It's Election Day in Indiana and North Carolina. Regardless of your political affiliation, the interest in the 2008 presidential election has been an incredible thing to watch. Primaries matter, states that have never factored in to the nominee selection process before are now relevant - Indiana could be the decisive blow to Hillary or Barack to step aside so the other can rally their party. It is just going to get uglier - you know it is. That said, Obama has become quite the rock star. He is packing the house pretty much everywhere he goes. So, at this point...
What have we learned from Senator Obama and how does this apply to your worklife and career?
You need a life strategy
Often poked fun of with politicians is that they have somehow been running for president their entire life - they were making calculated decisions in grade school that were all focused toward the goal of the presidency. The point is we do need to have more hinge moments than we do - time to reflect on where we have been but mainly focus on where we are going. Far too many spend too much time mired in our past transgressions, missteps, broken roads - the past - when we should really be focus on the future - what we want that to look like - personally and professionally - and how we can get there.
You need more inspiration in your life
Obama's speeches are moving and sound really good - he tugs at heart strings, he makes people believe in themselves, in America - might I suggest you not look to politicians for your inspiration. Reflect more, focus on what you have - not what you don't have. Journal regularly and note what you are grateful for an what you learned that day, go volunteer and give of your time, READ something beneficial, listen to a book on CD on your way to the office and for God's sake don't watch the news.
I would also suggest it would not hurt for you to do the inspiring once in awhile. Everyone wants a positive place to work, right? Are you doing your part for a positive office?
You need to listen at church
Clearly, Obama gets this and has learned he probably didn't agree with the doctrine his pastor was serving up. Certainly as loud as the Reverend Wright spoke, he would have heard him had he been there - allegedly. Can I get a witness up in here? I liked Fox News coining of the phrase - the Pastor Disaster. I think the other main reason you need to listen at church is that "Faith comes from hearing..."
You need to lose some negative people in your life
How huge is this one for Obama? and it is true for all of us. Tough to swallow when it is your Pastor you have to throw under the bus. I think we saw Obama truly disappointed in his friend here not just some political posturing. Who do you need to denounce and move on? I am not suggesting you hold a press conference - just quietly move on from these people. Divorced people know this firsthand - their life roads are paved with former alleged friends who were really just friends to a couple not 2 individuals - so they cut ties and ignore these people when they see them at Home Depot and move on - NEXT.
I had a former mentor who went as far as to say you were either positive or negative - there was no neutral - neutral was negative. Ponder that one. Your co-workers, boss, subordinates are either for you or against you. Maybe, probably. My experience with that former mentor - he is certainly not for me. Credit to him though, when I left that place I knew that is how it would be - which caused that decision to require serious consideration. Thanks, Former Mentor.
You need to watch your mouth
Did Obama forget everything he says is being recorded? Would he give anything to have those comments about the folks in rural Pennsylvania - how they cling to God and guns - you know the one? I bet he would like those back.
The point here is that what your Mom taught you is true. If you think it is time to leave where you are, don't tell anyone you work with - don't do it. Here is why - THEY CAN'T HANDLE IT. Leave it at that. More on this in a future blog.
The Change always requires the Do
Some of you need to stop talking about it and start doing something. If Obama gets the job, he will learn that in short order I am thinkin'. The good news is - You have far more control over your situation than Obama will ever have over that government thing. So stop talking about change and do something about it. Have a conversation you need to have. Put your resume together. Fire someone that needs to be shown their new career path. Change - Do. Thanks, Obama.
