Taking the Offense!
05/27/02
On this Memorial Day, we ask all to take time to thank those who have served our country in the armed services and to remember and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms and opportunities we so treasure.
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A MESSAGE OF MASTERY IN A CHANGING WORLD
It pays to remember General Douglas MacArthur's one-word definition of defensive warfare, "Defeat."
Limiting your focus to defending one's position, whether in war or in business, leaves your "enemy" with all the advantage. They can pick the point of attack, and open new fruitful fronts in the campaign. Because, even if you are able to defend your ground, the ground you defend may at some point become irrelevant to the bigger war. I'm reminded of the "downsized" Japanese soldiers who for years after World War II continued to defend their position on islands that were no longer even important to anyone.
In uncertain times, the focus of many organizations turns to holding their ground until things turn around instead of making things turn around. This week, take some time to think about what it would mean for you and your people to go on the offensive. How would you deploy your "troops" strategically to achieve a key business goal? If you do not have the troops to mass support, try thinking of your people as a "special forces" unit. How could you use your team's unique skills to move quickly and make a difference where it counts in a battle that is worth winning?
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Dr. Ann Weeks' Ezine, "Weeks of Fun #297," supplies this week's mirthful moment. A wilderness area asked hikers to fill out comment cards. You get the feeling that modern man has lost touch with what spending a vacation in the wilderness is all about. Enjoy some of the actual comments left by hikers:
1. Trail needs to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.
2. Too many bugs and leaches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.
3. The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.
4. Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.
5. Need more signs to keep area pristine.
6. The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.
7. A small deer came into my camp and stole my jar of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call XXX-XXX-XXXX.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...