Telling It Like It Is

THE ENTERPRISE-Thanksgiving Wishes

THE ENTERPRISE

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I thought it would be good to consider all of the things I should be thankful for...and as I started to list them all...I realized just how fortunate I was.  The point of this is not my list.  It's yours.  If you didn't make one, there is no time limit.  Start now. 

Some years ago when I was talking to the Covey Leadership Center about doing some work with them, they related an interesting survey they had done.  They asked people from countries all over the world to list the three things they were most thankful for. As you might imagine, a couple of the most commonly listed items were family/loved ones and good health/good fortune.

There was one surprising item that appeared on many of the foreign lists (where it was applicable) and none of the surveys done in the US.  What was that one item so appreciated around the world, but not here in the US?  FREEDOM.  Think about it.  To be able to speak freely; worship freely; move about the country freely; live where you want; accumulate personal wealth and keep it (well, some of it); communicate and form gatherings freely, and so on.

Perhaps freedom is like good health.  It is never so much appreciated than when it is lost or nearly lost.   So, on this Thanksgiving weekend.  Make your own list and be thankful, to God (or whatever Supreme Being you choose--because that too is a Freedom).  On this Thanksgiving, I also want thank all of those brave men and women who have served and who still serve in our Armed Forces, helping to protect our freedoms in the US, past and future (some of whom receive and read THE ENTERPRISE).

I hope this was a wonderful weekend for you and yours, and that you enjoyed it immensely.  Thanks to all those who read THE ENTERPRISE, and to the many who either praise it ... or challenge the positions I take in it.  The right to dissent openly is another of those freedoms.  The freedom to  express myself is one which I obviously cherish....but without readers...that too would be meaningless. 

Let's all pledge to make the next year the best we can make it...however each of us interprets that...so we can give thanks again next year for all of our blessings.  A Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Best, John

THE ENTERPRISE--A Lesson in Leadership & Teamwork

THE ENTERPRISE

A LESSON IN LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK
In case you were out of the country (or on some other planet), I should tell you that there was a very big college football game here in Columbus, OH this Saturday.  It was the Ohio State vs. Michigan game.  Normally this game is important because of the intense rivalry between OSU and Michigan.  Since it falls at the end of the season for both teams, it often decides who wins the Big Ten conference title.  That was the case this year, again.    But this year, going into the game, Ohio State was ranked no.  1 and Michigan was ranked no. 2 in the US in college football, which made it a de facto National Championship game, (but 51 days too early to fulfill the BCS --that's the Bowl Championship Series--criteria).

MOMENTUM CHANGES
But I assume most of you know all this.  By now, you may already know that Ohio State won the game 42-39, and led most of the way by 7-14 points.   Michigan, to its credit, never gave up and just kept coming back, closing in.  There was a point in the second half where Ohio State seemed to lose its momentum, and it looked like Michigan might catch Ohio State and blow past them.  Then something happened, and I'll tell you what it was.  But first some background is required.

THE COACH AND LAST RECRUIT
Ohio State has a coach (Jim Tressel) who does a superb job of teaching  football and developing the character of his young football players.  This is often not easy, since these superb young athletes frequently come from troubled backgrounds, experienced inner-city violence, and lack the normal values instilled during adolescent upbringing.  Jim Tressel recruited one of those inner city kids from Cleveland 5 years ago.   He was the last recruit that year, chosen because of his overall athleticism, not his particular qualifications at any position.

TROUBLES IN THE PAST--SOME DON'T MAKE IT
Over the first couple of years at OSU, this young man had his ups and downs, injuries and troubles.   He was suspended from a Bowl game a couple of years ago for taking money for a job that wasn't really a job at all, (from a misguided booster, who wasn't thinking about NCAA regulations and the consequences of his actions.)  Another young recruit in that class, Maurice Clarett became a "star" and an outstanding freshman running back on OSU's 2002 National Championship Team, but Coach Tressel couldn't work his magic on Clarett.  He attained stardom too young, continued to listen to the wrong influences (some from his inner city youth, and some from selfish outside interests).  Clarett went off track, way off track. He totally destroyed his chances at a professional football career, and he is now serving a 6+ year prison sentence.

THE LAST BECOMES THE BEST
The other recruit, the last one in the 'class" was "what happened" to OSU when it succeeded in an unbeaten season this year, including its 3rd win in a row over rival Michigan, and in the bowl game last year over Notre Dame.  That young recruit will likely win the Heisman trophy this year as the country's most outstanding college football player.  His name is Troy Smith.  You see, after Troy Smith's early troubles, he started to listen to Coach Tressel.  He didn't just listen; he "got it;" he became a real student of Tressel's philosophy and values, and of the game of football as Ohio State planned to play  it.

