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Chess as Life: A Check on Making Decisions

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Chess As Life:  A Check on Making Decisions How do you go about making a decision? I like that question.   During my local government days I was a member of a panel interviewing candidates for Police Officer positions.   The Police Chief was also a panelist; that question was always part of his repertoire.     Applicants would respond in different ways.  Some took a systematic approach explaining their response as you would execute a recipe for preparing a dish.  Others were strategic, first making an assessment of current circumstances, considering intended results, and then developing a plan of action.  There would be a third group that saw past results as indicative of future outcome and weighed carefully historical evidence.   All three methods had merit.   It’s been said that “to err is human, to forgive divine.”  A good friend of mine took that a step further when relating to decision making in the work world.  She shared that “making a bad d
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Decorum

After an extremely successful run at the University of Central Florida, culminating in last year’s undefeated season and #6 ranking in the Associated Press final poll, head coach Scott Frost returns to his alma mater at Nebraska this season in the same capacity for the Cornhuskers.   Freelance and SEC writer Andrew Astleford penned this article about Frost: “Emotions can run high in football. It’s not uncommon to see a coach express his anger by yelling and cussing at players. But at Nebraska, don’t expect to hear heated, vulgar language coming from coach Scott Frost and his staff. In a recent news conference, Frost explained why he won’t ‘yell and scream at kids.’ He also mentioned his staff won’t ‘cuss at kids.’  It’s a thought-provoking theory for coaches at all levels of football. ‘One of our sayings is, ‘Have a desire to excel and no fear of failure,’ Frost told reporters, as relayed by KOLN-TV’s Dan Corey.  ‘Part of that is the coaches’ responsibility. And I
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Effective Followership

Leadership. Endless literature exists about the subject.  What characteristics constitute the makeup of those who direct…others? Others?  While we may be leaders or managers in some capacity, the fact is each of us functions in some role of support: to those who may have elected or appointed us, to a board, to a supervisor, to a spouse, to a parent.   For what would a quarterback be without an offensive line? Starting pitchers without relievers? Diana Ross minus the Supremes? The Lone Ranger and no Tonto? A Pastor without an Associate Pastor? An effective follower subordinates their ego for the betterment of the whole.  It is the vision and mission of the leader that constitutes the framework for the work that the follower executes, provided that that direction is safe, lawful, ethical, and subscribes to the policies and values of the organization.  In those instances where it falls short of these boundaries, effective followership requires sincere and sometimes bo
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What is Life and Career Coaching?

Some who read my articles and blogs will ask me what it is I do besides write blogs and articles. When I share, “I’m a Career and Life Coach,” a few will comment, “that’s nice; good article.” If you haven’t used a coach, you may have some questions about how coaching works and what benefits you can expect so I’ll provide an overview. Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that can help you to produce extraordinary results in your life, career and/or business.  It is not counseling or therapy; it is forward looking and is about achieving positive results.  “Life coaching makes a significant difference in one’s overall life satisfaction.  The coaching experience helped clients be more effective by teaching them how to set concrete, measurable goals made up of specific and manageable steps…”  Master’s Thesis, Pepperdine University How did I get in to Coaching? I enjoyed more than 30 years in Human Resources (HR) or “Personnel.”  As I reached the latter stage
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Lessons for Living the Dream; Cycling Across Georgia

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Conditions were near ideal for cycling the mountains and piedmont of North Georgia. Spending seven days covering 386 miles and more than 25,000 feet of elevation climb, my buddy Fred Williams and I traversed granite-faced hills, gurgling clear streams, and green meadows along with around 800 other bike enthusiasts.  Our leg strength was particularly tested by two ranges near Dahlonega, GA, offering consistent uphill grades of 6-8% between six and seven miles each.  Our journey not only provided physical engagement, but the chance to unwind, reflect, and share laughs and observations.  An event of this magnitude demands well-coordinated support: hydration and snacks at well-spaced intervals, readily accessible medical aid, traffic control, adequate and convenient campsites and facilities, and skilled bike technicians.   A couple of days into the ride I experienced minor mechanical trials:  gears shifting sluggishly, some annoying pedal clicks. The roving bike shop van and tent
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