Presidential Press Agent; Old People in the Workplace; Attitude vs IQ; Econ Recon: KISS
- February 27, 2017
- Posted by: Stephen Johnson
- Category: Vistage
“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles: the character of an honest man.”
George Washington
“Nearly all men can stand adversity; but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
If Honest Abe had a Press Agent….
Last week we celebrated President’s Day to remind us of the great leaders of our country’s past. Politics today seems to be about spin, image, words-smithing and many more things devoid of real substance, so it is understandable if we long for the leadership styles of Washington and Lincoln. We can only wonder what their presidencies might have been like if they had been surrounded by the spin-meisters of today.
Comedian Bob Newhart offers some speculation about what Lincoln’s press agent, if he had had access to one, might have advised Honest Abe to do. Have seven minutes of fun with Mr. Newhart as he presents “Abe Lincoln versus Madison Avenue.”
Voice of Context: Old People in the Workplace
Baby Boomers in upper management often lament the perceived Millenial lack of work ethic, commitment and an attitude that the Boomers have nothing to teach them; due in no small measure to the fact that many between the ages of 50 and 70 are not digital natives.
Many born between 1946 and 1966 comfort themselves with the Old English Proverb that “Age and Treachery will overcome youth and skill.” But one Millennial thinks Boomers have much to offer his generation and encourages his peers to take advantage of Boomer wisdom and expertise while they can . Find out why one young advertising executive says Boomers offer an invaluable “Voice of Context” in his short article: “I miss old people in the workplace.”
Attitude vs IQ
We don’t have a choice regarding our natural gifts but we do have choice on our attitude about what we do with what we have. This brief blog posting looks at the importance of choosing a growth mindset, and how it can overcome deficits in areas we cannot remedy. A good article to share, especially with those just starting out on life’s journey.
Econ Recon: Keep it Simple, Stupid….
As the new administration begins to unveil specifics of its policies, those who may be affected are starting to react…in some cases with alarm. Economist Brian Wesbury looks at some specifics of tax and trade policy and suggests some simpler approaches….especially that our leaders take the Keep it Simple, Stupid (KISS) approach to their choices in these areas.