Fear is the mindkiller

"So many so-called leaders are trying to fill up our imaginations with scary visions and angry emotions. They want us to buy into their visions that the sky is falling."
- Rob Brezsny, excerpt from Fear vs. Intuition

Coincidence is something I don't take lightly. Just yesterday, my friend, Josh, told me the story of how he was deciding between two job offers. One was from Jefferson High School and the other from a different school. As he was leaving his office downtown and pondering which offer to choose, he came around the corner, looked up and saw a street sign that said – JEFFERSON. His office threw him a wonderful going-away party, completely supporting his decision to become a teacher. How often is it that we can walk into our current employer's office, tell them that we want to try something new, and get their unequivocal support?

Which brings me to the quote above. I scour blogs and have a library of books on leadership, hoping that, somehow, I can absorb enough and implement enough good practices to provide the leadership that many are looking for. If anything, I've learned that there is no perfect formula and that even those we consider to be the best examples of leadership are constantly seeking ways to get better.

Of everything I have read, from stories that friends and colleagues have told me, and from personal experience, I have learned that, as Rob Brezsny touched on, fear is a tool too often used these days by those who should be raising hopes instead of dashing them. The economic tornado, while being scary enough on it's own, somehow opened up a terror tacklebox filled with warnings like, "There are a lot of people out there looking for work who would gladly do your job for less money." Unfortunately, many folks took the bait.

In a recent blog post, Scott Eblin talked about "Seven Simple Rules to Create a Fear Based Culture." The interesting, and sad, part of this article is that he didn't come up with these seven rules on his own. They came from reader comments that he's received. My friend, Josh, just left one of the best companies in town. A company known for truly appreciating their employees and promoting a work/life balance. I know so many people who yearn to work at such a place, where leaders applaud your love of life and the many directions it can take you. Changing careers can be extremely scary. Can you imagine a current employer not only supporting you in your decision, but offering you encouragement every step of the way?

As we slowly, but surely, peak our heads out of the recession cloud and people are finally wiping off the goo of fear, it's been interesting to see articles that, while still exercising caution, are spreading a little hope. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that more people will summon the strength to follow their bliss... and throw the tacklebox overboard.

True Blood vs. Twilight

No conversation needed. No debate necessary. True Blood wins for a number of reasons, but we'll put Joe Manganiello at the top of the list. That is all.

This is the voice of your conscience, baby.

Toby: I think what he's asking is why, on most other nights, do you think the world's going to hell in a hula hoop, but tonight...
C.J.: We dip twice and eat gefilte fish?
Toby: Suzy Creamcheese, do not attempt the Haggadah.
C.J.: I know how to bless the soup, too.
From The West Wing episode - Evidence of Things Not Seen

What does any of that mean? Unless you're even remotely familiar with Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, which most people aren't, you won't have a clue. Welcome to the mind of Aaron Sorkin. If you're anything like me, it's a mind that you want to lick over and over to absorb all of the intelligence and sharp wit. Hence why I've pseudo-named this blog, "Everything I know I learned from The West Wing."

Will this blog be all about one of the best television series ever? No, but I will invoke quotes from the seven seasons often. While we can gain inspiration from the occasional movie – or more often, a book – it is rare that we find anything more than temporary entertainment within the small screen. For me, it was seldom that I would turn the tv off, after that anticipated hour, and not be affected by the passion of the characters and their quest to serve. It was then, and continues to be, a source of inspiration... an ideal... that everyone can set their sights on the highest of goals and, with hard work, determination – and a little luck – we can all make the world a better place.

Lofty? Perhaps. Overly dramatic? Maybe. But as the song goes, "Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends."