There has been a huge gap of several months between blogs. Shortly after my August 2016 posting, I was in a serious auto accident. I had a bad leg fracture and have been in recovery for some months.
At some point I am going to write a blog reflecting on the process of recovery.
Friday, December 23, 2016
The Two Faces of Christmas
It is December 23 and I am preparing for two holidays over the next two days. A secular holiday and a religious holiday take place on December 25. They have co-existed for many years, but the coexistence has become more tenuous in my opinion. Both holidays have a long heritage and overlapping roots.
The religious holiday is clear. December 25 is day on which it is believed that Jesus was born over 2000 years ago. That holiday centers on a religious observation of the birth of Christ and brings with it beautiful music, classic church services, warm thoughts of peace and good will and family gatherings. An exchange of gifts is based on the legend of the three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus.
Also an ancient pagan tradition of celebrating the end of the year with various festivities has long been combined with Christian celebrations. Historically at various times, there was less or more emphasis on the end of the year celebrations.
In an increasingly secular world, some aspects of Christmas have been embraced while omitting the religious aspect. Music has been secularized and romanticized (White Christmas, I'll be Home for Christmas, Rudolph..., etc.) to reflect a nostalgic holiday marked by family traditions, decorations, and social gatherings. This could be described as a Hallmark Christmas as reflected in their film festival which begins at Halloween and ends at Christmas. I love the film festival which gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling at this time of year and even makes me feel good about snow. It is principally secular. Traditional carols have more or less disappeared from the airwaves, but one can still find them on religious channels. I have been recording programs called "The Joy of Music," which EWTN drops into its schedule at various times, including the middle of the night. I then listen to these programs at my convenience. These classical concerts are well worth the effort.
The transformation of an early medieval saint (Nicholas) into Santa Claus is a further reflection of secularization. Santa Claus has become ubiquitous and not just in the West. Christmas trees have also become universal whether called a holiday tree or a New Year tree. Children, especially in our society, get too much and expect multiple presents.
Gift giving generally has been stepped up over our life time, and the shopping season has become the difference for businesses between operating in the black and operating in the red. Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) now begins sometime in November and continues to early December when supplemented by Cyber Monday which seems to last at least a week (instead of just the Monday after Thanksgiving). Personally I do a lot of my gift shopping, mostly online, during the protracted Black Friday season. I admire those who have decided to run against the grain and reduce gift exchanges in their families. It takes courage.
For many people, the next two days will be a blur of family gatherings, food, and gifts, gifts, gifts. Many will not go to any church at all. Some because they do not believe; others because they don't have the time with all the other activities. Some will attend a short carol-prayer service on Christmas eve as a token tribute to recognizing Christ. My church will have masses lasting well over an hour, and closer to two if one arrives in time to hear the music before the mass begins both on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Some friends feel sorry that I go to a long service, but what is Christmas after all?
Whether we say happy holidays or Merry Christmas is perhaps less important than how we personally celebrate. To people whom I know I prefer to say, Merry Christmas. To people whose background I do not know, I am inclined to say, happy holidays. Often a split second choice. I love the fact that there are religious stamps that actually say Christmas. Kudos to the post office.
With two holidays competing for our attention, we who are Christian have to make tough choices and priorities. The secular is winning out over the religious holiday, and coexistence is becoming harder.
The religious holiday is clear. December 25 is day on which it is believed that Jesus was born over 2000 years ago. That holiday centers on a religious observation of the birth of Christ and brings with it beautiful music, classic church services, warm thoughts of peace and good will and family gatherings. An exchange of gifts is based on the legend of the three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus.
Also an ancient pagan tradition of celebrating the end of the year with various festivities has long been combined with Christian celebrations. Historically at various times, there was less or more emphasis on the end of the year celebrations.
In an increasingly secular world, some aspects of Christmas have been embraced while omitting the religious aspect. Music has been secularized and romanticized (White Christmas, I'll be Home for Christmas, Rudolph..., etc.) to reflect a nostalgic holiday marked by family traditions, decorations, and social gatherings. This could be described as a Hallmark Christmas as reflected in their film festival which begins at Halloween and ends at Christmas. I love the film festival which gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling at this time of year and even makes me feel good about snow. It is principally secular. Traditional carols have more or less disappeared from the airwaves, but one can still find them on religious channels. I have been recording programs called "The Joy of Music," which EWTN drops into its schedule at various times, including the middle of the night. I then listen to these programs at my convenience. These classical concerts are well worth the effort.
