TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

We’re comfortably seated. Friends and neighbors close by.

Familiar sights of sun splashed windows: ushers extend a hand

to the regulars.

Musty smell of well worn cushions, the air conditioner is

blaring full force

Microphones are tested; lights blazing from the domed ceiling.

Ministers, priests, politicians and

sundry public relations types puff out their chests

to ascend the stage: get our attention: seek our allegiance/trust.

Many appear to deliver clever, useful, even value added

pronouncements for the public good.

Especially our own personal self good.

Well spoken, articulate, logical, they are smooth,

glib, folksy, with value systems apparently akin to our own.

Apparently

Our inner self says “I can relate”.Makes sense. One of the good guys.

Oh, there may be a bit of verbal slippage. A curse word or two

from the rostrum-pulpit. A smooth double entendre.

Nothing out of bounds.. well, perhaps still in bounds.

We can relate.

The audience laughs, after all, the speaker is one of us.

References to tragic, life altering personal situations sneak

into the dialogue. Intended to relate to us common folk.

It’s ok.

We are still awed by the glibness. We’re proud to be in the

audience. One of those chosen.

Just part of an ongoing drama.

The speaker is trying to relate – to be one of us-really? Is that his preferred

tactic and strategy.

After many weeks, there is a sense of community. We have bought in. We agree

with the leader’s philosophy. He/she is taking us to the promised land—be it

political, religious, product driven.

Eventually a dim red line apparently is crossed. Enamored, we barely notice.

Be it a sexual reference. A religious reference

which doesn’t fit our paradigm. Perhaps a request for a

donation. A personal favor –a little too personal like acting as

a chauffeur for a drive to Chicago. Maybe a hug – too tight, too long. A sloppy,

wet kiss.

A wink at our teenage son. He clasps our wife’s hand. a little too tightly,

too friendly.. she winces, he smiles.

Vacations and more vacations with youth groups. Camping trips

are scheduled –and their purpose?

We want to deny, dismiss. “ Surely I am misreading”.

He/she has always been such a good person.

When? Where? Do we protest? Do we protect the values of

our families, our church, our country.

Listen closely. Every speech. Every conversation.

Words matter. People are transparent. Despite their cleverness.

Apologies are insufficient.

Uncomfortable with what you

hear? Consider this: your mind is the single most accurate receptor of

information.

Do you walk away? Are there actions to be taken?

Deciding between acts of commission and omission? What

road will you take?

.

HUBRIS,KNOWLEDGE AND TRANSPARENCY – DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A LEADER?

Broadly smiling, engagingly confident, you motivate audiences.
Stories of family triumphs, business victories, successful negotiations.
The ability to mesmerize audiences is legendary.
Week after week you shared more and more of your life story.
Growing up in the leafy suburbs of north shore Chicago
Privilege, wealth, highly educated in private schools.

Behind the closed doors there was the specter of alcoholism, An enabling father who provided cover for your mother to drink. Jameson on the rocks in crystal tumblers began at noon each day.

All the while the legendary mercantile business prospers on Michigan Avenue.
High end jewelry: a travel service to Europe: leased airplanes at O’Hare.

All business and personal hurdles were brushed aside as you became the
revered CEO at Hartsfield, Inc. A major player in the design and sales of u
upscale women’s fashion. Your loyal employees shared in the profits, the fame, and the riches.

Presiding over meetings in the cavernous auditorium, you shared a bit of history.
And motivated employees with tips recommendations, and self help suggestions as to how to become bigger than life, how to see the goodness in their soul.

Slowly and deliberately over months and years you tell of your mother’s failing health. Her struggle with dementia.Not a word about the dreaded illness known as “ the drink”
This family history was in the past, a harsh memory, but one consigned to the closet.

So dear reader, want to be a charismatic leader? A role model for your employees?
Someone to whom the public gravitates towards and looks to for strength and inspiration?

