Comments

Surely the best (worst) example of what Tom is talking about is Iraq. We (UK) screwed up in a mega way as the current Chilcot Inquiry is proving every day (including (possibly) an illegal invasion of Iraq). Not satisfied with that almighty cock up, our response is that we continue to screw up even more as another British family or two hear daily the news that their young son/daughter and proud member of the British military is brought home in a coffin ...... And no one apologises.

PS - I agree totally that perception is everything.

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 3, 2010 7:16 PM

Very true. As a matter of fact, how well you bounce back from a screw-up and mend the situation is a great relationship builder with a customer.

In the business of professional services I am in, it is how well you respond to and address missteps... that influences the client's perception of your service - much more than any rhetoric of 'trusted relationships'.

Posted by Ramana at February 3, 2010 8:16 PM

As Toyota will now have a great chance to prove...

Posted by RobCH at February 4, 2010 1:16 AM

Couldn't agree more

Most senior managers seem unable to say we got that wrong unless it is totally obvious. The consequence isn't just the response perception as Tom has highlighted it is also the fact the the solution is often just a symptom bashing exercise.

Key piece I learned through coaching - the real reason or motivation is generally the level below the one you are looking at.

Posted by PaulH at February 4, 2010 2:56 AM

Experience has taught me, when a client complains, to apologize immediately. That defuses the situation, and often evokes a response such as "It's not that bad", or "I know it's not your fault".
To my knowledge, I have never lost a client through apologizing ...

Posted by Mike L. at February 4, 2010 3:19 AM

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

--Anais Nin

This can indeed be the problem with perception. It can be unrelated to reality which makes it difficult to address the real problem, let alone our response to it.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 4, 2010 4:44 AM

The problem seems to me that too many people think an apology is the end of the matter.

In the majority of cases, it should be the starting point on a process of mending the problem. An apology without follow-up action is often just empty words. It needs to be followed up with proof that the the wrong has been righted.

Posted by Mark JF at February 4, 2010 8:10 AM

The issue here is one of approach. When things go wrong too often the first button pushed is "Spin control". The acceptance of blame and responsibility for resolution, rather than trying to spin one's way out of the problem is the key.

Providing services to clients is relatively easy in good times but problems, especially during thin times, are an opportunity to prove the quality of service through a strong response.

Posted by Gordon Inglis at February 4, 2010 3:29 PM

I've been thinking about this video off and on today. Practice humility. It has a way of cutting through guards that enables a faster, better solution.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 4, 2010 3:53 PM

Judith: humility is a good benchmark but this about how you react to a problem. Practice contrition.

Posted by Mark JF at February 4, 2010 7:10 PM

Hmm? What is contrition if it's not humble? Love your tone. :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 4, 2010 7:13 PM

You see, Mark, often our pride and arrogance inhibit us from being contrite, from showing humility. If you practice humility, which is basically a forever state of listening and deferring to others--not displayed as false humility or the lack of confidence-- barriers are more easily broken down and solutions more readily discovered.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 4, 2010 7:20 PM

Humility is shown in word choices, tone written or spoken), the eyes, the rigidity of the body, the eyes, the suppleness of the neck, etc. Often times body language precedes an apology. It's a signifier.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 4, 2010 7:28 PM

Judith - humility * is an ongoing disposition to be humble and to have no sense of false pride. Of itself, it won't prevent or resolve a problem. Which is why I suggest (whether you come from a position of humility, arrogance or anywhere in between) that contrition is the appropriate reaction to a problem you've caused: a sincere remorse for wrongdoing.

• "Humility is no substitute for a good personality." Fran Lebowitz.

Have a nice day...

Posted by Mark JF at February 5, 2010 3:27 AM

Perhaps it could be argued that humble leaders tend to cause less problems that need apologies.....

Posted by PaulH at February 5, 2010 4:56 AM

Mark - It depends on our understanding of humility. Lebowitz seems to be remarking on what I described above as "false humility or the lack of confidence." This does not solve anything, nor does it empower change by breaking down barriers or softening tensions so that real problem-solving can occur. It's just false.

You seemed to have based your reasoning on a faulty definition of the word. Humility is not merely a state of being; it's an action word. It's what you do that matters. Practicing humility is beautiful because it "tends to cause less problems that need apologies." (Thanks for that, Paul. That's beautiful!)

I don't think you can come from a position of true humility and not be contrite when necessary. This, however, does not have to by any means lack confidence or brilliance. In fact, I would venture to say that on some level true humility has confidence and brilliance. It is a mean that enables things to get done.

True humility can most certainly "prevent or solve a problem" as it both arms and disarms. I'm a witness to this almost daily. True humility opens understanding, allows acceptance, creates solutions, and limits contention. These things without a doubt can "prevent and solve a problem." To me, this seems to actually be the essence of Tom's video.

Good day to you too...

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 5, 2010 8:25 AM

Sadly, we watch this issue arise time and time again. Witness Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman Sachs; Jamie Dimon from JP Morgan Chase; John Mack of Morgan Stanley and the newest member of the club Brian Moynihan of Bank of America testifying before the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission last month. For some inexplicable reason they still appear unable to grasp nor fully accept responsibility for their failures in mis-managing America’s financial system. "Too big to fail" has metaphorically speaking become “stuff happens”.

My mentor has long shared the leadership principle that "When you mess up, fess up." Yet for so many of our business and political leaders, the instinct is C-Y-A. Frankly, I find their behavior outrageously confounding.

Posted by Kerry Stackpole at February 5, 2010 11:48 AM

Kerry – I agree with you totally – yours is a great comment.

When I was a young man, many centuries ago (I don’t think I dreamt this - and I don’t think I am looking back with rose tinted spectacles either) the people in high office or in the public spotlight whether that be politics, business or sport there was a (presumably unwritten) code of practice that you resigned on principle if you devalued the privileged ‘office’ you held.

