"Ignorance-The Deadlock"

Ignorance is something that is very hazardous in life and particularly in the business world. It can cause condescension, lead to staidness, which will breed depression, decline and potential or eventual ruin and destruction.
The query “What are we learning or what have we learned today?”, is of utmost importance, because hiding your head in the sand and projecting a lack of knowledge to what is transpiring around you will produce an ultimate downfall. Do not let yourself fall into the slump of unawareness; stay alert at all times, climbing up the ladder of success toward light, not darkness. Be that light at the end of the tunnel and shine bright so others will follow. Be the “shining example” in everything you do building trust and confidence in self and others. Be the key that fits the keyhole of knowledge and not the deadlocked door of ignorance.
Author: Jerry P. Richmond

Editor: J. F. Harl

"Faith"

Faith should never be used as a “Break the glass in case of emergency” response, for true faith gives confidence, trust, assurance, conviction and, if used as a sweeping statement, it becomes a panic retort and is meaningless. When we are panicked we lack self-control and saying we have faith that all will work out holds no substance. Using the word faith as a generalization without displaying the fruits of our labor will most assuredly be detected; faith must be a part of our daily life, displayed openly in everything we say and do, not just a word to use when falling wide of the mark or a crisis situation. The word “Faith” does not require verbalization for, if strong, it will be a critical part of your life, your being and will be unmistakable in everything you do. Faith does not get its roots from trepidation, but in certainty, reliance and trust.
Author: Jerry P. Richmond
Editor: J. F. Harl

"Beliefs"

The quintessence of our beliefs is not evident through speeches of grandeur no matter how eloquent; foundations will only be evident through idle words of no restraint. What are we saying when no one is around to hear? What are our real feelings, our veritable thoughts? Our viewpoint from the heart shines brightly at such times and meets us head-on. Those thoughts are what need to come forth; we must capture and confront our inner being and not project thoughts which we carefully put together and display openly in front of others. Our clandestine thoughts reveal truth and are the core of our beliefs. If we are aware of this and use wisely such knowledge it will, in turn, mold and shape our lives.
Author: Jerry P. Richmond
Editor: J. F. Harl

“Ambition Can Pilot You to Success!”

Someone once said to me that “ambition was merely unbridled emotion,” but such an elucidation sounded like a referral to “day dreaming”; which, in my mind, is a total lack of focus, critical thinking and resolve. All of us, at some time “day dream,” it’s true, but I cannot recall one helpful idea ever materializing while I, personally, was doing so. Such an indulgence for me was more of an escape from reality while letting my mind and body relax, letting go of decision-making; transporting myself as far away as possible. During such a state I was definitely not brainstorming, nor could it be a considered clustering of ideas. So, if ambition is defined as “day dreaming,” it most certainly should be classified as unbridled emotion and nothing more.
Ambition, however, when shown in the true light, is controlled desire which produces factual, collaborative, functioning ideas to help increase and improve areas of performance. An ambitious person wants to be successful in life and achieve great things in not only their chosen field of employment, but everything they do; excellence is not just a word to an ambitious person, it is a part of their being.
In my humble opinion, an ambitious candidate exhibits the energy needed for invention, successes and constant attainment of goals aspiring to even greater heights, no matter how great or complex the task may be. Such a person is willing to go that extra mile to change what needs to be changed using their God given abilities, wisdom and boundless inner strength; not merely using the hand life dealt, but playing the cards royally. They change what needs to be changed and push ever upward. Ambition is one of the greatest traits behind all successes diminutive or comprehensive.
My challenge to you?, be as ambitious as you can possibly be, do not fetter creativity or mental receptiveness. Always take the top position in your calling, lead with strengths that are extraordinary, truths which cannot be argued and behavior to be instilled as we want our children to emulate. Ascend to superior heights; let your “Ambition” pilot you to success!

Author: Jerry P. Richmond

Editor: J. F. Harl

"Determination"-The Key To Success

The stronghold of the deterministic sentiment is the antipathy to the idea of chance. Williams James 1842-1910.

Success is no accident; it will not amazingly appear, regardless of how nice or talented you think you are or how deserving you envision yourself to be. To accomplish this pinnacle you must have a solid plan, focus, resolve and, most of all, demonstrate fortitude at all levels. Down slides or setbacks are inevitable, but do not falter. Identify the cause, correct it and let it fire up your "Determination" to an even greater degree.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms; the great devotions; and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

To reach success, you must have confidence in what you are doing. Change directions when required, but always keep your eyes on the prize. Stand steady. Step strongly ahead; generate "Determination" the key to success.

Author: Jerry P. Richmond
Editor: J. F. Harl

How do we find our Purpose

What is our true or real "Purpose?" This is one of the most allusive questions dominating all levels of society. Countless numbers feel they are wandering aimlessly about, lost and in search of a reason to explain their purpose in life. the search mode continues throughout their lifetime hoping to find something of importance, to fill the void felt. Questions, "Why am I here?" "Why do I exist?" are forever present and, in many cases, go unanswered.