LEADERSHIP--IN ITS TRUEST SENSE
Most of all, what Troy Smith became was a LEADER WHO REFUSED TO LET HIS TEAM LOSE.  His team knew it and since he has been quarterback, they have almost never lost.  I contend it is because the team knows that with Troy at the quarterback position and leading the team on the field, they simply will not, cannot accept defeat.  What happened when OSU "went flat" in the 3rd quarter was that Troy clearly "spoke" to his teammates in the huddle, and I mean with considerable vigor and emotion. You couldn't hear the words on TV, but since 70% of communications in non-verbal, the message he was conveying was absolutely clear to anyone who's ever played team sports.  It was simply that he would not tolerate and would not permit the team to lose--and the team respects him, and he them, so much, that they immediately responded.  It was visibly evident.

IT TAKES TALENT TOO--BUT MORE THAN THAT
Sure, OSU has a wealth of talent, great coaching, a good game plan, and 105,000 rabid fans in the "Horseshoe." But the one thing that sets all winners apart is that talent needs a strong, passionate and talented leader.  I watched the post-game press conference.  The words spoken by the team captains, but especially by Troy Smith were unique.   Smith spoke about their hard work, preparation, focus and commitment. They all spoke about how they loved their teammates.  Over and over, Troy Smith emphasized how much HE loved his teammates.  And they spoke respectfully of a worthy opponent. in Michigan as a very good team  Most of all, they presented themselves in a way that must have made Coach Tressel as proud of them as he was of the victory.

WHO KNOWS HOW THIS WILL PLAY OUT--BUT IT WILL BE WITH "CLASS"
Living in Columbus, I get to see far more than the normal amounts of interviews with the OSU players and coaching staff--especially Coach Tressel and Troy Smith.  I am delighted that the team won.   I am even more delighted with the way the leaders of the team--especially its Coach and its field leader, Troy Smith conducted themselves.  In today's media crazy, "I'm out for myself" world it was incredibly refreshing--and encouraging.   Whatever happens in the "official" national Championship game on Jan. 8, tonight was a "National Championship" ...of how a coach and his team goes about winning.

And it was one hell of a game,

Best, John

PS:  One last thought--on current events:
IT'S HARDER TO GOVERN THAN TO CRITICIZE
If there was a theme to the past week+, the first one since the Democrats won control of Congress, is that it's much harder to govern (and solve problems) than it is to criticize those who are doing it.   Now "the shoe is on the other foot," and the foot is perilously close to being in the mouth of those who thought they could do better.  Time will tell.  I hope something good happens--BI-PARTISANLY!

THE ENTERPRISE--Election Time Lessons

THE ENTERPRISE

WHAT HAPPENED?
There has been plenty said and written about the elections' outcome.  Here's the summary:  Democracy worked.  The majority of the voters did not like the directions and actions taken by many incumbents, so they elected different ones.  Time will tell whether the wave of new (more conservative) Democrats in Congress can make a difference when the key committee leadership spots are filled with the older, more liberal party members.  It makes me nervous--but hopeful.

MISBEHAVIOR AND HUBRIS GOT WHAT WAS DESERVED
When legislators don't "walk the talk" and get power hungry and self-serving, they get thrown out.  Some good ones (GOP-ers) went down with the ones who deserved it. (e.g., OH Sen. Mike Dewine)  The Bush administration's new found attitude is about 2 years late; replacing Rumsfeld after the mistakes in Iraq became apparent would have been more timely, albeit more difficult then. Bush "stayed the course" too rigidly and too long.  He gets an A in fortitude and an F in relationship building--domestically and internationally.   President Bush's economic plan (cut taxes) worked, but his failure to veto runaway spending was deplorable.  Now he is humbler.  Let's see if he is wiser.

WHAT TO DO NOW?
What should Republicans do now?  Learn humility and learn how to govern without the majority.  Earn respect again.  An old (wise) friend of mine always told me that the US works better with a Democratic Congress and a Republican President--one who's not afraid to use his veto pen.  We'll see if he's still right.  At least the initial talk is refreshingly positive.  I wonder how long before it deteriorates to a trench fight again.  I sure hope they ALL mean it when they say they want to collaborate and find common ground to deal with America's problems.

NEGATIVITY & MONEY--RICHEST AMERICANS=DEMOCRATS
The negativity of the political campaigns certainly turned off many voters.  Perhaps it will be a turning point, and future candidates will advertise to tell us what they stand for and plan to do instead of slinging mud at their opponents.  On the topic of wealth, expect tax increases on the wealthiest Americans--but ironically, those are Democrats more often than Republicans.  Check it out for yourself if you don't believe that.  Start with George Soros and Warren Buffett.