Nowadays people in high office have PR and image consultants advising them to “Hang on in there – it might blow over – let’s stick it out - don’t make any comment - and definitely don’t come clean and step down.” - I highlight as a topical example numerous politicians here in the UK caught with their fingers in the till in the recent expenses scandal.

These ‘celebrities’ presumably hope they can convince we the gullible (not) public that the ‘celebrity’ is just a misunderstood person and they should be forgiven – What a load of garbage that is!

Thank God today we have seen England Football Team Manager Fabio Capello sack the England Captain John Terry for devaluing the role of England Captain by his bed hopping antics with the long term partner of a colleague England player. I notice John Terry did not however resign once he had been caught out – he just waited to be sacked - Bravo Mr Capello for showing terrific leadership and sacking him.

Is it too much to hope in 2010 that we might see politicians, business people and sports icons resign on principle when they are caught out? I am telling you this definitely happened often in the 1960’s and 70’s.

The standards of personal integrity of those in high profile positions have slipped alarmingly in the last 30 years without a shadow of a doubt.

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 5, 2010 1:02 PM

Trevor: for the record, John Terry (married man) had an affair with the ex girlfriend of an ex team mate. She was single at the time and she was allegedly the 5th man from John Terry's club she'd had an "affair" with. Hardly great behaviour from either party.

Now let's look at the England team. Rio Ferdinand (the new captain) got a 9 month ban for missing a drugs test with all sorts of rumours about why he chose to miss it. Wayne Rooney has a history with prostitutes. Steve Gerrard was found not guilty of assault but admitted in court to being involved in a fight in a nightclub. Ashley Cole (married man) went out out, got drunk, picked up a girl and promptly threw up on her in the back of his Bentley. I could go on but if I was you, I'd get my boots polished and go for a few jogs because if we're going to use moral background as a selection criteria over footballing ability, it looks like you could be lining up for England in next World Cup.

And sports icons resigning in the 60's and 70's? I seem to recall that your beloved George Best led a drunken and hedonistic life - but he's revered as an icon!! There's some serious cant and hypocrisy surrounding this whole business.

Posted by Mark JF at February 5, 2010 3:57 PM

Mark – thanks for that feedback.

John Terry is CAPTAIN of England – surely we can expect something a bit more professional and responsible from England’s Captain. Doesn’t he represent England as an ambassador?

He is a married man. Last year he told the world in a magazine interview he was a ‘changed man’ – he was named ‘Dad of the Year’ and said in that interview that all his extra marital affairs (apparently there have been plenty) were now over and he was a family man. This was just BEFORE the affair with the woman you mention who allegedly also had affairs with 5 of the Chelsea team!

I totally agree with you there is an awful lot of hypocrisy. I would never pretend that me, or even you Mark, are perfect – but we are not Captains of England are we?

By the way Ferdinand was never found guilty of any offence; Rooney was an immature17 year old when the alleged prostitute episode occurred …And NEITHER were the Captain of England.

As regards my hero George Best … All football fans know George was a flawed genius but we forgave him because of his unique talent … and in the end he was finished by the time he was 28 years of age as he pressed his own self-destruct button. George of course was never the Captain of the Northern Ireland national team.

John Terry clearly NEVER properly respected the position he held as England Captain … and as an aside, he is not even half as good as George Best.

My point remains that – believe me Mark - people did used to resign in politics, business and sport when they were ‘caught out’ and now they just don’t do that – something fundamental has changed and it is about personal standards and integrity.

They now would rather just bury their heads in the S**T they put themselves in and hope it will just go away.

I greatly respect and admire people who simply resign because they have been caught out and they have a sense of responsibility about how they have let down either people or the position. It is much cleaner, more clinical and healthier than hanging on, causing embarrassment to themselves and their families until they are sacked or asked to leave the position.

Once more I say bravo Mr Capello!!!

And isn’t it ironic that it takes an Italian to show we English how to act decisively when someone steps out of line?

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 5, 2010 6:46 PM

WOW! Who knew that men were just as interested in sordid gossipy details of sexual escapades as women. No wonder the rags are so popular on both sides of the pond. :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 5, 2010 7:10 PM

Hi Judith – a funny story for you – hope you appreciate it.

Back in the 1980’s when the infamous Margaret Thatcher was our Prime Minister there was a famous case of Cecil Parkinson the Chairman of her 'whiter than white' Conservative Party having an extra marital affair resulting in him fathering the child of one of his researchers.

The news broke in newspapers on the day of the annual Conservative Party Conference.

Mrs Thatcher was interviewed on TV and said the public were just not interested in the newspaper ‘tittle-tattle’ about such things.

The TV interviewer reminded Mrs Thatcher that the tabloid newspapers for sale in the hotel which she and all her Conservative Cabinet members were staying for the conference, were sold out because everyone wanted do read the story!

The truth we both know Judith is that both men and women ARE interested in this stuff – but most of us refuse to admit it! - Otherwise please tell me who is buying all the newspapers?! :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 5, 2010 7:30 PM

The first step is apologizing. Then there's a lot to follow. Most important of them all is practicing humility.

Posted by Jason at February 6, 2010 12:04 AM

Jason - It would seem to me that in order for an apology to be sincere that humility should precede it. Have you ever witnessed a prideful apology? My mother used to say, "Don't look at me with that tone of voice" well before I even uttered the expected "apology."

