UNdocumented Thoughts

2012-02-07T09:05:00.002-06:00

From the pens of

first graders

The teacher wrote the beginning of the incomplete sentence and asked the children to complete it.

1. Don't change horses.........until they stop running.
2. Strike while the .......bug is close.
3. It's always darkest before......Daylight Saving Time.
4. Never underestimate....... the power of termites.
5. You can lead a horse to water..... but how?
6. Don't bite the hand....... that looks dirty.
7. No news is......impossible.
8. A miss is as good.... as a Mr.
9. You can't teach an old dog...... new math.
10. If you lie down with dogs....... you'll stink in the morning.
11.Love all......trust me.
12. The pen is mightier....... than the pigs.
13. An idle mind is......the best way to relax.
14. Where there's smoke there's.....pollution.
15. Happy the bride who.....gets all the presents.
16. A penny saved is.....not much.
17. Two's company.....three's the Musketeers.
18. Don't put off till tomorrow what.....you put on to go to bed.
19. Laugh and the whole world laughs with you...cry and you have to blow your nose.
20. There are none so blind.... as Stevie Wonder.
21. Children should be seen..... and not spanked or grounded.
22. If at first you don't succeed.....get new batteries.
23. You get out of something only what you.....see in the picture on the box.
24. When the blind lead the blind....get out of the way.
25. A bird in the hand....is going to poop on you.

And the WINNER and last one!

26. Better late.......than pregnant.

Here's a few for everyone......

My life.....
My work.....
My future.....

Stay well.
Warren

2012-02-06T17:26:00.001-06:00

ON AN AVERAGE DAY.....

On an average day -
219,178 Americans visit the doctor because of headaches.
Americans take 80,000,000 aspirin tablets.
Americans spend $1,369,863 on laxatives
Americans spend $1,668,493 on hairspray
Americans spend $10,958,904 on over-the-counter pain relievers
Americans spend $45,205,479 on prescription drugs.

16 cases of Lyme disease are reported.
35 cases of AIDS are reported.
62 Cases of tuberculosis are reported.
502 cases of chicken pox are reported.
2,468 cases of gonorrhea are reported.
$46,575,342 is spent on beauty-related goods and services
$202,739,726 is spent on low-calorie foods.

Hold everything!
These are old figures, compiled by Tom Heymann in 1989.
Is this stuff party room trivia?
Or can we draw some critical conclusions from the numbers?
On an average day, more than 100 families fall below the poverty line.

I was born during the depression.
We were poor and didn't know it.
My twin brother and I slept on the floor on the second floor of a house by railroad tracks; the rent was $12 a month and we had a tough time finding that much money.
We went with our dad to the county relief house to get a mattress. Ed, our father, asked how much it would cost. "Nothing, Ed. It yours for nothing."
We walked out of the building without a mattress. Ed was a "pay as you go" person.
We slept on the floor again for many nights until he got a job with the WPA and he could afford $5 for a mattress. He was glad for the work and we enjoyed getting off the floor.

And that's not trivia.

2012-01-29T16:27:00.000-06:00

Republican Debates?

I've been watching the many Republican debates during December and January and wishing that at least one of the televised experiences would have been a debate instead of a bashing. A debate is "a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward." Note the word 'TOPIC'. There have been moments during the Republican experience when topics were addressed.

The primary format has been one-up-mans-ship and argument, not formal discussion. The experience did provide me with a chance to review the three basic forms of communication and their purpose.

1. Debate (note the description above). Purpose? To beat someone.
2. Positional monologue where individuals present a position on a topic/issue. Purpose: To convert others to that position.
3. Conversation, where individuals engage in sharing experience, knowledge and information, which becomes its purpose. Dialogue happens here. Dialogue has a Greek foundation which means, simply, Dia (through) and legein ‘speak.’

So, what really happened during the Republican debates, in addition to person bashing?

2012-01-17T06:54:00.000-06:00

Quomodocunquize

kwo-mo-do-kun-kwize

Say that three times as fast as you can.

Its meaning?

"To make money by any means possible."

Some words make no sense unless we have a dictionary handy.
Quomodocunquize is one of those words.
There must be another word to describe how to make money by any means possible.
Let me know if you KNOW what it is.

Making money may not be the same as earning money.
We use the word MONEY in curious ways.
To "be in the money" means to have a lot of it.
"For my money" is an expression of our judgment.
"Money talks" gives power to the person with wealth.
"Get your money's worth" gives you good value.
"Right on the money" denotes accuracy.
"Throwing money" at something means to solve a problem by spending it recklessly.
"Let me see the color of your money" demands proof for a potential exchange.

My purpose in discussing this with you is to elicit notions from you about money. So, let me hear from you. It's an open forum. You can email, add to this with your comments, or write your own blog and let me know(need your blog address). We are in an economic downturn and MONEY has become a issue of profound significance.

Hoping to hear from you soon.
Many thanks.
Warren (warrenhoffman@comcast.net)

2012-01-13T14:41:00.000-06:00

PASSWORD for Alignment

Put your hands together in a potential prayer position.
Now, link all fingers.
Next, unlink them.
Good.
Now, put only half of your fingers together,
three unattached.
Feel unnatural?
Of course.

I've worked in dozens of organizations, some as employee, others as consultant or member of a faculty. None......I mean NONE, were or are fully in alignment. Why?

Glad you asked.
I traveled the country doing a research project in healthcare, visiting with the top executives and medical directors of more than 100 hospitals, clinics and systems. I discovered nine disabilities. The top two disabilities were (and are) FRAGMENTATION and POLARIZATION. I subsequently learned that these disabilities are not unique to healthcare.

I could go into detail and give you the basis of these disabilities/dysfunctions. It would take more space than I have here. So, if you would like a copy of the book, ORGANIZATIONAL DISABILITIES, let me know and I'll be happy to send you a copy (with a unenforceable favor): share the findings with a colleague. How's that for shameful marketing?

So, what is the password for alignment?
Authenticity.

Yours for authentic alignment.
Warren (warrenhoffman@comcast.net)

2012-01-10T09:44:00.003-06:00

The Elevator Speech

I've been a member of a service club for several decades. I often wondered what the difference was/is between the Lions Club, The Kiwanians, and Rotary. The elevator speech for each group is easy to comprehend and remember.
1. The Lions have fun in the town.
2. The Kiwanians run the town.
3. Rotarians own the town.

That's branding at its best!
Easily spoken.
To the point.
Clever.
Answers a specific question.

So what about the AWL Group?
We're not as well known as any of the service clubs.
We're not sure if we have any competitors.
We have bright, committed partners.....just like a million other groups.
We work internationally.....start counting the groups that do the same.
We are small, vibrant, agile and work with individuals and institutions that want to be great.

How many other groups say the same?

So what makes us distinct and unique?
Unique? The origin of the word is early 17th cent.: from French, from Latin unicus, from unus ‘one.’
To be unique means that we are one of a kind.
How many can claim that?

How many can claim that there are 6 and only 6 ways to name, frame, claim, and authentically deal with any issue or problem?

Audacious claim?
We've been testing it for 2 decades.
Check it out for yourself.

That's our elevator speech.

Got an issue/problem? AWL has 6 ways to help you put it straight. 6 ways and only 6 ways.
Elevator ride is over.
Good chatting with you.
Stay well.
Warren

2012-01-09T10:05:00.000-06:00

Two Lawyers and That Other Guy

It was a terrifying dream.
Real?
Most of my dreams are based on either a past experience or one that is anticipated. This dream was based on the past in anticipation of the future. A real hybrid!

