Like beauty...

it’s in the eye of the beholder

Chapter 23 of the Chandogya Upanisad says “Abundance is happiness.  There is no happiness in smallness.”

In today’s world we’re fed a steady diet of scarcity.  It makes us feel small and helpless.  This sense of scarcity makes us fearful and unhappy.  It doesn’t have to be that way.

We live in a country with an abundance of resources, an array of natural beauty rarely found in one country and a resourceful, entrepreneurial populace that finds ways to thrive in any situation.

Yes, we make mistakes.  Yes, there are people who delight in reminding us of those mistakes.  Yes, there are even those who enjoy feeding our fears, our sense of scarcity.  Yet there is one thing these people can’t do, they can’t take away our right to choose where we focus our attention.

Despite the challenges we’re facing today, we still live in a country that other countries emulate; that other countries look to for leadership; that attracts immigrants from all over the world because they view America as the land of incredible opportunity.

Are you going to view the present economy through the lens of scarcity or the lens of abundance?  It’s counter-intuitive, but if we see scarcity and act accordingly we create scarcity, fear and unhappiness.  If, however, we see abundance and act upon what we see we create abundance, wealth and great joy.  The choice is yours. 

Remember, perception is, indeed, the precursor of reality.  We create the reality we see.  Let’s thumb our noses at those who wish to rob us of our happiness.  Let’s make sure that we’re looking through the lens of abundance.

Here are a few questions that can help you ignore the raucous cry of those who spread doom and gloom:

Has there ever been a time when our country hasn’t recovered from the mistakes it made?

Has there ever been a time in your life when what you needed failed to appear when you needed it, not wanted it, but needed it?

Isn’t it true that the seemingly bad things in your life have been accompanied by some valuable insights?  Isn’t it true that many things that, at first, appeared to be bad were actually blessings in disguise?

Don’t let others rob you of your happiness.  See the abundance that exists and you’ll see the opportunity to create even more.  It’s the path to great joy. 

Share your stories of abundance with our readers by posting your story as a comment.  You stories will help others to see the abundance in their lives.

How do you know when you’ve chosen the right leader?

By the intensity of the followers

A little over a month ago, the St. Louis Rams made the decision to release Scott Linehan from his post as head coach.  The decision was difficult because the Ram’s ownership admired Coach Linehan’s character and values

In the early weeks following Jim Haslett’s ascension to the role of head coach we saw a dramatic turnaround in the team’s performance.  The fact that the results have waned recently (yesterday was a disaster that, fortunately, I missed) indicates that it wasn’t all Coach Linehan’s fault, which most of us suspected.  Nevertheless the change in intensity during those early weeks was palpable.  What made the difference?

It’s having a leader who is the right fit for the organization.  I am not denigrating Scott Linehan’s skill as a coach.  He has enjoyed great success before and will again in the right organization.  

Coach Linehan’s approach to football was not aligned with the way the Ram’s team was built.  The Ram’s players and organization enjoyed the moniker “the greatest show on turf.”  The team was built for speed and aggressive (some would say risky) play.   That requires a team with swagger - the confidence to believe that you will win even when a high-risk play goes wrong. 

Swagger and high-risk are not terms that people ascribe to Scott Linehan; methodical seems a more apt description.  It’s easy to see why neither the Rams, nor Coach Linehan, enjoyed success during their association.

It’s counter-intuitive, but when choosing a leader, make sure that his/her style is aligned with the organization’s. 

Let me know what issues you’d like addressed.  Send an email to dale@furtwengler.com.

What’s left?

A view of the possible

Recently a number of my clients have asked me how long it will take the economy to rebound.  My answer is “more quickly than most people anticipate - 12 months, 18 at the outside.”  They’re as surprised by the confidence in my voice as the time frame.  Why am I so optimistic about the future?

1. I’m an optimist by nature.  My experience is that things show up when I need them and I believe that’s true for all of us.
2. People will be saving to rebuild liquidity in the next few months.  This will help ease the liquidity crisis and make it easier for banks to lend.
3. We’ve experienced the earthquake and severe aftershocks.  The aftershocks we’re feeling now are diminishing, as is the cloud of fear.
4. As the cloud dissipates, people see possibilities and act upon them quickly.
5. Human beings are acquisitive by nature.  As soon as the fear subsides and we’ve rebuilt a modest liquidity cushion, we’ll begin spending again.
6. Spending triggers profits and investment.  It also creates jobs.
7. Additional jobs means more spending, more profits and more jobs.
8. Purveyors of doom always underestimate the general public’s will to thrive.

