A good Tuesday to everyone, and hopefully you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and took time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can do what we do.
What I’ve Learned So Far
Moving is a pain no matter how many times you do it, but this latest one was the largest and most complicated by far. Couple that with part of a load in and load out being in a monsoon- where nothing goes well- and it was the most stressful yet. Therefore, the blog today is a little late and a little less lesson-oriented. I’m still looking for my keyboard, printer, socks, alarm clock…
Four Things I’ve Learned, or Re-Learned
- Leadership can and does happen in all formats and within all scenarios. It happens when you work with movers, with guys carrying in your wordly goods. It happens when you interact with the cable company- any cable company- all of which have customer service and reliability reputations that rival U.S. Congress. Therefore, leadership is leadership. It’s not just as CEO or in leading a platoon into battle.
2. I’m surprised that so many politicians-particularly those at the local level, our neighbors and friends who we know and personally supported and voted for and gave money to and espoused their talents-say all the right things to get elected, then revert to traditional, stereotypical politicians. I’ve never run for office, and never held any elected position other than that of President of a state association or Chair of a committee or group of Regents at a management school. So, I can’t say what goes on behind closed doors with elected officials, but I wonder if there is a book or set of rules somewhere that says, “Once you’re elected, you are to exhibit certain behavioral traits.”
3. Local politicians too often are fearful of people who know more than they do. I don’t understand that. A fundamental leadership tenant that I wholly subscribe to says to surround yourself with the best, brightest, smartest, most experienced people you can. When I was Director of large departments, I would scout the bright, sharp employees and make sure they were included in the inner circle. They would get important projects. I didn’t care what position they held, I wanted them involved. We got more done, and more good things done, by making sure the smartest people were doing them. I’ve learned that at the national level, the local level, even the non-profit Board level, bringing in smart people to help is rarely done. “They might know more than me, and I’m the one that was elected” mentality just penalizes all of us. I don’t understand it, but I’ve certainly learned that it is an axiom regarding many elected officials.
4. The great majority of appointed officials at the local level have, as their #1 priority, keeping their job. Doing whatever they are told, regardless of the sensibility of doing it. Never challenging or questioning the directives they are given. In short, being “yes men.” I always knew that happened a lot at that level, and part of the job is to do what you are told to do. As a former military officer, I respect and agree with that. But I also know that in the military, three separate course of action are expected for every operation. In other words, have at least three options on how to do something, not just what the elected officials say. Any professional should offer options to reach the objective. Too often however, the appointed official has the same answer: “Yes, sir.” The more I’ve researched and written, the more I’ve seen this as the rule, rather than an exception to the rule.
The Takeaway
Pay attention to what is happening where you live. You know some of the local elected officials with the school board, city council, county commission, park district, utility board, whatever. When you see the above traits exhibited, stop and ask your elected official a simple question: “Why did you guys do that?”
I gotta go find that alarm clock….