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 6, 2010 7:23 AM

Rob - The president of Toyota did offer an apology yesterday which was followed with "believe me our cars are safe." When I heard that I couldn't help but to think why should I believe you when there are two major recalls days a part? Considering such in particular, it just seemed so out of place to say "believe me." Then I wondered about our mistrust in such a saying. I assume that these words would have had meaning in a different time. It took the president two days or so before the apology. I assume the he knew that there was another recall on the horizon and he needed to kill two birds with one stone. The professional thing seems to be not to apology twice, especially so quickly a part. For PR reasons, I guess this is understandable. Toyota has been known for its safety. We shall see how quickly they recover.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 6, 2010 7:39 AM

So, Trevor, let's just clarify your position:

John Terry is a bad man because, while captain of the England soccer team and a married man, he had an affair with a single woman.

Rio Ferdinand missing a drugs test and getting a 9 month ban from the football authorities is OK because he only broke the rules of sport and not the actual laws of the land.

Wayne Rooney using prostitutes is OK because he was 17 at the time. (As a fact, that's not entirely true but let's take your points at face value.)

George Best's drinking, womanising and gambling are perfectly OK because a) he was an exceptionally talented footballer; and b) he wasn't team captain.

My point is this: either teams are selected and reputations assessed on the basis of the players' off-field behaviour as well as such incidental things as form and fitness; or we apply a consistent standard, without exception, without favouritism, without hypocrisy.

My view is that they should behave decently when they're on England duty and not abuse their positions. When they're off duty, I'd prefer them to live decent lives but at the end of the day it's none of my business.

And BTW, if it's about having a separate standard for team captains, there have been several captains since Bobby Moore (also a man who liked a drink, let's remember) who were very far from being saints off the pitch.

And another BTW, it shouldn't be about people's reaction when they're caught. It should be about people living decent lives and setting an example.

Posted by Mark JF at February 6, 2010 9:31 AM

When it comes to Toyota, the problem might be the problem.
What are you supposed to say when brakes are unreliable?

Much of what Tom is saying was said repeatedly about Tiger Woods handling of his problem.
But again, what was Woods supposed to say? That he only cheated with 10 women and not 11?
For Woods, the problem was the problem.
Nixon on the other hand is a perfect example where the problem was not the problem, the coverup was the problem. What nailed Nixon was a lack of humility, but it also exactly his lack of honest humility that got him the job of President.

But I'm not sure the same can be said about Clinton. He would not have gone through impeachment if he fessed up earlier, but the impeachment hearings may well of helped him. The public was against him being impeached.

So, sometimes the problem is the problem and sometimes the problem isn't the problem.

Posted by zorro at February 6, 2010 10:20 AM

"So, sometimes the problem is the problem and sometimes the problem isn't the problem."

Zorro - I agree with this statement and appreciate your analysis here. Thanks!

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 6, 2010 10:52 AM

Oh, I'm also not sure if Tom was making a general point about how we should address a problem and what we should do thereafter rather than saying that problems don't exist. Obviously, without the problem there would be no reason to address it. After all, he says that we should "fess up." I'm thinking that some times we should be so literal in our analysis also. But as I said above your comment is appreciated.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 6, 2010 10:56 AM

Mark - you are right - Wayne Rooney was in fact only 16 - a mere boy - not 17.

Mr Capello dealt with John Terry brilliantly by insisting upon proper respect for the England captaincy role that Terry held and disrespected.

If Ferdinand steps out of line he will clearly be treated in the same way I'm sure.

Again the irony strikes me that it takes an Italian manager to impose the high standards that should be expected from an England captain and yep I feel absolutely we should have should definitely have higher expectations of the Captain when it comes to standards of integrity and behaviour both on and off the field.

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 6, 2010 12:33 PM

"The Problem is never the Problem. The response to the problem is almost always the problem".

This is what he says in the video. Words matter, right?
How about 50% of the time, the problem is never the problem?" But this sort of a statement is not as interesting as the more absolute statement. Its way the brain works. Absolute statements are easier to process. Tom literally lets his medium drive his message.

I bet it is less than 50%, but since I don't actually know, 50% is a good guess.
But, based on the problems we have today, the problem is the problem. The problems we see today are complex, not easy to solve and their solutions cannot be power-pointed.

Audiences love ideas that can be power-pointed. This is one of the reasons for the rise of the tea-party. The tea-party offers solutions that are simple, but completely wrong. Although Tom's subject matter is nothing like the subject matter of the tea-party, his methods of simplifying everything to one sided slogans is essentially the same.

Posted by zorro at February 6, 2010 12:39 PM

Zorro, re Toyota, the brake/accelerator problems are certainly there, and that in itself is one serious state of affairs. However, given that the problem exists, what is likely to define how seriously Toyota is damaged in the long-term by all that is how they deal with it. Quickly, Openly, Honestly, Generously, Humbly and Completely are the recommendations. Let's see.

Compare with Perrier's handling of their benzene contamination many years back. Denial, secrecy, slow response, and a blatant desire to sweep things under the carpet, blame-shifting; in all, a classic case of how to do irreparable damage to your reputation in a matter of weeks.

Trevor, I believe Capello's actions in relieving Terry of his captain role is nothing to do with any moral judgement and solely to do with getting the story out of the headlines, where it would only continue to distract from the business of preparing the team for the World Cup.

Posted by RobCH at February 6, 2010 1:08 PM

"But, based on the problems we have today, the problem is the problem. The problems we see today are complex, not easy to solve and their solutions cannot be power-pointed."

I largely agree with this statement, Zorro. But not all solutions to these complex problems can be dealt with the same way and not everyone will deal with them similarly. (You seem to have returned to your usual dislike/distrust of certain professions as if there is not a role their for them too.) While some may address WHAT the problem is, others may deal with HOW it should addressed. Yet, some others may take on the issue of WHEN to address the problem.

