Credit Crisis

”There is no limit to what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
— Ronald Reagan


Now that the mid-term elections are over, the real fun begins, (can you hear my sarcasm?).  The past few weeks since the elections, the Democrats and Republicans have started in on each other once again to pass blame and to criticize the ideas and direction that each side believes is the best way for the country to move forward.  They talk about the “lame duck” session of congress and what they will try to push through.  Will they be able to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?”  Although this issue may be important to some, its resolution is not essential to turning the economy around.  

During the many interviews and face to face debates on the network and cable news stations, the phrases “The American People” and “The Future of our Children” come up often. Each time they do, my head feels like it wants to EXPLODE! With all of the talk about their concern about the American People it is quite apparent that they care very little about our current and future state.

While they bicker with each other, many Americans struggle to make ends meet.  They’re concerned about the cost of health care, about the economy, about high and burdensome tax rates, and the never ending spending of our financial resources on things that do not keep our people safe or enhance the quality of our lives.

Last week I was walking in our downtown area where I met two men sitting on a bench drinking coffee.  As I began to speak with them they said that this is the worst they have ever seen in terms of the economy.  They spoke of the struggle to find work, to pay bills and to get ahead.  This is what is on the minds of the American people.

Please hear me when I say that I am not expecting the government to take care of me or my family, I can do that myself.  What I am saying is that our elected leaders continue to miss the mark on what is truly important to us. For many of them it is about winning and losing the party fight.  It is about their personal agenda and making the other side look bad.  We must demand from our elected officials to put away partisan political games and get this country back on track, together.

We can accomplish great things when we “don’t care who gets the credit.”  

Honest Man

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”
George Washington

My family and I went out for dinner at one of our favorite burrito places. With our meal we asked for water cups instead of sodas, much to the disappointment of our kids. After getting our food we went to fill our cups with water. When my son got to the table with his drink he noticed that he had, out of habit, filled his cup with coke. Without any prodding he quickly went back to the register and told the manager what had happened and that he wanted to pay for the drink. The manager had this stumped and surprised look on his face. He could not believe that this young man would be honest enough to voluntarily pay for something he did not order. A smile gradually appeared on the man’s face and he graciously said to my son, "Thank you for your honesty, the drink is on me."

My son could have easily hidden the fact that he was drinking a soda he had not paid for. The manager could have accepted payment and would have been justified for doing so. However, both responded in a way that exhibited character and a key attribute of a leader, honesty.

In today’s world many of our leaders lack character. They make promises they do not keep. They operate in the world of “quid pro quo.” They refuse to accept responsibility for their actions and the words they say. It’s amazing how we as a country continue to accept leaders with poor character. We must demand more from our leaders whether they are in politics or in business. Why? Because the decisions they make can have a significant negative impact on the people they lead. Wall Street is a prime example. Taking sweetheart mortgage deals, stashing money in freezers, and lying about sexual relationships must be challenged. Until we stop accepting mediocre leadership we will continue to underperform as a nation.

In our home my wife and I have tried to instill into our kids the importance of character. We are so proud of our son for doing what he knew was right and displaying the kind of character that is essential to good leadership. My son could not have enjoyed the coke had he not paid for it.

Leadership Essential #1, Honesty - check.

Greatness in my Mother

When I hear people speak of greatness they often speak of some CEO, actor or athlete. I think of one person, my MOTHER. From troubled beginnings filled with frustration, abuse, and disappointment, she rose above the negativity and chose to break the chains of dependence and ignorance to pursue a different direction, following Christ. Here’s what makes my MOTHER GREAT!

• Instilled values - Love for God, she reminds us that there is no other way to life.

• Self Sacrifice - Putting her dreams aside, she lived to provide for us without thought of her own comfort and desires.

• Discipline - Holding us accountable for our behavior, tempered with Love

• Strength - No matter what negative situation came her way, she pushed through it knowing that it was not just about her.

• Choice - She could have chosen to live out her own dreams, worked full time, or placed us in child care her choice was to be a MOM.

• Caring & Nurturing - Through sickness and health, my mother consistently provided nurturing, not just to her children, but anyone needing her help.

• Serving - She has always demonstrated a servant’s heart. She has consistently served God by serving her children.

• Generosity - What’s hers is yours. Even if it’s her last.

• Inspiration - My mother has not only inspired and encouraged her children in all of their endeavors, but has been a tremendous support to countless others in need.

• Friendship - Not just a great mother, but a consistent and loving friend.

• Fun - Late nights at Jack N the Box, Creature Features movies and playing board games on her bed.

• All driven by Love - There is nothing she would not do for her family. Her life has always demonstrated her unconditional Love.

• Leaving a Legacy - Because of all of the above, she has produced four College graduates who overcame the negativity of an apparently hopeless neighborhood to have successful careers.

My mother has had a significant impact on my leadership development. Through her life I have found that if anyone wants to be great they must be willing to serve others.

What is GREATNESS? My Momma! Happy Mother's Day Mom