It’s counter-intuitive, but our worst fears are seldom realized.  That’s why I’m confident that the rebound will occur more quickly than predicted.

If there are topics you’d like me to address, send me an email at dale@furtwengler.com.

An exercise in futility. 

What’s the alternative?

I was about to rail, again, at the media’s irresponsible reporting.  They couldn’t wait to report last Friday that Sony and Samsung were expecting significant declines in profits for the next quarter or two.   

The emphasis was on the decline, not on the fact that both companies are still profitable, still generating positive cash flows or that the projection was only for a quarter or two.  When fear is rampant on main street, this kind of reporting is criminal.

On the same day, a 10-second sound byte announced that the 15^th province (15 of 18) in Iraq was taking over responsibility for policing itself.  Why didn’t we hear about numbers 2 through 14?  Why weren’t the press congratulating the Iraqis on the significant progress they’ve made or giving the U.S. military kudos for its role in this achievement?  Is it too much to ask that our media help rebuild relations between the U.S. and other countries? 

This is the path I was about to take when it dawned on me how successful my last effort had been.  It achieved nothing.  Then I asked myself “What can I do to help people on main street during this time?”  Immediately, the serenity prayer came to mind.  I share its opening with you now.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

I cannot quickly change the media’s approach to reporting, if at all.  I can, however, offer you an antidote to their poison - the serenity prayer.

It’s counter-intuitive to realize that we can only control our own behavior.  That the stock market losses being reported are only paper losses until we actually sell.  That it’s our choice whether we allow the purveyors of fear access to our psyche.  The serenity prayer is your shield.  Use it well and often.

Please forward this message to friends that you know are especially troubled by the current economic conditions.  It may just afford them the peace they seek.  If you have suggestions for other ways I might be of service during these challenging times, let me know that as well.  You can reach me at dale@furtwengler.com.

The art of the possible…

 …lies in youthful minds.

A week ago my wife and I took an extended weekend to go camping with her sister and her husband.  They had their 4 year old granddaughter with them.  Our campsite was replete with hickory nuts.  We weren’t sure whether or not our grandniece had ever seen a hickory nut so we brought her over to our site to show them to her.

 It was fun to watch the excitement on her face as she discovered nut after nut, all the while inquiring why we had so many and they didn’t have any at their campsite. 

After the newness of this discovery wore off, she said “Would you like to buy a hickory nut for a $1?”  My wife and I began negotiating with her.  With a sigh of exasperation she said “Just pretend.”

As adults we’d taken her request literally, when she was pretending.  How often do we close our mind to possibilities because we’re too literal?  What do we forego because we no longer “pretend.”  A great deal, I’m afraid.

If we think about concepts like the law of attraction, goal setting and achievement or success in any form, what do we need to do first?  The most successful among us tell us that they visualize the result.  They see the result in their minds before they embark on the path of making it a reality.  In essence, they’re pretending that is already exists.

It’s counter-intuitive, but leaving behind the “childish” world of make believe prevents us from enjoying the things we truly desire.

If you have a favorite story from a child in your life, please send me an email at dale@furtwengler.com so that we can share it with The Invaluable Leader readers. 

What’s the cost of group think?

A trillion dollars

This past week Congress passed a $700 billion dollar “recovery” plan designed to renew confidence in the banking system and among bankers themselves.  Add that to previous bailouts and we’re rapidly approaching a trillion dollars.  My guess is that we’ll exceed that number.

I won’t go into a lengthy diatribe about how we got here.  Placing blame is always an expensive activity - one that slows the progress on fixing the problem.  From the news reports and analysis by various Washington journalists, it seems that the plan to make home ownership possible for a greater number of citizens (a worthy goal) began in the Clinton administration and has been perpetuated through the two Bush administrations.

Unfortunately, everyone thought this was a good idea and no one asked “What will happen if…?  The executive branch didn’t ask, nor did Congress, the Federal Reserve Board, SEC or any number of other regulatory agencies.  There was a complete failure in the system of checks and balances that should have prevented this debacle.

The question is “Will Congress, once again, trust the executive branch and these regulatory bodies to implement this recovery plan well or will they set parameters to protect the American taxpayer?” 

