June 11, 2016
Break-Fix After Breakfast
March 5, 2016
The Voter Psychology Behind A Trump
But what happens?
He's not knocked out.
He's not even knocked down.
To the contrary, he is still standing and seems to become stronger!
What is going on with this phenomenon?
Some would like to call it perhaps a psychosis of the masses.
Other like to belittle those that like him by dissing their intellectual status and calling them stupid.
Many even seem to go to every extreme to to make him out as crazy, fascist, bigoted, hateful, and a con man.
Yet, for the most part it's doesn't seem to be working--people are still flocking to him.
It's like the more they try to gang up on him, torment him, bash him, and zing him--and rather than buckle, he is still there standing and remains strong--perhaps, the more "proof" it is for people that he can and will stand up for America!
With dismal ratings for the President, Congress, and government overall, the outsider, the business man, the billionaire, the dealmaker, the one who isn't afraid to speak his mind and to say to the people the non-politically correct thing is coming across refreshing to many who are seeking change from the the last 7 years, 15 years, or further.
With many seeing the current politics of the U.S. as leading from behind, appeasement, weak, divisive, and disengaged, it is not surprising to see bands across America yearning for something more.
Is Donald Trump strong and anti-establishment or truly bad and dangerous?
This is for America to seek the truth on and wisely decide.
What's riding on this?
Whether Trump OR another candidate to be determined --(someone/anyone) -- can potentially get things positively and constructively done in our large and complex political machine that has in many ways become increasingly stymied by bureaucracy, obstructionism, defeatism, game-playing, selfishness, pork barrel politics, (corruption,) sequestration, government closures, and political fighting across the aisle/behind the aisle/and in the aisle.
Let's hope for America and the world's sake the voters get it right.
But keep bashing Trump and you are keeping his message of superior strength and hope very much alive. ;-)
(Note: This is not an endorsement for any candidate or political party)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Voter Psychology Behind A Trump
February 11, 2016
You're Wealthy Nuts
You're Wealthy Nuts
December 9, 2015
Global Chaos But G-d Is On Watch
I wrote about this in my post last month (Nov 26).
Yesterday, I randomly looked up at this guy cleaning in front of one of the GW University buildings and there it is...613.
On Sunday, we stopped for something to eat (see receipt total with the scrambled 613 in it)...$16.38.
The principle of divine intervention in everything we do in our lives is a paramount religious belief, and in Judaism, we learn that not a leaf falls from the tree without it coming from G-d.
The times we are living in is certainly not normal with terror and war on nearly every horizon (ISIS, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and China to name just a few around the globe), a growing threat from WMD, the economy in shambles, government debt exploding, energy, mining, and other commodities in free-fall, and global warming continuing to heat things up.
Further, with immense conflict and political dysfunction in how to deal with these challenges, and amazingly little to no resolve to seemingly even address many of them at all, the views and positions are moving toward extremes and the people's emotions seem to range from generalized frustration to genuine fury.
The story isn't over on all these fronts for America or the rest of the world, but I believe even if leadership's heart is hardened and progress seems almost completely stymied in the face of emerging global chaos, G-d is watching and guiding things very closely at this historic time. ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy and Dossy Blumenthal)
Global Chaos But G-d Is On Watch
December 8, 2015
Counter Terrorism Response Level: DYSFUNCTIONAL
Can we stop the fighting among ourselves--Democrats and Republicans, Judeo-Christians and Muslims, CNN and FOX, NRA and gun control advocates, immigration pros and foes, etc.)
AND
Instead focus and go after the real murderous culprits--the radical Islamist terrorists who are killing, imprisoning, torturing, raping, enslaving, and taking over vast lands to build a shariah-rule caliphate and take our freedoms and lives away?
We are losing the war on terror, because we can't get our collective act together! ;-)
(Source Photo: adapted from here with attribution for original to Elliott Brown)
Counter Terrorism Response Level: DYSFUNCTIONAL
December 3, 2015
Unwillingness To Face Inconvenient Facts
Unwillingness To Face Inconvenient Facts
November 24, 2015
Top 30 Legacy Of Hope And Change
Just some 30 examples off the top of my head...