THE BEST THINGS I READ "POUND FOR POUND"
Many people have asked what I read or where I get info, and this topic is particularly suitable as publishers are offering deals that let people sign up friends at discount rates.
Here are my "pound for pound" favorites for busy people:
--Kiplinger Forecasts  http://www.kiplingerforecasts.com/  comes weekly, either in paper or on-line.  It's a bit pricey but full of good content--arguably the best I get--and well worth the cost.
--The Week  http://theweekmagazine.com/ which is sort of a "Readers Digest" of current affairs across the board.  Just enough of differing perspectives on a wide array of topics and very thin, so it won't overload the briefcase when traveling.

FOR DEPTH AND BREADTH
Some people favor the New York Times, but it is still too liberal for my taste.  I prefer the Wall Street Journal, which is somewhat narrower in content (and more conservative).  I get all my sports news on-line anyway. (Entertainment and celebrity news is so pervasive, I get it everywhere, whether I want it or not.) For business topics, Fortune still wins.  Its writers are better and its fact checking is solid. (Unlike Business Week, which has great features and marginal side stories that are often full of flaws, and Forbes, which is uneven in its content and quality--one week great, one week awful.)

FOR FUN AND INFO
Stratfor http://www.stratfor.com is a great source of  deep "Intel" at $100/yr.   Fast Company is fun, sometimes insightful, often irreverent or visually "spicy," and a bargain at a $10 subscription price.  Business 2.0 is variable in quality--one issue is great, the next hits the wastebasket quickly.  After those, only "specialty" magazines make it for me--Consumer Reports (what to buy, or not), Automobile (I love cars), Popular Science (far out stuff, but fun), and Cowboys & Indians (I love the Southwestern US and long for the simpler times).  Golf World is hands down the best golf magazine--few tips to confuse me--just great news and stories for serious golf enthusiasts.   Bottom Line-Personal  is full of useful snippets.  And of course, MacWorld...for us Mac users.

ELECTRONIC MEDIA
Fox News still gets my vote for most times, but Glenn Beck on CNN (and on the radio--when he isn't getting too wild), and Joe Scarborough on CNBC still get my attention. Tim Russert is arguably the best network-affiliated news person today--sometimes biased, sometimes not--but always incisive and insightful  Other network news: forget it.

FIVE ELECTION-TIME LESSONS FOR BUSINESS AND LIFE
There are profound lessons for business and life from the recent political arena.
First, "do your homework--diligently."  I've had this one bite me every time I didn't prepare.   Bush certainly had it bite him, with Iraq and several other issues (e.g., Dubai port management).
Second, "surround yourself with the best people--but seek dissenting viewpoints--and listen up."  Getting mired in the "we're right and everyone else is wrong" mentality is a sure way to fail miserably.
Third, "Do the right thing, no matter how hard, whether anyone is watching or not."  Everyone is a leader, by their actions if not by their words (or role in life or work).   Somebody is always watching and eventually, you will get caught.  Make sure you get caught doing the right things.
Fourth, Remember that "what goes around, comes around."  The Bible says (paraphrasing) 'he who is last shall be first and he who is first shall be last."  When you are on top, there is only one way to go--down.  And when you go down, hope you behaved well when you were on top, because everything in your future will depend on that.
Finally--Help others and see the best in others.
Click on this link or load it into your browser and watch this.
A MUST WATCH VIDEO:   <http://www.teachermovie.com/>http://www.TeacherMovie.com

I hope THE ENTERPRISE helps you.  Have a great week.

Best, John

THE ENTERPRISE--Get out there and vote!

THE ENTERPRISE

Elections are coming next Tuesday.  The deadline for absentee ballots is past.  If you have not voted already, please get out to the polls Tuesday and take advantage of this wonderful right, and fulfill this large responsibility.  These choices will shape YOUR future.  Here's the landscape as I see it.   Let's cover the overall situation, some wonderful thoughts on "authentic leadership" and the "consequences" of Americans making the "wrong" choices at the polls.

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME
John Kerry is back in the news with his foot in his liberal mouth, licking the self-inflicted wound.  He committed the ultimate sin of a politician. He said what he really thinks, and what his party really thinks.  Scary, huh?  Brilliant writer, professor and thinker Thomas Sowell of the Hoover Institution authored a wonderful column entitled: "Voters should make sure they know the consequences..."   
----One notable quote:   "Contrary to what you might think from the way media cover politics, elections are not about the careers of politicians but about the fate of the country.  This fate is definitely on the line now..."