Two lawyers, young, bright, well-groomed, highly verbal in lawyer-speak, were invited by a university women's study group to present a program about ambiguity and were asked to invite an expert - besides themselves of course - on the subject.

I was invited. I became THAT OTHER GUY.
And my credentials? I was introduced as a former preacher and "preachers know something about ambiguity," the introducer noted. "They usually aim at nothing and hit it."
There was raucous laughter.
I smiled inappropriately.

I thought, "she just might be right."
Ambiguity does result from the lack of decisiveness or commitment from failing to make a choice between alternatives. Ambiguity is no friend of clarity. Is that what people hear from the pulpit?

So, now what am I expected to say to these highly educated women?
I decided to begin by asking what they wanted to hear.
An articulate women rose to ask a question and at the same moment, two other women walked in the auditorium wearing large hats and whistling while they looked for empty seats.

The articulate women stopped until they found their seats and started again. "What, precisely, is your purpose......"
And then another interruption.
The people in charge of the catering walked into the room, asking how many vegetarians were in the room. Three hands went up. They said THANK YOU and left the room.
"May I begin again," the questioner asked. It really wasn't a question. It was an attempt to gain control of the situation. She was frustrated. And so was I.

Not three words passed her lips and the catering people re-entered. "Sorry, for the interruption, we also need to know how many prefer coffee or tea or something stronger."

This time, there was no response. They were ignored and left puzzled.
She turned to the lawyers and asked what she should do.
"Do whatever is legal. Ask the other guy."
More laughter.
She wasn't amused.
Her sense of order and continuity was broken.
She turned to me with nonverbal begging. "Get me out of this!"

I touched her shoulder and asked, "What was the purpose of your intended question?"
She couldn't remember. Her blond hair was supported by a red face which matched her generous portion of lipstick. Just then the caterers returned with trays of drinks and goodies. It was a noisy entrance. I asked them to stop.

They stopped.
I walked toward them, turned to the crowd and said, "Stuff happens."
Brilliant deduction.
"Let's aim at something and see if we can hit it. We have two lawyers and the other guy who are supposed to know something about ambiguity. Everything that has happened here today has created profound ambiguity. There is no order here. You all have individual agendas and the group apparently has an ambigious agenda. There can be no clarity here unless and until you decide what you want. So, let me ask the question: WHAT DO YOU WANT AT THIS MOMENT?

Someone shouted, "We want a stop to the interruptions."

The alarm went off.
I woke up wondering what I would have done next.
I'm turning the dream over to you.

Warren

2012-01-05T08:42:00.001-06:00

Politics & Leadership
"There go the people. I must follow them for I am their leader." Thank you, Alexandre Ledru-Rollin.
John Naisbitt put it this way: "Leadership involves finding a parade and getting in front of it."

There are politicians and leaders,
Some politicians claim to be leaders.
And many leaders disdain politicians.
Can anyone become an ethical politician and an ethical leader?

And who sets the standard for ethical leadership?
The people?
The politicians?
The government?
The individual?
And who cares?

Well, I care.
I'm concerned about the fading of ethical considerations in our decision making.....at all levels.

The standard is becoming quite clear: WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?
That's morality. What is moral is what is acceptable in any given culture. I'm no expert on
international cultures. I do know what is happening in America. And it's not a growing infatuation
with ethics. It's a growing acceptance of the rule of morality.

What can I get away with in my business?
In my club, my church, my neighborhood, my family, myself?
I wonder if we are becoming a nation of morality criminals.

If you want to lead an orchestra, you will have to turn your back on the crowd. The crowd is selfish, self-centered, myopic, and easily displeased. I intend to watch the political primaries and the nomination process for our next president with blue-ribbon skepticism.

There is something very profound in the Swedish proverb: ROUGH WATERS ARE TRUER TESTS OF LEADERSHIP. IN CALM WATER EVERY SHIP HAS A GOOD CAPTAIN.

The rough waters are where we find the critical ethical questions, issues, and challenges. Tony Blair was on the mark when he wrote: "The art of leadership is saying NO, not saying YES. It is very easy to say yes."

What do you think?
Warren

2011-12-23T09:10:00.000-06:00

STORY TIME

This story was sent by Mr. Anonymous.....

IT'S WHAT YOU SCATTER

"I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes... I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr.. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'
'Good. Anything I can help you with?'
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'
'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'

'Is that right? Let me see it', said Miller.

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost.'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.

With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.

When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket.

Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about..

They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho ..'

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral:
We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath."

Stay well.
Warren

2011-12-21T08:35:00.000-06:00

Merry Merry!

While technology has changed dramatically, the story of Christmas is still a simple event surrounded by quiet and simple people who somehow changed the world. I know more than I understand about those first days in Bethlehem. Perhaps it's a cop out. When my knowledge exceeds my understanding, I call it a mystery.

Love is a wonderful mystery.
And so is mercy,
and forgiveness.

The 'stuff' I experience and do not deserve is a mysterious gift.
That's why Christmas is also Thanksgiving.
I'm thankful for your friendship....what a gift.
Thanks for being ready and steady.

Warren

2011-12-16T09:13:00.003-06:00

Transformation

"Be transformed by the renewal of your mind."

What a powerful idea.
I was first introduced to this idea as a fourth grader in Sunday School. Our teacher, Fred Greenfield, asked us what the author had in mind when he wrote this about 2,000 years ago. We didn't have a clue. I imagine we did a lot of guessing and verbal stumbling.

I asked two of our elementary school grandchildren the same question. "That's easy, Grandpa. It's like the butterfly who starts out as a nondescript entity and changes into a beautiful creature. My mind is like that. I start out with unfinished thoughts and with the help of adults, they turn into something beautiful."

Timeout.
"Nondescript entity?"
These words from a 5th grader?
I followed up with another inquiry. "What is an entity?"
The other grandchild jumped in. "That's easy, too. It is something distinct and independent."
I had two professors serving as my instructors.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I want you to know that these two recently graduated from high school as straight A students.....they take after their grandmother, of course.

Transformation?
When did I last change my mind about anything?
What prompted the change?
When did I have an incomplete or unexamined thought that was dramatically changed?
Transformation does involve drama.

Remember where I first heard this?
The author was Saul whose name became Paul.
He was an enemy of the early Christians. He had no time for these Jesus rebels. He stood on the side of truth against these no-names.
And then something happened....something dramatic.
It happened on the road to the town of Damascus, a city in Syria that has existed for 4,000 years.
Somebody or something called his bluff.
"Do you really know what you're doing? You are misinformed and misguided. Take stock of what you are thinking and the results of your thinking. You need a time out, Saul."

He listened. Changed his name from Saul to Paul.
He became a great writer, a champion of mercy and grace.
Some even call him St. Paul.
A story, a life of total transformation.
Wow!

2011-12-09T16:42:00.004-06:00

6,000 HealthCare Physicians and Providers

I just returned from Orlando, Fl, where nearly 6,000 healthcare physicians and providers gathered for the IHI (Institute for Healthcare Improvement). The conference was insightful, inspiring, and an awesome display of talent. Don Berwick, MD, received the Picker Institute award for a lifetime achievement as champion of patient centered healthcare. Don also was the founder of IHI and recently left the Federal Government post as medical director/administrator of medicare and medicad. Congress could not or would not confirm his appointment. He gave the final keynote speech and put the burden of healthcare reform clearly our our shoulders. "The government cannot do it, so we must."

Want to know and learn more about the conference? Check out the immense program offerings together with the learning labs and break-out sessions on their web site.