The transformation of an early medieval saint (Nicholas) into Santa Claus is a further reflection of secularization. Santa Claus has become ubiquitous and not just in the West. Christmas trees have also become universal whether called a holiday tree or a New Year tree. Children, especially in our society, get too much and expect multiple presents.
Gift giving generally has been stepped up over our life time, and the shopping season has become the difference for businesses between operating in the black and operating in the red. Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) now begins sometime in November and continues to early December when supplemented by Cyber Monday which seems to last at least a week (instead of just the Monday after Thanksgiving). Personally I do a lot of my gift shopping, mostly online, during the protracted Black Friday season. I admire those who have decided to run against the grain and reduce gift exchanges in their families. It takes courage.
For many people, the next two days will be a blur of family gatherings, food, and gifts, gifts, gifts. Many will not go to any church at all. Some because they do not believe; others because they don't have the time with all the other activities. Some will attend a short carol-prayer service on Christmas eve as a token tribute to recognizing Christ. My church will have masses lasting well over an hour, and closer to two if one arrives in time to hear the music before the mass begins both on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Some friends feel sorry that I go to a long service, but what is Christmas after all?
Whether we say happy holidays or Merry Christmas is perhaps less important than how we personally celebrate. To people whom I know I prefer to say, Merry Christmas. To people whose background I do not know, I am inclined to say, happy holidays. Often a split second choice. I love the fact that there are religious stamps that actually say Christmas. Kudos to the post office.
With two holidays competing for our attention, we who are Christian have to make tough choices and priorities. The secular is winning out over the religious holiday, and coexistence is becoming harder.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
How important is the leader;s legacy?
Today I heard Bill Hybels give another wonderful leadership presentation (8/11/2016) on the four lenses of leadership.
All of it was very good. I have been thinking about one of his points - the rear view lens. Basically it dealt with the legacy of the leader.
Since Hybels is now in his 60s, I suspect he is thinking about his legacy after 40 years at Willow Creek.
For me, the question is multidimensional. What kind of legacy have I left? What kind of legacy am I building?
I can look back at my work in building the political science department after Myles Stenshoel passed the baton to me in 1970. I can especially look back at creating and building the faculty development program at Augsburg from 1980 to 1987. I can look back at the 18 years in which I lifted the MA in Leadership program out of the doldrums and made it a strong program although one that requires continued vigilance, re-thinking, and re-buioding because of the changing market.
My legacy is also the many, many students with whom I worked in about 50 years of teaching.
But should we really focus on our legacy? Is there a selfish dimension to that? Isn't it enough to say I did the best I could. The programs continue. If we don't harm the programs entrusted to us, then we are maintaining or building. Creating and building are always positive, but should we dwell on the issue of legacy?
I am not sure of the significance of worrying about legacy.... I have to ponder this further...
All of it was very good. I have been thinking about one of his points - the rear view lens. Basically it dealt with the legacy of the leader.
Since Hybels is now in his 60s, I suspect he is thinking about his legacy after 40 years at Willow Creek.
For me, the question is multidimensional. What kind of legacy have I left? What kind of legacy am I building?
I can look back at my work in building the political science department after Myles Stenshoel passed the baton to me in 1970. I can especially look back at creating and building the faculty development program at Augsburg from 1980 to 1987. I can look back at the 18 years in which I lifted the MA in Leadership program out of the doldrums and made it a strong program although one that requires continued vigilance, re-thinking, and re-buioding because of the changing market.
My legacy is also the many, many students with whom I worked in about 50 years of teaching.
But should we really focus on our legacy? Is there a selfish dimension to that? Isn't it enough to say I did the best I could. The programs continue. If we don't harm the programs entrusted to us, then we are maintaining or building. Creating and building are always positive, but should we dwell on the issue of legacy?
I am not sure of the significance of worrying about legacy.... I have to ponder this further...
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Finding a Calling
A lot of people are unhappy in their work life, even if earning a good salary. They are not satisfied or fulfilled by their work. No matter what the title, the work seems to be drudgery and tedious.
They are tired of commuting, tired of stress, tired of office gossip, and tired of trying to juggle their personal and professional lives with so little satisfaction.
It is easy to say: Step back. Assess your role. I can say this, sitting in the comfort of my living room, not on the freeway at 7 am.
But, that is exactly what we have to do. Step back from our daily lives.
Find a place to be alone, whether that is a park, a beautiful forest, a chapel, or even your bedroom.
Ask youself: What do I want? What am I missing? What am I willing to give up? What am I willing to do?
I recently read an interesting story of a family who gave up their 2000 square foot house for a 270 square foot house and found greater happiness and more time to do what they valued.
How we spend our time and our money usually tells the story of what we want. If there is a disconnect in our lives between what we want and what we are doing, this is the time to correct it.
