Togoni Blog

Defining Leadership and the Leadership from Dubai

2008-05-29T12:14:00.002-04:00

"How to define leadership" is an interesting question. Leadership has many faces, many ideas, and many methods of implementation. Every leader takes their own unique approach to the challenges of leadership. Leadership is almost entirely built on experience, but it is not limited to positions of leadership. Leaders grow and develop over the entire time of their life, but some demonstrate significant leadership potential early on. For more on how to define leadership, check out Jonathan Frye's blog about leadership and the article Defining Leadership with a quote from Arthur Carmazzi.

On a side note:

Dubai, the city-state in the United Arab Emirates, hosts an annual leadership council for business and world leaders. Dubai has emerged as a world leading city. With significant innovation coming from Dubai's real estate market to setting new political-economic ideas in the region with "free zones," Dubai is in the world's attention as a leader in the business and financial sectors for the region and foundation for new. innovative ideas for the world. The ruler of Dubai, Sheik Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was recently listed in Time Magazine for his leadership.

Dubai Real Estate and Palm Jumeirah

2008-05-13T12:30:00.002-04:00

Some of the best real estate opportunities are in Dubai. The Dubai real estate market has man-made islands, the tallest building, the tallest residential tower, and significant returns on investment (ROI). Discover more about the real estate market in Dubai here.

Dubai Real Estate and Real Estate Market Information

2008-05-12T12:22:00.004-04:00

Dubai real estate opportunities are plentiful and rewarding. Find out more about the Dubai real estate market here.

Dubai Real Estate Market Guide 2008

2008-04-23T15:44:00.004-04:00

Dubai Real Estate Market Guide 2008 is now available. Click here.

The Desert Pearl and the City of Gold

2007-12-16T12:25:00.000-05:00

Some people are absolutely amazed when they learn about Dubai. Especially those in the US who have a tainted viewpoint of the Middle East with all the news reporting about Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and the War on Terrorism, to learn about a thriving business and financial center in the region that has captured the attention of global business centers from Tokyo to London and through to lower Manhattan in New York City, Dubai is a city that captures many with beautiful beaches on the Persian Gulf, world class hotels and resorts, the richest horse race at Nad Al Sheba racetrack (Dubai World Cup), and soon to host the richest golf tournament.

With everything that Dubai has to offer, the top of the list is still the astounding real estate business. In a city with projects from the largest tower, the largest hotel, the largest mall, and so many other projects, which in some areas seem to be like viewing Manhattan being constructed at the same time, Dubai is a real estate professional’s dream.

If you do not have a lot of familiarity about Dubai, you owe it to yourself to find out a little about this Desert Pearl and City of Gold.

You can start for information about Dubai, Real Estate, and Investment Properties.

UAE Real Estate

2007-11-10T06:26:00.000-05:00

Go to this page to learn about UAE Real Estate, Overseas Real Estate, Real Estate and Investments, and Real Estate Investing Information. You can find great real estate investment opportunities in the UAE and particularly in Dubai, where it is reported that 20% of the world's cranes are currently located for all the real estate development. Even Donald Trump has started a project there and, reportedly, he will have all of his brands in Dubai. Click here.

what is student loan consolidation

2007-10-08T07:58:00.000-04:00

Student Loan Consolidation Gov
In the United States both the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDLP) include consolidation loans that allow students to consolidate Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, and Federal Perkins Loans into one single debt. This results in reduced monthly repayments and a longer term for the loan. Unlike the other loans, consolidation loans have a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan.

Interest rates and payments
Consolidation loans have longer terms than other loans. Debtors can choose terms of 10–30 years. Although the monthly repayments are lower, the total amount paid over the term of the loan is higher than would be paid with other loans. The fixed interest rate is calculated as the weighted average of the interest rates of the loans being consolidated, assigning relative weights according to the amounts borrowed, rounded up to the nearest 0.125%, and capped at 8.25%. Some features of the original consolidated loans, such as postgraduation grace periods and special forgiveness circumstances, are not carried over into the consolidation loan, and consolidation loans are not universally suitable for all debtors.

History
The Federal Loan Consolidation Program was created in 1986. In 1998, the United States Congress changed the interest rate to the aforementioned fixed rate weighted mean, effective February 1, 1999. Consolidation loans taken out before that date had a variable interest rate, determined by the individual FDLP loan origination center (e.g., in the case of a university, that university) or FFELP lender (e.g., a third party bank).

In 2005, the Government Accountability Office considered consolidating consolidation loans so that they were exclusively managed through the FDLP. Based on several assumptions about future variations in interest rates, the loan volume, the percentage of defaulters, cost estimates from the United States Department of Education, it concluded that while doing so would incur an additional cost of $46 million, caused by the higher administrative costs of the FDLP compared to the FFELP, this would be offset by a $3,100 million saving comprised in part of avoiding $2,500 million in subsidy costs.

Consolidation loan lenders
Top consolidation lenders ranked by total FY 2006 consolidation loan originations

Lender name
Federal Direct Student Loan Program
Sallie Mae
Citibank
Nelnet
NextStudent
JP Morgan Chase
Goal Financial, LLC
College Loan Corporation
AES/PHEAA
Student Loan Xpress
Wachovia Education Finance

Reference: Wikipedia
See Also: Consolidating Student Loans

If only we remember what we learned in Elementary School

2007-09-03T16:10:00.000-04:00

I bought three more books to add to my library; I like to read and anyone who knows me knows it. I don’t always go for the larger books or merely stick to specific topics. Each book is highly selected to meet specific needs that I have at the moment in time that I find it.

For example, I was traveling through the airport in Amsterdam a couple of weeks ago and picked up Occidentalism: A Short History of Anti-Westernism. As any American who travels a lot, I give thought to the current world problems of terrorism and what end up being more than culture clashes.

I want to share a quote. I don’t remember where I heard this quote, so I can’t give credit to where it is do. Anyway, the quote goes something like this:
“They hate us because they don’t know us… they don’t know us because they hate us.”

Hmm, you don’t have to travel to Iraq to find this to be true. You find this problem on school playgrounds and neighborhoods everywhere. Why are people so close minded? Why people so quick to judge and dismiss?

If only, we remember what we learned in Kindergarten…

A Book Review for Occidentalism

2007-08-13T18:08:00.000-04:00

Book Review: Occidentalism: a Short History of Anti-Westernism by Ian Buruma & Avishai Margalit

Overview

I picked this book in Amsterdam as I was traveling from the Middle East to the good ol’ US of A, so I have to laugh at my choice of reading material. The book is a very quick read, especially for the topic – explaining Islamic extremism and the focus of terrorism on the West, particularly the US and select European countries. The topic is heavy and credit is due to the authors for the concise, direct, and articulate manner in which they wrote about this subject matter.

The Beginning and Theme

The book begins by not addressing the Islamic extremism or modern Terrorism until the second chapter. The first chapter covers the modern history of Imperialism in Japan, which underlie Japanese participation in World War II. Imperialism in Japan is then connected to the broader theme in the book – the hatred of the Westernism (individuality, reason, and liberty) and the belief that Westernism needs to be eradicated from existence. The authors thereby demonstrate that the problem in the Middle East is not unique to the region, nor is it even unique to religion.

