Teaching Moments

Recently, we've been hearing a lot about "teaching moments."  For the most part, the recent wave - make that a tsunami - of TM euphoria stems from the furor, hubbub and hullabaloo over the Shirley Sherrod saga (if you have to ask what that was, well, you must be a Patriots fan).  Indeed, the President himself  proclaimed it a teaching moment of epic proportion. 

That said, I'm concerned.  It seems that we've adopted an expression whose consequence implies that we can package something, that just can't be packaged - into a sound-bite, bumper-sticker dimension. 

And that something is LEARNING.  

You see, learning is constant.  It's fluid, streaming and never-ending (if done right).  It's not a "momentary" thing, as it should stay with us well past a moment.  Heck - we even do it in our sleep, and subconsciously when we are awake.  We are always learning, because we are living.   And if we are living, we should always be learning.   

Sure - teaching as an act has its place, time and space.  It has moments. 

But learning - that's continuous.  It's the gift that keeps on giving. 

Learning is Good.   

Structure Defined

In business, there are certain words that some like, and some don't.  Depending on your upbringing, schooling, career, job, company, and a host of other factors - certain words can be interpreted as good, or bad; likable, or unlikable - irrespective of their actual dictionary definition. 

A couple of words that pop to mind are systems, rules, process, and standards.  Personally, I like those words. But, I've seen them misplaced and misused (let alone misinterpreted) - and can understand why some folks cringe at their use.  It happens.             

My favorite word that some like, and some don't, is structure.  For many, structure is (sadly) inhibiting; it implies unnecessary conformity, rigidity, formality and often times, a "my way or the highway" temperament.  Structure, when mishandled, can be an excuse for laborious, and overbearing rules.  Indeed, it can be viewed as a negative, not a positive.  And that's a shame. 

Because structure is good, when it's good structure. 

Good structure provides guidance.  It defines.  It keeps us accountable.  Focused.  On target.   It's both systematic, and flexible.  It provides measurements, and managements.  With good structure, we're able to get back on track, when we fall off track (which inevitably happens). Structure can provide safety, comfort and peace of mind.  Which is why structure is two parts science, one part art.           

There's a periodical devoted to art and architecture called The Structurist. In it, they (beautifully) define the word structure, as follows:  "Structure means to build, to construct, to form, as well as the organization or morphology of the elements involved in the process.  It can be seen as the embodiment of creation ... a quest not only for form but also for purpose, direction and continuity." 

Awesome perspective, don't you think?

(Good) Structure is Good.

Onward and Upward

Earlier today, the US soccer team's run of anxiety promoting, heartburn inducing, cardiac-arresting, come-back wins - came to an end.  And hence, their long-shot run at winning the coveted World Cup is alas, not gonna happen.  Sob sob/sniff sniff.

Oh well, it was (mostly) fun, while it lasted. 

So now what!?  Wallow in self-pity?  Scream at the moon?  Kick the dog?  Huff and puff and fuss and muss about the injustice and bummer of it all?  Nah - it's done.  It's over.  Onward and upward.  

As much as that "onward and upward" cliche can sometimes be used in a  kind of flippant, callous and condescending manner - in this case, it fits; like it does in many situations at work, in business and in life.  Sure - sometimes things can happen (especially when we are on the losing end of things) that need serious reflection, and can cause a lifetime (or at a minimum, a short-time) worth of coulda/shoulda/woulda wishful thinking. 

But not here.  Not in this case.  In this case, it was fun while it lasted.  (Albeit sometimes agonizingly fun.)  No one got hurt. The world is still going.  It's time for us to move onward and upward.  Repeat: onward and upward.   Because in the big scheme of things - what with all the other crazy stuff that we have to deal with at work, family, and life - this is just one of those times/situations/events - that deserves the OU treatment.

Onward and Upward is Good.

Wooden It Be Good!?

Yesterday, one of my role models, John Robert Wooden, passed away at the phenomenal age of 99.  For those that don't know, Wooden was an inspirational figure for many (make that millions of many).  And why?  Because simply put, he epitomized servant leadership. 

Sure - he was human, and had flaws.  And, as with any accomplished person, especially if they succeed at work, family, and life - he had his (few) detractors.  That said - 9.9 out of 10 who knew/know better, thought he was pretty awesome.  And for all the right reasons. 

Simply put - Wooden lived a life of genuine leadership, and an unfailing kindness to all.  His heartfelt teachings, which are plentiful, emphasis at their core the importance of "the fundamentals": hard work, discipline, patience, temperament, teamwork, faith, and family.  With that as his foundational mindset, he won 10 national championships.  More so, he won the hearts, minds and souls of countless men and woman throughout the world.  If you have the time, spend a little of it online reading the many accolades, attributes and admiration's about John Wooden.  And check out his highly revered "Pyramid of Success."   I think you'll find it worthwhile, and worthy of posting on your office wall.  