Michael J. Fox provided another keynote speech and concluded with a gripping story. Many people often confront Michael with sympathy because of Parkinson disease and he responds with this story. "A pregnant mother to be was caught in a massive flood in Mozambique and was swept away in a river rendering her helpless. She grabbed the limb a tree, pulled herself up into the tree, braced herself enough so that she could bear her child, which she did and the cord was still attached when she was rescued." He then asks the person offering sympathy, "What have you got?"

Lessons learned?

1. Self reliance and collaboration are essential for sustaining life.
2. Relationships can't be counted and yet count for everything.
3. Trust is the glue that will keep us together.
4. "Reformed and always reforming" is the new watchword.
5. Santa Claus? We are Santa...so keep serving and giving.

Stay well.
Warren

2011-12-02T10:10:00.007-06:00

Basic Laws of Stupidity

Carlo Cipolla, the Italian economist, described four categories of human, which he calls the helpless, the intelligent, the bandit, and the stupid. Three of these are humans who are destined to do harm to others, themselves, or both.

There is a lot of stupidity in circulation and the most harm is done by the stupid person because s/he does not intend to do harm. The errors of stupid thinking/behaving is pervasive....it seeps quietly into our thinking, our words, and our unexamined deeds.

To personalize this, think of the stupid stuff you have heard lately. And then follow it up with the stupid stuff you said to others. Much of the stupid stuff I say and think is prompted by self-interest, prejudice, bigotry or tyrannical arrogance.

Questions for reflection:
1. Why do I allow others to think for me...even celebrities?
2. Which of my illusions are useful?
3. How do I discover when things are a poor fit, such as the times between when I know what is true and what I feel to be true?
4. What behaviors do I want to change in order to better deal with stupidity...including my own?

If you desire a thorough examination of why to err is human, check out the book, BOZO SAPIENS, by Michael and Ellen Kaplan, published by Bloomsbury Press.

2011-11-18T07:51:00.004-06:00

It's time for serious fun

Church bulletins from around the world provide serious and silly announcements.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
--------------------------

The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I Will Not Pass This Way Again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM . All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM . Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.’

Smile if you enjoyed this.

Warren

----------------------------

2011-10-20T13:47:00.003-05:00

Read it in German

My grandma, OME, spent her last days in a South Dakota nursing home. I visited with her and, as usual, she requested that I read something from her German Bible. I did and she expressed her gratitude in German and asked if she could tell me part of her story.

I listened to her polished 'low' German and was stunned by what she said. "When I was six years old, my father and mother had a talk which I observed through the heat grate in the second floor of our Iowa farm house. My father was verbally abusive, very abusive. I don't remember what they talked about. They did not know that I overheard them. I never spoke to my father ever again. He died when I was in my late 20s. He spoke to me and I just listened. I never spoke to him. He was wrong to speak to my mother as he did."

I asked if she had told this story to her husband or six children.
She told no one.
"Why are you telling me this now, OME?"
Her answer was unforgetable.
"If I have any chance for Heaven, I must tell someone. I must be forgiven."

She was 92 when she told me her story.
She kept her secret, her unforgiven grudge, for more than 80 years.
She died 6 weeks later.

2011-07-31T19:36:00.003-05:00

COGNITIVE BLIND SPOTS

Madeleine L. Van Hecke, Ph.D. author of BLIND SPOTS tells of needing cash while driving and approached the ATM at a local Illinois bank. The ATM monitor posted a message while she waited for her money: ‘We’ve become more sensitive to the needs of handicapped people in the United States. See the instructions here in Braille.”

Her first feeling was one of pride. “How nice for a bank to do such a wonderful thing.” Her second feeling was one of idiocy. How many blind drivers would be parked by an ATM? She missed the obvious. We roll our eyes when people of average intelligence miss something that is totally obvious. It’s like the question, “How many ___ does it take to change a lightbulb?” We roll our eyes.

She also quotes a story in a Dilbert Quotes contest. “As to tomorrow, employees will only be able to access the building using individual security cards. Pictures will be taken next Wednesday and employees will receive their cards in two weeks.”

Roll your eyes.

One more example from BLIND SPOTS. A researcher, holding a box in his lap, would tell the person being tested, “If there’s a cat in this box, there’s also an apple in the box. Next, he would peek inside the box and declare,”There is a cat!” He would then ask the person, “Is there an orange in the box?” Initially, half of the adults answered no. Yet there is no reason why an orange couldn’t be in the box, based on the information provided. After being presented with more examples of the same sort of problem, it dawned on these adults that the right answer to the question is that, based solely on what they’d been told, it isn’t possible to tell whether or not the box holds an orange. Yet it took them some time to catch on. The researcher had to present similar problems five times before all the adults “got it.”

I’ll be posting more blind spots as we go along in this blog. I am interested in your stories and/or experience of blind spots.

Warren Hoffman
warrenhoffman@comcast.net

2010-04-23T10:28:00.006-05:00

MEETINGS: BEFORE, DURING, AFTER

Woody Allen may be right.
"The world is run by those who show up."

When younger, I admit that I enjoyed, even anticipated meetings.
Youth doesn't last forever and with my youth, so went my enjoyment of those events that "aimed at nothing and....hit it."

Having given many speeches that had 3 or more points, I learned to frame meetings with three parts: BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER. So here goes....

1. MEETING BEFORE THE MEETING.
It's called posturing. What do we want to happen and to whom? How do we handle the malcontents? The power-hungry? The passive ones? The silent influencers?

2. THE MEETING. Even with time specific agendas, slop time was (is) needed for tangents, unscripted speeches, unproductive arguments, endless justifications for unsupportable motions, and side conversations during meaningless reports.

3. MEETING AFTER THE MEETING. This is when the truth was(is) told. This is when the timid became bold. "Wow, if I had been running the meeting...." "Do you think that Frisbee was awake during the motion to cancel....." "We voted on X. It will never happen. Just ignore it and nobody will notice."

I would like to hear from anyone who has meetings that are productive, well-run, and even enjoyable. I've had a few during my 40 year run. Just a few. I'll add my enjoyable stuff after I hear from you.

Warren

2010-03-03T09:23:00.009-06:00

Courtesy and......

Interesting word.

Courtesy is commonly known as "good manners, politeness, manners, civility, respect, respectfulness; chivalry, gallantry; graciousness, consideration, thought, thoughtfulness, cordiality, urbanity, courtliness. " (Thank you, Dr. Webster).

My never-ending challenge is how to respond to people who may know the definition of courtesy and yet have not matched their behavior to the words. Example: Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) is flexing his tongue muscles regarding his objection to a bill that, in his judgment, will drive us deeper into debt.

No one is challenging his right to speak up or even to stand on what seems to be a solid principle.

Some have already convicted him of throwing curve balls (he's a former major league pitcher).
That's his right.
He has every right to be wrong.
And every right to be right.
So, what's the problem?

Instead of using his arm, he's now using his tongue.
He was followed by an ABC TV reporter to the elevator and was about to enter the elevator with the Senator when he was rebuffed: YOU CAN'T COME IN. GET OUT! THIS IS RESERVED ONLY FOR SENATORS. The tone was strident and his face stern.

There is another way to deal with confrontation.

"Mr. Carl (TV reporter), please make an appointment and I'll be happy to discuss this with you. And please excuse me, this elevator is reserved for the staff. You may take the one at the end of the hall. Thanks for your interest." And the door closes.

Is it too much to expect civility from our elected leaders?
Or from anyone?