The very beginning of the second chapter directly addresses the most significant act of terrorism – the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. The authors never produce an excuse or a justification for the barbarous acts, but rather present the topic to understand the depths of the problem and the mentality of the terrorists.

Accomplishments of Book

To broad the reader’s scope when thinking about terrorism and Islamic extremism, the authors meticulously cover ever modern example from Nazi Germany, Mao’s China, Stalin’s Soviet Union, and Afghanistan’s Taliban. The book does concentrate on the last 250 years with only select few discussions of more ancient topics when directly relevant (to write about all the history would be to produce several encyclopedic volumes and more information than anyone needs to grasp the modern problem).

Who Should Read

This book is a necessary read for anyone seeking to understand the terrorism, extremism, and anti-west movements. The book is also necessary for anyone who is directly involved from government leaders to foot soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. This book is well written, concise, and still covers the depth of the topic.

See Also: 3 New Reasons to Use Paypal - Monday Money Management Tips, 3 Steps of The New Psychology of Leadership

Moved

2007-07-26T19:58:00.000-04:00

I have moved this blog to my own domain. Please see my Leadership Blog at LeadershipJot.com.

Leadership Quotes from Peter Drucker

2007-07-26T06:32:00.000-04:00

I am moving this blog from Blogspot to my own domain. It will take a few days to complete.

In the meantime, here are some more great leadership quotes from Peter Drucker.

"Every organization must be prepared to abandon everything it does to survive in the future."
"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."
"Most of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get their jobs done."
"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans."

Peter Drucker is known for his extensive writing on management and business. He is to modern management what Thomas Paine is to the American Revolution.

Togoni Blog:
Leadership and management work together, but are still separate facets.

Leadership and The Army's Core Values

2007-07-24T16:55:00.000-04:00

The US Army uses the “leadership” acronym to teach the Army’s Core Values to new recruits. The acronym helps recruits to remember each of the core values as well as associate those values with attributes of leadership.

The Army’s Core Values:

L – Loyalty

D – Duty

R – Respect

S – Selfless service

H – Honor

I – Integrity

P – Personal Courage

In a previous entry, I addressed the relationship between leadership and ethics. The Army’s use of the “leadership” acronym to present the Core Values is simply brilliant. It instills the concept of the association of having values with being a leader as elementary to understanding leadership and values.

Togoni Blog:
Values and Leadership

Leadership Quote from Dennis Peer

2007-07-23T18:07:00.000-04:00

There is value in a good quote. A quote is something you can memorize, recall, and think about when you encounter situations of leadership opportunities. A good leadership quote will help you to develop your leadership potential.

Leadership quote from Dennis Peer:
"One measure of leadership is the caliber of people who choose to follow you."

This a quote that just makes you lean back, wrap your fingers around your chin, slightly nod your head, and mutter, "Hmm... yes."

Every manager will recognize the value in measuring the caliber of people in your group, team, or organization. The same is true for any leader.

Whether you are a community leader, an organizational leader, a society leader, a military leader, or a political leader, the caliber of people that follow you speak volumes about you, what you are leading, and where you are leading.

Togoni Blog:
Measure of Leadership.

Mike St. Pierre's 8 One Liners That Stick

2007-07-20T16:48:00.000-04:00

Mike St. Pierre wrote an excellent post for LifeHack.org, “8 One Liners That Stick.” The article lists eight phrases that are effective communication techniques. The phrases are not cheesy lines that only James Bond can get away with (but a close call on the first one), but single phrases that delivery a lasting impact of an encounter.

The 8 One-Liners are:
1. “Susan, Susan Thompson. The repetition of your first name twice is very effective.”
2. “I’ve heard some great things about you.”
3. “I’m looking forward to that.”
4. “Leave your name and phone, speaking slowly enough for me to write it down.”
5. “I’m not sure about that but I think we can do this.”
6. “I think we have something in common.”
7. “Let’s strike while the iron is hot!”
8. “Let me see if I understand where you’re coming from.”

Check out the post for more on each One-Liner.

I like each of these suggestions. I have relied on the third One-Liner extensively, especially in cover letters for positions for which I submit my resume; I usually end with something like, “I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you” or “I look forward to learning more about opportunities with XYZ Inc.” I recommend these strategies and Mike’s article.

Togoni Blog:
Leaders effectively communicate.

Leadership Quote from Lao Tzu

2007-07-19T18:12:00.000-04:00

I am always intrigued by the ancient Chinese wisdom. Whether from Sun Tzu, Confucius, Lao Tzu, or another ancient master, the wisdom resonates with experience as well as intelligence.

Here is a leadership quote from Lao Tzu:
"Superior leaders get things done with very little motion. They impart instruction not through many words, but through a few deeds. They keep informed about everything but interfere hardly at all. They are catalysts, and though things would not get done as well if they were not there, when they succeed they take no credit. And, because they take no credit, credit never leaves them."

I like this quote for the emphasis on subtlety. "Leadership is an art" is one step in understanding leadership. The second step... Leadership is an art in subtlety. Most people do not respond positively to brash direction, but subtle, articulate direction permits cooperative and positive responses. Impetuous managers attempt to coerce employees to perform tasks. Leaders open doors of opportunity for employees to perform.

For more from Lao Tzu, check out: The Complete Works of Lao Tzu: Tao Teh Ching & Hua Hu Ching

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

Leadership Quote from Dwight Eisenhower

2007-07-18T18:40:00.000-04:00

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (Ike), the 5-Star General of World War II, was a great leader.

Leadership Quote from Dwight Eisenhower:
"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it."

I believe "art" is a key word. There are no set formulas or codified procedures to follow for leadership. It's something that you learn over a lifetime. Ike definitely understood leadership. The man had more experience in leadership then most ever come close to match. He lead soldiers in both world wars as well as during peace time and went on to lead a nation as President. He was a master of the art of leadership.

Biography has a good video on Ike if you are interested:Biography - Dwight Eisenhower (A&E DVD Archives)

Here are some interesting facts about President Eisenhower from Wikipedia:

Eisenhower was 5' 10" in height.
He was the last U.S. President to be born in the 19th century.
He suffered from Crohn's disease.
Eisenhower smoked four packs of Camel cigarettes every day.
The loblolly pine tree on the left side of the fairway at the 17th hole at Augusta National Golf Club is known as the Eisenhower Tree. He put his ball in the tree so many times he campaigned to have it removed. It stands to this day. The membership built a cabin for Eisenhower, one of 12 on the course. The cabin, built to Secret Service specifications, still stands on the course and is adorned with an eagle on the front porch.
Eisenhower has been portrayed by several actors, including Tom Selleck in the 2004 television program Ike: Countdown to D-Day which depicts the 90 days leading up to the D-Day Invasion. On June 6 of that year, Eisenhower's grandson, David, along with Roosevelt's grandson, David, and Arabella Churchill, granddaughter of British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, appeared on MSNBC during the network's coverage of the 60th anniversary of D-Day and talked about the roles their grandfathers played during the allied invasion.
Eisenhower enjoyed cooking as a hobby throughout his life, with particular emphasis on outdoor cooking. During his time as President, he even cooked food on the White House roof, a photo of which exists in the National Archives. Notwithstanding her husband's cooking, Mamie once famously said, "Ike runs the country; I turn the pork chops."
Eisenhower experienced tinnitus.
Eisenhower was the last president to wear a fedora. After his presidency hats generally stopped being an integral part of men's clothing.
Eisenhower approved of the assassination of The Democratic Republic of Congo's first democratically elected President, Patrice Lumumba.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

Leadership Quote from Charles Rice

2007-07-17T14:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I wrote about the 5 Points for Leaders on Change. Today, I want to share a quote from the former CEO of the notable Barnett Bank of Florida, Charles Rice:

Leadership Quote from Charles Rice:
"Think of managing change as an adventure. It tests your skills and abilities. It brings forth talent that may have been dormant. Change is also a training ground for leadership. When we think of leaders, we remember times of change, innovation and conflict. Leadership is often about shaping a new way of life. To do that, you must advance change, take risks and accept responsibility for making change happen." ~Charles Rice

Remember: Leaders know how to change.