A New York Yankee fan, our CEO subject, remembers her mother talking about Lou Gehrig.
The slugger who stood on the grounds that Ruth built and said goodbye on July 4, 1939.
Knowing that he was succumbing to the death of what is now known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
An iconic hero, he is remembered for generations. Known as the Iron Horse for his durability, physically weak but staunchly resolute his courageous farewell speech before more than 61,000 follows.
“Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.
Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn’t consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I’m lucky. Who wouldn’t consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball’s greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I’m lucky.
When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift — that’s something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies — that’s something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter — that’s something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so that you can have an education and build your body — it’s a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed — that’s the finest I know.
So I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for. Thank you.”
— Lou Gehrig at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 1939[49]

Imagine the strength it took to deliver this farewell address!
Like Lou Gehrig, others follow you – almost a cult. They come to you with their secrets, their stories of success and personal distress. After all, you are perceived to have an endless capacity for empathy, and heartfelt understanding: two characteristics of successful leaders.
They look to you as the perfect leader: One whose speeches and writings are internalized, discussed, chatted about in high society and by the Red Hat ladies.

Through it all, you have been able to keep a bit aloof while protecting yourself. Maintaining that necessary tiny bit of space between you and the public, you and employees,.

Vulnerability has been part of what you shared. That openness which others see as trust. That incalculable chemical molecule with which most identify.
Your son, yes you have discussed the travails of your son from time to time. His autism. His struggles with other children. How you strive to keep him comfortable and happy. But his decline – only a hint here and there.

There is a rumor that his health is rapidly deteriorating to the point of no return. That his continuing illness is causing a rift in your “perfect” marriage. But you have been stalwart, and strong, and just led the board of directors through the sterling financials for the last quarter. Profits are up 18%.
The Wall Street Journal sings your praises. Stockholders are in awe. To the world life is perfect.
So you want to be a charismatic leader? Leadership requires “ speaking to the truth as Neale Walsch writes in “ Conversations with God”.

Here they sit. Three Hundred Fifty expectant men and women. Eager for your quarterly message
of hope, inspiration, and life-sustaining theories. Knowing you have brought the firm through the recession. Knowing you will provide for them in many ways, large and small.
Be strong , you say to yourself. You got where you are through hubris, knowledge, and superior self
control. Strong on the outside: stronger on the inside.
You’ve spoken with Elizabeth Edwards. Hilary Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro. All who overcame the impossible – and retained their public integrity. Here you are – with an expectant audience.
Lou Gehrig walked away.. so weak he could not hold the goodbye gift presented by fans and teammates..
Where is my inner strength whispers the voice inside of your head.
The introductions are over: the crowd comes to their feet as one large wave. Cheering as you reach the
podium. Waiting for good news. Waiting for that magic they have seen in you for 15 years.
Deep breath: knees knocking: shoulders back: eyes focused on your loyal assistant in the front row- only she has seen the struggle behind the curtain and knows something is rotten in Denmark.

You thank the team for their loyalty: how they have made the Company great and then share Power
Point graphs illustrating the successful 1st quarter. You have stalled, procrastinated, bobbed and weaved. It is time to tell them. Alex, your son died last night, Timothy your husband left town on a
business trip – and was seen in West Palm Beach with another woman, and yes you have cervical cancer.

The imperfect tri fact a. A leave of absence- yes you are leaving for an indefinite period of time.
There is an audible gasp: Silence: Tears: employees reluctant to look at each other – so uncomfortable.
You have gone where many have failed. You stayed faithful to your implicit promise to employees which is to tell the truth .. always. To trust them .. and for them to trust you.
Leadership is about raising expectations. This includes the honesty of transparency and the risk of being vulnerable.
Hubris and knowledge catapulted you to the corner office. Do you have that something extra of transparency and vulnerability which sets you apart.? Leadership has its rewards and risks.

My question to all of you leaders – are you willing to walk the walk ? To share who you are, what you value, and embrace employees when they care about you and your life?

WARSAW-PHILADELPHIA-CHICAGO ARE WE OUR BROTHERS KEEPER –FEEL GUILTY?

Gale force, snow laden winds blow in from The Baltic Sea.
Seemingly endless frozen fog with 50mph winds blow in from Lake Michigan.
The damp chill combined with ice covered SEPTA steps smacks one in the face.
All difficult, desperate, life killing situations facing people around the world.
The mumbling, incoherent masses face these monsters all so frequently.