A leader such as the president is required to look at the whole. A motivational speaker or author may not be required to do the same. I do not think that it is the lot of every single professional person to address the WHAT, HOW and WHEN of every situation whether it is complex or not. And, we do have the choice whether to agree or not. But I can appreciate the general importance of how we see and address problems in the culture en masse. This is what I appreciate in Tom's video.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 6, 2010 1:31 PM

In January 2009, Leading Blog had a decent post entitled "Communication Crib Sheet for Crisis Times". There are many similar resources available, however, I cite this one since I remember it and how to find it - the best one I had seen as of its date.

http://www.leadershipnow.com/leadingblog/2009/01/communication_crib_sheet_for_c.html

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 6, 2010 2:22 PM

Toyota's leadership, and that of any private sector (whether for-profit or NFP) leader, faced with a hierarchy of problems might benefit from Peter Drucker's admonition:

"Stand for the 'public' interest more forcefully than any public agency could. Your business must be anticipation and satisfaction of the service requirements of your public."

"More forcefully" does not mean arrogantly, but within the context of the problem, its solution within and outside of the organization, and with true humility and recompense for loss.

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 6, 2010 2:33 PM

Rob – I hear what you say and of course I respect your view. Having said that Sven Goran-Erickson and Steve McLaren the previous two England managers would simply not have had the balls to take the decisive actions Mr Capello has taken to show who is in charge. There is clearly a message in Mr Capello’s actions that anyone who steps outside the rules he lays down (as the leader) knows their likely fate. I admire Capello immensely as a leader – we haven’t had such a decisive leader in English football for decades and that’s probably why we’ve won nothing since 1966.

Whatever Capello’s reasoning was for sacking John Terry it has sent a clear and powerful message to all 23 players he will select for his World Cup squad.

Most of us pussy foot around far too often and don’t grasp nettles as managers – always looking for the easy and soft option.

Mr Capello took 12 minutes to tell John Terry he was sacking him. That’s decisive. As I see it Mr Capello has one clear objective and that is to win the World Cup for England this summer in South Africa and I support him 100% in that.

We have not had a better chance since 1966 of winning the World Cup as long as we keep this man in charge and let him get on with job on his terms.

I am not into bullying management/leadership – I hate that style actually - but I am totally in favour of hard but fair and responsible leadership which Mr Capello has shown us in bundles since he has been in charge of England.

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 6, 2010 7:01 PM

"A leader such as the president is required to look at the whole. A motivational speaker or author may not be required to do the same."

Sorry, someone who chants excellence over and over again cannot get off that easily.

Posted by zorro at February 6, 2010 11:28 PM

Trevor, no argument from me on the need for decisive, quick action, nor that Capello is up to it. He is a change for the better in many ways over his weak predecessors. My argument is simply that he is most probably acting pragmatically, not from any moral reasoning.

Posted by RobCH at February 7, 2010 1:16 AM

I'm sure you are right Rob and pragmatism is my middle name. My original point in this discussion - and what disappoints me most - is that people in high places used to resign when the writing was on the wall and they were caught out. The 'fshion' of the last 15 years or so is that such people have the 'brass neck' to stay around until they are forced out. It's the lack of integrity of the individual that appalls me. John Terry probably can't even spell integrity. This issue is more important in politics and business than sport. Who was the last high profile politician to resign as matter of principle before he/she was pushed? - That remains my main point.

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 7, 2010 3:46 AM

Lifting passages, Zorro, without considering the whole is exactly apart of that reductionist simplistic thinking that you often write about. Sorry.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 7, 2010 4:07 AM

I agree Tom. But ironically since people are not taught to think effectively about problem solving especially and overwhelmingly from a young age that people keep making the same mistakes of poor problem solvers that came before them. As Margaret J Wheatley once said "Too many problem solving sessions become battlegrounds where decisions are made based on power rather than intelligence". And isn't that the sad reality of today whether in corporate or political arenas, and sadly even in families and schools. When Popularity and power become more important than rationality and morality we have a big problem on our hands.

Posted by Greg Z. Fainberg at February 7, 2010 5:29 AM

When you are young, self concious and immature, it's normal to say "I did not" (even when you did)

When you grow up, that should change to "Yes I did" (but it does not always)

It's especially troubling when people who get into positions of power behave this way.
Sometimes 'Power' can seamlessly change to 'Pirate'

Here's a simple question (but the answer is deafning)

What's wrong with saying "I messed up"

Depends on who you are. Actually, might even depend more on what you do.

Beware Pirates who get into powerful positions.

Posted by Conor Kenny at February 7, 2010 9:21 AM

I just spotted all the debate on 'humility'
Wonderful.

Here's my own take on humility;

"True humility is knowing the impact and effect your actions and words might have on a fellow human being"

Posted by Conor Kenny at February 7, 2010 9:25 AM

"Lifting passages, Zorro, without considering the whole is exactly apart of that reductionist simplistic thinking that you often write about. Sorry."

Judith, you are a fan of Tom, you are not thinking logically about his underlying views.
What large issue do you agree with Tom on? Globalization?
Making everyone a temp?
When it comes to globalization, I'm not sure Tom agrees with himself.
Tom has great bumper sticker slogans, but he is dangerously wrong on the big stuff.

Posted by zorro at February 7, 2010 10:17 AM

wow lot of comments here... someone once told me humility is saying these 5 words "I'm sorry I was wrong" ...

Posted by productiveentrepreneur at February 7, 2010 10:20 AM

Zorro - You are right. I do admire Tom. But I reject any notion that I blindly follow the views of anyone. You seem to blanket or color all disagreements singularly. I do not.
Sometimes your desire seems to be to completely undermine people that you disagree with whether it's Tom, Arianna, Nassim or whoever. I do not.

The comment above was in direct response to your seemingly inability to fairly reason with others, making viable arguments on each point. You scream: "TOM IS BAD." I disagree. It would seem to me that if you want to make a greater impact you would not blanket everything that Tom writes as malicious. I don't think anyone agrees with you.