FYI, Barnett Bank is now part of Bank of America.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

5 Points for Leaders on Change

2007-07-16T16:26:00.001-04:00

Leaders know how to change.

Everything and everyone changes. We get older, we start a family, we have kids, and our kids have kids. It's the same with an organization. The economy changes, technology changes, personnel change, and the organization changes.

Change can be beneficial, but change can also be detrimental. That's why it is critical for a leader to know how to lead change. Leaders guide and direct the organization toward the correct economic and technological path.

But for a leader to know how to lead change, the leader must know how to change. Adrian Savage wrote a piece for LifeHack.org on 10 virtually instant ways to improve your life. I recommend you read it. There are a lot of good points.

I remember a book that I read many years ago, Who Moved My Cheese?. The title is a bit comical, but the topic is not. For many organizations and many individuals, change can cause you to feel lost. You have to learn new places, new procedures, and new habits. You can feel like the world is passing you by and along the way someone move something you need. The very substance that you rely on for existence may no longer be available through the same means.

Change requires adaptation and acclimation. Both pieces are learned over time and are best learning by doing. Sometimes you need to take small steps, but then there are times that require drastic and decisive changes. Experience is often the only guide. Leaders have experience with change – personal and professional.

At any rate: Leaders know how to change.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

3 Dynamics of Leadership and Communication

2007-07-15T19:21:00.000-04:00

There is a strong relationship between leadership and communication. The first thought that comes to mind is the charismatic leader on a podium to present a grandiose vision with oratorical flare, but that’s not exactly what I’m writing about.

Communication is fundamental to our existence. We communicate every day and in many ways. We talk with our family over breakfast cereal, chat with our friends on our cell phones, and we converse with colleges around the coffee pot. We also email, blog, and write reports. We communicate with the written and spoken word.

To take our communication to another depth, we also communicate non-verbally, through our body language—our gestures, posture, and proximity.

Leaders communicate. Leaders not only communicate clearly, but, more importantly, communicate effectively. Leaders understand the different dynamics of communication and use the full spectrum to effectively communicate their vision, direction, and guidance.

It is one thing for a leader’s message to be heard, another for the message to be understood, and finally, yet another for the message to be acted upon.

The first dynamic:

I remember a college English professor who has the worst public speaking skills of any teacher that I have ever been in class with. I really thought it was quite ironic, but nearly half of every class I couldn’t hear what the teacher was saying. He spoke softly to start with, but he additionally, he would look away from the class. There is no communication without hearing or seeing.

The second dynamic:

I’m reminiscent of days in school today. It’s been nearly a decade, but I vividly remember a trigonometry class where my high school teacher was explaining something about signs. I heard the words coming from her mouth and I grasped the terms—sine, cosine, and tangent, but I didn’t understand. Of course, in hindsight, I probably would have understood if I had read the assignment before class, but academics weren’t my top priority during homecoming week! Nonetheless, there is no communication without understanding and comprehension.

The third dynamic:

No school analogy this time. We can all think of that manager who always complains about TPS reports, this procedure, or that method, etc. Often the failure to complete a task is not the result of failing to know and understand, but rather a willful disregard. I heard it said once that employees will do two things well: what they think is important and what the boss thinks is important and will check. Perhaps the effectiveness of communicating procedures and process is through checking the control mechanisms. Or perhaps, a leader will effectively communicate by harnessing the full spectrum of communication and the control mechanisms will merely be a quality system.

Leaders communicate. Leaders not only communicate clearly, but, more importantly, communicate effectively though understanding and harnessing the dynamics of communication.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

Leadership Quote from Einstein

2007-07-14T20:50:00.000-04:00

I want to share a leadership quote in this entry. Albert Einstein is often noted as a genius, but I think Einstein was quite a leader as well. He had a clear understanding of the correlation between leadership and ethics, but furthermore he left a significant and lasting impression on our world of which only leaders are capable of doing. He wrote in his own words many of the critical obstacles of the 20th century and demonstrate a "genius" understanding of the events that shaped his time (The World As I See It ).

The leadership quote from Albert Einstein:
"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with the important matters." ~Albert Einstein

A good quote can often ingrain a thought or concept more effectively than a thorough exposé. There are many important leadership concepts and a leader lives those concepts day-to-day, because the concepts are ingrained into his or her thought processes. If you want to become a leader or want to improve your leadership capacity, memorize some leadership quotes. If you memorize the quote, you can quickly recall it and use it in appropriate conversations. Furthermore, you will recall the quote and the underlying concept when you encounter conversations or circumstance where the quote applies. Thereby, you will improve your leadership responses when you need to be a leader.

Leadership is a prevalent topic for me. I have written about leadership in this blog and I will continue to write about and learn about leadership. I am also going to share a leadership quote from time-to-time.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

GE's 3 Ups & 2 Downs

2007-07-13T16:46:00.000-04:00

Today, Fairfield-based General Electric announced second quarter (2Q) profits were up 9.6% at $5.42 Billion or 53 cents a share. The company ranked by Forbes at the fourth largest company and the largest conglomerate amassed three notable successes that countered two notable disappointments.

Success 1: GE’s infrastructure business was up 23%.

Success 2: GE’s commercial finance business was up 18%.

Success 3: GE’s NBC Universal Segment was up 2%

Disappointment 1: GE’s is exiting the subprime mortgage business with WMC Mortgage at a cost of $160 million dollars on the sale, but with the benefit of leaving $3.7 Billion at stake in the ever declining market to higher-risk mortgage borrowers.

Disappointment 2: GE’s deal to purchase Abbott Laboratories’s Diagnostics
business for $8.1 Billion fell through the cracks this week.

As an alternative to acquisitions, the company announced an increase in the company’s stock repurchase plan to $14 Billion dollars for 2007 with $12 Billion to be spent in the second half of the year.

Still on the table for GE is the sale of its plastics business to a Saudi firm which is estimated to be at $12 Billion.

GE is forecasting a 54-56 cents per share profit for the third quarter (3Q) which would be a 15-19% increase of the same period last year.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

Leadership Lesson 3: "Why Did You Do It That Way?"

2007-07-10T19:43:00.000-04:00

Joyce Ward is with Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activities, a Navy organization that fixes ships. "As a Business Performance Officer," she told me, "I go out and work with the shops, focusing on teamwork.

"In 1994, I was working with my first team, our lifeboat repair shop. These rafts hang on the decks of ships and need to be inflated in an emergency. However, the failure rate in 1994 was 40%. After we asked some questions, we dropped the failure rate to 1% or less by the year 2000. How did we do this?

