Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Can You Make a Difference? Thoughts on Cheering Freedom

Whenever people stand up for a change against a repressive status quo, it invigorates me. It could very well be that the change they are seeking is not substantively different, but be it instant or a slow progression, it is still evolution. Any moment that arouses the hearts and minds of people to stand up, seek truth and take peaceful action is a moment deserving of applause and support. When any nation moves closer to democracy or its populace exerts an effort to become “more perfect” it is cause for celebration. When citizens take action to expose its own nations’ hypocrisy - all the better.

Perhaps this belief is the mix of nature and nurture within me. My grandfather rescued his family and countless others in 1940’s Europe by skillfully squeezing past the suffocating grip of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. I was born and raised in Massachusetts where details about the heroic efforts of patriots in the American Revolution were weaved into school trips and bicentennial celebrations. In college, I walked along the same Boston streets and stood alongside the shadows of the same historic buildings and landmarks that witnessed the forming of our nation.

While in college, I watched the televised protests in Tiananmen Square, the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, the fall of the Soviet Union and the liberation of former Iron Curtained states. And although this nation has seen its own travesties, it remains the beacon of hope, a model for young republics and the envy of freedom loving people.

In contrast to twenty years ago, the newspapers and cable news organizations of today are comparatively impotent, but the Internet, the greatest and most affordable conduit of ideas civilization has ever seen, has come alive. YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and most notably Twitter have provided instant images and perspective from participants, sympathizers, foes and opportunists alike. At times, feeds of information channels have adopted a mob mentality themselves as revolutions have become participative. Disinformation, panic, fear, lemming-like regurgitation of conflicting stories have been mixed together with bravery, images of compassion, and ever present hope. The naive and the knave, the instigators, the healers, the scholars and the rogues all compete for attention. It is frustratingly difficult to separate the signal from the noise. Yet, if you love the pursuit of freedom, it is also beautiful.

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Still, cynics say there is no appreciable difference people sipping cappuccinos or playing on their Wii can have half a world away. That symbols like tinting your profile picture green or other signs of solidarity are equivalent to giving an alcoholic vagrant a dollar. It makes you feel better, clears your soul, but doesn't address the core issue. Maybe. Maybe not. How can you know? Freedom is addictive and any citizen of a free society enjoys seeing more of it. Realism tells us there is nothing we can individually do to affect change. However, realism didn't win the American Revolution. Faith, hope, determination and other intangibles did. So too, do those intangibles work today with every freedom loving movement.

Given our long history, freedom is a relatively new concept to humankind. It is still a fragile thing but it is desirable and we know we achieve greater things when we have it. Whether we broadcast it, or know it quietly in our heart, those who have a taste of freedom will always cheer and help those who are not. And in some incalculable way, make a difference in the process.

Can You Make a Difference? Thoughts on Cheering Freedom

Whenever people stand up for a change against a repressive status quo, it invigorates me. It could very well be that the change they are seeking is not substantively different, but be it instant or a slow progression, it is still evolution. Any moment that arouses the hearts and minds of people to stand up, seek truth and take peaceful action is a moment deserving of applause and support. When any nation moves closer to democracy or its populace exerts an effort to become “more perfect” it is cause for celebration. When citizens take action to expose its own nations’ hypocrisy - all the better.

Perhaps this belief is the mix of nature and nurture within me. My grandfather rescued his family and countless others in 1940’s Europe by skillfully squeezing past the suffocating grip of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. I was born and raised in Massachusetts where details about the heroic efforts of patriots in the American Revolution were weaved into school trips and bicentennial celebrations. In college, I walked along the same Boston streets and stood alongside the shadows of the same historic buildings and landmarks that witnessed the forming of our nation.

While in college, I watched the televised protests in Tiananmen Square, the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, the fall of the Soviet Union and the liberation of former Iron Curtained states. And although this nation has seen its own travesties, it remains the beacon of hope, a model for young republics and the envy of freedom loving people.

In contrast to twenty years ago, the newspapers and cable news organizations of today are comparatively impotent, but the Internet, the greatest and most affordable conduit of ideas civilization has ever seen, has come alive. YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and most notably Twitter have provided instant images and perspective from participants, sympathizers, foes and opportunists alike. At times, feeds of information channels have adopted a mob mentality themselves as revolutions have become participative. Disinformation, panic, fear, lemming-like regurgitation of conflicting stories have been mixed together with bravery, images of compassion, and ever present hope. The naive and the knave, the instigators, the healers, the scholars and the rogues all compete for attention. It is frustratingly difficult to separate the signal from the noise. Yet, if you love the pursuit of freedom, it is also beautiful.