One thing that is for certain is if anyone of us are dangerously out for ourselves alone and not the well-being of others, our reckoning will come. I believe that we should fight policies that are harmful, but I also believe in trying to understand people and their actions. I believe in fairness and honor. And as you well know, I also believe in calling it as I see it.

Tom does not strike me as someone who is malicious or destructive. We all want to excel, but I don't think he has a win at all cost mentality. This is what I appreciate. And, from what he has said about his wife Susan he seems to have someone who will keep him on the straight and narrow. :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 7, 2010 10:57 AM

Trevor, I'm afraid we get exactly the footballers and politicians (and bankers) we deserve.

Posted by RobCH at February 7, 2010 11:29 AM

Yeah, I used to make that statement about leaders and people until earlier this year Zorro pointed out to me that he would not have deserved Palin. I wholeheartedly agreed. The Jews did not deserve Hitler, the Russians Stalin, and African Americans, then considered chattel, the Founding Father slave masters. By nature, it is by far easier for us to talk than walk the walk. But the beauty of the Constitution is that it superseded human nature to a higher truth. "All men are created equal" indeed.The whole document is a work of beauty. The sense of what we will yet be reminds me of an interview I read with the poet Maya Angelou. When asked whether she was a Christian she replied, "So soon?" Hopefully, we are forever becoming...

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 7, 2010 12:12 PM

Rob - I fear you are correct Sir. But we do not have to lay back submissively and accept it as inevitable.

cheap viagra in usa How I would love to see just one of the hundreds of politicians of all three major parties, who were caught with their fingers in the till, just resign quietly and disappear with some dignity from public life. They would immediately gain more respect from this admittedly old fashioned man. I live in hope Rob :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 7, 2010 4:44 PM

Speaking of Sarah Palin, watch her address the teabaggers reading notes written on her hand like an elementary school student. How pathetic!

In an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox Pain said that she will consider a presidential run in 2012. Do watch this pathetic "politician" and tell me who are the pathetic persons who paid this woman six figures to read anything written anywhere?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtcVMTZkTZQ

And who again is that once valiant solider who elected this woman as a VP running mate, demeaning the office considerably. In a recent interview Hank Paulson describes presidential candidates Obama and McCain:

"I was very impressed that candidate Obama was very concerned with what was going on and was very supportive," said the former Treasury Secretary who is promoting his book, "On The Brink." Candidate McCain, I will admit, gave me a few more anxious days and hours."

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 7, 2010 5:40 PM

Regarding Sarah Palin, the problem IS most definitely the problem.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 7, 2010 6:15 PM

Trevor, I agree. We should not lie back submissively and accept what we feel is wrong. But not only do we (and I use the term in its collective sense of society at large) mostly do just that, but our alternative is usually limited to having a quiet moan. To link with Judith's post, I may think that the teabaggers are completely moronic, but at least they're active.

Posted by RobCH at February 8, 2010 1:45 AM

Cheers Rob - Sadly I think you are right again - it seems the royal 'we' have just lamely accepted the new low standards of integrity among our leaders and influential people and on reflection perhaps that says more about us than them my friend. Have a great Monday!

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 8, 2010 2:28 AM

Reminds me Rob of the story told by Tony Benn that as Tony Blair 'invented' New Labour in the mid 1990's.

Existing Labour members told Tony that they were angry and in protest they had torn up their Labour Membership Card.

Tony replied "That's fine but what are you going to DO ABOUT it! When your Grandchildren ask what do you do to try and make a stand against something you don't believe in - what will you say apart from 'I tore up my membership card!"

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 8, 2010 2:40 AM

I am not a worshiper of mere activity, being forever reminded of something my uncle said when my brothers were complaining about not doing what the other kids were doing. We couldn’t hang out with just anybody and were required to read and watch the news and report back to my mother on what was going on nationally and internationally. My uncle told my brothers after listening to them whine about how strict our mother was that the kids on our block "may be moving but in the wrong direction."

My uncle's reply has stuck with me. It does not prevent from moving forward on many fronts I have done so in many directions and failed more than once. But it does not remind me to consider to thoughtfully consider a plan and how to advance it. The plan often changes, but I at least have an outline. When I have fouled up I have done precisely what Tom has advocated since childhood: "Fess up. Fast. Fastidiously."

All activity is not good and some damage takes decades before things turn around. Still, some others are irreparable. So, while we want to try things we most certainly want to be wise also considering possible damaging outcomes. Moronic hot white noise without wisdom can be detrimental and damaging that takes the country or company back eons. Speaking of going back, another teabag leader, the former Republican congressman and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo disgracefully addressed the convention of active teabaggers.

Tancredo evoked racist discriminatory practices that prevented African Americans from being a part of their government after centuries of unspeakable abuse. He justifies the old literacy and poll tax that prevented African Americans from voting to hoards of laughter: "And then, something really odd happened, mostly because I think that we do not have a civics literacy test before people can vote in this country," said Tancredo. "People who could not even spell the word "vote," or say it in English, put a committed socialist ideologue in the White House, name is Barack Hussein Obama."

When I posted Tancredo's video on my blog addressing teabaggers, I was reminded by a frequent commenter in his 70's that many people came together and voted for President Obama: "Come on," DB said. It was as if I could here his deep Shakespearean voice--oh, he was once a great Hamlet. "We all know that black people can't spell the word ‘vote’ and obviously neither can the Hispanics, Asians, and Whites who voted for Barack Hussein Obama."

The American people would not deserve these teabaggers no matter how active they have been!

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 8, 2010 7:23 AM

Could someone explain what "teabagger" means? I don't know if it's a generational or UK / USA thing but I haven't a clue what it means.