"There is a toxic nature to Washington that thrives on food fights and thrives on controversy and thrives on people not getting along."
Matthew Dowd, Bush's pollster and chief strategist for the 2004 presidential campaign.

The Institute for Civility believes there are two key threats to the effectiveness and efficiency of our governing process today. A nation experiencing both polarization and citizen apathy is a nation at risk. The institute works to reduce polarization in society by focusing on the very public civility (or lack of it!) in the governing process by facilitating.

Civility is not limited to our governments.
How about our homes/families?
How about our friends and colleagues?

Here are common experiences....

You greet someone with "Good morning!" and the person you greet says nothing, looks away and moves on.
You send an e-mail and receive no reply, not even a "Thanks" or "I'll think about it."
You compliment someone and it appears to fall on deaf ears.
You forgive someone and are told "trying to make me feel guilty?"

Civility and courtesy are clear.
When the above 'common experiences' happen,
keep on saying GOOD MORNING.
Keep sending the e-mails.
And the compliments.
And the forgiveness.

Never let discourteous behavior of others control your best intentions.

Thanks for reading.

2010-02-12T09:38:00.006-06:00

Back To Basics

Vince Lombardi would begin Summer drills with a lecture for/to his seasoned and rookies on the NFL team. The players were asked to sit on the bleachers and wait for the coach.

Gentlemen:
Let me begin with the basics.
#1. You are seated on what is called a bleacher. Any questions, so far?
#2. The two posts and a cross bar before you is called a goal post. Are we together?
#3. I'm holding a brown, inflated pigskin. It's called a football.
#4. The ground before you is 100 yards long. We call it a field. There is a goal post on each end.
#5. The objective of the game is to put this football in the end of the field more times than our opponent. Any questions?

He went on. There were no interruptions or questions.
Now for the basics about management and leadership.

Management

Management and managers deal with everything that is:
Known, Fixed, Predictable and almost risk free.

Leadership

Leadership and leaders deal with everything that is:
Unknown, fluid, unpredictable, future-oriented, potentially chaotic, and full of risk.

Any questions, so far?

2010-01-26T13:15:00.003-06:00

Good Enough?

We have four sons.

They are skilled at design and build.

We built a gazebo together. So #2, Paul, designed the structure, Son # 3 was the general, Son #1 was the creative spark and Son #4 was the chief painter/sustainer. Dad was the chief grunt.

One of the many articles of intimidation was the phrase, "It's good enough for government work," followed by "It's Dad's house. It's good enough." They know I'm a bit fussy and so they poured it on.

"Good enough" has become an acceptable standard for many projects and relationships. Mediocre may be good enough for amateurs and those who captivated by indifference. I've never been impressed or inspired by lackluster achievements. Middle-of-the-road is just that middle of the road. Drive in the middle of the road and.....you're headed for trouble, even death.

Organizations that settle for plain-vanilla outcomes get what they deserve. That goes for governments, churches, clubs, workers, families.....and the list goes on.

Let's start a conversation about second place, second best, uninspired mediocre and why so many are content to settle for it. Ready? Set? Go?

warrenhoffman@comcast.net

Warren

2009-12-26T09:06:00.007-06:00

Remember Rhodesia?

I just returned from Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), working with the top executive leaders of a large organization who describe their culture as one lacking accountability.

This was my fourth trip to Africa. The easy part was working with intelligent, motivated executives. The difficult part was traveling 20,000 miles. Sitting in the London and Johannesburg airports for a total of 20 hours (round trip) was tedious at best. That's not the point I want to make.

The difference was and is culture.
Africa, in my experience, is people centered, while the West - particularly the U.S. - is economy centered. Africa is experienced at hospitality while the West has much to learn about welcoming the stranger. The vast continent of Africa is so rich and diverse in it's culture with it not only changing from one country to another but within an individual country many different cultures can be found.

A people-centered culture is usually positive, supported by sincere hospitality, graciousness to strangers, and going the extra mile in forgiving mistakes and oversights. The negative is not announcing our expectations of one another, not inspecting what is expected. This leads to non-accountability, resulting in mediocrity and unacceptable behavior.

An economy-centered culture can be positive when the values of fairness and seeking the common good are practiced. The negative is greed and overlooking the needs of the vulnerable among us.

The question stands: can people-centered and economy-centered cultures be joined and the negatives of both cultures be either eliminated or minimized? Some would call that a BHAG - a bold, hairy, auducious, goal.

What do you think?
Always good to hear from you.
Warren

2009-09-02T09:19:00.008-05:00

Authoritative Misinformation

"It's too early for a Polish Pope."
--Karol Wojtyla(Polish cardinal) two days before being elected pope, October 14, 1978.

"This (World War I), the greatest of all wars,is not just another war --- it is the last war!" --H.G. Wells (British writer and historian), 1914.

"Willy Mays seems to be swinging bad." -Warren Spahn (Milwaukee Braves pitcher), just before a game in which Mays hit four(4) home runs, tying a record that has yet to be broken, April 28, 1961.

"The horse is here to stay, but the automobile is only a novelty -- a fad." -President of the Michigan Savings Bank, advising Horace Rackham (Henry Ford's lawyer), not to invest in the Ford Motor Company, 1903.

"With over 50 foreign cars already on sale here, the Japanese auto industry isn't likely to carve out a big slice of the U.S. market for itself." Business Weeek, August 2, 1968.

"What do these statements have in common?
1. Scrofula is cured by the laying on of royal hands.
2. A good treatment for tuberculosis is horseback riding.
3. Gout is manifestly an affliction of the nervous system.

ANSWER.....

"They were all believed correct by leading members of the medical profession at one time, but were later proved to be false. To this list may be added the statement that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer."
--California Medicine, June 1963

Misinformation, deliberate or not, is powerful, and can last for centuries. Authoritative misinformation can destroy innovation, retard advances of any kind, stall organizations, and put known experts in jeopardy.

Want more? Read THE EXPERTS SPEAK, Cerf & Navasky (Pantheon Books)

I'd like to see/hear your examples.
Warren

2009-08-07T17:04:00.007-05:00

John Birch Society?

I was 28 years old and just settling in as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, in Canby, Minnesota. Having already joined JAYCEES and ROTARY, I was invited to attend a meeting at the high school to hear somebody from the John Birch Society?

What's the John Birch Society?
Remember, this was 1959.
A fellow Rotarian invited me to the event. He was honest about John Birch.
"I don't know much about it, but there isn't anything else going on in town tonight."

The guest speaker was a farmer from Montana.
The bleachers were hard and the place was crowded.
Canby is a small town, then about 2500.
Known for its progressive conservatism, the community shows up for nearly everything - fairs, ag shows, pot lucks, tournaments of any kind.

I've forgotten the speaker's name.
I still remember his hate spewing ranting.
It seems that everyone was or is a communist except those who are joined at the ideological hip with the John Birch Society. He railed against communist senators, representatives, federal employees, judges, attorneys, main line clergy types, and on and on.

I was beginning to gag.
I found it difficult to follow his broken language.
Most sentences were incomplete as he ranted in a loud voice.
I wondered if he had a sack of oxygen tied to his back that gave him such lung power.
I felt as if I was the only agitated one in the audience of nearly 2000.

As he came to one of his belabored sentences, he took a breath.
I stood up and asked,
IS THERE ROOM IN THIS AUDIENCE FOR A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW?

He reponded quickly.
NO!

That's all it took.
I left my seat,
walked carefully down the bleachers,
and out the main door.

The speaker had nothing to say.
All eyes seemed to be fixed on this new guy in town.

