Sunday, 8 April, marked the beginning of a week long recognition of the importance of letting crime victims know of their rights within our criminal justice system. Many organizations, especially NOVA and other victim advocacy agencies, are doing special events to inform the public of the many services available to assist crime victims. Here in the Phoenix area, a local church, the Church of the Advent in Sun City West, is hosting an information session with members of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Attendees will hear about different types of scams which specifically target the elderly. The focus of this session on Saturday, 14 April (10 a.m. to noon) is to let potential targets know what they can do to minimize their chances of being victimized. Unfortunately, the reality of today’s world is that many elderly residents will be subjected to criminal behavior. The presentation will also include information on what to do in the event a person becomes a victim of criminal conduct.
Our criminal justice system is well served by a dedicated and passionate group of individuals who serve as victim advocates throughout our country and our military. Almost on a daily basis they see individuals at their lowest moments, many of whom have suffered severe physical and emotional trauma. Victim advocates often bear the brunt of the anger, the outrage, and sometimes a complete emotional breakdown as they figuratively walk with the victim through the process of prosecution, trial and conviction, sentencing, and hopefully, the start of the healing process. They do an extraordinary job for every victim they meet, oftentimes completely in the background. They’re so successful at working in the background that many members of our communities have little to no knowledge of what victim advocates do. Suffice to say that victim advocates are a special group of individuals, much deserving of our support and respect. I, for one, am extremely thankful that we have such a dedicated group of professionals who selflessly and tirelessly work to make crime victims whole again.
Communication
“…Tone deaf, unresponsive, and insensitive to the victims….”**
** Cited from the statement issued by the MSU Board of Trustees on the fourth day of victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar.
If ever a published statement was the epitome of being tone deaf and insensitive, this certainly qualifies. I credit the trustees for requesting a review by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. But that credit is tempered by their recent statement of support for the current president, stating that President Simon should continue in office. That statement is, in my assessment, premature and misguided.
Perhaps a reminder of ethical leadership is needed. Free of charge, here is a quick review of this concept. Ethical leadership is guided by a profound respect for ethics (what we do when no one is looking), especially such ethical values and beliefs which protect the dignity and rights of individuals. That guiding principle and such concepts as honesty, trust, and consideration, form the foundation for quality leadership. President Simon might have been the right leader at some point but a hallmark of a leader is that when the proverbial stuff hits the fan, the one in charge takes the blame. She was in charge and the majority of this travesty happened on her watch. On that basis alone, she must step down. She can lament that she did not know what was going on but she had the ethical responsibility to know. When she found out, she had the responsibility to do whatever she could to insure that the victims were harmed no further. Her desire to remain in office cannot take precedence over the need for MSU to redress the harms done to the victims. The Board of Trustees should immediately issue a new statement, acknowledging that MSU needs a new direction, one which adheres to the values of ethical leadership. That statement should also acknowledge the impact on the victims. Perhaps the trustees could express the hope that they can work with the victims to develop and implement changes that will insure that such a travesty never again happens at MSU or any other institution.
It’s about the victims now. Let them know without a doubt that MSU is going to do take a new direction, one that is both ethical and moral.
A Season of Giving
In the past week or so there have been news stories about school administrators’ efforts to basically outlaw any celebration of Christmas on both primary and secondary school campuses. In my assessment this effort is totally misguided and driven by a continuing effort to demean and degrade one of the world’s major religions.
Just this week I got the chance to surprise my daughter-in-law for her birthday. The surprise was complete because I have a steadfast rule of not traveling back east when the frozen white stuff is falling or there’s a possibility of it falling – and my mandatory minimum temperature has to be above 60 degrees. But seeing the joy in her eyes made it all worthwhile. This week reminded me of the special moments untold numbers of folks are preparing to share with loved ones. It’s the quality of time that will be shared with family and friends and the loving memories which will make this season special. More than material goods, time is the most precious gift we can give one another. At this time of year, the gift Christians were given over 2,000 years ago is not lost on folks once we get past the commercialism and think about the true meaning of this season.
My commentary is not an invitation to those who seek to trash Christianity to continue their efforts. Rather, it’s an invitation to stop denigrating and, instead, seek to understand and appreciate. Engage in a conversation where emotional correctness and active listening are used. And try to remember that true people of faith are seeking ways in which to have a meaningful and fulfilling relationship with their God while practicing real tolerance and love for their neighbor. Don’t be surprised if that honest conversation leads everyone to learn that we have more in common than we have different. From that common point we can all work together to find realistic solutions to the problems which continue to bedevil us all. And we can give one another the most precious gift of all – time spent together as friends, neighbors, and family.