"We looked at the processes and made a flow chart. We kept track of who was working on what so we could spot where the errors were occurring. When we did this, we discovered one extraordinary employee whose work was always perfect. There was no failure rate for Joey.

"We decided to observe Joey carefully to figure out what he was doing right. We watched and watched, but couldn't see that he was doing anything different from the other workers. Then we decided to videotape him and asked him to describe what he was doing as he did each step. We encouraged the other members of the team to observe, reminding them that they or their family might be the ones needing a lifeboat in an emergency.

"So the whole team was there watching. At one point, Joey said, 'And now I fold the valve under.'

"'Wait!' the other said. 'But we fold it toward the top? Why are you folding it underneath?'

"'Because," Joey said, 'it lies flatter, and there is less chance that it could be broken when the life raft is compressed into the little package.' Joey was a young man very low on the totem pole, but we've learned that you have to listen to the kids down on the deck. They are the ones who make it happen.

We ask the teams to define problems and describe what they've done to solve it. After we collect their answers, we brief the executive officers who can make it happen. Then they make recommendations to leadership who can bring about a permanent change. Joey's idea became the department standard for the entire Navy. (He also got an award of $2500.)

And thanks to Joey and our asking the right questions, your chances of having a working lifeboat have risen to 99% or more."

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE
PFripp@fripp.com, 1-800 634 3035, http://www.fripp.com

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

Leadership Lesson 2: "I'm Glad You Asked"

2007-07-09T20:08:00.000-04:00

Pam Kranhold's Quality Department at Delta Dental Plan of California is revolutionizing the way they do business for government and their customers.

"Over the last two years," she told me, "we have changed our leadership from a very bland 'government' approach to an innovative vision-mission-value focus! It took a number of months to get the leaders to put all their thoughts on the same page and circulate them to the employees.

"One way we are doing this is with meetings where leaders and employees could ask each other questions and share suggestions. We solicited ideas from employees and got more than a thousand in the first year, almost more than we knew what to do with. We organized the ideas and put them on a data base. The strongest incentive for employee feedback is always the willingness of management to listen. A secondary inducement is that everyone in our department gets a Quality Buck for each suggestion that they can spend on a showcase of items.

"This program totally revolutionized the company. Now, employees from other divisions are eager to work in our department."

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE
PFripp@fripp.com, 1-800 634 3035, http://www.fripp.com

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

Leadership Lesson 1: "Why CAN'T We Do It?"

2007-07-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

Pamela Kinser works for the Stanislaus County Department of Employment Training.

"When you're working with the government," she told me, "you have so many regulations to follow -- City, County, State, and Federal. Two years ago, we knew that the Work Force Investment Act was going to come into effect, bringing a whole new set of regulations.

"Our director said, 'Instead of reading the regulations and saying, "We can't to this, we can't do that," why not say, "Why CAN'T we? Where does it say we CAN'T do this? That we CAN'T provide these services for our clients?"'

"That has made a complete turn-around in everyone's thinking and has made us all open minded. I came to this department from another agency that focused on 'we can't do that.' Now, we can push to get cars fixed for clients so they can get jobs, try to get them dental work or their tattoos removed, all the things people need so badly before they can get jobs. This kind of thinking has worked so well that we're now trying to bring other agencies on board.

"Our leader made it okay for the line workers to ask, "Why CAN'T we?" It's brought a huge turn-around in employee morale and made a major difference with our clients and the community."

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE
PFripp@fripp.com, 1-800 634 3035, http://www.fripp.com/

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

3 Strategic Management Lessons from Apple Part 3 of 3

2007-07-01T12:21:00.000-04:00

The next strategy of Apple is to play as if in a field all-to-itself. Unlike most leaders in technology, Apple does not make announcements of their developing products long in advance of the actual release. With the exception of the iPhone, which I will cover later, Apple keeps a closed lid on its developing technologies as if the lack of information is the suspense-building drama to climax with the actual release date and announcement date at the same time.

In most product environments, manufactures will release announcements for Wall Street analysts and technology blogs to absorbed and digest before the actual product is released. The floating a balloon, so to speak, allows collaborative products to be developed in conjunction and released at the same time. For example, most other MP3 players were released at the same time period as other manufactures releases carrying cases and accessories for the players. This was not the case with the iPod. Manufactures have definitely created a plethora of accessories to the extent that entire websites and magazines are dedicated to accessories for the iPod, but the manufactures created the products after the success of the iPod, not in interdependence with it.

The iPhone seems to be a different style as the product was not available until six months after the press release to showcase the developing iPone, but the release still fits in the in a field all-to-itself strategy. The press release event for the iPhone took place in San Francisco the same week of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It the perception that everyone in Las Vegas show was at the wrong party as the technology headlines that week were all about the iPhone.

The success of the iPod, predicts the success of the iPhone, and the residual effect on the Mac will establish the company’s success for years to come. Investors take note.

Apple’s Strategic Management:

1) Apple is a knowledge-creating company with a focus on reinventing the market as much as reinventing the company. [See Part 1 of Apple’s Strategic Management]
2) Apple establishes the reputation for innovation to be synonymous as a brand. [See Part 2 of Apple’s Strategic Management]
3) Apple enters the market place with products that are in a field all-to-itself.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

3 Strategic Management Lessons from Apple Part 2 of 3

2007-06-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

In recent years, Apple is most noted for digital entertainment devises with futuristic capabilities. The tremendous success of the iPod has defined Apple to an entirely new generation as the next must have, personal electronic device manufacturer. The market success of the iPod has wooed an entirely new faithful. I, for one, have never, nor ever intended to, own, let alone be faithful, to the Mac, but I do love my iPod. One other note is that the success of the iPod has caused individuals like me to be aware of and consider the Mac, even if we resolve to continue with our PC. The logic is simple, if they can make a great media player, their computers must be pretty great also.

Under the leadership of Steve Jobs, the explicit strategy of Apple, Inc. seems to be to transition the company from a computer manufacturer to a consumer electronics manufacturer and develop new faithful for the entire selection of products by playing on the success of the iPod. The newest product to play on the notable success of the iPod is the iPhone. The popularity of the iPod affords Apple the luxury to develop product deals to market and release new products merely based on Apple’s innovative reputation.

Apple’s Strategic Management:

1) Apple is a knowledge-creating company with a focus on reinventing the market as much as reinventing the company. [See Part 1 of Apple’s Strategic Management]
2) Apple establishes the reputation for innovation to be synonymous as a brand.

See Part 3 of Apple’s Strategic Management

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3 Strategic Management Lessons from Apple Part 1 of 3

2007-06-29T11:16:00.000-04:00

To say that the company, that shares a name with the fruit which often represents the forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden, has had a turbulent market history over the last fifteen years, would seem to be an understatement. Apple, Inc., recently renamed from Apple Computer, Inc. has seen periods of economic slumps and periods of barrier-breaking success, but the evolution of the company has maintain with products as relevant and marketable.

Apple is a master of knowledge management as a knowledge-creating company with a focus on reinventing the market as much as reinventing itself, establishing the reputation for innovation to be synonymous as a brand, and to enter the market place with products that are in a field all-to-itself.