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Still, cynics say there is no appreciable difference people sipping cappuccinos or playing on their Wii can have half a world away. That symbols like tinting your profile picture green or other signs of solidarity are equivalent to giving an alcoholic vagrant a dollar. It makes you feel better, clears your soul, but doesn't address the core issue. Maybe. Maybe not. How can you know? Freedom is addictive and any citizen of a free society enjoys seeing more of it. Realism tells us there is nothing we can individually do to affect change. However, realism didn't win the American Revolution. Faith, hope, determination and other intangibles did. So too, do those intangibles work today with every freedom loving movement.

Given our long history, freedom is a relatively new concept to humankind. It is still a fragile thing but it is desirable and we know we achieve greater things when we have it. Whether we broadcast it, or know it quietly in our heart, those who have a taste of freedom will always cheer and help those who are not. And in some incalculable way, make a difference in the process.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

What's the best compliment you've ever received at work?

According to a recent survey, 65% of respondents agreed with the statement, "At work, I am recognized for my achievements."

I'm creating a piece on recognition and would love to hear from you. What's the best compliment you've ever received at work? How did it make you feel and why do you still remember it? Share your story of a fabulous compliment you received. Selected entries will be incorporated into the article, and if yours is cited, you will get a free copy of “Pushing Back the Ocean”. All entries will receive a copy of the piece once it's complete.


You can email me at Karl@karlbimshas.com with the subject line “Best Compliment Ever”, but why not share your greatness with others by responding via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or commenting on my blog, Reflections on Leadership.

Thanks for your participation. Today, tell someone else how much you appreciate them.

What's the best compliment you've ever received at work?

According to a recent survey, 65% of respondents agreed with the statement, "At work, I am recognized for my achievements."



I'm creating a piece on recognition and would love to hear from you. What's the best compliment you've ever received at work? How did it make you feel and why do you still remember it? Share your story of a fabulous compliment you received. Selected entries will be incorporated into the article, and if yours is cited, you will get a free copy of “Pushing Back the Ocean”. All entries will receive a copy of the piece once it's complete.



You can email me at Karl@karlbimshas.com with the subject line “Best Compliment Ever”, but why not share your greatness with others by responding via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or commenting on my blog, Reflections on Leadership.


Thanks for your participation. Today, tell someone else how much you appreciate them.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Do you have your “ships” together?

Dreams, aspirations and goals stimulate our imagination, but they aren’t enough for those used to achieving more. Sailing through life rudderless isn’t an option. It’s time to get your ships together. I can think of eight key ships you ought to evaluate for seaworthiness.

Relationship
Many times, there are wide variables between our interactions with our significant other, our family members, friends, and colleagues. Are you being authentic in all your relationships? Are all of your relationships where you want them to be or are there some that you could improve? Are there people you sometimes want to throw overboard? Examine your relationships and surround yourself with the best crew possible.

Leadership
I believe everyone has the capacity to be a leader, be it of a household, a company, or even a little league team. Any organization of people needs a leader. Someone to set a vision, inspire movement and encourage people along the way. There is something in your life that you’re leading whether you know it or not. It would be better to know it. The helm is yours, captain.

Ownership
Although material possessions really don’t matter much in the big picture, when we work for something, scrape and save for some tangible thing we want, like a camera, new shoes, special watch, car or house, the basic pride in ownership is the same. We take care of the things we own. We clean it, shine it, and show it off. We do so because it’s a symbol of our success. Are you taking pride in ownership? Polish the brass.

Citizenship
It is a sense of patriotism. Many look at what a country owes them instead of what a country full of liberty provides, like security, tranquility, justice, and the ability to pursue happiness. Everyone’s taxes are too high, but if you think about the value you get for that contribution, it’s a pretty good deal. To function properly a country needs good citizens. A population that educates itself, votes, serves as jury to justice, contributes in ways big and small is one that reports for duty and takes responsibility seriously. Raise the flags, show your colors and salute.

Stewardship
Nothing lasts forever, but there are times when things fall under your watch. Leading a team, babysitting a child, living on the planet. No one wants something bad to happen on their watch. Stewardship is treating something that’s not yours as though it were and then leaving it with grace and in a little better condition than you found it. What can you make better?