A Reminder
Last week I was gently reminded of the tremendous support system which surrounds me. I have to admit that over the past few months I became mentally exhausted from having to deal with a medical issue. That issue forced me to focus all my mental effort to manage a significant amount of pain and it did not allow me to focus my attention on the issues I had recently asked you all to join in and support me. Fortunately, I was able to make a connection with a set of doctors who immediately developed a plan of action and set it into motion. That action included some significant surgery, meaning that I would not be the independent person that I usually am. I would have to rely upon others to help me. In this situation I didn’t even have to ask for help. I was told that folks were going to be helping me and there was no room for negotiation! A very dear friend rearranged her work schedule to insure that I was driven to the hospital where she stayed until the surgery was completed. Michelle then drove me home and stayed with me through the night (an extra treat for my dogs to have her around, for sure.) The medical professionals were of the highest quality. I was important as an individual, not as a symptom. They recognized the importance of Michelle and me sharing some humor to keep things relaxed and they even joined in – something that will probably stick with them for a time!
The outcome of the surgery could not have been better and the recovery is progressing, albeit not as quickly as I’d like. My progress is being monitored by three rather large pups who think they need to shadow me everywhere I go and I don’t mind. It reassures them that I’m doing alright.
So why do I share such a personal note? Thanksgiving comes later this week and I have so much to be thankful for – good friends and family, quality medical care, and the ability to share how grateful I am for what I have. I wish everyone the true blessings of this season – that we are grateful for what we have and so willing to share with others who might not be as fortunate. I am especially grateful for the reminder I received to never take my blessings for granted and to acknowledge the source of all those blessings. God bless you all.
CHANGE – Friend or foe?
I’ve been looking at any number of organizations which are currently undergoing change. Despite all the research, change is still seen as something very negative and implementing change remains a difficult mountain to climb. Why is that?
Let’s be honest. Change causes anxiety. Will I get to keep my job? Am I still a valued member of the organization?
There are any number of organizations which implement change smoothly, with little to no disruption to the productivity and job satisfaction. What do they do that works?
Probably the key thing is communication. When a change is being considered, leaders within the organization need to let the staff know what’s going on. Leaving it to the rumor mill is a surefire way to creating dissatisfaction. Ask the staff for their thoughts on how best to implement the change. Use the experience within the staff to quickly identify potential problem areas and have the staff work with management to develop realistic solutions to those problems should they develop.
Another key is making sure that the staff is provided with opportunities for training in the new way of doing things. This can help insure that the staff gets the training they need which prepares them for the new way of doing things, but it also sends an important message – they are considered valued assets to the organization. When downsizing has to occur, the organization can take a very positive step by insuring that resources and retraining are available to help people expand their skill sets and find employment in other areas. Simply letting folks go with the attitude of “don’t let the door hit you as you leave” paints the organization in a very negative light, one which is not easily countered. Word of mouth will insure that quality recruits will take a second look at an organization that doesn’t value its staff.
Change might not be our friend but we need to make sure we’re not turning it into an unbeatable foe, either.
Focus Our Attention
“STAN” – Stop The Abuse Now!
I have waited to see what people’s comments might be concerning the immediate focus of our efforts. From what I am hearing there are two primary concerns.
First, as individuals and as a group, we need to take whatever steps are needed to insure that each state has an active child abuser registry for all convicted child abusers. Using the experience of the states in developing the registry for sex offenders, we should be able to avoid many of the pitfalls and delays in getting the registry for convicted child abusers up and running nationwide.
The second goal is to insure that each state assesses the effectiveness of its laws for child abusers. We should ask each legislature to consider revising the laws to insure that there are mandatory minimum sentences for child abuse events which involve physical, mental, and/or emotional abuse of children. The mandatory minimums should increase with each subsequent conviction.
With these two goals in mind, we can now begin our work. I will be the first to say that this task will not be easy. However, it is well worth every ounce of effort we put into it. The option of doing nothing is not available to us any longer. Our children are depending upon us to speak up for them, including the ones whose voices have been silenced forever.
I know the summer vacation continues for many of you but I ask you to please get involved. If not us, who?
No politics here!