The change of the company name is one representation of the reinvention within the company that represents the change that Apple is leading. The products released, like the iPod, the iPhone, the Mac, and even the companies software, are innovative in their respective categories with finite market brands. The release and marketing of the company’s products follow a unique method that sets the products in a field all-to-itself. Apple is a company that strives to not only stay relevant, but define the new relevance.

Steven P. Jobs, who co-founded the company in 1976; has been the celebrity-like, but controversial face of Apple; and has returned to regain and re-lead the company toward to new heights of unprecedented success. Jobs, who’s notorious for an unconventional business-style, is taking the company on a new frontier in an corporate evolution of sorts. A new name seems to be merely the lettering on the cover of a completely revised book.

See Part 2 of Apple’s Strategic Management
See Part 3 of Apple’s Strategic Management

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3 Changes for American Foreign Policy

2007-06-28T02:11:00.000-04:00

I read an article on MSNBC about a poll that indicates the trust in the United States is declining. I wasn’t surprised by the article, but it did reinforce a sentiment of concern.

I think there are some who would ask why it even matters what the world thinks of the US. Well, Robert McCann of Merrill Lynch was cited in another MSNBC article with one reason, "The world is becoming more and more global.” Economies are changing. Great American companies are not just American anymore. GE operates in nearly every corner of the globe. Wal-Mart has stores in several European and Asian markets. Many products sold in the US are from emerging markets like China and India; just visit nearly any store and take note.

With economies developing in an increasingly global manner, our economy is becoming more and more interdependent on international markets. Even a major corporation like Halliburton has to make changes to the ever changing economy. By the way, Halliburton announced about a month ago that the company would de-list from the NYSE and move to the UAE with the corporate headquarters moving from Houston to Dubai. The basic reason for Halliburton’s transition is the changing of the energy market. Most of the energy products are coming from the Middle East and rather than going west to Europe and the US, the bulk of products are going east to India and China.

So how do we address the change in trust? I would recommend the following to start:

•Our foreign policy should reflect that we are a member of the world and not the rulers of the world (Ex-out the Roman-esque approach in the War on Terror).

While there is a definite need to eradicate terrorism, it will not be accomplished without the support of other nations and a true coalition. We are not, nor should we be an empire.

•“Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

I cannot attempt to articulate this better than President Theodor Roosevelt did in 1901, “Right here let me make as vigorous a plea as I know how in favor of saying nothing that we do not mean, and of acting without hesitation up to whatever we say. A good many of you are probably acquainted with the old proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick— you will go far.” If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble, and neither will speaking softly avail, if back of the softness there does not lie strength, power. In private life there are few beings more obnoxious than the man who is always loudly boasting, and if the boaster is not prepared to back up his words, his position becomes absolutely contemptible. So it is with the nation. It is both foolish and undignified to indulge in undue self-glorification, and, above all, in loose-tongued denunciation of other peoples. Whenever on any point we come in contact with a foreign power, I hope that we shall always strive to speak courteously and respectfully of that foreign power.”

•Engage in business with only the foreign businesses that adopt similar human rights, worker rights, and minimum compensation practices as American businesses are obliged to follow.

America is based on fundamental principles that every human has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness regardless of race, religion, creed, social class, financial status, etc. If we are to remain a shining beacon on a hill, than we need to be the shining beacon on a hill.

You can read the MSNBC articles mentioned above at these links:
Poll: Distrust of U.S., China rises around world
Millionaires are just a dime a 700 now

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1 Hurdle to Cross

2007-06-26T13:27:00.000-04:00

There has been a lot of discussion about the pending deal between Rupert Murdock’s News Corp. and the Bancrofts’ Dow Jones & Co. Reuters is reporting that a deal is close. There has been one significant hurdle for both sides to come to a meeting of the minds. The Bancrofts sought to guarantee the editorial independence of New York-base publisher. Suposedly, the two parties are close to a structure that satisfies both News Corps and Dow Jones.

In business law, there is term called “meeting of the minds.” It’s used in contract negotiations. One side of the contract has select opinions, ideas, and concepts. While the other side, has separate opinions, ideas, and concepts.

The entire reason for negotiating a contract is to arrive at a “meeting of the minds.” The one side talks with the other side and both sides share their opinions, ideas, and concepts. The “meeting of the minds” is accomplished when both sides understand the other side’s opinions, ideas, and concepts.

For example, a Real Estate agent named Mona may be selling a house. Mona has certain opinions, ideas, and concepts about the house. Mona has an opinion of how much the house is worth and how the good location is.

When Mona meets someone who is interested in buying the house, the buyer, Jack, has separate opinions of how much he is willing to pay for the house and if the location is good for him.
At this point, Mona and Jack will talk with each other, share information, and compare opinions. The reason is to arrive at an understanding of each other’s opinions and, if need be, make changes or compromises to arrive at a “meeting of the minds.” Only, when both have arrived at a “meeting of the minds” will Mona sell the house to Jack.

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What is wrong!

2007-06-08T17:12:00.000-04:00

I can now define what is wrong with our society. I love America both for what it is and for what it stands for, but there is something wrong with our society. We have grown so prosperous and disconnected from real problems in the world that our priorities are completely out of whack.

I was watching MSNBC today when the bulletin of “Breaking News” was plastered on the screen. When I realized the story was about Paris Hilton being ordered to court, I quickly rolled my eyes and ignored the story, while the news media focused on her house and waited for her to emerge to go to court. I wasn’t very upset about a legitimate news source covering a story about which I don’t give-a-damn, but I was flabbergasted later.

My attention was briefly returned to the MSNBC when the story changed to the US Secretary of Defense giving a press briefing and announcing that the highest ranking, military officer was retiring while in the middle of a war. I pay attention to news stories that have an impact on something that matters like a soldier losing his life in a war. But then, in a demonstration of disservice and distorted priorities, the news cut away from the story to return to the pompous, spoiled, and irresponsible Paris Hilton.

And it struck me. Our society is more concerned (read as “interest in”) a celebrity losing her liberty, then we are about a non-celebrity, the uncommon and valorous military men and women, losing their very lives and the events that impact the life and death of our military personnel. This is wrong.

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Doctors and Celebrities endorse Anatrim

2007-05-31T20:24:00.000-04:00

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2 Benefits from an Independent Candidate

2007-05-23T01:32:00.000-04:00

Speculation is mounting over a possible third-party or independent candidate for the 2008 Presidential Election. New York City Major Michael Bloomberg (R) is the primary focus of current speculation. Even Senator Chuck Hagel (R, Nebraska) has publicly suggested that he and Mayor Bloomberg could run an independent campaign for the Presidency. Bruce Reed, writing for Slate.com, suggests that Mayor Bloomberg has subtlety started his campaign; you can read the article here.

There are two primary results of independent candidates campaigning for the Presidency:
1) Votes are diverted from one or both of the major party candidates as has been speculated with Ralph Nader’s campaign in 2000 from the Democrat Al Gore.
2) Specific political issues receive increased attention than what would have under the two major party candidates. This result is the reason commonly stated for an independent’s candidacy.

The presence of an independent candidate would be beneficial at this point with the partisan political division in Washington. With the lack of cooperation from either major political party on such issues as the War on Terrorism and Iraq, immigration reform, our decreasing support from foreign allies, and strengthening our economy and the US dollar. This nation needs an independent candidate who can divert votes from both political parties and raise the level of debate on the issues of our time.

