Tactics as a Substitute for Good Leadership

I just finished the new book Double Down: Game Change 2012.     This detailed analysis of the 2012 election is riveting.  I could not put it down.   I loved the book.
At the same time, it was depressing to reflect on the real story.  Most of the time, the election narrative discussed tactics each campaign used (all candidates were treated).  
While there were a few major strategic decisions, there were few signs of leadership on the part of the candidates.  The eye was on the prize: election, and how to get there.   From the weakest to the strongest candidates, the agenda was clear:  to get elected.
The majority of the time was on tactics.
Whether the focus was on campaign infighting or conflicting advice from consultants, the campaigns were about winning, not leading or governing.

I then thought about the examples all around us.  So much of "leadership" is tactical -- how we appear before others, how to achieve our short term goals.  Very little is strategic or long term.  Very little is true leadership.

How Early Do we Shop for Christmas?

First a disclaimer.  Generally, I shop for Christmas presents year around.  Yes, I am one of those people everyone hates.   I have done already most of my Christmas shopping (I also use gift cards a lot!!!).  And I have a relatively small family.
This year, there is one less shopping week between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  That may be the reason all the stores began to put up Christmas displays early (September, in some stores) and pre-Black Friday specials are everywhere.  Today I received a preview version of Target's Black Friday catalog.   Many sales assert current prices are the Black Friday prices.   So we buy.

..Christmas shopping is an essential part of the American economy and the year-end balance sheet.  I had a discussion with some people in the spring as to whether all the Christmas displays, etc.  unduly favored one religious group in the population.  I argued no because much of this has lost all (not some) of its religious significance.  It now is a matter of the economic balance sheet.  

The number of Christmas themed objects seems to grow.  I bought gingerbread flavored breakfast bread this morning (just having finished my pumpkin swirl breakfast bread).   I just returned from an errand where I saw mini Christmas trees made of every conceivable material.  Enough to decorate every room in the house.

Is it too much?  Yes.  Is it fun?  Yes.   I love Christmas so I don't have a problem with this but many do.   The shopping extravaganza tempts us all, and many people spend more than they should.  

it's fun.   Use discretion.  Enjoy the decorations!  Put things in perspective.  Relax and enjoy!