Conversation Rehab; I, Pencil; Econ Recon: The Plow Horse Plods on, 2017 Looks Good
- January 23, 2017
- Posted by: Stephen Johnson
- Category: Vistage
“Man is pushed by drives, but pulled by values.”
Conversation Rehab
The recent campaign, transition and inauguration demonstrated nothing if not that our country is more divided than at any other time since the Civil War. Most of us are not talking to the other side and if we are, we’re either waiting to talk (instead of listening) or shouting over and talking “at” each other.
Maybe come conversation rehab is in order! A recent TED talk provides a simple way to start the process. In a 12 minute video, social psychologist Robb Willer makes the case with some compelling studies that there is a way to communicate our case to a person who seems diametrically opposed if we will but take time first to identify what is non-negotiable for them. This video ”How to Have Better Political Conversations” would be 12 minutes well spent for all. Marketers and negotiators will find it provocative as well.
I, Pencil
Free markets have taken a beating in recent political discussions, with talk of the dangers of globalism, the need for protectionism and “America First.” Here is a three page essay written in 1958, “I, Pencil” which elegantly conveys how hard it would be, bordering on impossible, for any one person or even one country to produce just one, simple pencil. (or see a 6 minute video)
Thousands of men and women are required to produce the simple tool you hold in your hand. And they do it without holding a mass meeting or relying on a central planning committee. The free market system takes a lot of abuse for its supposed shortcomings; usually by those who haven’t seen (or don’t remember) the long lines for basic goods and services in countries that subscribe to central planning. If there is a friend, employee or a young person in your life that does not have an appreciation for the unparalleled effectiveness of free markets for encouraging economic growth and increasing individual wealth, then “I, Pencil” is required reading.
Econ Recon
Donald J. Trump is now the 45th president of the United States. His success in office will be measured in no small part by the impact of his policies on the economy. Brian Wesbury reviews the sub-par growth of the current recovery in a recent Monday Morning Outlook and wonders what will be required to get back to normal instead of Another Plow Horse Quarter.
Alan and Brian Beaulieu of ITR Economics think 2017 looks good but with a caution to look down the road a bit.