Don't put it off...
They are tired of commuting, tired of stress, tired of office gossip, and tired of trying to juggle their personal and professional lives with so little satisfaction.
It is easy to say: Step back. Assess your role. I can say this, sitting in the comfort of my living room, not on the freeway at 7 am.
But, that is exactly what we have to do. Step back from our daily lives.
Find a place to be alone, whether that is a park, a beautiful forest, a chapel, or even your bedroom.
Ask youself: What do I want? What am I missing? What am I willing to give up? What am I willing to do?
I recently read an interesting story of a family who gave up their 2000 square foot house for a 270 square foot house and found greater happiness and more time to do what they valued.
How we spend our time and our money usually tells the story of what we want. If there is a disconnect in our lives between what we want and what we are doing, this is the time to correct it.
Don't put it off...
Monday, June 13, 2016
Finding Leadership among Us
We often lament the lack of leadership in high places. But, what about the immediate world in which we move every day?
There are leaders all around us, not always positional leaders, but leaders in everyday activities.
To find leaders among us, just look around. Be aware and observant. Leadership is there. We have to recognize it in ourselves and in others.
Don't shy away from leadership if you find yourself in situations where leadership is required and needed.
If situations require leadership, be awake to its call...
There are leaders all around us, not always positional leaders, but leaders in everyday activities.
To find leaders among us, just look around. Be aware and observant. Leadership is there. We have to recognize it in ourselves and in others.
Don't shy away from leadership if you find yourself in situations where leadership is required and needed.
If situations require leadership, be awake to its call...
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Why It Is A Big Deal...
Not long ago, when we were watching the news, my 8 year old granddaughter asked: " Grandma, has there ever been a girl president?"
(Remember, she is 8 years old. She does not know that it is politically correct to say woman.She thinks in terms of girls and boys.)
"No, I told her. If Hillary becomes president, she will be the first."
Well, Hillary is now the first woman presumptive nominee of a major party and thus has a chance to become president. And while some women are rejoicing because of this historic feat, others are saying it is no big deal.
Yes, we have come a long way, but there are still elusive barriers. Whether we call them a glass ceiling or a labyrinth, or whatever, the path to success is not always there.
Younger women who have no difficulty getting a good first job when they get out of college wonder why we older women are sometimes skeptical about future opportunities They have not yet encountered their first major barrier or, if they have, they did not recognize it. It will come later very likely.
I teach a graduate course in women and leadership. It is not infrequent that a woman tells me: "You know, I just read something in one of the books that made me realize that I had encountered the same situation, but did not recognize it at the time."
I am more attuned to the signs of discrimination against women, in part because I have seen and experienced so much, and in part because of the awareness that comes with teaching such a course regularly. I am always learning about new issues, large and small, obvious or subtle.
Whether one supports Hillary Clinton for president is not the key issue here, but the fact that a major party will have a woman candidate for president for the first time is a very big deal. Savor the moment.
(Remember, she is 8 years old. She does not know that it is politically correct to say woman.She thinks in terms of girls and boys.)
"No, I told her. If Hillary becomes president, she will be the first."
Well, Hillary is now the first woman presumptive nominee of a major party and thus has a chance to become president. And while some women are rejoicing because of this historic feat, others are saying it is no big deal.
Yes, we have come a long way, but there are still elusive barriers. Whether we call them a glass ceiling or a labyrinth, or whatever, the path to success is not always there.
Younger women who have no difficulty getting a good first job when they get out of college wonder why we older women are sometimes skeptical about future opportunities They have not yet encountered their first major barrier or, if they have, they did not recognize it. It will come later very likely.
I teach a graduate course in women and leadership. It is not infrequent that a woman tells me: "You know, I just read something in one of the books that made me realize that I had encountered the same situation, but did not recognize it at the time."
I am more attuned to the signs of discrimination against women, in part because I have seen and experienced so much, and in part because of the awareness that comes with teaching such a course regularly. I am always learning about new issues, large and small, obvious or subtle.
Whether one supports Hillary Clinton for president is not the key issue here, but the fact that a major party will have a woman candidate for president for the first time is a very big deal. Savor the moment.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
When Leadership Is Missing...Advice to managers...
We are living in turbulent times. People have lost faith in institutions and organizations. Managers who are expected to be leaders often feel as if they are drowning. As a result, they cannot provide leadership to their employees. They may even lash out (in a quiet but nonetheless worrisome way) to their direct reports as they seek to anchor their own positions. This exacerbates what may already be a troubled work environment.
