Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 2/5/18

The op ed columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote in yesterday’s Times that “more people are believing Dylan Farrow” (the adopted daughter who is accusing Woody Allen of molestation from the time she was seven).

I have no idea what did or didn’t happen, and Ms. Farrow does seem very sincere, and what she alleges is horrid. The crimes and sociopathic behavior that men such as Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer (to name just two) have admitted to are repulsive.

But what may be lost here in the societal reaction to such behavior is the notion of “innocent until proven guilty.” I’ve heard many people say that “If a woman makes the allegation then it must be considered as true.” I think it must be considered as serious and justifies immediate investigation—which turned up proof in the cases of Bill O’Reilly, Garrison Keillor, and others—but an allegation is not proof, nor is “most people believing” one thing or another proof.

“Most people” didn’t think Donald Trump could win the nomination, much less the election. No matter what your political beliefs, he did. The reality belied the belief.

It’s probably unpopular, I know, but I think a rush to judgment based solely on accusations is antithetical to what our justice system embodies. Because if we base our behavior simply on “what most people think” we soon have mob rule.

When critics sit in judgment it is hard to tell where justice leaves off and vengeance begins. —Chuck Jones

Major New High Value Experiences

Super Global Best Practices, London and Adelaide: I’ve gathered the best practices of entrepreneurs, boutique firm owners, solo practitioners, academicians, and authors to create a vibrant day of improved performance that will immediately increase your business results and decrease your labor intensity. I’m guessing people will be rushing out during breaks to change proposals, alter online work, and create new initiatives. AND the first five to register in the UK and Australia will be my guests for dinner!

https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/super-best-practices-experience/

Self-Esteem Growth: I’ve been asked to conduct this for a fourth time, this one in Washington, DC (perhaps there will be cherry blossoms). This isn’t remedial, but rather a limited-attendance, intense examination of how to improve confidence and self-worth continually, to fully realize your potential.

https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/self-esteem-workshop/

The Teleconference on Religion: No conversions expected, this is a friendly discourse on the origins, nature, and influence (or non-influence) of religion in today’s world. I’ll share some of my personal journey, and prompt you to consider some issues no matter what your beliefs. All proceeds will go to a local homeless shelter.

https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/alan-weiss-teleconference-religion//

Threescore and More the Book: You can purchase this pre-publication, and gain bonuses ranging from free admission to the teleconference above to personal coaching, and even a free workshop seat in May. If you’re over 50, or plan to be over 50 at some point, you must read this book about power and influence as you age.

https://www.alanweiss.com/threescore/

The Million Dollar Consulting® Convention: In Boston in April this year, with luminaries such as Suzanne Bates, Chip Bell, and Dorie Clark on the main stage, as well as 12 great concurrent sessions, networking reception—and me! We already have 125 people from all over the world, register while we still have room.

https://www.alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/million-dollar-consulting-convention-2018/