manipulators

in disguise. Like unwanted weeds, they need tending to.

(#9) A profitable balance naturally comes from the good seeds that are planted, nourished, and protected from the weeds today.

(#10) I found the following anonymous quote some years ago. I have incorporated and adopted it as a professional gauge, people guide and personal motto:

"When you call upon a thoroughbred he gives you all the speed, strength of heart, and sinew in him." "When you call upon a jackass he kicks."

(#11) Outside consultants and hired expert advisors, best serve if they are able to remove the temptation to believe their own legends. They should place the mantle of respectful communicator, listener, trainer, teacher and friend squarely upon their own shoulders.

Those professionals that cannot be patient and courteous when their theories are questioned and challenged are not thoroughbreds. Circle manipulators can come in all pay grades and social strata.

The real heroes are those that persist until they persuade and inspire a new spirit or vision. Being from 50 miles or more away should not be one of the criteria for being considered an expert at anything. Look around! You may have a hidden, shy, or undiscovered expert with you already. Remember seeing with "New Eyes" is far less expensive when you take a healthy step back and rub your own eyes first, or simply encourage others to speak up freely and then listen with new ears. If you are not prepared to alter your sphere and yourself through examination then what are you really?

(#12) There are many points of view ranging from the grand panorama to the finest of granularity. Give yourself permission to re-explore again several points of view as you prepare to make your best decisions. Resist the urge to say, "That won't work" or "We tried that already," Instead allow for maybe, where, what, when, and ask why. The attack on Pearl Harbor would have come whether or not the call from the new radar station had received more weight, but we would have been prepared and set ready for the battle if their call had not been dismissed. Alter your focus to change or confirm your views.

(#13) I may not create the vision or set the course, but I manage and create its execution. I employ my seamanship and leadership to accomplish it. I trust that my fellow leaders and co-workers plan to arrive safely and successfully at our destination and my feet are planted firm upon the same deck as theirs. Come fair skies and smooth sailing or not my crew and I support each other as we collectively man our positions.

Learn more about this author, J.D. McKay.
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