own thing. Look at the statistics and it can be depressing! But, let's look at the opportunity for optimism. What if parents refused to let Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton and others be the example for their kids and the parents were roll models instead of worried about being "friends?" As parents we have the greatest opportunity to instill a strong work-ethic, strong morals and demonstrate integrity than anyone else. Let's quit letting "society" shape our kids and the future of this great country and be REAL parents! Think about what would happen, if we spent more time talking to our kids, listening to their challenges and helping them work through their problems. I'm pretty optimistic we have an opportunity to make a difference and would be shocked at the result.

Churches: I may get in trouble on this one but here goes:) How many times to we spend a few hours in church each week hearing about how bad our world is and then leave and do nothing to change it? It's easy to carry our big family bibles (oops I forgot, we all have the a Bible app now so no need for that) and think about how much of a Christian we are and can't believe all the "heathens" in our world:) Can I get an "amen" somebody? I think we can all agree we have a reason to be optimistic about our opportunity here! How about we do more than argue our "religious" beliefs and actually put them into practice? Visit some family who is down on their luck and buy them dinner. Find some teenager from a broken home and show them you care! Don't be so quick to point out how someone doesn't line up to your concept of what a "christian" is and show them the life of a REAL Christian." How about show the love of the God you supposedly worship, instead of acting like you are "God's gift the world?" Remember..."such were some of you...." You see, we have many reasons to be optimistic about our opportunity to show the love of Christ to someone who is hurting!"

I could go on but you have probably quit reading by now anyway and you get the point:) Maybe you don't agree and that's ok. I get upset about many of the same things we all do but just reading that simple phrase today made me think just a little about being more OPTIMISTIC! I say, it can't hurt!