The next day at the Rotary meeting, I was confronted by several members.
"I wish I'd had the guts to walk out with you."
My inelegant reply came quickly: "Did somebody nail your pants to the bleachers?"

In one way, I'm grateful for the experience.
I've used the question, 'IS THERE ANY ROOM HERE FOR ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW?' in situations where there is tension, conflict, ambiguity, indecision, and confusion.

The question has become a powerful tool for intervention.
Thank you John Birch.

Warren

2009-07-02T08:23:00.010-05:00

"What can I get away with?"

It's a script most of us learned as small children.
We watch our parents, siblings, peers, and anyone else who is impactful.
Some of those we watch believe that "rules are for other people."

Why do we live by this script as kids?
I think it can be traced back to unfairness,
competitiveness, getting ahead,
needing recognition for being clever,
knowing that others are envious of us,
and a host of other 'hidden' motives.

This is the stuff that builds a family culture, and
a community belief system that goes unchallenged.
Unchallenged cultures can be supportive
and dangerous.

"If father does it, it must be okay."
"If my teacher says it, it must be true."
"If the pastor/priest/rabbi gets away with it, it must be legitimate."
"If the boss dictates it, get it done or else."
That's how cultures are built and maintained.

And then there's the rebel who stands up in the middle of these authorities, and asks,
"What is right?"
And the voices bark back.

How dare you challenge us?
Who are you?
You don't have our experience or education?
Get back in your hole!

And so many crawl back into the hole, whatever that looks like.
And we begin to doubt ourselves.
"How in the world did I think I could challenge those authorities? I'd better play their game or I'll really be on the outside and no one will choose me for their team."

And that why the ethical person gets little press or attention.
The question, 'WHAT'S RIGHT?" is too invasive and gets to the truth.
So, we settle in and settle down, content to know that we "cannot get away with telling the truth? and we settle up for mediocrity, half-truth, socially acceptable lies, and a tainted soul.

And we want authenticity in our culture, right?
We want our social, business, personal cultures to be ethical, right?
The good news is that IT IS POSSIBLE.
Authenticity is desirable, profitable, attainable,
and sustainable in the long run.

So, where does it begin?

It begins and ends with us.
We can get away with authenticity.
And ethical behavior.
A profound beginning is to put new scripts in our head.

"I will ask WHAT'S RIGHT during every transaction."
"If something doesn't pass the smell test, I will challenge it in a way that does not result in something even more smelly."
"If I'm asked to cut corners, I will say NO."

Sound lilke a good start?

Any thoughts about all this?

Warren Hoffman

2009-04-20T14:44:00.006-05:00

CEO's in PRISON

Isn't delegation a good thing in organizations?
Most of us would agree.
No one can do it all.
No one can know it all.
No one can do it all.
So?
So, delegate.

What about people you can't or won't trust?
Now, that's another problem.
What about incompetent people?
Delegate to the incompetent?
That's still another problem.
Why would you hire people you don't or can't trust?
Why would you hire incompetent people?
It happens every day.
And it sent some people to prison.

Who?

Richard Scrushy, ex-CEO, of HealthSouth said, "You have to rely, you have to trust people. You have to believe. You have to delegate....I signed off on the information based on what was provided to me and what I was told."

Key Lay, ex-CEO, Enron, said, "Enron was an enormous corporation. Could I have known everything going on everywhere in the company?"

Reid Weingarten, attorney for Bernie Ebbers, ex-CEO, WorldCom, said, "Bernie Ebbers did not know about the accounting decisions of Scott Sullivan to reassign billions of dollars."

Peter Pleming, attorney for John Rigas, ex-CEO, Adelphia, said, "John Rigas has a right to trust and rely on professionals and his own staff to get the financials right."

These CEO's didn't inspect what they expected. They took the credit, not the blame. They celebrated the victories and ignored the failures.

What these people did is the new definition of STUPID.

Any thoughts you want to share?

Warren Hoffman

2009-04-07T16:36:00.004-05:00

Hello, Nigeria!

At least once daily.
Emails Emails and then more Emails.
What did I ever do before we had this electronic marvel?

If I were desperate for friends, I could have a small army of 'friends', especially those from Nigeria who want to buy my friendship and especially my name and bank account. Someone must have sent out the notice that I was immersed in poverty and needed at least one or two million dollars in order to survive. My neighbors and family have no idea how poor I am. The Nigerians know it!

They don't want very much.
Just my bank account number.
My phone and address.
Next they'll be asking the size of my shoes and underwear.
Where will this stop?

I have developed several scripts which are imaginative, clever, and guaranteed to stop their inquiries. I already have 24 million dollars somewhere and don't need any more. You understand. About the scripts....

1. "I plan to be in Nigeria sometime soon. Would you give me your address and I'll be happy to have tea with you and bring a bag for the cash you promised."
2. "I will instruct my lawyer to contact you very soon. Please send me your phone and address, and size of shoe."
3. "You want me to send $275 though Western Union? One little problem: Western Union just merged with Ethiopia. I'll wait until they work out the merger."
4. Here's the information you required: asfjk;23k ;lk898a; semmm'la890-. Hope this is helpful. Waiting for the check.

Not all of these clever twists have worked.
Someone still has my email address.
All seriousness aside,
this is becoming a royal pain in the WZOIUG.

Warren

2009-03-30T09:47:00.010-05:00

Auto pilot
Defaults
Unexamined Habits

For years, I visited a local department store whenever I needed socks and underwear. The same lady waited on me. She was consistent, never in a hurry, rang up the order with accuracy, never made eye contact, and repeated her pithy script over and over. Her only words were: Next and Thank You, except for one time.

This well-dressed, even tempered, long-term employee was predictable. She was not concerned about engaging or knowing customers. I, too, was not interested in an intimate relationship. I often wondered if, after seeing my credit card for several years, that she might, just might, call my name and acknowledge my presence. It never happened!

On one visit, I stood in line waiting the for customers ahead of me to be processed, and when it was my turn to be confronted by indifference, she said NEXT. She rang up the order, returned my card for signing, and after examining my hard to read signature with the faded imprint on the card, she returned it and surprised me by saying, HAVE A NICE DAY.

Shocked by this unexpected change in her verbal artistry, I said, "No thanks. I have other plans," and she said, NEXT.

I began to wonder what about my unexamined habits. What are my defaults under both normal and stressful situations? When do I exude apathy (indifference, intellectual lethargy, lack of concern). Answers were discovered when I invited feedback from trusted colleagues and family. Not a pretty picture. The gain from the pain is greater than the train wreck caused by my indifference.

What's NEXT?
I have become vitally indifferent to the cultural gibberish used in retail (Have a nice day).
So instead, I say to you...
Stay well.

Warren

2009-03-07T17:30:00.003-06:00

Trust.
There are four linked categories that unite people and tasks.
They are:
Authentic Relationships
Authentic Thinking
Authentic Decisions
Authentic Outcomes

Authentic Relationships.
The basics in A.R. include:
Trust
Fearless Communication
Accessibility
Withholding judgment until all the known facts are in

Authentic Thinking
The basics of A.T. are:
Examining pros and cons
Discerning patterns
Determining options/alternatives
Anticipating implications

Authentic Decisions
The basics are:
Gathering input from all reliable sources
Field testing options
Setting measurements
Determining tipping points

Authentic Outcomes
The basics are:
Sustainable over time
Serves the greater good

When all four are linked and honored,
they serve to strengthen the relationships.

Note:
If #1, AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS, is not realized,
there is, then, no need to continue the journey.
Without trust, nothing worthwhile is achieved.
The balance of the work is a colossal joke.