Posted by Mark JF at February 8, 2010 7:47 AM

"Teabagger" is a term for a very crude sexual act that has been applied by some of American "main stream media" and some progressives to anyone related to the American "Tea Party" movement to denegrate and dismiss all of them as unworthy of being listened to or considered intelligent. It is a 5th and 8th Commandment issue.

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 8, 2010 12:47 PM

What is scary as that some of them are intelligent.
If it possible to listen to Tom Tancredo and not feel like maybe the guy needs to be told which decade (or century) he is living in,
then maybe you need to take a look at the calendar.

It is 2010, not 1910.

Posted by zorro at February 8, 2010 1:23 PM

To the teabaggers and self-righteous right themselves, teabagging would be deemed disgraceful gay sex. Gay men, however, would not find teabagging as "a very crude sexual act." Some others might not think so either. With regards to dismissing all teabaggers as unintelligent, I'm sure there are some intelligent ones who could make a legitimate argument for their views. Hitler himself was not known to be unintelligent and I'm sure he made more than a few relevant points. The question is what were they ensconced in? What was both the spirit and letter of the message. We must be vigilant. History repeats itself often.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 8, 2010 2:04 PM

viagra pharmacy price canada

With regards to many leaders, I'm thinking that in most cases the problem IS most definitely the problem.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 8, 2010 2:08 PM

Thank you, Judith. Agreed! where to buy viagra in canada

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 8, 2010 3:03 PM

"Foul up. Fess up. Fast. Fastidiously" applies across the entire spectrum of society, nations, politics, economy, not-for-profits, personal life, et.al.
"Fouling up" is not the exclusive franchise of any group or individual. "Fessing up" is not achieved by blaming others or claiming others are not as "foul up free" as oneself.

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 8, 2010 3:36 PM

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Plato
Part of that kindness is accepting one's imperfection as well as that of others, and leading in correcting personal error. Applying the Golden Rule becomes extremely vital during that tough journey.

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 8, 2010 3:51 PM

Randy - I adore the Plato quote. I try to live by this. Many days I am quite successful. Other days I am not. When I "Foul up." I "Fess up." "Fast." "Fastidiously."

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 8, 2010 5:34 PM

I was always wondering if this was the case. But what are some signs that you're not dealing with things honestly? (e.g. you're lying to yourself that a situation is better than it really is).

Posted by YST at February 9, 2010 8:50 PM

Saw this "Toyota Commitment TV Commercial" last night and thought of this post:

viagra cheap australia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZoBfpm1zHg

Does it work? I think it's well done and hits the right tone.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 10, 2010 12:29 PM

Speaking of Japanese automakers, "Honda Motor Co. is adding 437,000 vehicles to its 15-month-old global recall for faulty air bags in the latest quality problem to hit a Japanese automaker."

Quality is ongoing.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100210/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_honda_recall

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 10, 2010 12:35 PM

The problem with problems is that most of us think they are "bad" and shouldn't happen. Given that the very nature of life is one problem after another, this goofy perception of ours is, well, a problem.

The fact is a problem is something interfering with our ability to achieve something. Organizations which confront the "right this minute" facts of a problem (rather than try to figure out whose to blame) are the ones who get to work generating possibilities for action that make a difference. real pfizer viagra online

When my clients whine about their problems, they get irritated as I remind them that without problems they wouldn't have a job. Managers, executvies, leaders all get paid to powerfully and effectively engage with problems. To pretend problems are "bad" or "shouldn't be there" only makes it harder to confront the facts of the matter and and get to work.

Posted by Bill Welsch at February 10, 2010 4:17 PM

I have been off of this blog for a month or so and I just read this thread top to bottom.

What condescension on display.

Are liberals the only people in the world worthy of a opinion? If you have convinced yourself of something and you can convince others, does that make your opinion right?

If memorization of all talking points is an indicator of brilliance, how does writing a note or two on your hand differ from reading everything from a teleprompter? Or referring to notes on a blue 4×6?

If you will excuse me. I need to watch MSNBC for my daily dose of hubris.

Sheesh...

Posted by Randy Spangler at February 13, 2010 1:53 PM

Randy Spangler - Did you forget that you said that the last time you were here? I suspect you think all of the "love" on display at the convention of teabaggers was from the mouth of God. With regards to MSNBC, I suspect you get your daily doses of lies from Fox News, eh? (I don't watch any of them regularly except for PBS and C-Span.) Hubris? Nice word. I suspect you think that many gun-toting racist banner-waving teabaggers are not readers of this blog. Many of them I suspect wouldn't know the meaning of the word. Wait...are you such a teabagger? Now, that wasn't really fair; your largely self-study has worked for you. That's clear.

With regards to opinion, the biggest problem with the opinions being represented as facts on display on a regular basis via Fox News in the mouth of Palin, Beck, Tancredo and the teabaggers, is as Daniel Patrick Moynihan said, "You are entitled to your own opinion but you are not entitled to your own facts." Another problem with teabaggers and many of the religious right such as Fundamentalists like Palin and Mormons like Beck is that your righteousness is loveless and is what Scripture defines "as filthy rags."

I suspect we'll see you a month from now, eh? I love it when you comment. You remind me of what a bunch of self-righteous degenerates the likes of many of the teabaggers and religious right are. And, yeah, I remember that you are a Palin lover. Thank God that a recent Washington Post/ABC Poll indicates that 71% of Americans think that she is not qualified to be president. Among Republicans 45% believe that she is unqualified; that's sharply down from 66% last fall. So, how's that winking palm-note scribbling working out for ya?

Get over yourselves will you, please! Your righteousness will not define the message or messengers!

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 13, 2010 2:36 PM

"If memorization of all talking points is an indicator of brilliance, how does writing a note or two on your hand differ from reading everything from a teleprompter? Or referring to notes on a blue 4×6?"

