Knowing that I have been involved as a spokesperson for a complainant group in an ethics dispute over the past several months challenging a city official regarding his misconduct in office, a friend recently sent me the Harry Truman passage below. It is so on target for refocusing our political views and opinions for the recent occurrences that have been occuring in political offices that have caused attention and discussion around the country.
However, Harry's passages gives reassurance to the belief that ethical leaders have been at the helm. Truman's vision as a leader has stood the test of time. Hopefully, those in office will be reminded of how he led by word, action and deed. Our nation was blessed by his leadership and reminds us how we need this same integrity and ethical leadership at every level of government today.Please read and be challenged to actively hold those who lead us to this standard.
Harry Truman's Passage:
Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only assets he has when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence, Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952, his income was, a U.S. Army pension reported, to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noted that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an "allowance" and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.
After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
As President, he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. (sic Illinois)
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!
Final thoughts: I say dig him up and clone him! Train the future Presidents of American to act with the same integrity and ethical leadership! I'd Love to hear your thoughts regarding this blog. Please share them with me if you are willing.
Thanks,
Fred
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Vision, Heart and Courage
In every one of my coaching quarterly retreats and 1-on-1 sessions the topic of vision, both personal and professional, is emphasized as a key to driving success and balancing life. To be an effective leader, the demand for courage is a constant. Did you know what the word 'courage' comes from the French word Coeur, which means heart? It follows then that leaders must have heart-the heart to put forth their vision, to communicate it, no matter how absurd it may sound to others. The leader with courage/heart is up to the challenge to risk defeat against bitter odds. A leader's courage and heart gives him/her the fortitude and the resilience to out their reputation on the line. In order to give others the confidence to join the courageous journey to achieve and realize their vision the leader's courage and heart must be transparent. A leader without heart is a leader without direction, without a plan and ultimately without success.
Take a moment and think: What gives you courage? What supports your vision? What strengthens your heart? Whatever your answers, embrace, nurture and appreciate them. What aspects of your leadership role require the most courage and heart? What, who and how is your vision challenged? When you are challenged, draw upon what nurtures you and the confidence it gives you. Remain courageous and steadfast to achieve your vision for professional success and personal life balance.
Perhaps this blog might best be summed up by the words of Thomas Paine when he wrote, circa in 1820, these words,"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength for distress and grow brave by reflection. Tis the business of little minds to shrink: but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his vision unto the end."
Take a moment and think: What gives you courage? What supports your vision? What strengthens your heart? Whatever your answers, embrace, nurture and appreciate them. What aspects of your leadership role require the most courage and heart? What, who and how is your vision challenged? When you are challenged, draw upon what nurtures you and the confidence it gives you. Remain courageous and steadfast to achieve your vision for professional success and personal life balance.
Perhaps this blog might best be summed up by the words of Thomas Paine when he wrote, circa in 1820, these words,"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength for distress and grow brave by reflection. Tis the business of little minds to shrink: but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his vision unto the end."
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Year's Resolution
Yes, it is that time again for that annual All American activity known as making the New Year's Resolutions. Perhaps the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain speaks directly and honestly to how we really feel about out commitment to these resolutions.
Twain, in 1863, in New York Times wrote "Now is the accepted time to make you regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving the road to hell with them as usual...New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody, save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, friendly calls and humbug resolutions..."
A rather harsh admonishment I think, but I must admit too many times I know it to be too true for too many of us including myself (not the drunkenness part). With that being said, why not make 2011 different! Pick 3 to 5 things that you really want to accomplish; things that are vital to you that if accomplished will really make a difference in you life, your work or perhaps improve you health or relationships. It's never too late to start.
I challenge you to look at what is vitally important to you, something that you know needs your attention, something you have known you should do but have perhaps have avoided. Make a resolution to do something about it in 2011. Be specific about what you want to accomplish. Write it down and determine what you specifically want to achieve, whether it being a business goal such as 10 more sales calls per week or a personal goal of losing 25 pounds. Make sure it is something measurable. Also, make certain you believe it is achievable and realistic and if the goals/resolutions are, challenge yourself with specific benchmark times to monitor and evaluate your progress.
When you achieve those bench marked goals, celebrate your successes, If you fall short, don't give up, refocus and make sure that your resolutions are still realistic and achievable in order to succeed.
This year, let the road of good intentions take you someplace you will enjoy, be proud of, feel good about and know that you have made a difference in your life. Happy New Year!
Twain, in 1863, in New York Times wrote "Now is the accepted time to make you regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving the road to hell with them as usual...New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody, save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, friendly calls and humbug resolutions..."
A rather harsh admonishment I think, but I must admit too many times I know it to be too true for too many of us including myself (not the drunkenness part). With that being said, why not make 2011 different! Pick 3 to 5 things that you really want to accomplish; things that are vital to you that if accomplished will really make a difference in you life, your work or perhaps improve you health or relationships. It's never too late to start.
I challenge you to look at what is vitally important to you, something that you know needs your attention, something you have known you should do but have perhaps have avoided. Make a resolution to do something about it in 2011. Be specific about what you want to accomplish. Write it down and determine what you specifically want to achieve, whether it being a business goal such as 10 more sales calls per week or a personal goal of losing 25 pounds. Make sure it is something measurable. Also, make certain you believe it is achievable and realistic and if the goals/resolutions are, challenge yourself with specific benchmark times to monitor and evaluate your progress.
When you achieve those bench marked goals, celebrate your successes, If you fall short, don't give up, refocus and make sure that your resolutions are still realistic and achievable in order to succeed.
This year, let the road of good intentions take you someplace you will enjoy, be proud of, feel good about and know that you have made a difference in your life. Happy New Year!
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