Such a candidate could awaken our political leaders on both sides of the aisle with a resounding slap in the face for the insolent absurdities of their partisan bickering and divisive tactics that tear our country. This country needs a candidate who can send a strong message to the Republican and Democratic powers that be. This country needs a candidate whose loyalty is not to a select group of donors, but to the principles of freedom and opportunity that established our country. But could Mayor Bloomberg accomplish what this country needs?

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If we are to succeed…

2007-05-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

If we are to succeed in the War on Terrorism, we need to open our minds to understand what caused this situation to exist. We need to strictly avoid an logical fallacies of the post hoc ergo proctor hoc variety and understand the world is not merely black and white; not only are there shades of gray, but many variations of reds, blues, and yellows, too.

I am disturbed by recent activity surrounding the Republican Presidential debates. Rep. Ron Paul is bringing needed dialog for the candidates to answer and the reaction is not one of contemplation and then debate, but one of dismissal and avoidance. There is even a petition to bar Rep. Paul from future debates. The Republican candidates are demonstrating an ignorant cowardice’s approach to a tough issue and not strength and intelligence to understand and tackle the issues of our world.

Rep. Paul has merely suggested that we evaluate why terrorist struck our country on 9/11 and evaluate the reasons the terrorists say that they struck us. While I will contend that the actions of terrorist leaders are illogical and irrational; the statements for their actions are reasonable enough to garner sympathy from people who are similar to them—Iraqis, Afghanis, Pakistanis, Jordanians, and other Arabs.

The future problems with terrorism are not directly related to our current adversaries that we are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the young brothers and sisters of the innocent Iraqi girls and boys who are killed by indirect fire, whether from Americans or insurgents. Ten and fifteen years from now, all they will remember is the Americans came to their country which caused the deaths of their brothers and sisters whether inadvertently or not. Ten and fifteen years from now, those young men and women will be less likely to hate the insurgents and terrorists who are like them ethnically and religiously and more likely to hate Americans who are very different and foreign from them. The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cause greater problems in the War on Terrorism. All we need to do is step back ten or fifteen years to understand the obstacles of today and the argument is plainly obvious.

Not only should Rep. Paul be allowed to participate in the debates (at a minimum), but any candidate who shirks from tough issues should be quickly dismissed from the candidacy for the Presidential nomination.

For more on Presidential debates see: Open Presidential Debates Please.

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3 Thoughts of Carter’s Critique and the White House’s Retort

2007-05-21T00:24:00.000-04:00

Former President Jimmy Carter made a harsh critic of the current administration in three areas: the war in Iraq, the absence of peace talks in Israel, the failure of nuclear arms negotiations, and the White House’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. President Carter has voiced his concerns and opinions in regards to other Presidents and Administrations in the past, but his criticism of the current administration is notable for its veracity. The Associated Press quoted Douglas Brinkley, who is a presidential historian and Carter biographer from Tulane University, “This is the most forceful denunciation President Carter has ever made about an American president. When you call somebody the worst president, that’s volatile. Those are fighting words.”

The Bush administration attempted to write off President Carter as “irrelevant,” but the retort demonstrated the depth of the sore wounds that comment provoked. White House spokesman Tony Fratto was derisive toward President Carter. Fratto commented, "I think it's sad that President Carter's reckless personal criticism is out there. I think it's unfortunate. And I think he is proving to be increasingly irrelevant with these kinds of comments" (Reuters).

President George W. Bush should take heed of these three thoughts:

1) The opinion of a former President of the United States is never irrelevant.
2) A comment that provokes a retort is elevated to increased exposure in the press which increases the comments overall exposure and relevance.
3) When the critique resonates of increasingly popular opinion in a democratic society and the critique is of a President with ever decreasing loss of popularity, the comment is not only relevant, but important.

See the Reuters article here.
See the AP story here.

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Black Like Me

2007-05-19T00:02:00.000-04:00

John Howard Griffin authored a compelling, true story that grips the mind of everyone willing to hope and dream of a better world and a better America. Knowing full well the potential for evil found rooted in the biased discrimination that plagued the civil rights movement during the mid-twentieth century, Griffin embarked on a journey to learn the reality of racial discrimination from the perspective of the black man. Encountering the obvious obstacle of his white skin, Griffin darkened the pigment of his flesh with the medical guidance of a dermatologist and sufficient exposure to a sun lamp. The journey of a white man disguised as a black man is chronicled in the pages of Black Like Me.

This book is a must read for anyone willing to confront the wrongs of this world, to believe in the potential good of the human spirit, and to believe in the “unalienable rights” of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as colorblind. I believe this is a book that everyone should read at least once. For more information, click here.

This blog has moved; you can now read Black Like Me at Leadership Jot.

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Nails in the Coffin

2007-05-18T02:16:00.001-04:00

Paul Wolfowitz is leaving the World Bank effective June 30. Read about his resignation here. Also, check out my blog entry about the correlation between leadership and ethics. When will leaders learn?

This blog had moved; you can now read Nails in the Coffin at LeadershipJot.com.

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2 Sides to Ethics

2007-05-17T12:14:00.001-04:00

There seems to be a terrible corruption of common ethics in our modern, world society. A historian may even present a timeline to show a continuous historical trend. There are wars, there are crimes, and there are other mere wrongs, but it all sums to a loss of "common" ethics.

For something to be common, it has to be universally known, understood, and practiced. The use of language is common through the world, but the use of the English language is merely popular. While you may find the use of the English language from the USA through Britain and many other countries, you will not find the language used in still other countries. The use of common could be replaced with universal.

There is a term touted in business, "win-win." It is commonly used in a negotiation to dramatize the mutual benefit of a deal. A good sales person will use the term in many different degrees and different applications, but the term is valuable to apply to the loss of common ethics.

I am an American. As an American, I take great pride in the value of the Declaration of Independence and the freedom derived from a belief of certain "unalienable rights" of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

I believe that every human has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and that the rights are irregardless of sex, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, attractiveness, wealth,
social class—the ineptitude of castes, or any other "small minded" determinant for discrimination.

Because of these beliefs, I believe every interaction in life, business, and government is ethically required to be mutually beneficial—ethically required to be win-win. If mutual benefit were universally applied (common practice) in our world, this would not be such a terrible place.

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2 Standards of Judgement

2007-05-15T23:59:00.000-04:00

I have a phrase that I live by: to be and to become. The essence of my quote is that I am not just who I am with my knowledge, skills, and experience, but also in who I have the ability to become. Longfellow articulated the idea as, "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done." It's a state of mind and a direction of focus.

Paul Wolfowitz is encountering a tough reality; read about it here. He slipped up or, more accurately, he was caught slipping up. His leadership and management abilities are now questioned and he is appealing for a second chance. Wolfowitz is facing the correlation between leadership and ethics as I've written about in a previous article.

I honestly believe that a person in the position of power and authority should not be given a free pass. He screwed up, but this is not a mistake of youth or inexperience as then he would not be qualified for his position. He violated the trust and confidence of those who appointed him to the position. He violated the ethical conduct of which he was bound. While everyone should have the opportunity to start over and if need be start a new, we need to hold leaders accountable for violations of leadership/ethics. Paul Wolfowitz should resign from his position. If he does not resign, he should be relieved of his position by the Board of Directors for the World Bank.