Your thoughts?
Warren Hoffman

2008-11-14T16:37:00.002-06:00

Greetings!
ETHICAL TO THE CORE is the title of the book. It's schedule to be published in the next few months. If you would like to review it prior to publication, please let me know and I'll send you an electronic copy. It's less than 100 pages. A quick read. It was spurred by the Boeing scandal when they got caught in an "ethical lapse" and fined more than $600 million. Boeing is doing something about it. Enron did nothing about their scandal.

A number of ethical dilemmas may bend your intellect and values. Any insight you offer together with any ethical binds you may have experienced, will be appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks.
Warren

2007-07-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

A FAULTY PREMISE??

The police department is not a business.
The fire department is not a business.
Public schools are not businesses.
The post office is not a business.
The VA hospital is not a business.

Is healthcare a business?
Yes.

If you want to buy a DVD player, put down the money or credit card, and it's yours.
If you have a brain tumor and need surgery, put down the money and you have surgery.
If you don't have the money, would you expect the doctor to say, "Come back in a year if you have the money and we'll schedule the operation." Would you shop around for a free surgeon? What's the likelihood that you would find a free neurosurgeon?
As a business, healthcare is in the business of making a profit. Nothing wrong with profit.

What about the police, fire fighters, schools, and post office workers?
If not in business, what are they in?
It's called service.
Need a policeman? You are not asked if you can afford it.
Need a firefighter? You are not asked if you can afford it.
These people are available to everyone, no questions asked. No credit cards taken. No credit checks.

In Switzerland, France, Great Britain, Norway, Canada and other places, healthcare is a service, available to everyone.
The objection I often hear in the USA is: "WELL, OUR TAXES WILL GO UP IF WE DO THAT THEY DO IN GREAT BRITAIN."
The cost for healthcare is already $4500 annually for everyone. Switzerland is $2500. Canada, $2000. Great Britain, $1000.
We are already 'taxed' through our rising premiums.

Another objection. People from Canada get healthcare in the U.S. Who gets it? The rich come to Cleveland and Buffalo and get their needs met when they want it.

Profit is okay.
Business is business.
That's okay.

Is the premise on which healthcare is founded the right one?
Should healthcare be a business or a service?
Which is more important to you? Do you want the primary focus in healthcare to be quality or profit for everyone? Just for some? For those who can afford it?

What do you think?
My email address is: warrenhoffman@comcast.net

Warren

2007-02-20T07:52:00.000-06:00

OBSCENE?

What is obscenity?
My trusty computer dictionary has a long list of words linked to obscene:
pornographic, indecent, smutty, salacious, dirty, filthy, X-rated, explicit, lewd, rude, vulgar, coarse, crude, offensive, immoral, improper, impure, off-color, degenerate, depraved, debauched; lubricious, risqué, erotic, carnal, lascivious, licentious, bawdy; scatological, profane.

Watching TV promos last night prompted this blog.
Many of the words listed could be applied to the stuff on tv.

And then the 10 p.m. news.
More obscenity. Rape. Murder. Incest. Corruption.
Really good stuff, right?
Is TV (and movies) reflecting life?

I won't show a PG 13 DVD to our grandchildren.
It's embarassing. Downright obscene.
I guess I've turned into a killjoy social prude.

A few of us stood alone when we called the VietNam war immoral, illegal, and obscene.
That was a lonely and terrible time.
So what's new?
We have another war, more obscenity.
And the continued dulling of our sense of social decency.

2007-01-19T13:20:00.000-06:00

INFLUENCE

How much do you have?
How much do you want?
How do you exert it?
And how do you know you
have exerted influence?

Many of us grew up when people in authority were also the people with influence. It's called a command and control system and culture. I command stuff and therefore control it. I control stuff because I made the commands. Simple enough for the commander. Our U.S. government is based on this philosophy. The current struggle between the executive and legislative branches gives evidence that, while the authority is evident, the influence is disappearing.

The transition is taking root.
We are beginning to realize that
influence is more powerful and lasting than authority.
Influence without authority is what great leaders exude.

Managers like and need authority.
Leaders thrive on influence.

In my early 30s, I was invited to "bless the hamburgers" at a political convention in Decatur, Illinois. I was then the senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. 1,000 Republicans were expected to attend the fund raiser. I have never announced my political persuasions while serving the congregation and knowing that I was an easy mark for a free meal, I was invited to deliver the invocation.

I don't remember anything about the invocation.
I will never forget the national political figure who sat immediately to my left.
I opened the conversaton.
"I grew up in a small South Dakota town of 1200. The only politician I've ever known was the mayor of the town, and he was my father. I'm thrilled to be seated next to a political celebrity. May I ask you a question or two?"
He agreed while looking at the crowd, peering from side to side.
I asked four questions.
"What is it for which you would like to be remembered?"
"That's a good question. Do you have another?"
I asked #2.
"If you asked this crowd to do anything you wanted and they would do it, what would you ask?"
He gave the same response. "Do you have another?"
I asked #3.
"If someone had a gun to your head and threatened your life unless you shared the most important value in your life, what would you say?"
Guess what? The same response.
So I asked #4.
"Why did you not answer the first three questions?"
He turned, looked at me,
and said nothing.
From that moment on, I never trusted Richard Nixon.

Nixon is one of many poster boys for a command and control, authority to gain influence.

2007-01-08T11:21:00.000-06:00

12 clergy from downtown Minneapolis religious centers will be visiting Israel and Palestine for 8 days in January 2007. It's a spiritually and politically gutsy move. Having been in this region when it was 'safe', we were nevertheless surrounded by soldiers with guns, barricades, and searches. It is not that 'safe' today. That's why it's a gutsy move.

12 clergy.
They apparently know and like each other.
They engage in mutually respectful conversation.
They report to no one and yet everyone in the group.
They are a group, not a team.
There is no leader and they are all leaders.
Differences in conviction prevail.
And that's to be expected.
Beliefs and convictions are not always tidy.
And yet belief systems are often responsible for divisions and conflict,
even wars.

If anyone of us claims the final word or a sanitized truth,
we will alienate the audience before us.

So, wrap your mind and heart around these 12 leaders.
Bright, compassionate, informed risk-takers willing to
put their beliefs on the line without converting their brothers and
sisters to their brand of religious orientation.

That's compelling.
And a significant model for the rest of us, and the world.
Their modest agenda of demonstrating that people with
differing religious orientations can walk arm in arm
without stabbing each other in the back.

Ok, world, listen up.
Pay attention to these people,
armed with good will,
compassionate concern for a world in trouble,
and willing to put their lives ahead of safety.
Gutsy. Gutsy. And that's a fancy way of talking about courage.

Thanks be to God.
Warren

2007-01-03T12:54:00.000-06:00

Status Quo?

Every one seems to be an expert about healthcare. After all, most of us are consumers. As consumers we know what we want, when we want it and what we are willing to pay for it. That's true except for healthcare.

Most of us don't want to get sick.
Most of us don't know what we need when we visit the clinic.
Most of us haven't a clue about what it costs.
So we pay our premiums, hoping that it will cover what we don't know what we're getting or why we're getting it.
Most of us are pretty stupid when it comes to healthcare even though we think of ourselves as experts.

You may want to challenge these observations.
You may want to agree with them. Take your pick.

I want to challenge how most of us have deified the status quo of healthcare.

We grouse a lot about the present state of things. Politicians take the so-called high ground and denounce the present conditions of the nation's healthcare. Insurance and drug companies engage in self-justification while consumers continue to grouse.

