The following is a excerpt from Colin Powell's book- It worked for me-
I encouraged all my subordinate commanders and staff to feel free to argue with me. My guidance was simple: " Disagree with me, do it with feeling, try to convince me are right and I am about to go down the wrong path. You owe that to me; that's why you are here. But don't be intimidated when I argue back.
A moment will come when I have heard enough and I make a decision. At that very instant, I expect you to execute my decision as if it was your idea. Don't damn the decision with faint praise, don't mumble under your breath- we now all move out together to get the job done. And don't argue with me anymore unless you have new information or I realized I goofed and come back to you.
Loyalty is disagreeing strongly, and loyalty is executing faithfully.
The decision is not about you or your ego; it is about gathering all the information, analyzing it, and trying to get the right answer.
I will still love you, so get mad and get over it."
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
EGO
For such a small word it has so much to do with your every day....EGO.
As I enter my latter half of my work career I am trying to look back and have a overview of the present. I am trying to learn and then trying to articulate what and why people react the way they do.
So many decisions and walls are made and built due to ego.
Most people have have a tough time letting things go or get very defensive.
It all gets in the way of learning and progressing forward.
In the end it should not matter who was right only that you all learn from the situation and think of ways to make it better.
It seems to me that people's ego always gets in the way. And for those that can not forgive and forget it is even worse. They usually create a wall and their answer then is to just work around the person or persons that they may have a difference of opinion with.
Nothing could be more wrong.
By heading the issue head on and talking honestly you can and will find a bridge and in the discussions will ultimately learn things. Maybe looking at it from another side is exactly what you need.
I find that in the heat of the moment it is difficult but in retrospect you usually can see the other side and by doing so find a solution and better process.
As adults living in the adult world you would think that this is a easy lesson but I truly believe that it our major problem in politics, business as well as in our society.
I fall prey to my ego just like everybody else but as I learn more and grow older I am trying to let it go more and simply forgive and learn from it.
I notice especially when the heat is on and the pressure mounts people have a tendency to look outside them selves to point blame or to find a crutch, I guess it is human nature.
Take a breath and look back at situations when you have a calm head and always try to find a bridge and a better way. You will be the better person for it.
(Easier said then done)
As I enter my latter half of my work career I am trying to look back and have a overview of the present. I am trying to learn and then trying to articulate what and why people react the way they do.
So many decisions and walls are made and built due to ego.
Most people have have a tough time letting things go or get very defensive.
It all gets in the way of learning and progressing forward.
In the end it should not matter who was right only that you all learn from the situation and think of ways to make it better.
It seems to me that people's ego always gets in the way. And for those that can not forgive and forget it is even worse. They usually create a wall and their answer then is to just work around the person or persons that they may have a difference of opinion with.
Nothing could be more wrong.
By heading the issue head on and talking honestly you can and will find a bridge and in the discussions will ultimately learn things. Maybe looking at it from another side is exactly what you need.
I find that in the heat of the moment it is difficult but in retrospect you usually can see the other side and by doing so find a solution and better process.
As adults living in the adult world you would think that this is a easy lesson but I truly believe that it our major problem in politics, business as well as in our society.
I fall prey to my ego just like everybody else but as I learn more and grow older I am trying to let it go more and simply forgive and learn from it.
I notice especially when the heat is on and the pressure mounts people have a tendency to look outside them selves to point blame or to find a crutch, I guess it is human nature.
Take a breath and look back at situations when you have a calm head and always try to find a bridge and a better way. You will be the better person for it.
(Easier said then done)
Friday, July 6, 2012
Why you do what you do
To the supervisor of Mr. Les Green,
During my recent move, the packing, loading, delivery, and unloading of my family's belongings was supervised and executed by Mr. Les Green. The reason I'm writing this email is to highlight the professionalism, respect, diligence, and proficiency demonstrated by Les throughout. Not only did he make me and my family feel comfortable about an otherwise stressful situation, his supervision of two separate crews ensured that they also created a very pleasant atmosphere for me and my family. In addition to the personal touch that Les provided, his professional performance is the finest I've witnessed during the conduct of over 10 PCS moves throughout my 19 years in the military. It is my sincere hope that Les be recognized for his efforts as it only serves to elevate the status and reputation of the entire Stewart Moving Company. Furthermore, Les should be heavily considered for more leadership opportunities in the future, as I'm certain he would excel. If you have an questions or require any amplifying information regarding this email, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter.
r/s LtCol, United States Marine Corps
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Some quotes on Dealing with People
You must look into other people as well as at them.
Kind words are the music of the world.
Arguing with a fool proves there are two
Success in life, in anything,
depends upon the number of persons
that one can make himself agreeable to
Let us believe neither half of the good people tell us of ourselves, nor half of the evil they say of others.
Never lose a chance of saying a kind word.
A good word is an easy obligation; but not to speak ill requires only our silence; which costs us nothing.
Kind words are the music of the world.
Arguing with a fool proves there are two
Success in life, in anything,
depends upon the number of persons
that one can make himself agreeable to
Let us believe neither half of the good people tell us of ourselves, nor half of the evil they say of others.
Never lose a chance of saying a kind word.
A good word is an easy obligation; but not to speak ill requires only our silence; which costs us nothing.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
HAPPY 4TH
Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
LOOK AT PEOPLE
My father in law is now in his 70's and is retired.
He worked full time since the age of 16, sometimes working two to three jobs at a time.
I have never met anyone who worked with my father in law that did not say what a nice man he was.
He was a man who not only was a good employee but a good leader.
I was at a party just the other night and a lady was saying how nice he was to work with and work for.
His secret was really no secret.
He looked at people and not around them.
No matter who you were he gave you his undivided attention and showed you that he cared.
If more people would take the time to care and look at people you would find that you not only gain friends you will be a better person and actually do better at your job.
Look- care- take an extra minute.....
How do you want people to remember you?
He worked full time since the age of 16, sometimes working two to three jobs at a time.
I have never met anyone who worked with my father in law that did not say what a nice man he was.
He was a man who not only was a good employee but a good leader.
I was at a party just the other night and a lady was saying how nice he was to work with and work for.
His secret was really no secret.
He looked at people and not around them.
No matter who you were he gave you his undivided attention and showed you that he cared.
If more people would take the time to care and look at people you would find that you not only gain friends you will be a better person and actually do better at your job.
Look- care- take an extra minute.....
How do you want people to remember you?
Monday, July 2, 2012
YOUR LIFE IS NOW
See the moon roll across the stars
See the seasons turn like a heart
Your father's days are lost to you
This is your time here to do what you will do
Your life is now your life is now your life is now
In this undiscovered moment
Lift your head up above the crowd
We could shake this world
If you would only show us how
Your life is now
Would you teach your children to tell the truth
Would you take the high road if you could choose
Do you believe you're a victim of a great compromise
'Cause I believe you could change your mind and change our lives
Would you teach your children to tell the truth
This is your time here to do what you will do
See the seasons turn like a heart
Your father's days are lost to you
This is your time here to do what you will do
Your life is now your life is now your life is now
In this undiscovered moment
Lift your head up above the crowd
We could shake this world
If you would only show us how
Your life is now
Would you teach your children to tell the truth
Would you take the high road if you could choose
Do you believe you're a victim of a great compromise
'Cause I believe you could change your mind and change our lives
Would you teach your children to tell the truth
This is your time here to do what you will do
John Mellencamp-- Your Life Is Now Lyrics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4KUmm0XsLY
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