We are all busy -- often too busy to have time to reflect. Managers and other responsible "leaders" should step back, take a deep breath, and figure out what they are doing. We all have been guilty of acting too quickly and without thought. It is time to step back, to be thoughtful, and to see what is necessary to do.
In these uncertain times, a manager has to support his/her employees and direct reports. This is not a time to rile people (not that there is ever a time when it is okay to rile people). A manager should be ensuring a good work environment rather than exacerbating an already troublesome environment.
Such activity may not be perceived as leadership but it is. Leadership in a team engages the workers and permits the team to survive and thrive.
Creating a hospitable work climate may appear a small task but it is a major achievement...
We are all busy -- often too busy to have time to reflect. Managers and other responsible "leaders" should step back, take a deep breath, and figure out what they are doing. We all have been guilty of acting too quickly and without thought. It is time to step back, to be thoughtful, and to see what is necessary to do.
In these uncertain times, a manager has to support his/her employees and direct reports. This is not a time to rile people (not that there is ever a time when it is okay to rile people). A manager should be ensuring a good work environment rather than exacerbating an already troublesome environment.
Such activity may not be perceived as leadership but it is. Leadership in a team engages the workers and permits the team to survive and thrive.
Creating a hospitable work climate may appear a small task but it is a major achievement...
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Significance of Iowa Caucus
A couple of weeks ago, a friend, who is a naturalized citizen, asked me about the significance of Iowa in the electoral process. I replied that it is the first caucus and therefore gets a lot of attention. I added a few points but I really did not get to the heart of the question.
As far as I can discern, an important part of the significance of Iowa is to winnow out some of the candidates (two candidates dropped out last night even before the vote counting ended. Some others may be considering withdrawal. A few candidates (mostly governors) even left the state before the caucuses.
On the Republican side, the last three cycles in Iowa have resulted in the victory of a candidate who is either a known evangelical or acceptable to evangelicals. Huckabee (2008), Santorum (2012), and Cruz (2016). 63% of attendees self-identified as evangelicals according to CNN. From that perspective, victory in Iowa in the prior two cycles did not result in further success.
In Iowa emphasis on the ground game or campaigning at the grassroots is important in both parties, as it is in New Hampshire, the first primary state. Cruz and Sanders had very good ground games. Obama had a very good ground game in 2008.
On the Democratic side, the Iowa caucus form of selecting delegates is complicated. Since Minnesota Democrats copied the format of the Iowa caucus, I experienced the peculiar system. One has to have a viable caucus with a minimum of 15% (I think) of those attending. It is not a clear vote. Delegate apportionment is also strange since 52-48 would wind up as 50-50 in terms of delegates. The actual vote is less significant than the percentages at each caucus or county.
The Republicans have a more straightforward voting system.
Iowa is not a mirror of the nation, but it serves an excellent role in helping to identify the front runners and winnow out the candidates with minimal support.
As one who participated in numerous caucuses in my younger years, I have come to believe in the value of the primary. I would greatly prefer that each state have a primary. Perhaps we would have a series of grouped primary dates in the winter and spring. It would be a much clearer image of popular preference within each party.
As far as I can discern, an important part of the significance of Iowa is to winnow out some of the candidates (two candidates dropped out last night even before the vote counting ended. Some others may be considering withdrawal. A few candidates (mostly governors) even left the state before the caucuses.
On the Republican side, the last three cycles in Iowa have resulted in the victory of a candidate who is either a known evangelical or acceptable to evangelicals. Huckabee (2008), Santorum (2012), and Cruz (2016). 63% of attendees self-identified as evangelicals according to CNN. From that perspective, victory in Iowa in the prior two cycles did not result in further success.
In Iowa emphasis on the ground game or campaigning at the grassroots is important in both parties, as it is in New Hampshire, the first primary state. Cruz and Sanders had very good ground games. Obama had a very good ground game in 2008.
On the Democratic side, the Iowa caucus form of selecting delegates is complicated. Since Minnesota Democrats copied the format of the Iowa caucus, I experienced the peculiar system. One has to have a viable caucus with a minimum of 15% (I think) of those attending. It is not a clear vote. Delegate apportionment is also strange since 52-48 would wind up as 50-50 in terms of delegates. The actual vote is less significant than the percentages at each caucus or county.
The Republicans have a more straightforward voting system.
Iowa is not a mirror of the nation, but it serves an excellent role in helping to identify the front runners and winnow out the candidates with minimal support.
As one who participated in numerous caucuses in my younger years, I have come to believe in the value of the primary. I would greatly prefer that each state have a primary. Perhaps we would have a series of grouped primary dates in the winter and spring. It would be a much clearer image of popular preference within each party.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)