This is ludicrous! Obviously, Randy Spangler missed the brilliance of President Obama's 90-minute session with House Republicans where many were simply reduced to campaign slogans and sound bites. It was pitiful! Yeah, he probably missed it. After all, Fox News cut away from that brilliant Q&A session. Like when channel surfing the night of the Haiti telethon, even the Weather Channel broadcast the telethon live. No, not Fox! The control of Fox News over its viewership seems akin to Nazi propaganda: Don't show it or say a lie enough times people will eventually believe it.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 13, 2010 2:57 PM

The slogan for Fox should be -

"News the way you like it".

Posted by zorro at February 13, 2010 4:56 PM

Wow, Judith.

Now I am a teabagger? You mean a Tea Party person or a 'crude sexual act' purveyor? Also a Sarah Palin 'lover'? I guess if you say they are facts, then they are facts, nicht wahr?

Conservatives have opinions and liberals have facts. Right? Just watch Keith Olbermann. When he or Chris Matthews speaks, it is fact. When Ann Coulter writes a book with 50 pages of documented footnotes, it is deranged, racist, bigoted, Nazi drivel.

And who says that I watch Fox for my news? Or are you foisting another stereotypical profile upon me? Oh, that's right, a conservative has to have Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity tell him what to think, we are such mentally challenged dolts, so I must watch Fox.

If I question Al Gore's mouth-breathing rants about manmade global warming (or climate change or whatever) does that mean that I don't think for myself? Does the climate change? Absolutely. Is it man-made? I doubt it. Compare Iceland in 800 AD and Iceland today. What caused that? Cow farts? Coal-fired power plants? Aerosols?

And so that I stay on topic, if I or one of my employees mess up on a job, we apologize if needed and fix the problem. Most people just want to get the problem fixed. Apologies are fine to soothe and repair relations, but in the end, you gotta deliver.

I must leave now. I have to dig my 2009 Toyota Highlander HYBRID out of a snow bank. At least give me a little credit for being green...

Posted by Randy Spangler at February 13, 2010 5:37 PM

Blather, blather, blather. How's that for opinions? But I do like your last two paragraphs, though. :-) I think it's funny how you distinguish between liberal and conservative issues, including scientific ones, by relating them to media types. I have read some compelling scientific arguments for climate change, but I'm not a climatologist so I rarely comment on it. By the way, are you a teabagger? Do you still think so highly of Sarah Palin? If you want me to go through the comments here where you have spoken so highly of her or through your tweets where you esteem her, well, I shan't but others can if they're interested.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 13, 2010 6:44 PM

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. Share the love!

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 13, 2010 7:52 PM

"When Ann Coulter writes a book with 50 pages of documented footnotes, it is deranged, racist, bigoted, Nazi drivel."

Well, yes, and justifiably so.
Some stuff just happens to be true.

"If I question Al Gore's mouth-breathing rants about manmade global warming (or climate change or whatever) does that mean that I don't think for myself? Does the climate change? Absolutely. Is it man-made? I doubt it."

You do realize that the oxygen atmosphere we have is due to the work of bacteria. Are you saying the activity of bacteria can change the atmosphere, but humans cannot?
But suppose Al Gore is wrong and we build and alternative energy industry that makes us energy independent, i.e. we quit funding the terrorists - boy, wouldn't that suck!

Posted by zorro at February 13, 2010 9:33 PM

I am not a teabagger so I rarely comment on them. But I do blather, rinse and repeat!

Ditto to Randy Bosch on sharing the love, or as Seth Godin declares in his newest book, Linchpin... share the ART.

What I love about life as I know it is that we all can debate, argue, cajole and fume about any number of subjects, but none of us want to strap a ball bearing-embedded belt made of C4 and rat poison under a burka and hit the local Metro train. Better yet, we don't want to convince someone else to do it for us.

Tom returned to the US today according to his Twitter feed, so I welcome him back and look forward to new blog postings (and new red meat for Zorro.) I think that Tom Peters has the densest tweets of just about anyone on Twitter. His tweets are like his slideshows: sharp and stacatto but without the color and the funny fonts. I do prefer the blogging, however, because it stirs up so much other debate.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Posted by Randy Spangler at February 13, 2010 10:29 PM

Happy Valentine's Day!

Zorro - Love your comment! I'll now do a little more research on climate change. Thanks!

Randy Spangler - Your "blather, rinse and repeat" produced the biggest smile. Thanks for that! I also appreciate your distinction above regarding the lunacy that happens elsewhere in the world. Thanks for that reminder too. I'm with you on Tom's recent tweets. They were brilliant!

Welcome home Tom!

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 13, 2010 10:56 PM

I am just glad that leaf infusion related protests are no longer aimed at us Brits!

I can't comment much on the tea baggers - the only advice I have is don't put milk and suger into Earl Grey - it's revolting and simply not the done thing.

Posted by PaulH at February 14, 2010 6:24 AM free viagra samples without prescription

LOL, Paul. What about honey? I'm rarely without Earl Grey or Kombucha. Over the summer some of the teabaggers literally brimmed their hats with hanging teabags, men and women in fedoras and caps. That should point to the mentality of many . :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 14, 2010 9:18 AM

I just finished the rather lengthy novel "1491" which was about the western hemisphere in the centuries before Columbus unleashed 'civilization' onto the unwashed masses (actually the Europeans were the unwashed, never bathing for any occasion.)

In the book, the author talks about how the indigenous people (he called them Indians) had a very egalitarian society with a horizontal management structure. It was his conjecture that the colonists dressed up as Indians when they threw the tea overboard in Boston harbor more for the image of Indians as unshackeled equals than wanting to shift blame for the vandalism to savage raiders.

I am not sure if the British and the merchants that ordered the tea were enlightened by the subtle message of the messengers, but it is an interesting way of looking at the original Tea Party.

