Nixon's Negotiating

While many remember 'Watergate' and Nixon's resignation in 1974. The greater benefit is to remember his success as a statesman: detente with Russia, opening China, ballistic missile treaties, and bold support for our great ally Israel.

In 1997, James Hume, a former speechwriter for Nixon published Nixon's Ten Commandments of Statecraft.  These great principles stood the test of governing a superpower in the early 1970's, and are still great guides for today. For over 20 years, I used them, and recommended them to my teams and friends.


While I recommend reading the book, and the related article by Thomas F. Fischer (link to article), I wanted to share the keys I took away.

• Always be respectful: This preserves the relationship required for future cooperation / negotiations.

• Be tough, but reasonable: Focus on getting everything you can without damaging the other party.

• Be prepared: Do your homework - understand the other party's motivators and drivers.

• Keep the faith: When your cause is right, stand up for it.

What principles do you use in your negotiations?

50-50 (Or So) and Moving Ahead

50-50 (Or So)

I didn't wake up with plans to write about this, but it dawned on me that only half  the people we encounter today will be happy about the election.  While you  have your own feelings, your team will follow your lead.

My simple advice - remember the lessons on being a 'good sport' from childhood.  Be respectful and gracious. Don't go overboard with celebrating or whining. Get ready for what's next by realistically assessing what will (or will not change).  Focus on facts, and move ahead.


Moving Ahead

I read an insightful blog post today (see link below), that made a simple, clear statement:

"...And we are in the place we started."

Most of the players did not change, including me.

Regardless of our expectations of better / worse, easier / harder, etc., we are each accountable for moving ahead, and exhibiting the leadership to pick the right direction and move ahead.

LINK: Live Intentionally: The Election is Over. Now It's Up to You and Me.

Introductions and "Are You a Leader"

Thank you for joining me.  Recognizing there is so much to learn and so little time, my objective is to make this a quick, worthwhile stop by combining my own content, and references to other great sources.

Let me introduce myself...

I generally answer the question, "What do you do?" with "I'm a geek". I learned how to program in elementary school, and had a Commodore 64.  When I grew up, it did not stop. I've been a consultant at a top tier consulting firm, and led IT functions at Fortune 500 companies.  Meanwhile, I still get my hands dirty. Earlier today wrote a little HTML and I still set up my own (and my friends') networks, and computers. I keep up with technology through any channel possible, and even read an occasional manual.

Are you a Leader?

Some of you will picture an organization chart and immediately respond, "Yes."  Others, for the same reason, will respond, "No".

I learned that organization charts don't create or define leaders.  While they clarify who manages who (or what), they don't determine your leadership.  After all, did you have an org chart when you played 'follow the leader'?

I love the quote by John Maxwell: "Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less"

Everyone creates some form of influence, so ask yourself:
How is my influence leading my friends / family / co-workers?

Check out this blog post for five ideas to improve your influence / leadership:

          Tammy Helfrich: I am Not a Leader (or So I Thought) on MichaelHyatt.com