What Challenges Are You Willing to Accept?

Today’s moon landing anniversary seems as good a day as any to share a little of what makes me tick.

Forty years ago, man landed on the moon. Although far too young to notice (not even a year old at the time), notions surrounding the moon have captivated me. For thousands of years prior, people would look up toward it as it hung in the sky, a symbol of our collective dreams. Early on there was fear, but soon it was replaced by wonder, imagination and greater understanding. Now, for many who look at the moon it symbolizes accomplishment. A feat our forefathers couldn’t imagine but many a grandfather got to witness. This huge achievement, not just for the United State in the midst of a space race, but for mankind with the creation of new technologies, possibility thinking, ingenuity and the celebration of success.

The moon program has shaped me indirectly in other ways. My father headed a group that worked on guidance systems. He was passed over for the Apollo assignment, something I did not know until many years later. Obviously, he felt disappointment he diligently headed a less glamorous group. In time, that group grew in influence, budget, and prestige. Eventually the Apollo program ended and members from that team joined his organization, illustrating that sometimes the less glamorous route can be more fulfilling and rewarding in the long run, despite initial disappointments. You never know.

In 1962 President Kennedy, who helped bring out the best in people by having a clear goal, uttered one of my favorite leadership quotes.

"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills. Because that challenge is one that we're willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone and one we intend to win."

Every generation of humankind had been staring up toward the sky wondering about the moon. Then not too long ago, one of us says, let's do it, let's go there within ten years -- and we did it. A fascinating feat that illustrates just about anything is possible with vision, passion, action and a deadline.

I enjoy inspiring people who in turn inspire themselves; to help others find their strengths and see what they have to offer our joint endeavors. I help others find their vision or purpose and help them clear the path to their achievements by tearing down obstacles that are in the way. I do this partly for selfish reasons. I like how it recharges me and gives me energy, forcing me to take the focus off myself, and put it on others. It gives me the opportunity to combat the damaging effects of poor leaders, influencers, and others who abuse their power either through ignorance or through intent.

I also like measuring things. Not to see shortfalls but to see what we're capable of doing. I love to see the charts and graphs of goals and measurements of success. To see the results of common things in uncommon ways.

All this leads me to ask, on this day forty years after one of our greatest achievements. What current symbol surrounds us collectively, that can organize and measure the best of our energies and skills? If that is too broad, think of yourself and ask, what do you need to work on that is not easy, but will serve to organize and measure the best of your energies and skills? What challenges are you willing to accept, unwilling to postpone and intend to win and how can I help you?

What Challenges Are You Willing to Accept?

Today’s moon landing anniversary seems as good a day as any to share a little of what makes me tick.

Forty years ago, man landed on the moon. Although far too young to notice (not even a year old at the time), notions surrounding the moon have captivated me. For thousands of years prior, people would look up toward it as it hung in the sky, a symbol of our collective dreams. Early on there was fear, but soon it was replaced by wonder, imagination and greater understanding. Now, for many who look at the moon it symbolizes accomplishment. A feat our forefathers couldn’t imagine but many a grandfather got to witness. This huge achievement, not just for the United State in the midst of a space race, but for mankind with the creation of new technologies, possibility thinking, ingenuity and the celebration of success.

The moon program has shaped me indirectly in other ways. My father headed a group that worked on guidance systems. He was passed over for the Apollo assignment, something I did not know until many years later. Obviously, he felt disappointment he diligently headed a less glamorous group. In time, that group grew in influence, budget, and prestige. Eventually the Apollo program ended and members from that team joined his organization, illustrating that sometimes the less glamorous route can be more fulfilling and rewarding in the long run, despite initial disappointments. You never know.

In 1962 President Kennedy, who helped bring out the best in people by having a clear goal, uttered one of my favorite leadership quotes.

"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills. Because that challenge is one that we're willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone and one we intend to win."

Every generation of humankind had been staring up toward the sky wondering about the moon. Then not too long ago, one of us says, let's do it, let's go there within ten years -- and we did it. A fascinating feat that illustrates just about anything is possible with vision, passion, action and a deadline.

I enjoy inspiring people who in turn inspire themselves; to help others find their strengths and see what they have to offer our joint endeavors. I help others find their vision or purpose and help them clear the path to their achievements by tearing down obstacles that are in the way. I do this partly for selfish reasons. I like how it recharges me and gives me energy, forcing me to take the focus off myself, and put it on others. It gives me the opportunity to combat the damaging effects of poor leaders, influencers, and others who abuse their power either through ignorance or through intent.