1) Nuclear IRAN
2) Civil War SYRIA
3) Fragmented IRAQ
4) Taliban resurgent AFGHANISTAN
5) Militarization of SOUTH CHINA SEA
6) Nuclear missile NORTH KOREA
7) Terrorist State ISIS
8) Resurgent aggressive RUSSIA
9) Weaponization of SPACE
10) Streaming crisis of REFUGEES
11) Broken system for IMMIGRATION
12) Sharply rising MURDER RATES
13) Growing and largest PRISON POPULATION
14) Rising RACISM
15) Increasing INEQUALITY
16) Worsening polarization in POLITICS
17) Poor TRANSPARENCY
18) Dysfunction in GOVERNMENT
19) Rising NATIONAL DEBT
20) Crisis in HEALTHCARE
21) Failing system of EDUCATION
22) Stalling INNOVATION
23) Growing insecurity of CYBER
24) Infringement on PERSONAL PRIVACY
25) Falling participation in LABOR FORCE
26) Slowing ECONOMY
27) Worsening CLIMATE CHANGE
28) Shrinking affiliation with RELIGION
29) Epidemic of SUICIDE AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
30) Declining HAPPINESS
Now, one of our main hopes has to be genuine change for the better.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Top 30 Legacy Of Hope And Change
October 26, 2015
A Volcano Of Our Own Making
A Volcano Of Our Own Making
October 21, 2015
The Times and Events Of Gog And Magog
Earlier in the year (January 2015) the Doomsday Clock moved up to 3 minutes to midnight--that was a full 2 minute move or 40% advance to the end of times.
The cited reasons by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists:
- "Unchecked climate change"
- "Nuclear arms race"
Essentially, these "pose extraordinary and undeniable threats to the continued existence of humanity."
But on a daily level now--
Islamic extremism showing through post 9/11 mounting turmoil and unbelievable terror in the Middle East, including seeming non-ending ISIS brutality, Iran's march towards nuclear weapons and advanced ballistic missiles, the Sunni vs. Shiite war for dominion centering (lately) in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen but with much larger geopolitcal overtones towards a return of a powerful caliphate to challenge the West, fighting between Muslims and Christians in countries like Nigeria, ongoing terror threats to the democratic State of Israel, and a rising tide death, casualties, and refugees.
Russian aggression in multiple countries and regions including Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria, air and naval military incursions and encroachment towards Turkey, the countries in the Baltic Sea region, the Arctic, and even a Russian military satellite parking itself between 2 U.S. satellites yesterday.
China's militarization including greater military spending on advanced weapons, Island/posts building in the South China Sea, and ongoing threatening overtures toward Taiwan and other neighbors, and cyber warfare conducted against the U.S.government and the private sector.
Frightening new military capabilities are coming online with advances in weapons of mass destruction--nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological--colonization and militarization of space, laser weapons, satellite killers, swarms of drones, armies of robots, and cyberwar.
The drumbeat of climate change and environmental deterioration (unsustainable practices of deforestation, overfishing, pollution, and the extinction of countless species) is being felt in changing weather patterns, global warming, glacier meltdown, alternating threats of flooding and drought in various part of the world, major storms and lightening patterns, and an uptick in natural disasters (tsunamis, hurricanes, and tornadoes), and an overall trend towards shortage and conflict.
An ailing global economy after 2 major recessions in the 21st century so far, booming national debts, stalling economies, slowing innovation, and scarcity of stable, good paying, full time jobs in an outsourcing, short-term, freelance, contractor culture, and automaton and robotization advances.
Dysfunctional political systems that are bogged down with endless indecision, infighting, bickering, finger-pointing, stalemates, shutdowns, pork barrel spending, catering to special interest groups, short-term wins at the expense of long-term goals, corruption, and a lack of strong capable leadership at the helm.
An article I read recently from Russian Times, I believe, said how the U.S. teeters just steps from potential collapse by just relatively easy societal interruptions (presumably that they could facilitate) and that with farms/food production far from major metropolitan areas, people hooked on drugs that they could not get supplies for, and other severe disruptions in our critical care needs, we would be in big trouble--the message was clearly watch out, you are extremely vulnerable.
That these tactic threats and overtures are already being made explicit is not a good sign. Just politicians and countries throwing around their weight or jockeying for position on the world stage--who knows?
But people are frail, countries are vulnerable, budgets are limited, and bad things can and do happen if we are not careful in a world ticking closer to very dangerous times and events.
The coming realization of the prophecy of a devastating world war--of Gog and Magog--is what people are saying to me.
In conversation about deteriorating world events, my wife innocently asked someone this week--"Can we avoid a major world war?" Their unequivocal response, "No, it's inevitable!" ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Times and Events Of Gog And Magog
September 22, 2015
Requirements, I Don't Know
Who are we?
Clients!
What do we want?
We don't know!
When do we want it?
Now!
This is like way to many IT projects...
The customer knows they need to do something, because of changing market conditions, internal (dys)functioning, arising competition, or external mandates and regulations.
But when the IT project managers and business analysts interview and ask the customer what they want and need to address these...quite often they get blank faces and hands raised in circuitous, endless doubt.
What do the customers really want?
For IT to define, solve, and make their problems go away--and by the way do it yesterday and without any extra / proportionate resources.
For some IT "professionals" that may be a little lacking themselves, you end up getting half-assed solutions to half-baked requirements that accomplish nothing or perhaps even break things more.
Hence, the true miracle of technology--to read minds and deliver valuable solutions to problems that no one could fully define to begin with! ;-)
(Source Cartoon: Roz Blumenthal @Facebook)
Requirements, I Don't Know
July 26, 2015
Five Types Of Managers
Five Types Of Managers
July 8, 2015
Seriously Big And Out Of Order
Seriously Big And Out Of Order
May 6, 2015
A Political Teddy Bear
Taken on the Washington, D.C. Mall...
You can see the Capitol of the United States in the background.
The gate is surrounding the construction being done.
On the fence is a Teddy Bear--representing so many of our national challenges--sort of just hanging there helpless.
This political bear looks like he's clutching for dear life, but unfortunately he is left hung out to dry as we just keep chugging away...but where is the real progress?
- ISIS and radical Islam is still growing stronger.
- Iran continues building toward a nuclear WMD.
- China and Russia are "becoming [ever more] aggressive as they perceive U.S. pulling back."
- North Korea achieves capability for a "nuclear ICMB."
- Cyber insecurity is a "real and growing threat."
- There is a growing danger of a catastrophic EMP attack with a "staggering human cost."
- Immigration crisis remains in "limbo."
- Economic growth is "grinding to a halt."
- National deficit is "projected to skyrocket over next decade."
- American economic competitiveness is in ongoing "slow decay."
- U.S. education "still lagging" significantly in science and mathematics.
- Life expectancy in U.S. ranks 26th, "right behind Slovenia."
This doesn't mean that good things aren't continuing to happen especially with innovation despite all the gridlock...there is the Apple Watch (ok, the jury is still out on that one too).
Why don't we let the bear down gently please. ;-)
(Source Photo: Minna Blumenthal)
A Political Teddy Bear
April 23, 2015
Shut Up, Pleez!
Perhaps they don't have enough to do, are craving attention, trying to make a name for themselves, are plain 'ol destructive, or are simply acting the fool and looking for their next victim.
But they have to get into everyone else's business, telling them how to do their jobs, taking over and hostage any meeting they can shove their way into with their private agendas, emailing everyone and their mother with their henpecking of the day, and demanding their needs are the priority and rises up over everyone elses--no matter whom or what else is going on.
These people think they have an open mic and they are going to grab it, hold it, and never let it go.
You beg them to stop, to control themselves, to work out their issues constructively, to give others a chance, to get in line, to let you do your job and they should do theirs, to get some situational and personal awareness, but rather than putting the mic down....
No, they see your calm and rationale requests for peace as squirming capitulation and the opportunity to hit you again and again.
Everyone else has already given up and just won't respond or even acknowledge the Chicken Little screaming over and over again "The sky is falling"--when it isn't, and when so much important work is getting done by very hardworking and good people, who know how to act professionally.
The kids nowadays say it straight up, "shut your pie hole!"
And that is really such a good idea. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Shut Up, Pleez!
March 22, 2015
10 Reasons In Just 1 Week To Fear Government Breakdown
When the government that is supposed to sustain order and usher in social and economic progress is dysfunctional and broken, instead we have:
"Chaos, Panic, [and] Disorder"
Here's some news highlights from just this last week:
SPREADING BASE OF WORLDWIDE TERRORISM
1) ISIS murdered 137 and wounded over 300 in suicide bombings at mosques in Yemen.
2) Al Qaeda / Islamic State killed 23 mostly European tourists and injured over 50 at attack on the National Bardo Museum in Tunisia.
3) Iraq's battle to take back Tikrit from ISIS slows as ISIS continues to hold territory in Iraq and Syria larger than many countries--this after the last U.S. troops left Iraq in 2011.
AGGRESSIVE POWER AND LAND GRABS:
4) Russia annexes South Ossetia from Georgia, just a year after annexing Crimea from Ukraine.
5) China starts up the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with support from key European Countries as well as Australia and South Korea, challenging American dominance via the International Monetary Fund (IMF)--this shortly after China surpasses America as the world largest economy.
PROLIFERATION OF WMD:
6) Iran says "Nuclear deal within reach," while their neighbors in the Middle East shutter and warn of impending nuclear arms race.
FORESAKING STALWART ALLIES AND MIDDLE EAST PEACE:
7) The Administration threatens to back United Nations against Israel, imposing a 2 state solution rather than a negotiated peace and security for the region.