Craftsmanship
Everyone does something well. Something that requires their head, heart and hands. It may be your hobby or your vocation, but it calls you and your work speaks to others. It’s funny how people tend to be the most skilled craftsmen around the things they are most humble about. Devote time to your craft. Practice, hone, improve, excel. Make the engines purr.

Entrepreneurship
Start something. You often see a need, a way to be of service that others haven’t thought about before, but you too often ignore your great idea. How faithfully you go about filling that need is your entrepreneurial spirit. It may be risky, but go for it anyway.

Followership
Often we overestimate the leader and underestimate the follower. Without the follower, the leader fails; without a leader, followers perish. You must know when to lead and when to follow. Know when to offer new ideas and solutions and when to support and respect existing ones. Respect your crewmates and the command.

Navigating these eight “ships” comes with a fleet of emotions. Pay attention to them. Take care of them. Inspect the hull and scrape the barnacles off from time to time. Send them out to explore uncharted waters. Spend time with them and just enjoy what they uncover alone and working in harmony with each other. Do you have any other “ships” you would add? Let me know.

Visit http://karlbimshas.com/tools.html for a FREE self-assessment on your personal fleet.

Do you have your “ships” together?

Dreams, aspirations and goals stimulate our imagination, but they aren’t enough for those used to achieving more. Sailing through life rudderless isn’t an option. It’s time to get your ships together. I can think of eight key ships you ought to evaluate for seaworthiness.

Relationship
Many times, there are wide variables between our interactions with our significant other, our family members, friends, and colleagues. Are you being authentic in all your relationships? Are all of your relationships where you want them to be or are there some that you could improve? Are there people you sometimes want to throw overboard? Examine your relationships and surround yourself with the best crew possible.

Leadership
I believe everyone has the capacity to be a leader, be it of a household, a company, or even a little league team. Any organization of people needs a leader. Someone to set a vision, inspire movement and encourage people along the way. There is something in your life that you’re leading whether you know it or not. It would be better to know it. The helm is yours, captain.

Ownership
Although material possessions really don’t matter much in the big picture, when we work for something, scrape and save for some tangible thing we want, like a camera, new shoes, special watch, car or house, the basic pride in ownership is the same. We take care of the things we own. We clean it, shine it, and show it off. We do so because it’s a symbol of our success. Are you taking pride in ownership? Polish the brass.

Citizenship
It is a sense of patriotism. Many look at what a country owes them instead of what a country full of liberty provides, like security, tranquility, justice, and the ability to pursue happiness. Everyone’s taxes are too high, but if you think about the value you get for that contribution, it’s a pretty good deal. To function properly a country needs good citizens. A population that educates itself, votes, serves as jury to justice, contributes in ways big and small is one that reports for duty and takes responsibility seriously. Raise the flags, show your colors and salute.

Stewardship
Nothing lasts forever, but there are times when things fall under your watch. Leading a team, babysitting a child, living on the planet. No one wants something bad to happen on their watch. Stewardship is treating something that’s not yours as though it were and then leaving it with grace and in a little better condition than you found it. What can you make better?

Craftsmanship
Everyone does something well. Something that requires their head, heart and hands. It may be your hobby or your vocation, but it calls you and your work speaks to others. It’s funny how people tend to be the most skilled craftsmen around the things they are most humble about. Devote time to your craft. Practice, hone, improve, excel. Make the engines purr.

Entrepreneurship
Start something. You often see a need, a way to be of service that others haven’t thought about before, but you too often ignore your great idea. How faithfully you go about filling that need is your entrepreneurial spirit. It may be risky, but go for it anyway.

Followership
Often we overestimate the leader and underestimate the follower. Without the follower, the leader fails; without a leader, followers perish. You must know when to lead and when to follow. Know when to offer new ideas and solutions and when to support and respect existing ones. Respect your crewmates and the command.

Navigating these eight “ships” comes with a fleet of emotions. Pay attention to them. Take care of them. Inspect the hull and scrape the barnacles off from time to time. Send them out to explore uncharted waters. Spend time with them and just enjoy what they uncover alone and working in harmony with each other. Do you have any other “ships” you would add? Let me know.

Visit http://karlbimshas.com/tools.html for a FREE self-assessment on your personal fleet.