I hope that they will be the first to establish some checks and balances into the system rather than trusting that others will do so.  It’s counter-intuitive, but trusting others to do things we’re not is a prescription for disaster.  If Congress doesn’t want to contend with more emergency actions, it needs to set guidelines for the implementation of the recovery plan.

If there are topics you’d like me to address, send me an email at dale@furtwengler.com.

No one denies that experience is valuable…

…but what role does it play in future success?

At the risk of being labeled a political pundit (this is the third blog in a row based on the current presidential election), I’m struck by the enormity of the debate over who has relevant experience.

Personally, I think experience is overrated.  Certainly it has value, but experience doesn’t necessarily prepare us to deal with the future.  I could bore you with countless tales of experiences I’ve had in which I learned valuable lessons only to repeat the same mistake. 

There is no pride in that admission, simply recognition of the fact that I’m human and, as is the fate of all human beings, I occasionally need to learn a lesson more than once for it to stick. 

If not experience, what then should we be looking for in our presidential and vice-presidential candidates?  The ability to think! 

It never ceases to amaze me how some people can be successful in any arena in which they choose to operate.  General Electric is a fine example of what I mean.  To rise to the top echelons in General Electric, leaders must demonstrate the ability to be successful - to continuously improve results - in diverse businesses, in varying market conditions with very different technologies at work.

GE’s leaders succeed because they’ve trained their minds to see similarities in diverse situations, not because they’ve had “relevant” experience.  Indeed, people who have spent the majority of their careers in one field, often lack the ability to see anything but normal industry practices, while those who move beyond their specialty are able to craft new and exciting approaches to whatever challenges they face.

How does all of this relate to you?  Whether you’re choosing a person to lead this great country or filling a position in your organization, look first to the person’s demonstrated ability think, then at their experience.  You’ll make better choices.

It’s counter-intuitive, but critical thinking will trump experience every time.

If you’re getting tired of political commentary and would like me to address a different topic, send me an email at dale@furtwengler.com.

Was the law of attraction at work at the Democratic convention?

If so, how did it manifest itself?

Christy Beckmann, founder of The Reputation Builder, asks “How do Hillary Clinton’s and Barack Obama’s actions personify the law of attraction?”

Rarely am I at a loss for words, but I must confess that this question has given me pause.  As you’ll see from the length of this response the words came roaring back. 

This insightful question has challenged me to go deeper into the law of attraction than I’ve ever gone.  Hopefully, Christy, what I’ve discovered will answer your question.

The law of attraction basically says that we attract what we think about.  That’s the 30,000 foot view.  In reality, it’s more complicated than that.  We not only have to be able to focus our thoughts on our goal, we must believe with every fiber of our being that it will happen and we have to take action that moves us in the direction of that goal. 

At least that’s what I thought until Christy’s question.  Since then I’ve come to realize that there is another critical element - motivation.  The motivation must be balanced; it must blend the desire of the individual with the welfare of the masses. 

When motives are purely self-serving the individual rarely enjoys success.  The reason is simple.  We are not inclined to help those who don’t care about us.  How does this relate to Senators Clinton and Obama and the Democratic convention?

I have no doubt that both senators have the welfare of the United States at heart.  The question then becomes “Why was Senator Obama able to attract what he needed to win the nomination when Senator Clinton was not?” 

Before I answer that question I’d like to remind you that Step 3 in 7 Steps to Becoming INVALUABLE is to learn to suspend judgment.  With that in mind, I will not judge the motivations of either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.  I will not judge because I cannot know with certainty what their motives are.  Yet, like you, I have to make a choice and, yes, I realize that the Republicans offer a choice as well so we’ll add John McCain to the discussion knowing that he too cares about the welfare of the United States.

Our choices will be formed by the impressions we have of the candidates’ motivations.  In my opinion, and it is only an opinion, that the reason that Senator Obama won the nomination over Senator Clinton is that the balance between his personal goal and the welfare of the masses was tilted in favor of the masses to a greater degree than was demonstrated by Senator Clinton.

I believe that Senator Obama confirmed that perception when he said “…this election has never been about me; it’s about you.”  I believe that’s the sense that the majority of voters in the primaries and caucuses felt and that’s the reason why he won the nomination.

What’s John McCain’s “karma” in light of the law of attraction?  I get the sense that Senator McCain is struggling.  I can’t put my finger on the source of the struggle; it’s something that he alone will know when he sees it. 