ECONOMIC MESS:
8) U.S. economic forecast by the Fed was downgraded to just 2.5%, despite years of near-zero interest rates that were supposed to spark growth, but instead has simply driven stocks into overdrive and set us up for another bursting of the financial bubble.
HEALTHCARE SHAMBLES:
9) Upcoming Supreme Court decision on Obamacare could see 8 million people lose subsidies and ultimately their health insurance coverage.
ENVORNMENTAL CRISIS:
10) 2014 as the hottest year on record and 13 of the 14 hottest years are in the 21st century so far, this as even Chinese officials acknowledge looming fallout ahead in terms of climate change and disasters.
If this is just one (more) week with the current breakdown of government, those causing it all, as the sign states, can proclaim:
"My Work Here Is [Almost] Done." ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
10 Reasons In Just 1 Week To Fear Government Breakdown
October 27, 2014
Be Relevant, Live!
The photo above was taken today near a prominent university in Washington, D.C.
When our youngsters in the Capital of the United States--the holders of future creativity and energy are feeling irrelevant--we as a country are in serious trouble.
Yet, don't we all feel irrelevant at times?
We see and hear so much that is somehow wrong in the world and feel powerless to stop it, change it, or do anything about it that really makes a difference.
Everyday we are witness to people's personal misdeeds that should never be done, let alone contempalted; large, medium, and even smaller organizations doing the wrong thing for profit or power; and governments making decisions for political reasons and not common sense reasons or for the good of the people.
And how do we feel in all this -- relevant or irrelevant?
Can we as people endowed with G-d's lifeforce and heavenly spirit, formulate a position that touches people's hearts and minds to do the right thing for the right reasons--and can we speak it articulately enough, loud enough, convincingly enough to make a genuine difference?
Just as a single example in today's Wall Street Journal, an editorial about Yucca Mountain, the place designated for nuclear waste disposal--that is supposed to meet safety requirements for the next "million years" (I think most of us would be happy if we achieve even half that estimate)--and has already cost us 30 years of study and $15 billion, but yet continues to remain stuck in a politcial quagmire--why?
I beleive we can all think of numerous health, safey, and wellbeing issues affecting us, our families, communities, and this country that are are in a similar state of paralysis and dysfunction.
Why can't we move forward--is there no one relevant out there anymore?
We can't afford to let ourselves sink into feelings of despair, inadequancy, or irrelevancy to the great tasks at hand--whether from things like Ebola, ISIS, or financial meltdown.
We must find our inner voices, our moral rectitude, and our courage to speak truth to power, to stand firm for right against wrong.
It's understable to feel irrelevant, but it's not sustainable to show it. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Be Relevant, Live!
February 10, 2012
Speak Up or Shut Up
These are the organizations that are dominated by powerful, but narcissistic leadership (notice I do not call them leaders--because they are not).
According to Forbes, (11 January 2012) in an article entitled Why Narcissistic CEOs Kill Their Companies, in these organizations, the c-suite is dominated by those showing four narcissistic personality traits:
- Exploitative--They are in charge and everyone else had better respect--or better yet worship--them. Typically they are surrounded by "yes men" and eager beavers, ready to please at just about all costs.
- Authoritarian--They insist on "being the center of attention," they always know better, are always right even in the face of evidence to the contrary, and with their people, it's their way or the highway.
- Arrogant--They are full of themselves and usually something else :-) and believe they are superior and therefore entitled to their positions of power and stature.
- Self-Absorbed--They admire and and are preoccupied with themselves, and not focused on what's ultimately good for the organization, the mission, and its people.
In such organizations, and with such pitiful leadership, generally we find cultures of fear and what Harvard Business Review (January-February 2012) says are organizations where people "are afraid to speak honestly."
In these dysfunctional organizations with inept leadership, the workforce is stunted--they cannot genuinely contribute or grow and where organizational candor, trust, and collaboration is low, organizational performance is predictably poor.
HBR suggests that greater candor and sharing is possible by "breaking meetings into smaller groups," assigning people to "notice and speak up when something is being left unsaid," and to "teach 'caring-criticism'"--where input is provided constructively and not personally attacking and where honest feedback is viewed as "generous, rather than critical."
I think these suggestions may help organizations that are fundamentally well-run by caring and professional leaders, but when narcissists and power mongers rule the day, then the culture is not speak up, but rather shut up.
One of the things that I have been fortunate to experience and learn is that diplomacy from the top-down goes a long way in creating a professional and productive work culture.