To be and to become. Paul Wolfowitz may judge himself by what he may be able to do, but his promises to change to "management style" are in line with judging his management ability by what he may be able to do and not by what he has done. The reality he must accept is that the rest of the world judges him by what he has done. What he did was a clear violation of ethics and a violation of the trust and confidence attributed to his position.

This blog has moved; you can now read 2 Standards of Judgement at LeadershipJot.com.

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4 Significant Points of the Chrysler & Cerberus Deal

2007-05-14T14:40:00.000-04:00

80.1% of Chrysler is to be owned by a private equity firm, Cerberus. After less than one decade after the monumental, $36 Billion take over of Jeep and Dodge by Daimler Benz, DaimlerChrysler is now selling the majority stake in Chrysler for $7.4 Billion.

The four significant points of the deal are:
1) There are 80,000 workers for Chrysler and Cerberus would stand on new leverage with United Auto Workers union when a new contract is negotiated starting in July.
2) The new equity firm will allow Chrysler better investment opportunities for the company’s products.
3) Chrysler has already started the necessary $1.5 Billion restructuring with a loss of 13,000 jobs, but after the restructuring the company will be notably more efficient.
4) This is a first time that the majority of a US Auto maker will be in the control of a private equity firm.

To read more about the deal, see Yahoo! and Reuters.

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3 Concerns about Iran

2007-05-14T00:25:00.001-04:00

The Bush Administration is playing a dangerous political game with Iran and, specifically, Iranian President Mouhmaud Admadinejad by the mere suggestion of any diplomatic talks with Iran; see this article. The Administration has opposed Iran as part of Bush's Axis of Evil, but recently has opened up to the suggestion of dialogs with Iran over Iraq. While Iraq is a dangerous situation that is slipping from US control, engaging Iran as a viable influence in the Middle East is a worst mistake. If we allow diplomatic dialog with Iran, we validate Iranian influence in the Middle East and world affairs; the talks escalate the reach and power of Ahmadinejad's rhetoric. On the other hand, Iran and Ahmadinejad are already influencing Middle Eastern politics, for example, Ahmadinejad lead an Anti-American rally in Dubai, UAE. UAE has been an ally of the US in business, politics, and war, but Ahmadinejad is seeking to change that.

3 reasons to be concerned about Iran and Ahmadinejad:
1) Ahmadinejad usurps influence in the Middle East (see Dubai rally).
2) The rhetoric from Ahmadinejad is designed to thwart the US current and historical position in the Middle East and even to thwart other history in order to weaken the moral superiority of countries opposed to him (See Iranian leader: Holocaust a 'myth').
3) Ahmadinejad is distorted in believing his opposition is the moral high ground (see Ahmadinejad's letter).

The US cannot allow the world and the Middle East to perceive Iran and Ahmadinejad as viable influences in the Middle East. The only way to accomplish this is to cut Iran from diplomatic tables, institute strict economic sanctions, and refuse any dialog with the country.

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$4.33 for a gallon of gasoline!

2007-05-12T23:54:00.001-04:00

Well, isn't this disturbing, a San Francisco Shell station with $4.33/gallon of regular gasoline. You can tell we are hitting the busy driving season and summer vacations as the price at the pump crawls to un-godly amounts. Oy ve! Check the story here.

I use to not complain about the rising cost of gasoline in the United States after living in German for over two years. I recall the price of gasoline in Germany at €1.20 per liter which translates to about $4.50 per gallon after the conversion of liter to gallon and the dollar to Euro are calculated. At that time, we were just over $3 a gallon.

Now the price is creeping backup and I don't live in Germany any more.

America is still addicted to black crude and we still have not found a viable solution to feed our addiction. We are still at war in the Middle East; we still do not have a good rapport with the oil baron to the south (Venezuela); and will still have not universally instituted alternative fuels. Here's an article from Austan Goolsbee in 2003 who states that we will have to endure gas prices of $5 a gallon for several years before we will make any lasting changes to our habits. Ouch!

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The Correlation of Ethics and Leadership

2007-05-12T00:39:00.001-04:00

In this article, I am not going to write about Deontological, Teleological, and Utilitarian ethics, because I want to concentrate on the correlation between ethics and leadership. I want to address the importance of knowing what you believe to be right, knowing what is legally right, and following your beliefs as a necessary trait of leadership.

If you do not do your job right, you have no right to do your job. This is critical for those in leadership positions and, especially, for government leaders and corporate officers. You lose all credibility when your ethics are questioned, when you are even suspected of breaking the law, and, finally, when you are actually found guilty of missteps of judgment. You lose any ability to enforce your authority…and you should.

Here are three recent news stories to resonate the accuracy of my statement:
1) The Attorney General Alberto Gonzales's loss of credibility after the firing of US Attorneys.
2) The mounting pressure for the resignation of Paul Wolfowitz at the World Bank.
3) Even the legacy of British Prime Minister Tony Blair is subject to the questions of his judgment in sending British troops to Iraq.

In the end, it often does not even matter what the truth is and that can be the toughest problem for leaders. What people perceive is what people believe. If there is even the perception of a dent or tear in the ethics of a political leader, that leader is run through the mud and publicly stoned by accusations and calls for resignation.

Is it right to deny a leader the benefit of doubt? A position of the significance that the above three leaders hold, is a position that needs to be occupied by an individual of integrity and reason. A high political position is a position of power and influence. If there is corruption, then the power and influence can be used in support of corruption and to cover up the corruption. Action against corruption must be quick and decisive, so the action against leaders who are perceived to be corrupt is right.

This blog has moved; you can now read The Correlation of Ethics and Leadership at LeadershipJot.com.

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Paradox of Life and Love

2007-05-11T13:19:00.000-04:00

The paradox of life:
Everything is possible, but nothing is certain.
The paradox of love:
Same, who brings pleasure, often causes pain.

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Knowledge Management in the Air Force

2007-05-11T01:49:00.001-04:00

The US Air Force Materials Command (AFMC) has a three-part process to mitigate problems in the constant state of change that the military encounters. The process involves change management, knowledge management, and organizational learning in the unit's Strategic Organizational Development (SOD). You can read about it here.

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Tony Blair to Resign

2007-05-10T05:29:00.001-04:00

After 10 years at the helm of Briton's Government, Tony Blair is going to resign and leave office in late June or July. The AP has the story here.

I find it surprising to read this news in respect to the many accomplishments for Briton under Blair's leadership. From peace in Northern Ireland in 1998 and the recent sharing of power between the two major leaders in Ireland to the economic growth and stabling of unemployment and inflation, Blair was a good Prime Minister.

Geoffrey Wheatcroft wrote an excellent piece for Slate Magazine that lays out a theory for Blair sunken popularity. The essence of the article is that in spite of Blair's successes, his "honest" credibility has been eroded by some questionable scandals, his ever unpopular alliance with the Bush White House, and his support and deployment of British troops to Iraq under erroneous pretense.

It comes down to this: despite how good a Prime Minister Tony Blair is, he loss favor from the British people because of the unpopularity of a few decisions. I don't like to see him leave, but, then again, he has been in the job for a decade.

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Open Presidential debates, please.

