While customary to write of upcoming holidays, I will address this recent past Memorial Day; that one day each year to honor those who died in active military service. It isn’t for living veterans. It is not for fire-fighters, police officers, doctors or parents who died in their service. Thanks to all them, but Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who died in active military service. According to the Department of Defense website, our military is comprised of those who, “…protect our security and way of life…” Freedom is our way of life. Memorial Day honors those who gave their all protecting our freedoms. Our Constitution and its amendments define and confirm our freedoms. The 14th amendment defines and confirms our right to due process as it relates to state authority. “…nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;…
2020 May
Solomon’s exploits appear beyond scripture; in ancient literature and Hebrew legend passed through generations. One Yiddish tale is of King Solomon’s desire for a specific thing. While the tale varies as to what prompted it, the desire is consistent. Solomon wanted a piece of jewelry that would make a happy man sad, or a sad man happy. He sent his most trusted, honored and capable man, the son of Yehoyada, to find it. Yehoyda’s son went throughout Israel in search of it. It seemed impossible. Different things would make different people happy or sad. He visited many stores, examining items and listening to peddler’s pitches. Everyone wanted to provide the solution for the distinguished king, but nobody could. He searched through the Spring and Summer, then began his return to the castle. Carrying the burden of failure, he went into a modest shop along the way. Seeing nothing, he was walking…
While working at a Christian ministry years ago, our HR department put all managers through leadership personality awareness training, using the DISC method. DISC defines Dominant (Direct), Inspiring (Interactive), Supportive (Steady) or Cautious (Conscientious) leadership styles. DISC is another version of the common A, B, C or D studies. While labels vary, the ABCD styles are generally A) Dominant, B) Social, C) Analytical and D) Cautious. Many know about, “the A-Type leader.” Sometimes the “A” also references the first letter of an anatomical region unflattering of the labeled subject. Per the DISC method, I scored as a “High S-type leader.” Except under stress. Under stress I went full “D.” So much so, the instructor used me as an oddity example in front of the class of managers. Classmates chuckled as they identified with her assessment that I was normally pretty easy going and analytical. Threatened however, I was Patton. Through…