Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 1/22/18
No average citizens would realize that the US government is “shut down” this morning if the media hadn’t informed them. The mail will be delivered and the air traffic will be controlled. In about a month, military pay might take a hit if nothing happens. But for now, the Coast Guard is on duty, prisons are still housing prisoners, and most national parks are open (the Statue of Liberty is not).
And every member of Congress will continue to receive his or her salary, although many federal employees are laid off and will not receive a dime.
Most members of Congress are sped through TSA, don’t wait in lines for mundane things like theater seats or ball games. They don’t personally feel the pain they too often impose.
Yesterday evening, waiting for my wife outside of CVS, a man walked over to the SUV next to me where his wife was waiting. We nodded to each other, and I realized it was former Governor Don Carcieri. There is no governor’s mansion in this state and he once lived a half-mile from me while in office. In a few minutes, he pulled out, going about the business of an average citizen, probably to dinner, as were we. There were no state police, no security. It’s common in this tiny state to be in a restaurant or public event with the Bishop of Providence, police chiefs, business CEOs, judges, you name it. They tend to wait in lines like everyone else and don’t get the best seats! (I often serve Communion to one of our Congressmen and have the urge to give him some advice while I’m doing so!)
If you’re going to impose a burden on the populace with your vote, you ought to be shouldering the same burden. That has an almost elixer-like effect of ensuring that one becomes bi-partisan, consensus-building, and solution-oriented. And usually with some alacrity attached. I don’t know about shutting down the government, but I do know that when Congress is shut down every year, no one is inconvenienced or cares.
No one’s life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session. —Gideon J. Tucker, New York State Judge (1865)
Super Best Practices in the UK and Australia: I’m always being asked when I’ll be in town next, so here it is! I’ve assembled one day of the very best global practices I’ve found for entrepreneurs, consultants, speakers, coaches, and business experts. These are the first two sessions, and the first five registrants in each will be my guests at dinner. Brand new, never done in the US: https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/super-best-practices-experience/
Self-Esteem Workshop: I’ve been asked to once again present this limited-attendance session to help people over their greatest obstacle—themselves. This isn’t a remedial session, though, it’s actually about achieving higher goals through higher confidence and self-belief. Washington, DC, maybe cherry blossom time: https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/self-esteem-workshop/
Million Dollar Consulting® Convention: Boston in April, we already have 125 from a dozen countries, with speakers such as Suzanne Bates, Chip Bell, and Dorie Clark on the main stage. This is 2.5 days of incredible growth and powerful networking. Register while we still have room. https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/million-dollar-consulting-convention-2018/
Teleconference on Religion: No conversion is intended, just some thoughtful discourse on the origins, nature, and role of religion and/or its absence. I’ll also discuss my personal journey. All proceeds will go to a homeless shelter. Peace be with you. https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/alan-weiss-teleconference-religion/
Threescore and More Teleconference: I’ll be discussing the elements of my next book, due out in April, and how we can actually increase our control and influence with maturity, rather than surrendering them. If you are over 50, or plan to be over 50, you need this! And, if you buy the book, you get free admission: https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/threescore-and-more-teleconference/
Amy Showalter
So true Alan, thanks for posting. I trust your post will influence many to be aware of and try to change that situation by electing non-career officials. Since my practice is in this arena, I have seen the environment change to become the governing class v. those governed. So many laws (Like Obamacare) do not apply to them. Sexual harrasment settlements with taxpayer money are “private.” It is difficult for me to encourage audiences to engage with elected officials. I no longer try to put “lipstick on that pig” but encourage them to push back, since most of them are smarter than the “elected class.” Fortunately people are on to this and I think we will see more “anti establishment” candidates. Like you, for example. I have not forgotten our email exchange. When are you running??