I've worked in many clinics and hospitals and long-term care facilities. It is my judgment that the United States has the best healthcare delivery system in the world. And the most expensive. There's the rub.

Now for the challenge.....

Challenge #1: medical smart card
Challenge #2: medical pin

The medical smart card has been around for nearly 2 decades. The VA system through the department of defense began the program. The card (about the size of a credit card) has a patient's total medical history on the card, together with results from x-rays, MRIs, etc. Private commercial companies have now made this available to healthcare systems and have encrypted the card to insure privacy. Hospitals can make this available to anyone. It's not happening. Why? It doesn't fit into the business plan. It's out of the box. It's too expensive. And on and on.

The medical pin was introduced when the U.S. invaded Kuwait.

The pin (about the size of your small finger nail) was linked to a central command unit in the field. It recorded vital signs, and detailed the position of the soldier within a few feet. And why is this not being used at least for our most vulnerable citizens? Same excuses. Your loved one could stay at home, be linked to a hospital/clinic command unit and if assistance is needed, the PIN would record it immediately. Help is always available. Except for the excuses.

Remember, healthcare today has deified the status quo. Take no risks. No risks means possible injury and death.

We have many physicians and administrators who know of these advances and the progressive among us are stymied by the passive, uninformed boards and managers who know how to manage; they just don't know how to lead.

If you are interested in the book, The Unraveling and ReBirth of Healthcare, it can be found on the web at the following address: action-wheel.com.

-Warren Hoffman

2006-12-17T09:11:00.000-06:00

Holiday or Holy Day?

Rabbi Jerry Pine told me the story of three kids, a Protestant, Catholic and Jew, who were comparing notes about what they did on Christmas Eve.

The Catholic kid said, "We dutifully attend Mass, return home and sit around quietly and open our presents carefully.
The Protestant kid responded, "We tear into our gifts, and if we have any energy left, we worship together."

The first two paused, turned to the third kid and exclaimed, "We're sorry. We forgot that you don't celebrate Christmas."

"We sure do," he said. "We get into Dad's car, drive to his store, look at all the empty shelves and sing, "WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS."

Christmas is fun as is Hanukkah.
We take the fun out when we failed to see the humor in our own behavior and customs.
Being sensitive to our unexamined blunders and oversights is a cherished behavior.
Making fun of the customs of others at their expense is another matter.

Does this little story cross the line?
As a recovering Presbyterian, I'm not at all offended by it.
What about you?
Have a happy time in whatever customs you celebrate.

Warren

2006-12-05T15:25:00.000-06:00

Toxic Executives

What kind of people are toxic?
And more specifically, toxic executives?

Here's a list of stuff to get us started.
Add your ideas to the list.

Invade the privacy and space of others
Have secrets to protect
Are changeable and unpredictable
Are abrasion junkies
Are non-instructors, under-instructors, half-instructors
Have bad manners
Are late for appointments
Are late for meetings and ruin them
Use avoidance English
Are control freaks
Are cosmeticians
Are highly competitive
Abuse both people and things
Hate others' ideas
Are credit snatchers
Play the blame game
Enjoys being critical
Isolate special targets
Creates absolutes
Have secret agendas
Zealously protect their power positions
Have little or no sense of the future

Put this stuff in your Christmas stocking
and then burn it.
Before labeling others with these attributes,
I found it necessary to see which apply to me.
Happy holidays.
-Warren

2006-11-21T13:22:00.000-06:00

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS....

"He's always right."
"There is no way he can fail."

He's Mr. Smooth.
He always wins arguments, always says the right thing, always covers his bases and everything else.
You can't mean that!
I do.
I can't remember when he scored a failure.
Always?
Yes, always.
And it's humiliating.
Okay, you want an example.
Here it is.

Mr. Right has a number of people who report to him.
Let's say that Mr. Left reports to Mr. Right.
Mr. Left presents a working challenge, namely ABC, to Mr. Right.
Mr. Right says, "You might want to think about XYZ. What you have is just fine. Carry on."
Mr. Left completes ABC and it fails. It goes South and Mr. Right is quick to notice it.

"I told you to do XYZ and you completed ABC. Too bad about the your failure."
Mr. Left says, "You said to THINK ABOUT XYZ, not DO XYZ."
"When I say THINK ABOUT XYZ, that means do it. Do I have to spin out all the details? You're an adult."

Tough lesson for Mr. Left.
He forgot that he's must also be a mind reader.
Shucks. Missed that course in college.

Mr. Right is a master in CYA (cover your assets).
He missed one course in college, namely, the power of failure.
Most of my learnings come from the lack of success.
I don't learn much when I'm talking.
I learn a lot when listening.
I don't learn as much from success as from failure.
Failures can be humbling, even embarassing. A failure can be a master teacher.

Mr. Right is wrong about having to be right all the time.

2006-11-16T08:39:00.001-06:00

TOO MUCH MANAGEMENT

Okay, you asked for it.
One of the many complaints of ‘workers’ is that there is too much management and not enough leadership. That’s quite a conclusion.

I’m currently working with six (6) mangers from a high tech firm who are in key management spots. All are very well educated, 35-45 years old, married with families, church members (two are active), and are openly distrustful of each other.
And since I own so many magic bullets, they expect me to engage in magic so they can work together and not be fired. Small order.

This could and has happened in other places and industries as well. Perhaps yours.
Well, to no one’s surprise. My gun is not loaded with magic bullets. I don’t even own a gun.
Is the problem, “too much management,” or “too little trust?” Or both?

Back to this group…..

What observable behaviors seem to get in the way?
1. They interrupt each other regularly.
2. All want equal attention from their supervisor
3. All are “too busy.”
4. All are ‘perfectionists.’ Little is ever right or good enough.
5. Home life is less than satisfying for 3 of them.
6. Communication is guarded at best.
7. Feedback from ‘corporate’ (we like your work and want you to be a model for the entire company).

Want to work in this environment? Pay is very good. Ulcers are guaranteed.
Joy is in very short supply.

2006-11-08T18:14:00.000-06:00

ELECTION VOICE

"My vote doesn't count."
"Who cares?"
"It's a waste of time."
"Oh, was there an election?"

Politics is in a difficult transition.
From deceit to transparency.
From lies to truth.
From passive-agressive to assertive.
From distrust to trust.
From pork barrels to coffee cups.

The comments above are representative of the sorry state of voter sentiment in the U.S. The comments reflect a loss of power, a loss of respect, a position of desperation, a threshold of indifference.

I voted yesterday.
Not all of my candidates won.
I am not nor ever have been a one party person.
I vote for people who have the courage to be truthful, humble, trustful, and are willing to sip coffee to discuss real issues without throwing mud on anyone. I remember my Dad saying, "If you throw mud, you'll have it on your hands."

It's a sorry thing to lose your voice.
It's a powerful thing to use it, even if you're a lone voice in the political or social wilderness.
Keep your voice. Use your voice.
It's a wonderful to tell the world that you have convictions worth shouting.
Now let's all say AMEN.

2006-10-25T12:37:00.000-05:00

MORALITY OR ETHICS

Morality is dictated by a given culture. "What is acceptable?" "What can I get away with?" are the seminal questions. If a given culture (social, business, church, club) sets the rules, members of that culture are expected to abide by them. Rule breakers are deemed immoral if the rules are broken. Rules are often considered laws. And who wants to be known as a law breaker? Not many. Many of us consider breaking stupid, irrational rules. Why not? Moral people are usually considered upright, pillars, and reliable, especially if they keep the rules and play by the rules.