WHAT ARE CONDITIONS LIKE NOW?
1. The economy and the stock market are both up, and more than a little.
2. Employment is up, unemployment down, and if the media would just report the news, instead of spin it negative to try damaging the Bush administration, the mood of the country would be much better.
3. The budget deficit is down in spite of Congress spending way too much, and in spite of Bush inspired spending on the Iraq debacle.  The Bush tax cuts have done the job, stimulated the economy, and reduced the deficit, in spite of the runaway spending.
4. The stage is set for the US to pull back in Iraq, and the public is clamoring for it.  While things are not as bad over there as the media shows, the US has done all  it can, and it is time to turn things over to the Iraqis and let them run their own country--whatever that means.5
5. The BIG problems remain:  Gridlock  in Congress (this election won't fix that!); Social Security (although it is OK until about 2040),  Medicare (a much bigger problem) and our messed up Health Care System; Immigration (the fence is a symbolic, but not effective solution)  and most of all, Energy Independence--a critical need for our country's future.
6. Islamic Terrorism  is still a huge problem for the US and Europe.  The US needs to quit wasting money in Iraq and other countries propping up weak, ineffective leaders and re-direct it to a whole new method of fighting global terrorism--focused, clandestine (that'll drive the NY Times crazy), guerrilla warfare according to the terrorist's rules (none) instead of the Geneva Conventions.

With that backdrop of world events, we need new leaders in our country and our Congress.  Note that I did not say we needed new members of Congress.   We need leaders.  In a brilliant column in US News & World Report, Bill George writes on "Truly Authentic Leadership," 
----"The problem isn't the lack of  potential leaders, however, but a wrongheaded notion of what exactly a leader is. ...The only valid test of a leader is his or her ability to bring people together to achieve sustained results over time."
That's a good statement of what we need in our elected leaders.  We need real bi-partisanship, not bogus horse-trading of pork barrel goodies.  George goes on to define authentic leadership more fully:
---"Authentic leaders know the "true north" of their moral compass and are prepared to stay the course despite challenges and disappointments.  They are more concerned about serving others than their own success of recognition."
He then lists five traits authentic leaders demonstrate:
1) Pursuing their purpose with passion
2) Practicing solid values
3) Leading with their hearts as well as their heads
4) Establishing connected relationship
5) Demonstrating self-discipline
This is a great list and a great article (US news, Oct. 30, 2006 pp. 52-54).  I think President George Bush scores pretty well on this list, in spite of his missteps, and those of his organization.

HALLOWEEN AND OTHER SCARY THINGS
Halloween just passed, but there are still scary goblins and gremlins out there:   
--Scary Thing no. 1--the "economy, stupid": If the Democrats gain control of the House (likely) and the Senate (possible) some scary things happen in the USA.  First of all, they have no plan other than to undo what has been done in the past 6 years that led to the current economic well-being of the country.   Watch and plan accordingly!
--Scary Think no. 2--the new "leadership":  If you aren't frightened at the prospect of Nancy Pelosi two heartbeats from the Presidency and major committees led by Ted Kennedy (ask Mary Jo Kopechne's family about him), Harry Reid ("dirty Harry" whose Vegas graft is unimaginable and just now being disclosed), Charles Rangle (how much more extremely liberal could he be?) and that entire gang of "we don't have a plan, our plan is to oppose Bush" Democrats.
--Scary Thing no. 3--the "appeasers" in charge:  We  can expect the Kerry led pacifists and appeasers to mistakenly think the Islamic terrorists and French nationalists are our friends--how wrong that could be?  And who will stand up to Iran, North Korea, the Taliban, Hezbollah, and so forth?  Howard Dean?

BOTTOM LINE; NEW LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED IN WASHINGTON
It's time for the GOP to find a new wave of leaders in Congress and the Senate, regardless of who holds the majority.  It's time to start thinking about who will lead our country in the White House from 2008 forward.   Don't tell me Hillary or McCain.  Think new leadership.  Think strong leadership.  I'm reading what Barack Obama believes in his book.   He's still a bit too much of a Democrat to suit my politics, but at least he talks about bi-partisan efforts, and inspires confidence in people.  Right now, look hard at Mitt Romney.  He's got better credentials by far than Obama (governors learn to govern, Senators learn to debate, analyze and horse-trade).  Romney has also done much more in his career and has broader and deeper experience of all sorts.

However the election comes out, let me leave you with two quotes.  An inspiring one from Bill George and a scary one from Thomas Sowell.

George closes his article with this:
---No individual achievement can equal the pleasure of leading a group of people to achieve a worthy goal.   When you cross the finish line together, there's a deep satisfaction that it was your leadership that made the difference.  There's simply nothing that can compare with that."

Sowell closes with this one (after noting that Nancy Pelosi voted against EVERY positive solution on immigration, on tax policy, on cutting waste in welfare spending, on tracking terrorists use of international phone calls to plan attacks, and she wants to give captured terrorists more rights than even the Geneva Convention gives them): 
---"This from someone who, as speaker of the House, would be two heartbeats away from becoming the President of the United States.  We can only hope that the president and vice president never travel in the same car or fly on the same plane."

Now get out there and vote on Tuesday!  Be a real American!

Best, John.