So on behalf of a grateful world, thank you John Wooden.  And in honor of John Wooden, the next time we get to acting like a brash brazen bully, and think we need to rant, rave, belittle, impugn, berate, chastise, torment, yell, ego-trip, or any of those other aggressive "styles" that all too often get used - instead, think about how John Wooden would do it.  In other words, Wooden it be good, to be like Wooden.

Wooden It Is Good. 

Keep It Real, Flaws And All

Maybe its just me, but it seems like lots of peoples are freakishly obsessed with how they look, behave, and perform.  I'm sensing a heightened paranoia over perfection, and perception.  Maybe its a case of the economic hibijibis that's got folks spooked; thinking that if they make a mistake, let alone show their flaws (which we all have, naturally) - that they might be toast.  

Sure - the age-old truisms are true:  perception is reality, and you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.  That said - imperfections are okay.  In fact, the Japanese have a principle called wabi-sabi - which effectively states that there is beauty, in imperfection.

While perfection is good for trains, planes, automobiles, operating rooms, and other life-impacting machinery, it's kind of a put-off in people.  Mistakes happen.  Imperfections abound.  And certainly, we're not perfect: we're human.  In fact, I'd argue that it's better to be human (and real), than robotic. 

Keeping It (Genuinely) Real is Good.  

Lead. Follow. Or Get Out Of The Way.

(*Attention all readers: I'm going to start a new blogging style/habit/formula.  Let's call it my "less is more/more is more" phase.  Hey, Picasso and Monet had their phases - why can't I?  In other words, over the next few blogs, I'm going to go with a shorter word count, but hopefully a more impactful and straightforward purpose (about time Abbott, right!) So here goes, my first sweet KISS (you know, keep it simple, stupid; with stupid, being me, of course).  Get ready for it; get set; go): 

Lead.  Follow.  Or get out of the way.

That's right.  You get it.  You know what I'm saying, and I think you know what I mean: Lead.  Follow.  Or get out of the way.   And that mandate is for all of the so called "bosses" that think they know what they are doing, but don't. 

There's nothing good about an "in title only" boss, who pretends to be something, they are not.  And worse yet - just ends up getting in the way, and messing things up.   Ohhhhh - that's so frustrating.  Because outside of their title, and the person that gave it to them, they are not what they claim to be.  They are, in one word, a roadblock.  And that roadblock causes problems, on soooo many levels.  True that.     

So on behalf of all the workers of the world, who work for "get in the way roadblock" bosses, remember this simple request: 

Lead.  Follow.  Or get out of the way.

Real Leaders Are Good. 

When Guilty Pleasures Turn Guilty

Here's a news flash. Better yet, let's call it a confession, as given the circumstance, it's probably more appropriate. Ready. Set. Go: I like the television show, Celebrity Apprentice (well, at least I use to, anyway). Frankly, it's one of my so-called "guilty pleasures." And why is it a guilty pleasure, you ask? Well - simply put - because I'm not a fan of Donald Trump. Never have been, and never will be. (There goes my celebrity endorsement from The Don.)

That said, I've been able to overcome my many issues with Mr T (yea, the list is long), and tolerate his overbearing, rude, egocentric, persona on behalf of the "celebrities" that have agreed to be on his show, and be subjected to his shameful treatment, and arrogant affronts, on behalf of their charities of choice. Able that is, until last night. As my guilty pleasure is now, just guilty (sob sob, sniff sniff).

You see, on last nights episode, he and his chip-off-the-old-blockhead son, gave the boot, you know, the proverbial heave-ho - to Cyndi Lauper. And get this, for no other reason than she told the truth. That's right ladies and gentleman: she told the truth. (Note to all girls: you can have fun, and tell the truth.) According to Don and his sloffspring protege - Cindi made a "tactful error," that cannot be tolerated in business, or the board room for that matter. What a load of bunk. And the world wonders why I don't like the guy. Go figure.

Call me a softy, but I just don't think the Trump way - is the way, to roll. The means don't justify the ends. If employees, or even celebrities for that matter, have to lie, connive, cheat, steal, hide, and act like as&^%$#!s to get ahead and/or stay ahead - than that's just wrong. Under those circumstances, it's no longer even a fun guilty pleasure. It's just guilty. Don - you're fired!

At the risk of sounding like Andy Griffith from the Andy Griffith show (now that was a guilt free pleasure ;) - we can compete, and we can win -with integrity, and decorum. True that. And the good news is, the world is thankfully full of great roll models, who lead the right way. The servant leader way.

Servant Leadership is Good.