I also like measuring things. Not to see shortfalls but to see what we're capable of doing. I love to see the charts and graphs of goals and measurements of success. To see the results of common things in uncommon ways.

All this leads me to ask, on this day forty years after one of our greatest achievements. What current symbol surrounds us collectively, that can organize and measure the best of our energies and skills? If that is too broad, think of yourself and ask, what do you need to work on that is not easy, but will serve to organize and measure the best of your energies and skills? What challenges are you willing to accept, unwilling to postpone and intend to win and how can I help you?

Six Words of Advice for Writers

Writing is a leadership skill. To convey or challenge an idea and to persuade into action through the written word has always been a valuable, if under appreciated talent. Newspapers and traditional books sales may be down, but writing is up. Think about it. Anything you read, anything, was first written. Emails, reports, newsletters, reviews, eBooks, status updates on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. What you see on television, in movies and at plays began at a written script to convey an idea. Yes, even “reality” shows.

If you want to work on your leadership, work on your writing. Here are six words of advice.

Write
Writers write. You have to face the blank page or screen and begin to fill it. Start with something; an outline, note cards, a napkin, it doesn’t matter. Just begin.

Revise
No matter how eloquent you think you are, your first draft is bound to have a bit of uncertainty or a lack of clarity. It’s rare to get it right on the very first pass. Rewriting makes things better. Cut, reword and simplify what you’re trying to convey. Your readers will appreciate it.

Release
Eventually, you must stop your editing and revisions. At some point as you were writing with a burst of inspiration you may have felt your work was genius; but now you’re holding it back in an effort to make it perfect. This is a mistake. Most won’t notice or care, and those that do, will always find something to criticize you on anyway. Let it go and share what you write with others.

Receive
Receive the feedback on your work gracefully. Some will disagree with you, or be critical. Some won’t notice your words at all, but will be inexplicably moved by them. The written word always makes a difference, but the author may never know it.

Rejoice
Writing is about creating. Forming words in the right order to illicit a desired response and actually committing them to the page is no simple task. Sharing those idea and thoughts with others can expose vulnerabilities. That exposure is what keeps many from writing and those who write do from becoming better. Writing is not an effortless activity so make the time to celebrate your achievement with everything you write. On occasion you may fail to articulate what you intended adequately. Celebrate anyway. You’ve demonstrated leadership in caring enough to capture your thoughts for the benefit of others.

Repeat
Do it again. Continue to hone the craft of writing. Laziness in writing is laziness in leadership so keep exercising. Even if you only write 140 characters at a time, make them sing. Just as in leadership, effective writing must mix art and science. Through repetition, you will begin to explore the nuances of each.

Six Words of Advice for Writers

Writing is a leadership skill. To convey or challenge an idea and to persuade into action through the written word has always been a valuable, if under appreciated talent. Newspapers and traditional books sales may be down, but writing is up. Think about it. Anything you read, anything, was first written. Emails, reports, newsletters, reviews, eBooks, status updates on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. What you see on television, in movies and at plays began at a written script to convey an idea. Yes, even “reality” shows.

If you want to work on your leadership, work on your writing. Here are six words of advice.

Write
Writers write. You have to face the blank page or screen and begin to fill it. Start with something; an outline, note cards, a napkin, it doesn’t matter. Just begin.

Revise
No matter how eloquent you think you are, your first draft is bound to have a bit of uncertainty or a lack of clarity. It’s rare to get it right on the very first pass. Rewriting makes things better. Cut, reword and simplify what you’re trying to convey. Your readers will appreciate it.

Release
Eventually, you must stop your editing and revisions. At some point as you were writing with a burst of inspiration you may have felt your work was genius; but now you’re holding it back in an effort to make it perfect. This is a mistake. Most won’t notice or care, and those that do, will always find something to criticize you on anyway. Let it go and share what you write with others.

Receive
Receive the feedback on your work gracefully. Some will disagree with you, or be critical. Some won’t notice your words at all, but will be inexplicably moved by them. The written word always makes a difference, but the author may never know it.