Remember when the rule was that women were to wear skirts only?
Remember when the rule was that men were the only ones to vote?
We could add dozens of rules that are no longer considered moral.

And what about ethics?
The seminal question asked is, "What is right?"
Simple question.
Difficult to answer.
What is right between you and your neighbor?
Between you and your spouse?
For you?
Is it right to vote for someone who breaks promises?

If someone takes the "moral high ground", does that mean s/he is ethical?
I doubt it.
So, let's hear from those who equate morality with ethics.
Please outline your rationale.
Demonstrate your opinion/conviction with examples.
Thanks.

2006-09-23T12:45:00.000-05:00

Control! CONTROL!

Control freaks are everywhere
and they're bothersome.
They are in board rooms,
living rooms,
break rooms,
and any room you can name.

The picture above was taken in Nurenberg.
The stadium is where Hitler gave his control speeches. "You are nothing. The people is everything."
No one can control us without our permission.

Control freaks are often unaware of their behavior. The obscenity they distribute is often the result of unexamined motives, mixed-up relationships, and a neurotic pattern of lying designed for them to 'get their way'.

The paradox of control is simple: the way to maintain control is to give it away.
Example: parent and child.
The child rebels because a parent strong arms the child into a decision. "You will do this because I said so!" The child is reactionary and angry. Pouting and stomping is not an uncommon reaction. "Okay, if you won't do it, go to your room."

The child feels safe in his/her room.
The parent is frustrated.

Start over.
Parent. "What do you think about what could be done?"
Child. "I think xyz."
Parent. "Okay. What do you think the results might be of that decision?"

You can push the conversation along.
The parent is giving the child a voice.
The child is involved in the decision making.
Options are examined, rather than orders given.

The parent is still the parent and still in control.
The control is shared.
The child is honored and heard.

The best way to maintain control is to give it away.
Now let's hear your examples.
Waiting to hear ......
Thanks.
Warren

2006-09-11T11:13:00.000-05:00

9/11.
Dec. 7.
August 15.
Dec. 25.
Jan. 1.
I remember when .......
Some dates create vivid memories.
Some are turning points.
And we'd like to forget others.
Like the sign in the photo, there are double messages everywhere.
Life is full of YES, BUTS.

I've learned that very little stuff is in neat straight lines. Some experiences are in circles, some zig zags, some in matrix, some in chaotic scribbles. Life just isn't neat. And certainly not perfect. When I feel out of control, I wonder who or what is in control. Standing still and reflecting on the moment is more illuminating that trying to figure things out, or manipulating the moment to measure the world's metabolism. I think a lot about 9/11 and once a year remember August 15.
Warren

2006-09-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

George is something else. He represents so many who have untapped potential, stuck in unfulfilling ruts.
Occupationally, he is an inventory specialist. He counts things, packs things, unpacks things, and does audits about things. He usually works alone in the back room and has little interaction with people.
I met him in the basement where he was counting boxes received from China. He looked solemn and didn’t want to talk. A non-talker is a special challenge. The empathic approach seldom fails. I used it.
“If I were stuck down here with lots of boxes and barrels who don’t tend to talk or talk back, I think I’d go nuts.”
“Got that right!” he said.
That was a start.
I guessed that he might have a good speaking and singing voice. Only a guess. I liked the way he said, GOT THAT RIGHT.
“Your voice is rich and resonant, George. Ever think about going the speaking circuit or singing in a club?”
“All the time.” Three more words.
I suggested that maybe both of us were yet-to-be-recognized opera stars. We both giggled and he continued to stack the boxes. I grabbed a couple and handed them to him on the ladder.
We were having a Christmas party and someone had volunteered me for the planning committee. George had no plans to attend. “I don’t like to dress up and make pretty faces. Most people go because their boss will be there. That’s not for me.”
I agreed. “Phoniness makes me gag, too. So let’s do something about it. I play the piano for my own amazement and if you want to sing a song or two that you really like, let’s think about that and turn potential phoniness into a good time.”
He smiled.
We practiced. I’m not usually easily impressed. Not so with George. Amazed with uncontrolled wonderment, I listened to a glorious voice that ran chills to my toes. “You must have practiced a lot in the basement. What a gift! What a voice! Who is your voice teacher?”
He smiled again. “Thanks. I’ve never studied with anyone.”
I was a below average amateur playing for a pro’s pro. Having done a little vocational and occupation assessments, my mind raced to people and places who would be thrilled to listen to him and interview him about what he might do for humanity. I was thinking big for George.
I think I found the right people. Basically shy, shunning all spotlights, he made me promise that I wouldn’t tell anyone. He’s now in very good hands on the West Coast. That’s all I’m allowed to report.
I might also tell you, someday, about the Ph.D. cab driver I met in NYC. and the M.D. in Florida and the clergyman in Wisconsin. All stuck in occupations that don’t fit them. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the ‘average’ U.S. worker will change occupations (not jobs) 7 times during a working period of 45 years. What’s that all about?
How many people do you know who are really stuck in unfulfilling work? Go to your basement, back rooms, private offices, cubes, and start a serious conversation. My guess is that 2 of the 10 people you encounter will be stuck. If you are one of them, let’s talk. Your gifts, our gifts, are meant to be used for the benefit of others, not hidden somewhere among the inventory in the basement. wmh

2006-09-09T10:44:00.000-05:00

West Africa is a fascinating region of the world. I spent time in Cameroon, West Africa, visiting schools, churches, medical facilities and discovered a new and dynamic experience of hospitality. The two children in the photo represent the future of the country, as do all children in all lands. Even in the midst of massive unemployment, the AIDS epidemic, and widespread poverty, the people I met were/are filled with the spirit of giving. They asked for nothing and wanted to give what they had. Eager to form partnerships with anyone of good will and caring, some of us have sent books for their outdated libraries, medical supplies for their clinics and hospitals, and money to help rebuild schools that have dirt floors, unpaid teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and no text books. Even the gift of a No. 2 pencil was received as if it were gold in their hands.

Want to know more?
Want to be a life-giving partner?
Write me and I'll put you in touch with the key people.
Thanks.
Warren

2006-09-09T09:17:00.000-05:00

CYBER SPACE.
While that's an interesting concept, I'm more interested in Inner Space.
What's going on in the hearts and minds of people fascinates and stretches me. It's the stuff that makes us people, not cyber robots. Well, enough lecturing.
The responses to the first blog have come via e-mail and direct responses to the blog. The question, WHAT IS THE FIRST RULE IN COMMUNICATION? has a simple and complex answer. It is: KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE.

The immediate response is usually, OKAY, HOW DO YOU DO IT?

American pragmatism comes to the surface quickly. Very few people argue with the answer. It's obvious, common sense, direct and even useful.

It depends on the audience.
An audience can be one person,
or a thousand. The number is irrelevant.
If my audience is a fourth grader,
I'm not about the use 39 cent words I learned in college to impress her.
I will use her language, not mine.
I will ask questions that may capture her interest such as, "What happened at school today?"
I will ask, then listen, listen, listen.
I might even ask if she has questions of me.
Her level of knowledge and curiosity will be revealed in a short conversation.

Debate does not insure that I will get to know my audience.
Positional monologues will not do it.
A conversation will do it.
The purpose of debate is to 'beat' someone.
Positional monologue is done to 'convert' someone to my position.
A conversation has the purpose of sharing information and experience.

A conversation is a high-level, low-threat way to KNOW THE AUDIENCE,
even a fourth grader.

What thinkest thou?
Warren

--
Posted by Warren M. Hoffman to Undocumented Thoughts at 9/09/2006 08:53:00 AM