We are one week from the deadline for raising the debt ceiling.
The current negotiations have been disheartening. The avoidance
of real negotiation in favor of maintaining hard positions is risky.
It is a new kind of brinkmanship that may depend on which side blinks first. Neither intends to blink.
In Minnesota we had about a two week shutdown which ended in a questionable agreement of shuffling obligations rather than long-term resolution.
At the national level, more is at risk including the future of our children and grandchildren.
Rational compromise is essential but not forthcoming. Alas.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
If the answer is easy, we don't need leadership
Ron Heifetz has a book Leadership without Easy Answers.
This useful book provides us with a key to leadership.
If the answers were easy, we would not need leaders. Leaders have to solve the tough problems.
The current debt crisis is a case in point.
There is a need to be resolute and determined rather than ideological in order to solve the long term debt issue.
This useful book provides us with a key to leadership.
If the answers were easy, we would not need leaders. Leaders have to solve the tough problems.
The current debt crisis is a case in point.
There is a need to be resolute and determined rather than ideological in order to solve the long term debt issue.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Winning a battle or winning the war
The current budget crises at the national and state levels are frustrating and disappointing. Leaders are supposed to solve problems,not exacerbate them. Right now, they are focusing on posturing and positioning rather than solving problems.
America has been living beyond its means for years. That is clear. The future of the United States as a global power is on the line and has been for some time.
Which ever side prevails there is risk. An outcome that reflects short term thinking will not solve the United States' basic problems. There is both a need to limit spending and to dispense with incentives and perks for powerful interests.
It is time to sit back and ask not "what's in it for me," but rather "what's good for the US in the long run."
Good leadership has to look beyond partisan promises and, for once, take a long view of what is good for the US.
Americans want to bask in past glory rather than face current realities of a country with huge liabilities, declining leadership in multiple fields, and a self-satisfied complacency. It is time to wake up.
If the politicians cannot solve the problems, grass roots Americans will have to step up to the plate and take a leadership role.
America has been living beyond its means for years. That is clear. The future of the United States as a global power is on the line and has been for some time.
Which ever side prevails there is risk. An outcome that reflects short term thinking will not solve the United States' basic problems. There is both a need to limit spending and to dispense with incentives and perks for powerful interests.
It is time to sit back and ask not "what's in it for me," but rather "what's good for the US in the long run."
Good leadership has to look beyond partisan promises and, for once, take a long view of what is good for the US.
Americans want to bask in past glory rather than face current realities of a country with huge liabilities, declining leadership in multiple fields, and a self-satisfied complacency. It is time to wake up.
If the politicians cannot solve the problems, grass roots Americans will have to step up to the plate and take a leadership role.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Balanced Life
For years, like everyone else I sought the elusive "balanced life" that everyone wants.
Looking back at my own quest and at the countless books and articles on the topic, I am convinced that the balanced life is more a mindset than a formula.
No one can do everything.
Part of leading a balanced life lies in the identification of one's priorities.
Unless one leads a life in a mindless vacuum, as did the character portrayed by George Clooney in Up in the Air, one is probably leading a balanced life. The percentages of time spent on work, family, recreation, community service, etc.may differ over time,but the overall effect is balance. It may not be a perfect formula but then life is often less than perfect.
One's life is balanced if one sets out to lead a balanced life with multiple facets and elements. It will not reflect an abstract formula, but a mixture of activities,commitments, and goals. It is in balance if it reflects a variety of personal and professional goals.
Looking back at my own quest and at the countless books and articles on the topic, I am convinced that the balanced life is more a mindset than a formula.
No one can do everything.
Part of leading a balanced life lies in the identification of one's priorities.
Unless one leads a life in a mindless vacuum, as did the character portrayed by George Clooney in Up in the Air, one is probably leading a balanced life. The percentages of time spent on work, family, recreation, community service, etc.may differ over time,but the overall effect is balance. It may not be a perfect formula but then life is often less than perfect.
One's life is balanced if one sets out to lead a balanced life with multiple facets and elements. It will not reflect an abstract formula, but a mixture of activities,commitments, and goals. It is in balance if it reflects a variety of personal and professional goals.
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