From what I heard, watched, and read, there appears to be a perception that a double standard is being used regarding some individuals. Whether it is or not is a moot point. What is crucial is the perception has apparently arisen and quite frankly, nothing is being done to address it. Here’s the problem for leaders within the community and business. If any sector – public or private – condones the development of a double standard by either actually creating it or remaining silent when a perception develops, we have problems. As leaders, we are held to a much higher standard and we must fulfill our responsibilities to be role models for ethical and quality leadership. When we hear or see a double standard situation we have an obligation to step in and say and do something to address it. If a business leader is allowed to engage in questionable conduct but a lower level manager or member of the staff is held accountable, how do we as leaders within our organization reconcile such treatment of individuals? Can we continue to portray ourselves as ethical leaders within our organization when we turn a blind eye and deaf ear to instances of different treatment for different people? Obviously, we cannot control what people think and what they will say to others. We can control the ethical environment within our organizations and make sure that people, no matter their title or position, are held to the same standards. By consistent and ethical conduct we can help set the standard for others to follow. Not only will this approach help make sure that a double standard does not arise, it may also help prevent such a perception.
A Pleasant Surprise
I recently experienced a problem with some computer hardware. A keyboard which was put into service in April suddenly had about ten keys which no longer had any markings on them. It was difficult to type quickly without having to constantly check where my fingers were. Frustration level – high. In mid July I wrote a letter to the CEO of Logitech, Mr. Darrell, explaining the situation and noting that I was disappointed in the durability of what is otherwise an excellent keyboard.
Now for the pleasant surprise – within a week I received an e-mail from a customer service representative who asked that I provide some additional information, including photos of the keyboard. A few days later I was informed that I would be receiving a new keyboard. The new equipment arrived this afternoon and it is a pleasure to type again. This surprise is all the more pleasant because a replacement was not my intent. As a matter of fact I had already purchased the replacement the same day I sent my letter but had not installed it as yet.
Mr. Darrell and his staff at Logitech appear to appreciate the importance of quality customer service and professionalism. It is gratifying to see that a positive approach was taken to resolving what is in the overall scheme of things a rather minor problem. I hope that there is a consistency between the quality of their customer service and the treatment of staff. Such consistency will insure that job related issues will be consistently and appropriately addressed with positive resolutions the likely outcome. A win/win for the organization.
Politics and Leadership
No, this is not political commentary! But I did get your attention, didn’t I.
Here we are, right in the middle of a political season that promises to be as nasty and partisan as any in recent history. How can you insure that arguments and partisan politics do not interfere with your organization? Look no further than the face in the mirror.
How are you conducting yourself in the midst of this? Are you constantly talking up one candidate over another? Are you dominating the discussions and not listening? Is this behavior any different from the way you usually act? If the answer to that last question is “no,” and if the election is already impacting the way your staff interacts with one another, don’t blame the rancor and bad morale on the politics swirling around us. You’ve been modeling this behavior long before the candidates for this year’s election were decided.
If, on the other hand, you have been modeling and encouraging an atmosphere of emotional correctness within your organization you already have the antidote to counter the rancor and partisan politics. Continue to model for your staff the importance of remaining respectful and civil in all your interpersonal activities. Encourage them to focus on the business at hand and to try to leave the politics for after work. Do you have policies in place on whether “electioneering” can occur during business hours? If not, consider whether you want to implement something that is both reasonable and easy to implement. The key is to remain focused on your organization’s goals and the well being of your employees. People should not be afraid to voice an opinion but neither should they force their opinions on others, especially during work hours. Contrary to popular belief, tolerance really is a two-way street.
A Paradigm Shift
In a recent chat, Jay Block (author of the bestselling, “5 Steps to Rapid Employment”) made the observation that a near record number of job openings had been reported in March. The problem is finding qualified individuals to fill those positions. He noted that companies and colleges need to take a more collaborative approach to insure that a skilled workforce is available to fill positions as they open. Job coaches have to know exactly what skills are needed so they can do a better job of coaching and advising their clients in identifying and mastering the skill sets needed. That’s where the new paradigm shift needs to come in. In my assessment, communities, companies, and colleges need to enter into effective partnerships. Companies can use the colleges to help insure that individuals are taught the necessary skills to be productive employees. Colleges can use the companies as sources of information on what skills are needed, and to help their students land well paying jobs. Communities need to support such collaborations because as companies relocate, communities need to be able to provide quality neighborhoods, public schools, and community services.
This partnership cannot be in name only, just because it looks good in a press release. The partnership has to be an active, collaborative one. Communities that fail to support such partnerships will lose out on having companies relocate to their area, thereby losing out on the revenue income as a result of new people moving into the community. Colleges will lose out on the chance to increase enrollments, and companies will lose out on having qualified workers readily available.
Now the challenge is to find community leaders, business leaders, and leaders within higher education willing to let go of the past and implement effective new approaches.