2007-05-09T23:54:00.001-04:00

There is no question that the next Presidential election will have monumental importance—no incumbent president, no successor from the current administration, a wide field of new candidates on both sides of the aisle, an election in the midst of war, and an election after a change of the political majority in Congress! This is an election to follow with great interest.

We have already had two debates from the Democrat candidates and the Republican candidates. I would like to see the debate opened up, as suggested in this article . I understand the necessity for debate rules with as many candidates on the stage as there are currently, but as the field narrows, the debates should be tougher for candidates by lessening the rules and calling for more freedom in the discussion. The more a candidate has the opportunity to speak about what he or she believes, the better our understanding of that candidate will be and the better our ability to select a good President. I hope there will be open debate forums for Presidential candidates in the future. Let's see…

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Faster is better!

2007-05-09T08:39:00.001-04:00

Comcast has introduced a new modem capable of 150 megabits per second! Check it out here.

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What is the Difference between Leadership and Management?

2007-05-09T02:56:00.000-04:00

I have often heard the terms used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Beside the definitions of the terms, what is the real, practical, or meaningful difference?

Management is planning and organizing projects and operations, allocating resources to minimize costs and maximize benefits, directing practices and procedures, establishing controls to measure the effectiveness and efficiencies, and motivating subordinates. Management is concerned with present activities and the immediate results of those activities.

Leadership is more abstract when considered separately from management. Leadership is guiding a person or group toward the best results. It is having sound understanding to determine and ability to articulate visions and goals. Leadership is in par with management, but takes on precedence for strategic management and long-term success.

Stephen Covey used a ladder to illustrate the difference between leadership and management in the book, 7 Habit of Highly Effective People. Management is concerned with getting up a ladder in the most effective and most efficient manner. Leadership is making certain the ladder is on the right wall.

I have also heard management is focused internally within an organization or group, while leadership is focused externally toward the industry and the market place. However, you chose to define the difference, when you understand the difference, you will be a better manager and better leader.

This blog has moved; you can now read What is the Difference between Leadership and Management at LeadershipJot.com.

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Will France Return to the Table in World Politics?

2007-05-08T07:30:00.001-04:00

So Nicholas Sarkozy won the Presidency in France and most analyst interpret that as good for the French economically and Europe politically. Sarkozy is known for being pro-American and for advocating lot of economic reforms. He wants to break down a lot of the socialist regulations that has crippled France's economy, work to open opportunities for the younger generation of workers, strengthen France's return to the main stage in world politics, and repair France's relationship with the US. Will he be able to pull off the fete with the obstacles encountering France today?

I'm actually surprised to see a candidate who is so popular with the US and popular with the French voting public. He was even quote by Newsweek (International edition) as saying, "Nobody in France dares to say the truth: the United States is the greatest economic, military and monetary power in the world." Newsweek International What I find interesting about the quote is not the obviousness of statement, but the choice of the word "greatest." It would be one thing to say the US is the most significant, the most influential, the largest, or any other obvious characterization, but to state the US is the "greatest" denotes respect and awe. I think it is good for a French leader to make that statement, but I wonder if it isn't pandering or otherwise manipulating. What is his motivation?

Since Monday night, France has been in a state of unrest (Socialists urge end to riots in France). Some blame the activities on the election results, Sarkozy's divisive personality, and concerns for some of the policies from Sarkozy's campaign. Most of his policies make sense from an economic perspective. The policies, from reforms to a freer market to lifting regulations that restrict hiring and firing, are all well proven policies to economically turn a country around. France is a nation weakened by socialist policies, poor labor regulations, and the uniquely French arrogance. I wish success for Nicholas Sarkozy as he leads his country to a stronger future, but I wonder if the French people are ready and willing to follow. I guess we'll see...

Togoni Blog:
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Save the Children

2007-05-08T05:20:00.001-04:00

I had determined that I would stray away from the topic of Iraq in this blog, but I need to mention a terrible statistic. The Associated Press published a stat from Save the Children today. The organization places Iraq in last place for child safety while noting that "1 in 8 children die in Iraq before the age of 5." These children are dieing because of disease or violence. This is beyond terrible. This is unforgivable. Despite whatever your opinion is of adults in Iraq or the adults in terrorist organization, a five year old child does not deserve to have life torn away from him or her before they have actually had the chance to know life. If you're interested in the article, you may find it at: Report: Save the Children

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

How Many Blogs Fail?

2007-05-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

As I begin to write this blog, I am wondering how many blogs fail? How many people start blogs, write one entry, two, or maybe even an hundred and then stop? Or how many people start to write, but then nobody reads the blogs or comments on them? How long would it take to get readers to a blog and get comments on them? How long or will I ever get readers for my blog? These are the questions on my mind.

To begin this blog, I'm starting with a quick overview of why I am writing a blog and what TOGONI is all about. I have a lot of ideas on several topics from politics to business and many others and I want to write about my ideas. I want to put my thoughts "out there" for people to read, to critique, to think about, to argue against, or to otherwise comment. So this blog is a medium for me to write about the topics that I take an interest in: politics, business, management, leadership, money, society, psychology, life, morality, ethics, relationships, good books, and great people. I think a blog is the perfect medium for me to introduce my ideas to the world and, I am planning, to get feed back on my ideas.

I don't believe that I have all the answers. As a teenager, I was accused as most teens of believing that I knew it all and needed to learn nothing. I don't think I ever believed that, but I guess my personality just put out that vibe. I recall once an acquaintance accused me of thinking I was "God's gift." I guess maybe I was a bit arrogant and probably still am. Arrogance, I believe, often takes the place of confidence. Confidence is the product of age and experience. As people get older they become more confident in their skills and abilities directly because of their experiences in developing and using their skills and abilities. Younger, inexperienced men and woman are arrogant in the place of confidence. He or she may not have the experience of managing a group of people or leading a project, but still believes he or she has the ability. I have often thought arrogance proceeds confidence. Arrogance also helps a person to do a difficult task that he or she has never done before. After a person has accomplished the task, goal, career, etcetera, then confidence takes over. That does not mean a person is cocky about it, whatever it may be, but the person just knows he or she can do it and is not afraid to say so. That may be arrogant, but is that really a bad thing. Of course, there are certain degrees and there is a point when someone is just cocky. Most times that is when the arrogance is without substance. My point is the arrogance with substance is okay. To state you can accomplish a goal will always have a degree of arrogance and most people, with a possible exception for friends and family, will perceive that as arrogant. Let them. Be arrogant. Just make certain you have substance to your arrogance. Don't try to say you can accomplish a task, when you have no ability to actually accomplish it, but when you do have the ability, go for it. State your goals, let people know, and then go for it.

I have often heard the phrase, "Aim for the stars." The phrase was from an Ian Holloway quote, but the mere phrase makes a great point. Ian said, "Sometimes when you aim for the stars, you hit the moon." The idea being when you set high goals, you may not always accomplish them, but you may still accomplish something quite significant. So for today, be a little arrogant and believe in yourself.

This is what TOGONI is about. It’s about being a little arrogant and going for it.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management

The Beginning

2007-05-05T03:00:00.000-04:00

In the beginning, there was one man with many ideas and idealistic ambition. This is the beginning of TOGONI Blog.

Togoni Blog:
Business Politics Leadership
See also: Knowledge Management