When people are given respect and the freedom to speak up constructively, when they can work in true-teaming environments, and when relationships matter more than winning the day, then the workforce and all the individuals therein have the opportunity to grow to their potential. In speak up organizations, people can voice their opinions, provide valuable input, and contribute to the mission--both the people and the organization thrive.
In contrast, when the workplace is shut up, because of narcissistic and poor leadership, the workforce is essentially shut down--they are in essence muzzled in speech and ultimately in deed. These organizations choke off their own talent and lifeblood, while their head swells from the arrogance and power at the top.
Diplomacy is a skill not only in international relations, but in life and in the workplace, and diplomatic leaders are not narcissists trying to wield and hold power, but rather polished and professional leaders who foster a culture of speak up and team up--they are ready to take their organizations and people to new levels of productivity, growth, and meaning.
Speak Up or Shut Up
June 25, 2011
Busting The Organizational Bunkers
Busting The Organizational Bunkers
April 5, 2011
Beyond The Blame Game
To be honest, we all make mistakes.
In fact, I would worry about someone who seems so perfect on the outside--because I would imagine that they are likely or probably a powder keg, ready to blow on the inside (ever hear of someone "going postal" or the star who seems to have it all--looks, fame and fortune--and then they overdose or drive off a cliff or something?)
No one has it all. No one is perfect. We are all human.
It's not about blame. It is about accountability and responsibility--making things right where we can.
Every day we learn and grow--that is our test and our trust.
(Cartoon Credit: Tandberg)
Beyond The Blame Game
February 5, 2010
When Commitment is Just a Crowd-Pleaser
In the organization, you can’t really do anything without management commitment and a certain degree of consensus. In fact, management commitment is usually at the top of the list when it comes to a project’s critical success factors.
But when is commitment real and when is it just lip service?
Sometimes, when the boss tells you to do something, he means it and gives you the authority and resources to make it happen. Other times, “go do” is superficial and denotes more of a “this isn’t really important”, but we need to make a good show of it for political, compliance, or other reasons. In the latter case, there is usually no real authority implied or resources committed to getting the job done. But at least we gave it our best (not!).
As an employee, you have to be smart enough to know the difference in what you’re being asked to do (and not do), so you don’t end up stepping in the muck—trying to do something that no one really wants anyway or the opposite, not delivering on a project that others are depending on.
Knowing the difference between what’s real and what isn’t can mean the difference between a successful and rewarding career (i.e. “you get it”) or one that is disappointing and frustrating (because you’re sort of clueless).
It was interesting for me to read in the Wall Street Journal, 5 February 2010, about how looks can be deceiving when it comes to support for someone or some cause: apparently, in certain European countries, such as Ukraine, it is common place for rallies to be attended not by genuine supporters, but by people paid to show up. In other countries, you may not be paid to show up, but instead be punished for not doing so.
The Journal reports that “rent-a-crowd entrepreneurs find people fast to cheer or jeer for $4 an hour…[and] if you place an order for a rally, you can have it the next day.”
So what looks like thousands of people turning out to support someone or something is really just a sham. This is similar to leaders who turn out to support a program or project, but really they are just paying lip service with no intention of actually helping the project make an inch of progress. Their superficial support is paid for by goodwill generated by their apparent support or what one of my friends used to call by “brownie points” (for brown-nosing their boss or peers)—but of course, they aren’t really behind the initiative.
The article summarizes it this way: “For now, people see the same old politicians and hear the same old ideas. If someone fresh brings a new idea, people will come out and listen for free.”
Good leaders need to actually say what they mean and mean what they say, so employees are able to focus on the work that’s really important and get the results the organization needs. This contrasts with ineffectively telling employees to “go do”, but no one is standing with or behind them—not even for 4 dollars an hour.
Of course, leaders must get on board with the direction that the overall organization is going. That is just part of being a team player and accepting that first of all, we are not always right as individuals, and second of all that we live in an imperfect world where sometimes our choices are not ideal.
However, when employees are required to rally for causes they truly don’t believe in or leadership feels compelled to pay lip service to initiatives they will not ultimately fund or commit to, the result is a dysfunctional organization. The outward reality does not match the actual feelings or thoughts of its people. (Sort of like having a diversity initiative headed by all white males over the age of 50.)
Let us commit to a spirit of honesty in all our dealings. If a conflict needs to be addressed, let’s address it directly rather than avoiding or glossing over it. One very basic and simple step toward this end is to recognize and reward the people who are brave enough to say when the emperor has no clothes and who are able to provide alternatives that make sense.
And finally—when we do commit to something—let’s see it through.
When Commitment is Just a Crowd-Pleaser