The reason that I say that he’s struggling is that he seems to be spending a great deal of time reacting to Senator Obama’s actions rather than moving forward with his vision of the future.  If he were to voice his vision of the future as forcefully as Senator Obama, to provide us with enough detail to be able to see that vision ourselves, John McCain would demonstrate more clearly just how much he cares about us as United States citizens.

We gain a sense that others care about us when they take the time to educate us.  They realize that we may not always agree with them, but they respect our intelligence enough to educate us to their perspective.  This is what Barack Obama has done so effectively.  This is what John McCain needs to do if he hopes to attract the votes he needs to win the election in November.

It’s counter-intuitive, but the law of attraction works best when we strike a balance, possibly with a slight tilt to the masses, between our goals and the welfare of those we serve.  Christy, hopefully, you’ll found an answer in this lengthy response.  Thank you for the insightful question.

If there are topics you’d like addressed, do as Christy did; send me an email at dale@furtwengler.com.

One of today’s most popular concepts.

Why don’t more people use it effectively?

The book and DVD, The Secret, offer a plethora of examples of very successful people who have used the law of attraction to great effect.  It’s a message that resonates well with virtually everyone. 

Why, then, do so few people employ it effectively in enhancing their lives?  The title of this blog offers a clue.  It’s the action.  In my opinion, The Secret does not place enough emphasis on taking appropriate action.  Without action, neither God nor the universe, knows that you’re serious about your expressed desire.  Allow me to share a personal example.

I have a program, 7 Steps to Becoming INVALUABLE.  As I’m sure that you know, it’s the program that teaches people how to develop the skill of counter-intuitive thinking - the focus of this blog.  It’s a message that resonates extremely well with audiences.  It’s not unusual to have over half the audience feverishly taking notes. 

I’ve wanted to take this program national for about six months.  I didn’t make this goal a priority until 45 days ago.  As you’ve probably guessed, nothing happened until the last 45 days.  In that brief period, I’ve had the good fortune to have a literary agent become interested in a book concept that utilizes counter-intuitive thinking.  I’ve increased my speaking engagements six-fold and I’ve recently been interviewed twice by a national continuing education provider.

It’s counter-intuitive, but the law of attraction’s success lies in the action.  Visualizing what you want, keeping the message in front of you everyday - multiple times a day - aren’t enough to get you the success you desire.  You must take action and be consistent in taking actions that move you in the direction of your desired goal.

Do you have topics you’d like to see addressed?  If so, send me an email at dale@furtwengler.com.

Not if we continue to relinquish our rights.

We are inviting government control.

Last week an ABC World News Tonight report said that some independent pharmacists are refusing to sell contraceptive devices.  They also refuse to fill prescriptions for that purpose.  The Illinois legislature is considering legislation that would require pharmacists to sell these items. 

This is a battle over individual rights.  The question is “Whose rights should prevail?”  Or is it?  To me, it’s another example of our willingness to relinquish our right to make choices for ourselves.  A choice we could easily retain IF we learned to respect each other’s choices.

The third step, in the 7 Steps to Becoming INVALUABLE, is learning to suspend judgment.  We suspend judgment when we respect the rights of others to make their own decisions.  When we deprive others of that right, we risk forfeiting that right for ourselves.

Every time we turn over the decision-making process to legislators or the courts, we not only relinquish the right to choose for ourselves, we relinquish a future right - the right to change that decision.  Anyone who has ever tried to overturn prior legislation or set new court precedent knows exactly what I mean.  Conversely, if we craft solutions on our own, we reserve the right to craft new solutions as the situation changes. 

If pharmacists, when notifying their customers of their choice not to sell contraceptive devices and medications, would have provided alternative sources to their customers, they would have shown respect for the choices their customers make while honoring their own choices.

Similarly, if customers who choose contraception would respect the religious or moral beliefs of these pharmacists, they’d quickly realize that there are alternatives that fit their needs while respecting the choices of the pharmacist.  We live in a world of on-line pharmacies!  Orders are delivered right to our doors.  These “aggrieved” customers can’t even argue inconvenience.

It’s counter-intuitive, but when we initiate a battle over personal rights, we:

• Waste time fighting when we could be crafting solutions
• Give others the right to decide what’s right for us
• Forfeit our future rights to decide our fate

Is that what we want?  If not, let’s learn to respect each others choices and find ways to help each other find the solutions that are right for them while honoring our own choices. 

Send me an email at dale@furtwengler.com and let me know what topics you’d like addressed.