Rejoice
Writing is about creating. Forming words in the right order to illicit a desired response and actually committing them to the page is no simple task. Sharing those idea and thoughts with others can expose vulnerabilities. That exposure is what keeps many from writing and those who write do from becoming better. Writing is not an effortless activity so make the time to celebrate your achievement with everything you write. On occasion you may fail to articulate what you intended adequately. Celebrate anyway. You’ve demonstrated leadership in caring enough to capture your thoughts for the benefit of others.

Repeat
Do it again. Continue to hone the craft of writing. Laziness in writing is laziness in leadership so keep exercising. Even if you only write 140 characters at a time, make them sing. Just as in leadership, effective writing must mix art and science. Through repetition, you will begin to explore the nuances of each.

A Parent America

Like most Americans, I become exceptionally patriotic around July 4th and introspective about the nation’s history, my own history, and the future of both. I vividly recall backyard barbecues, some of which were warm and delightful and some soggy but equally memorable. I remember our nation's bicentennial celebration and setting firecrackers off, much to my mother's dismay. I remember how firework shows terrified me as a child but now bring inspiration, awe and pride. I recall ad hoc barbecues in Boston and spending all day at the Esplanade waiting for the Boston Pops to perform. Nearly twenty years ago my wife and I celebrated our first Independence Day together as a married couple on the rooftop with friends. The night was full of music and synchronized colors. Soon the finale and all its illumination transformed the evening into daylight. The crackle and boom sounded like a war and we smiled with exhilaration and expectant joy.

Sadly, the nation has been through several real wars since then and undoubtedly, there will be more. Our nephews, cousins and friends have seen combat or have been stationed in some of the most dangerous places on earth. It occurred to me, and thankfully, he does not know it, since my son's birth in 2003, the nation has not been at peace. The resources of the country are so grand, the sacrifices of others so great that he has been insulated from the harsh realities of war.

I was recently watching a report from an embedded journalist in Afghanistan who was caught up in a firefight. The action was loud and captured the attention and imagination of my curious boy. His questions on who was fighting and why and if they were dying and why began to become increasingly difficult to answer. I found myself explaining terrorism and how brave men and women protect us every day. That yes, some die and no, they do not get the same attention that Michael Jackson does and that’s one reason why we should always thank those who volunteer to protect us.

How do we explain America to our children? That people wanting to do harm to us is not a new thing. That although we are peace loving, we are also a violent and brash culture. That for all our problems and dysfunction like our insatiable consumption of drugs, our fascination with any salacious story, our self-inflicted pain caused by antiquated healthcare, education, and infrastructure systems, we are also envied. Why? Because the American gene pool is made up of leaders, innovators, artists, and visionaries. People from every nation in the world have risked their lives to come here, to worship, to love, to create something better.

At 233 years, we are a relatively young nation culturally, but our form of government is one of the more enduring compared to the 203 other nations on the planet. Yet we are envied for the same reason we are hated. We value freedom and because we have it, we often take it for granted. We seem to treasure it most when it is at risk; otherwise, because we are fairly secure in it, something else often captures our attention. Consider the television coverage of the conflict in Iran. The voices there hint at a fragile democracy, much like our forefathers did, though this movement is buoyed predominantly by educated women, young and old. It’s a story that should transfix us. Freedom is on the march. Instead, it is put to the side in favor of a more accessible political sex scandal or Michael Jackson's premature death. We believe celebrity mystique is more appropriate summer fare than revolution. Revolutions seem to fit better in the autumn after we've recharged our batteries but before the holidays. What hubris. What audacity. What truth. Detractors think it's blissful ignorance. That to be truly great, we need to organize our problems and solve them in a linear way. America doesn't work that way. This nation has the talent, enthusiasm, and skill to solve almost any problem. That's why it's so maddening when we don't address critical problems more timely. We could make things easier for ourselves, but as Americans, the easy way is seldom the most fun and we like a challenge.

What our nation has is boldness and maturity. Many nations are similar to the kids in the backseat of a car on a road trip. Sometimes we sing or play fun games together, but invariably they ask, "Are we there yet?" They are vocal. They complain. They want us to pull over just as we are gathering speed. The one thing they never do is drive - nor do they want to. America is the parent. Our population’s attitude follows a continuum between the reluctant parent and the kind who are smothering. Like a parent, we will often question our abilities, our decisions, and ourselves. Others will challenge our authority, rebel, ask for money and sometimes seek our hugs. It is not our role to whine about it. It is our role to lead it. The world expects that of us.

