This is not a political blog and I don't wish to turn it into one. However, as someone who is engaged in the political process I've become concerned about what seems to be lack of effective leadership in the State House of Representatives.
This week there have been several stories about a quickly emerging divide between social conservatives and economic conservatives within the Republican Party. The result has been bad behavior by some legislators, a rash of reprimands pushed through by leadership, and an embarrassing week of name-calling.
Whether you agree with one side or the other, it is clear the leadership of the House has let this situation deteriorate and has been reactive rather than pro-active in addressing whatever concerns its members have.
At the end of the day, this fight is ludicrous. Trying to uncouple economic conservatism from social conservatism is like cutting a quarter in half. What do you have? Nothing. You cannot have a strong, vibrant, free market economy that sustains itself without having a very strong moral foundation among the people.
This fight illustrates an appalling lack of effective leadership on the part of the State House. Republicans are in control of the legislature and every office of the executive branch. Apparently there are so few Democrats left in state government that Republicans have had to resort to infighting. And many of us saw this coming well before the votes had been counted last year.
Effective leadership, which in my opinion is leadership that keeps its eye on the goal, would have worked to head off this confrontation before it became a public spectacle. And if it was unable to accomplish that, it would have marginalized its opposition to the point their credibility would be undermined. The House leadership has done neither.
In fact, its actions this week have only contributed to the growing division within the Republican Caucus. The "Peter Principle" states that people tend to rise to the level of their incompetence. Are we seeing this in the House?
If the current leadership doesn't wish to see its own caucus devolve any further into chaos, I suggest it read two books. John Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals. Both books could give the House Leadership some real insight to real leadership.
Whether you are running a business, non-profit organization, or a branch of government, leadership skills are essential to accomplish your goals. I am concerned at the apparent lack of these skills demonstrated in the State House.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
10 Things I Want to Teach My Chilren
My wife and I have five children that God has blessed our home with. I also have a grown child from a previous marriage. As the father of 6 children I often think about what I want them to learn from me. What lessons can I give them that will help them lead productive and purposeful lives.
Below are the Top 10 Things I hope my children learn:
10. Be an Encourager - There are enough complainers and doubters in the world. Be a person who is known for your encouraging words and actions. It will not only help the people around you, it will also open up a world of possibilities for you.
9. Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously - The more comfortable you are with yourself, the more others will be comfortable with you.
8. Be a Problem Solver - Learn to not only identify problems but to also create solutions. This, too, will open new possibilities for you.
7. Take Care of Your Body - You only have one - and it needs to last a lifetime. Develop habits to make sure you stay healthy and protect this important asset.
6. Never Stop Learning - Develop a thirst for knowledge. It will be a powerful tool for you regardless of what career you choose.
5. Don't be a "Wage Slave" - Develop the skills and abilities to create your own financial future. Don't be dependent on a job. If you are an employee, make sure you are one on your terms, not the employers. Whether you are 20 or 40, being dependent on another for your financial security is a bad situation.
4. Express Your Gratitude - This is more than just saying "Thank you." It means you protect and grow the blessings you have been given.
3. Don't be Afraid - The Bible says, "Perfect love eliminates fear." Let the love of your family, friends, and of God energize you to action and fill you with confidence.
2. Serve God by Serving Others - The true measure of our devotion to God is how well we serve others - in every area of our lives.
1. Have Faith - In today's world, it is common for faith to be ridiculed. Many see it as a rejection of reason. I believe faith is the extension of reason. It is what we could if we had perfect knowledge. Faith, rather than holding us back, is what propels us forward as individuals, communities, and as a society.
Below are the Top 10 Things I hope my children learn:
10. Be an Encourager - There are enough complainers and doubters in the world. Be a person who is known for your encouraging words and actions. It will not only help the people around you, it will also open up a world of possibilities for you.
9. Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously - The more comfortable you are with yourself, the more others will be comfortable with you.
8. Be a Problem Solver - Learn to not only identify problems but to also create solutions. This, too, will open new possibilities for you.
7. Take Care of Your Body - You only have one - and it needs to last a lifetime. Develop habits to make sure you stay healthy and protect this important asset.
6. Never Stop Learning - Develop a thirst for knowledge. It will be a powerful tool for you regardless of what career you choose.
5. Don't be a "Wage Slave" - Develop the skills and abilities to create your own financial future. Don't be dependent on a job. If you are an employee, make sure you are one on your terms, not the employers. Whether you are 20 or 40, being dependent on another for your financial security is a bad situation.
4. Express Your Gratitude - This is more than just saying "Thank you." It means you protect and grow the blessings you have been given.
3. Don't be Afraid - The Bible says, "Perfect love eliminates fear." Let the love of your family, friends, and of God energize you to action and fill you with confidence.
2. Serve God by Serving Others - The true measure of our devotion to God is how well we serve others - in every area of our lives.
1. Have Faith - In today's world, it is common for faith to be ridiculed. Many see it as a rejection of reason. I believe faith is the extension of reason. It is what we could if we had perfect knowledge. Faith, rather than holding us back, is what propels us forward as individuals, communities, and as a society.
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