Hidden from view, snuggled against heating grates, leaning against subway walls
They remain almost inconspicuous, unnoticed, present since the middle ages.
Note: AMOST INCONSPICUOUS
Passing their lives in silence, they age, deteriorate and die.
Not a word in the obituaries, not a path traveled to the paupers grave
Unidentified, relatives unknown, they pass like so much fecal matter
Who cares, who shares, who pays attention?

A noted TV Commercial brays :” We can fix it”. The question is – do we care enough?
Is indeed a metric of society as to how we care for the poor, the sick, the lame?

The city influenced by the Baltic Ocean is Warsaw, Poland.
A thriving, recently westernized country where glitz and glitter are common.
Where subway steps and passages ways smell of urine, of decaying bodies
Of poverty and crime.
Where the CEO’s and posh maidens ignore the homeless and helpless.

The city of broad shoulders, The Magnificent Mile, and the winds of Lake Michigan
Is obviously Chicago.
Laptop carrying execs from Barrington Hills, Kenilworth, glimmering condos on Lake Shore Drive
Saunter and drive BMW’s past the underground city of Lower Wacker Drive.
Trading bonds and commodities by day, ignoring the homeless as darkness falls.

A noted TV Commercial brays :” We can fix it”. The question is – do we care enough.
Is indeed a metric of society as to how we care for the poor, the sick, the lame

The Septa Steps lead the knowledgeable business and government movers and shakers
From the MainLine in suburban Philadelphia to downtown Market Street.
The proud city designed by Ben Franklin.
Like their brothers and sisters in Warsaw and Chicago , they remain oblivious .
Unmoved, uncaring.

Let us be clear. Many millions are given to charity. Many CEO’s open their wallets
Wide, often, and with a sincere twinge of their heartstrings.

So with men on the moon, ultra speed ipods, heart transplant technology
The mind is mystified by why can’t we resolve the homeless issue.?
The reason my dear friends is : because we, as a society don’t care enough.
Get mad at me! Shut down your computer! Send a nasty tweet or face book message.

Feel guilty as you read this while in front of your fireplace with a glass of sherry?
Look around you when you go to church or mosque or synagogue this weekend.
Mink coats, Ferragamo shoes, Nordstrom herringbone coats:
Buttons that start your car so you can sit on a heated seat after the service is completed .
Do you see yourself in the face of those hidden in the shadows?
Saying “ There but for the grace of God goes I”?
.
We don’t ask the homeless about ………
The point is.. we don’t talk to them at all.

Woman begging in old town Warsaw

Your Everyday Giant Bean in Chicago

Your Everyday Giant Bean in Chicago

There are many expressions telling us “ the world is a small place”
• Six degrees of Separation
• The world wide web
• The roots of all mankind come from>>>>>>>
• Celebrate diversity

All true, so very true: at the same time we also strive to tolerate,
Recognize, learn about, the many cultures, history, art and values of those near and far.
Enter : The Bean” resting in Millennium Park in Chicago, Il.

There is art which has moved generations ( Mona Lisa, David, Night Watch, etc etc
Places where we visit because of history- The Great Wall of China, Petra, Bethlehem
These artifacts, wonders of the world are viewed by peoples of all nations
With wonderment, wide eyes, respect, and awe.

So it is with the Bean – with a difference .
One a cold January afternoon, I simultaneously observed in amusement and bemusement
At the actions of the peoples of the world celebrating life and art in Millenium Park
You see the Bean – sends a unique message while captivating its extended families

Enjoy me ! this imposing sparkling grey figure exclaims

Some touch it’s skin: Other go inside – yes inside: and jump vertically while giggling
Other lay on their backs with feet propped outside
Then there is the caricature – face making: young and old laughing one moment
Engrossed in this engineering /artistic marvel the next.

Having visited some of the great historic /art works throughout the world
I ponder the generational durability of The Bean. How many years will it reign?
and attract The common international resonance of visitors
Will those from many lands continue to haltingly say “ Will you take my picture”?

A monument to our universal sense of wonderment
Our worldwide expressions of joy: appreciation of our capacity to innovate, create, design.
The Bean is a platform for the concept of our seeking the common values
Which bind us together

Why can’t we translate that into laughing, jumping, and amazement as we appreciate the world’s art.