Constant attempts to obtain a solution, reason or answer can create self-doubt, frustration and emptiness as the search to find our "Purpose" continues. This is ubiquitous and can influence our thinking process, possibly bringing us down even further. The correct "search" is to approach a subject or milestone one-step at a time. When we slow down and take a closer look, we realize the answer or solution might be right in front of us, or we possessed the ability and have not acknowledged or recognized it
Author: Jerry P. Richmond
Editor: J. F. Harl

Portrait of One-Leaders Strategy

It is premature to expect a turnaround if the strategic plan to save a failing company relies on growth strategy as the main course of action. A business falls short within their strategic plan when they implement growth strategies as the main source of redemption. Such procedures, at this stage of the game, is unproductive and will affect needed responses financially, produce frustration, and pose another variable or challenge to confront. When the goal of restoring the confidence of everyone involved is the direction, we must always be aware of the creator or origination of a business. We, as Leaders, must exhibit self-confidence, self-assurance, coolness in all levels of refurbishment and never " let them see you sweat", as the saying implies. Self-restraint cannot be an option here; you must keep in mind the manner in which you carry yourself. Not only employees, but also all that are involved in the company, directly or indirectly, will mirror your performance. Be mindful of your approach to the plan, because it has a definite impact beyond the moment. Map your strategies carefully and the turnaround needed will become a reality.

Author: Jerry P. Richmond

Editor: J. F. Harl

Proactive Behavior in Business & Life

The question asked frequently is "how do you turn a failing business around in an economy conducive for failure?" This question is not easy to answer and can be extremely complicated. So, how does one answer? Does the person asking the question want to hear the Ivy League executive comeback or the personal experiences response, which bares oneself and creates an inner alarm? Often, personal disclosure could be unfavorable in the future. This might not seem important, but experience has shown it as a private "slice of hell." Knowledge gained from past, ideas and talents achieved, developed on an "up the ladder" climb, has sadly been used by friends.colleagues, and even mentors in whom I put my trust; affecting not only myself, but also the health and the welfare of my family. Trust is a necessary element in any venture or business, but whom you entrust your plans or talents to is of great importance as well. Knowledge gained from past has been the greatest, self-teacher. They used deception to steal thoughts and ideas that were mine for their own gross interpretation of operational objectives, with no regard of the collateral damage it would cause. They did not consider what could transpire and, without warning, found family and self thrown under the bus, so to speak. They did, however, quickly achieve the level of the "Peter Principle" in their decisions; unable to explain how they had reached certain goals since they were not their creations. When the reality hit them that they were not capable of resolving or correcting issues created by cataclysmal decisions, their incompetence was vividly apparent. They then tried to influence and bribe so I might return to resolve and correct the destructive process. The desired talents they observed, which brought high praise, exaltation and rewards resulting in my employment, were the same reasons they deceived me. What they once admired became a target of loathing and anger and the occurrence happened twice in my career. The old saying "shame on you the first time, shame on me the second time" held true.

[William Arthur Rhode wrote: "Flatter me and I may not believe you. Criticize me and I may not like you. Ignore me and I may not forgive you. Encourage me and I will not forget you."] "Fountains Of Faith" the words of William Arthur Ward.

Its is difficult not to hold others accountable for someone else's wrong doing or not to treat someone new in life or career with caution and fear once you have been wronged, because I believe in giving the very best to employers and superiors answered to. Learning from experience, so mentioned, has helped spot early warning signs when someone's narcissistic behavior surfaces helping prevent episodes like this from ever recurring. When negative things happen reverse direction to a positive mode. Do not fall victim to those who offer false delusions; always be alert, because such individuals are evident in every company, on every board of directors, in all corners of the business world; you cannot avoid them. Always move with caution, be aware of what you disclose and to whom you entrust information. Protect yourself and your work; be observant in your procedures. If problems and/or setbacks occur, learn from and analyze them well; turn this information into a base or foundation of wisdom, precautionary measures, also known as strategies, and push forward with confidence and gained knowledge. Painful experiences or events in life are definitely catalyst in nature, but the lesson taught can be of value if used wisely. Learn to recognize the signs of business failures or possible collapse and have strategic plans in place to prevent them from occurring. The saying "experience is the best teacher" is oh, so true...believe it! In addition, with all needed strategies in place become extremely proactive and less reactive; the defining difference between failure and success in business and in life. This works in all aspects of your life both professionally and personally and is a safe guard for the present and future. There will always be forces out there encouraging us to remain reactive in our business and personal lives. Make it a habit to do things right the first time and, make it a part of your culture in business and in leadership, the successes, like mine, will be exactly what you expect they will be... MANY!

The mixture of honesty, integrity, promptness, and especially, "Proactive Behavior" is essential and, if done properly, you will have the beginnings of a fantastic turn around in business and...in Life!

Author: Jerry P. Richmond

Editor: J. F. Harl