With the modern-day Tea Party (not the Teabaggers) breaking not one pane of glass and cleaning up their own litter after their rallies, their movement is not so much a raw protest (such as ELF foists when it torches SUVs, and PITA when it ruins women's fur coats with red paint) but as a more subtle plea that we all just want to be free from oppression and tyranny.

But remember this (no matter which side of the aisle you sit): one man's oppression is another man's personnel management.

Posted by Randy Spangler at February 14, 2010 9:44 AM

PETA makes me sick! I used to appreciate their cause. Now, I utterly disdain their brute tactics and have written so more than once on my blog.

"But remember this (no matter which side of the aisle you sit): one man's oppression is another man's personnel management."

What does this mean?

"With the modern-day Tea Party (not the Teabaggers)"

Subtle distinction here. I sure would like to know who these people are. Are they led by their original leader, Ron Paul? (I appreciate some of his views.) There is no distinction now. Beware of men and women NOT wearing teabags. They would be akin to those "unwashed masses" :-) I'm only half teasing.

How was 1491?

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 14, 2010 10:06 AM

I'm glad to read that this thread has returned to less vitriolic prose. No one wins when people are demonized for their beliefs, culture, race, sex, favorite sports team, school, music preference, world view, diet, shoe size...(the list of reasons to ridicule others is endless and shows the troubled side of human nature - and I fight against maintaining such a list as well). That just feeds those who would lead part of the 'unwashed' (choose your variety with kindness, we may see them in the mirror - that would be self depreciation/ deprecation) - to create an army of frustrated followers for that "leader's" own goals.

"Beware prophets with armies."
Be kind to those who want to test the "conventional wisdom" for themselves rather than swallow whole the "sure thing" of such prophets. Most of those "testing" ("empirical skepticism" for NNT fans) will in fact be the innovators, leaders, artists, lovers in the future!

After re-reading this comment thread, I decided that my first "Wow!" adventure for the morrow will be to go listen to and dialogue with someone holding a polar opposite position to me on a particular issue - with respect and willingness to both learn and to teach! I won't be taking a helmet, club, paint can, banner or a cauldron of ready invective. That doesn't mean a dispassionate debate, either.

Actually, I just moved it up to this morning - why put off an unexpected opportunity to build a shared future?

"The rare moment is not the moment when there is something worth looking at but the moment when we are capable of seeing." Joseph Wood Krutch.

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 14, 2010 10:47 AM

Randy - "To the pure all things are pure." Your comment above does not come close to beauty of that statement, nor does it approach "Blessed are the pure in heart for theirs is the Kingdom of God." These scriptures refer to those with good hearts and intentions, even when they have missed the mark, not to those who chastise and moralize. One of my favorite scriptures refers to Christ not coming "into the world to condemn the world." All of these verses could relate to Peter, he who Christ said "on this rock I will build my church," he who swore like a sailor and denied him thrice. Yeah, your "Happy Valentine's Day to all. Share the love!" was by far superior to your many words above.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 14, 2010 12:06 PM

Judith,
Just, Wow! I try (poorly) to join with utmost humility with Peter who said "Chief of sinners though I be...", not with "Sin boldly 'cause I'll be forgiven and I'm better than those others"; I certainly am not nearly in the company of "purest of the pure" but truly a "maggot sack" of sin as MLuther reminded - so much for false pride.

If my post, which was intended to apply to me as well as others was taken the way you seem to have taken it, well, the "Cinderella Theory" may apply -- if the shoe fits, wear it.

May God grant us all peace, compassion and understanding on His day. SDG

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 14, 2010 3:13 PM

Oh, Randy, my un-followed Tweeter friend times two, I see that my words have offended you. But have no fear "my maggot" sack friend. He who has true humility wins. :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 14, 2010 3:27 PM

"Tom argues that the reaction to the problem often becomes more of a problem than the original misstep would have been if dealt with honestly. As he's been known to say: 'Foul up. Fess up. Fast. Fastidiously.'

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 14, 2010 3:55 PM

Ah, come on, man. Did you like the little poem or not, Randy? I'm having a bit of fun here, but I will miss your tweets.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 14, 2010 4:11 PM

Judith, LOL at "He who has true humility wins"! Hey, I didn't take you for a Barry Goldwater fan: "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." My humble apology - I yield the field!

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 14, 2010 4:51 PM

Abiding love... Peace out.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 14, 2010 5:30 PM

Tom, can I suggest that you add Fix It to your alliterative list? This would (notionally) not only include putting the problem right, but also learning from it to avoid repeating the same Foul Up in future.

Posted by RobCH at February 16, 2010 9:01 AM

Tom, RobCH has an excellent suggestion!

Too often, "fix it" is sidestepped - and the old is carried onward through momentum, hubris, lack of humility, lack of listening/hearing. "Humility opens many doors. Arrogance is being in a room with no doors & enjoying your own echo." (Icon88) When we just listen the dilettantes and syncophants, we are listening to our own echo and dismissing those who care enough to share their insights with us.

Posted by Randy Bosch at February 16, 2010 2:18 PM

Greg Z. Fainberg - You have made a beautiful comment above. Thank you. It's both succinct and expansive, of few words and inclusive. It's adaptable to all situations and requires us to look at power structures and determine their efficacy. The question remains if those who weild the most power will examine themselves and those who do not will wisely challenge the status quo in their communities, corporations and families. I appreciate the tone and essence of your comment. Thank you.

Rob - If we were all concerned about fixing the problem, would that entail not considering who has the fix? I like you addition.

Posted by Judith Ellis at February 17, 2010 8:45 AM

The perfect combination of epic, humor, and bikinis — true win! I enjoy these type of scenes in shows i discover

Posted by Alesia Bery at February 17, 2010 5:39 PM