News From The Swamp 
By Billy Arcement, MEd.
Professional Speaker, Author, Consultant
(225) 677-5166
Issue # 5:
October
7, 2001
Copyright
2001 by The Results Group
All
Rights Reserved
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Articles from this newsletter may be reproduced with permission.
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The Day America
The
day began much the same as previous days.
I had risen early as I normally do and, this particular morning, decided
to catch up on some letter writing to clients.
I’d been working for almost three hours when my wife stepped into my
office to tell me that something had happened at the
As the GMA hosts were describing the events taking place, they, like me, seemed to be puzzled by what was going on. Then, in the corner of the screen came an airplane. In the next seconds, many thoughts raced through my mind. Why was a plane flying so close to these buildings? What type of plane was it? If that pilot wasn’t careful, he might hit the WTC. This can’t be happening! It’s a large jet airliner!
Before I could conceptualize any answers to my thoughts, an explosion flashed upon the screen and, to my horror, I realized that the plane had actually hit the building. All of a sudden, the obvious because obvious. None of this was an accident. Something sinister was going on.
Since that sinister day in September, much information has surfaced. We now know that the attacks on the WTC, Pentagon, and the one intended for the White House or our nation’s Capital, were well thought out plans. The web of terrorism unfolding is a frightful testimony to the evil mankind can create. Few could fathom the plots that were carried out and the plots that were thwarted by skillful investigators. It is difficult to understand what drives evil.
Lessons
Learned
While my heart is still heavy from the September 11 events, I believe, as we all strive to get back to normal, we should exam this tragic day and the days since to see what lessons we can learn. Successful entities or individuals are always open to new information and new methods to improve no matter the circumstance. As tragic as this event is, there are valuable lessons that have emerged and we should attempt to profit from them to avoid a repeat in the future and to help make our lives better. That is what good managers and leaders do. To that end, I’d like to share the following messages with you.
Leaders Make Decisions Based
Upon Fact, Not Fiction.
Since the September 11 attacks, we have witnessed world leaders working to gather facts before taking action. If a quick strike at our suspected enemy were done without developing positive proof that would do much to crush our image throughout the world. Today, after almost a month of intelligence gathering, we took the bold step and began the attack on the enemies of the free world. A decision made on facts, not fiction.
The same is true in your business environment. As you make decisions about your business or about the people you manage, be sure you deal with sound facts so you can profit from the information or implement the correct behavioral changes to build a stronger employee and workforce. Action for action’s sake is not the way to run a business or a world.
Leaders Are Patient But Firm
With Their Commitments.
We have seen our President and his staff display an amazing restraint in the wake of this tragic event. Their position is unwavering-a firm commitment to rid the world of terrorist but at the same time, a genuine willingness to wait until the right moment to begin the campaign of retaliation. With the beginning this afternoon, we are now locked into our commitment and firm stance.
In your business ventures, patience with employees as you seek to develop their skills; patience with your customers as you strive to meet their needs and patience with yourself as your own leadership qualities are essential ingredients for success. And, once you commit and give your word to an action on behalf of your employees and customers, be willing to see the commitment through.
Leaders Keep People Informed of
Key Issues
There have been press conferences by key staff members, the President and members of the Congress to maintain as open a communication of events pertaining to the investigation as could be revealed. Just after the attacks began, President Bush addressed the nation to again express the purpose for our actions and the end result we are seeking. All day, news organizations have been passing on the latest development.
Your organization can ill afford to keep workers in the dark. The more they know about how your business needs to run, the more they can help to run it better. Keep them properly informed and they will keep you in business.
Leaders Are Not Afraid To Step
Up To The Plate And Swing.
I
believe it is very clear that the leaders of our country are serious about
bringing closure to the attacks on our nation by the actions taken today. They have exhibited courage in their
discussions with citizens and leaders of other nations and are determined to
bring those responsible for terrorist acts in the
As managers, you must be willing to be on the firing line. Strong leaders don’t shy away from events that demand courageous resolve. Be the leader your employees can follow and will follow into “battle” because they trust you will always look out for their interests when they are right and need support.
Leaders understand they cannot
accomplish great things alone.
The almost unprecedented collaboration that is continuing to be built between nations is going to be the key to bringing down terrorism. In a united front, the overthrow will be accomplished. The individual strands of nations are intertwining and will form a cable that cannot be broken. As the military action started, almost 40 nations around the globe were part of the team helping to organize and carry out the initial steps.
Within the workforce, key workers should be involved with processes and provided opportunities to use their experience and talents. Strong leaders rely on help from the outside and know that success is not just an inside job.
In time of crisis, teamwork must
surface. That is not the time for
individualism.
We have seen in this crisis, the collaborative work between investigative agencies, the cooperation between Democrats and Republicans unlike anything in modern times, and the super job of the fireman, police officers and Emergency Rescue personnel. Together, they are making a difference and helping to bring closure with dignity. The same is true as military action begins.
On the job there must be departmental cooperation. Great companies are not concerned with turf building. Knowledge is readily shared and everyone has an opportunity to be part of the solution. Together you will survive. Divided, you will not.
Words from the mouth of leaders
can make or break the situation.
From key leaders, we have seen carefully crafted words and comments in the public domain. Strong leaders have a deep appreciation of how the wrong comment can totally break down a relationship or destroy a nation. At no time was this more clearly evident in the words our President passed on to the world as the response to the attacks began today. Every word was crafted to deliver the exact message desired.