Enjoy your weekend and the parades, fireworks, and celebrations. Thank those who came before you quietly and those who protect you loudly and then dedicate yourself to finding your own special way of leading and making the nation and the world better in some way, grand or small.

A Parent America

Like most Americans, I become exceptionally patriotic around July 4th and introspective about the nation’s history, my own history, and the future of both. I vividly recall backyard barbecues, some of which were warm and delightful and some soggy but equally memorable. I remember our nation's bicentennial celebration and setting firecrackers off, much to my mother's dismay. I remember how firework shows terrified me as a child but now bring inspiration, awe and pride. I recall ad hoc barbecues in Boston and spending all day at the Esplanade waiting for the Boston Pops to perform. Nearly twenty years ago my wife and I celebrated our first Independence Day together as a married couple on the rooftop with friends. The night was full of music and synchronized colors. Soon the finale and all its illumination transformed the evening into daylight. The crackle and boom sounded like a war and we smiled with exhilaration and expectant joy.

Sadly, the nation has been through several real wars since then and undoubtedly, there will be more. Our nephews, cousins and friends have seen combat or have been stationed in some of the most dangerous places on earth. It occurred to me, and thankfully, he does not know it, since my son's birth in 2003, the nation has not been at peace. The resources of the country are so grand, the sacrifices of others so great that he has been insulated from the harsh realities of war.

I was recently watching a report from an embedded journalist in Afghanistan who was caught up in a firefight. The action was loud and captured the attention and imagination of my curious boy. His questions on who was fighting and why and if they were dying and why began to become increasingly difficult to answer. I found myself explaining terrorism and how brave men and women protect us every day. That yes, some die and no, they do not get the same attention that Michael Jackson does and that’s one reason why we should always thank those who volunteer to protect us.

How do we explain America to our children? That people wanting to do harm to us is not a new thing. That although we are peace loving, we are also a violent and brash culture. That for all our problems and dysfunction like our insatiable consumption of drugs, our fascination with any salacious story, our self-inflicted pain caused by antiquated healthcare, education, and infrastructure systems, we are also envied. Why? Because the American gene pool is made up of leaders, innovators, artists, and visionaries. People from every nation in the world have risked their lives to come here, to worship, to love, to create something better.

At 233 years, we are a relatively young nation culturally, but our form of government is one of the more enduring compared to the 203 other nations on the planet. Yet we are envied for the same reason we are hated. We value freedom and because we have it, we often take it for granted. We seem to treasure it most when it is at risk; otherwise, because we are fairly secure in it, something else often captures our attention. Consider the television coverage of the conflict in Iran. The voices there hint at a fragile democracy, much like our forefathers did, though this movement is buoyed predominantly by educated women, young and old. It’s a story that should transfix us. Freedom is on the march. Instead, it is put to the side in favor of a more accessible political sex scandal or Michael Jackson's premature death. We believe celebrity mystique is more appropriate summer fare than revolution. Revolutions seem to fit better in the autumn after we've recharged our batteries but before the holidays. What hubris. What audacity. What truth. Detractors think it's blissful ignorance. That to be truly great, we need to organize our problems and solve them in a linear way. America doesn't work that way. This nation has the talent, enthusiasm, and skill to solve almost any problem. That's why it's so maddening when we don't address critical problems more timely. We could make things easier for ourselves, but as Americans, the easy way is seldom the most fun and we like a challenge.

What our nation has is boldness and maturity. Many nations are similar to the kids in the backseat of a car on a road trip. Sometimes we sing or play fun games together, but invariably they ask, "Are we there yet?" They are vocal. They complain. They want us to pull over just as we are gathering speed. The one thing they never do is drive - nor do they want to. America is the parent. Our population’s attitude follows a continuum between the reluctant parent and the kind who are smothering. Like a parent, we will often question our abilities, our decisions, and ourselves. Others will challenge our authority, rebel, ask for money and sometimes seek our hugs. It is not our role to whine about it. It is our role to lead it. The world expects that of us.

Enjoy your weekend and the parades, fireworks, and celebrations. Thank those who came before you quietly and those who protect you loudly and then dedicate yourself to finding your own special way of leading and making the nation and the world better in some way, grand or small.