Your leadership ability can be quickly crippled if you don’t use the proper wording and comments when talking to customers or employees. Each needs to be confident that your word is your bond and that you are an encourager, not a discourager. Watch carefully what you say to workers as you strive to build their experience and confidence. Watch carefully what is said at evaluation time. Always be aware that those you lead carefully scrutinize your words as leaders.
You must acknowledge that your
enemies can catch you napping.
Without finger pointing, this nation was caught off guard when the attacks occurred. This was partly due to a breakdown in our intelligence system, partly due to the inability of good people to think like evil ones and partly from the freedom of accessibility in this country. Now, every segment of this country is on the highest alert to not get caught off guard again. We are now faced with the difficult task of prevention of another September 11.
Within some work settings, there are some people who may wish to see the demise of their leaders or co-workers. One must always be aware of what is happening in the background so as to not be caught off guard. Build a knowledge gathering system (not spying or using informants) so you can keep up with events occurring at your company that can directly impact your survival or ability to do your job at the highest level. Don’t be paranoid but don’t be complaisant. Continuously strive to learn more about your job than you need to. Take advantage of every opportunity to educate yourself that is offered by your employer. Broaden your base so it is not easy to be tipped over. You want to be able to land on your feet if you are thrown off the fence.
Patriotism and prayer are at the
highest visibility in over sixty years.
It is not possible to drive through a neighborhood without seeing a flag displayed on a house nor can one drive down the highway without seeing a flag flapping in the wind on an automobile. We have also seen a sharp rise in the printing and use of the word “God.” Our interest in the heavens and prayer is at a fever pitch.
In business, patriotism translates into loyalty to the organization and spirituality translates into a dependence upon the leaders of our organization. Be a patriot by always doing your best. Besides being the right thing to do, this is a way to build survival skills. In lean times, this habit will serve you well.
Work with leaders within your organization to maintain growth. Leaders are not gods but are charged with moving the spirits of employees so that the organization can receive the maximum benefit of their talents and abilities. If everyone works in the “spirit of cooperation,” the work environment improves and work becomes pleasant experience.
The spirit of kindness and
compassions is alive and well.
What an outpouring of support we’ve seen from all segments of society. An incredible response has produced millions of dollars to aid the family of victims who perished in the disasters. It is a welcome change from the “non-involvement” attitude that has coated the country in recent years.
On the job and in life, becoming a servant leader is the height of service to others. By being a positive resource to your fellow workers or peers, you help develop an atmosphere of cooperation and generate the positive energy needed to maintain momentum.
Good will always triumph over
evil when all is said and done.
This nation has been besieged by the most evil of evil people on the face of the earth. To slaughter innocent citizens and be willing to kill your self in the process is an almost unrealistic human act. But, justice will ultimately surface and those citizens and rescue workers who died will not have done so in vain. The test of that statement began today. I’m confident, in spite of potential setbacks, that we will emerge triumphant in the end.
At work, be considerate of your workers and peers. Treat people with respect, and professionalism. Build trust and cooperation. Abuse workers and eventually you will lose.
Be courageous enough to rid the workplace of individuals who only serve to disrupt cooperation and progress. While not necessarily evil, these individuals impede growth and have no place in an atmosphere that stresses cooperation, trust and respect for others.
Let’s hear from you
Do you have lessons learned that you’d like to share? If so, please email, fax or write to me and share your lessons. I would welcome learning from you and acknowledging your contribution as I speak to audiences throughout this great land.
Also, if you’d simply like to comment on this newsletter, please do so by sending your comments to barcement@eatel.net.
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Please recommend this E-Zine to anyone you know that is interested in improving their effectiveness or who may want to bring Billy in for training or consulting. It's also a good way to stay in touch with your clients. Forward the email as an article of interest to your business associates or customers and if they are interested in receiving this monthly newsletter, have them email to barcement@eatel.net and put “ezine” in the subject line. They will be added to the list.
If you would like to bring Billy in the help employees cope with the world events that are going on, he can bring a special message of encouragement and hope based upon his strong knowledge of human relations, service to others, personal self-improvement and coping skills.
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A Super Value in Tough Times
If you have not yet read Billy’s book, Searching for Success, now is the time to add it to your library. With the Ezine, the book is being offered at a discounted price of $10.00 plus $2.00 S&H. Email now for your book order to barcement@eatel.net or send a check payable to The Results Group to the address at the beginning of this newsletter today. That is a decision that will change your life and help with the stress and strain the September 11 events have brought upon each of us.
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Closing Thoughts
I hope you enjoy and find value in the content of this newsletter. It is intended to bring value to your life and stimulate your thinking. If you found particular enjoyment on any point, I’d appreciate hearing about it. Even those of us who make a living encouraging others sometime need good news in difficult times.
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If you know anyone who might enjoy receiving this newsletter, please forward it to him or her. Anyone who receives this E-Zine can subscribe to News from the Swamp by sending an email to barcement@eatel.net and put “ezine” in the subject line.
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When it’s time to choose a
speaker for your next important meeting, choose Billy Arcement, MEd. He brings humor, inspiration,
warmth and sincerity to the platform.
Billy’s syndicated column, The Search for Success, has an annual
readership of one-half million+. He is also the author of the book, Searching for Success. Billy
is a writer, consultant, professional speaker and President of The Results
Group. He is a respected and
popular presenter for business groups throughout the
Billy is truly a speaker who has demonstrated ability to show people and organizations how to turn knowledge into RESULTS!
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Call 225-677-5166 or 677-9426 to speak to Billy about one of his programs or about his various consulting services.
God Bless!!!