May 29, 2007
New Motorcycle
Today I purchased a new (well, used) Polaris Victory motorcycle... 92 cubic inches of gleaming chromed engine and most of the riding accessories I could ask for. It needs a bit of TLC following a few years parked in a garage, but some NeVR Dull Chrome Polish and some detailing time will go a long way to returning the bike to original lustre.
I took some initial photos so I could compare after the detailing job:
2000 Victory Motorcycle Photos.
Amazingly, the bike has only 1670 miles on it... amazingly LOW mileage for this machine. I think the previous owner bought it, rode it a bit each summer till 2004, then hardly touched it. That'll change now!
May 23, 2007
Uncertainty? Absolutely!
I've been thinking over the notion of uncertainty these last few days, mulling over the reasons why uncertainty in daily living causes stress. Then it kicked me right in the face.
For those of you who kow this already, this will not come as a surprise...
50% of life is open to question and interpretation. see:
L IF E
And it is the middle bit that is all about if. So the beginning 25% is pretty sure, the end 25% is prety sure, but that whol 50% middle bit is nothing but IF.
Now I consider myself to be a glass-half-full person, most of the time. So I found this IF bit interesting..
"IF I turn this way, I could do this... or IF I turn that way, i could do that"
"IF I give myself to this task, it will prevent me from doing that other thing for a while."
and on and on and on...
It would be easy to interject negative IFs in there, although I don't think I'd feel quite as satisfied in that. So, with the positive IFs in mind, I've got a broader, better outlook.
What direction are your IFs pointing you?
May 11, 2007
Profile of a Leader
Leaders Have Vision—and Share It
Leaders turn strategy into action, and stay focused, despite distractions. Leaders constantly tend to the vision. Leaders balance short- and long-term issues and distinguish the important from the unimportant in an ambiguous world. Understanding our markets and our clients, leaders create the business models necessary to generate value. Leaders use business savvy, intuition, and judgment to define the path to achieving the vision, and then follow the path!
Leaders Inspire
Leaders “pull” people forward as opposed to “pushing” them along. Leaders rally all levels of an organization around the vision. Leaders communicate their enthusiasm, drive and competitive spirit broadly and continually. Leaders raise the achievement bar even while celebrating successes. Leaders recognize the contributions of others and demonstrate a high level of respect at all times. Leaders are approachable. Leaders work to create an environment that fosters company loyalty.
Leaders Get it Done
Leaders know how to start and what to do when ‘stuck.’ Leaders are never stuck for long—they are quick to try new directions when first attempts fail. Leaders discern when change is necessary and move ahead with it. Leaders leverage networks of advisors to build non-bureaucratic solutions to real problems. Leaders know when to reach out for help—they are restless in the face of slow progress. Leaders follow through on their commitments, and expect the same of others.
Leaders Attract and Build Teams
Leaders find the right talent, whatever their assigned resources, to get the job done. Leaders attract the very best, and offer growth to all, including top contributors. Leaders have the courage to require contributions from all, and growth from all team members. Leaders capitalize on talent and diversity—they can work with people whose functional skills are beyond theirs. Leaders establish constructive working relationships across the organization.
Leaders Set the Scope of Responsibility
Leaders set an appropriate scope of responsibility based on an individual’s demonstrated competencies and potential. Leaders are open to differing opinions and approaches to reaching results. Leaders see themselves as serving their people—not the other way around. Leaders provide frequent and honest feedback, and balance an individual's desire for growth opportunities with accountability to the rest of the team and company. Leaders provide frequent and honest feedback. Leaders have the courage to make tough decisions.
Leaders Teach and Foster Employee Development
Leaders encourage leadership behaviors in others, and lead by example. Leaders are involved in the success of their team members. Leaders encourage appropriate risk-taking and leverage opportunities to learn from mistakes. Leaders establish roles which are challenging and promote employee growth through experience. Leaders assess honestly and continuously the capabilities of people, and recognize and reward successes.
Leaders Demonstrate our Values
Leaders tell the truth. Leaders seek to understand before seeking to be understood. Leaders have the courage to address their own weaknesses. Leaders share credit for ideas and results. Leaders clearly establish where we are going and challenge people to do their best.
May 02, 2007
Crash
Single-car auto accident near the intersection 6 houses away from our house today, driver not seriously injured, but the car was destroyed in the resulting fire:
The photos here show the car after the fire was put out by the Anoka Champlin fire department. Immediately following the accident, the fire likely could have been put out with a small fire extinguisher, but nobody had one handy. In the next few moments the flames completely enveloped the car.
I did not have my mobile phone or my camera with me since I was just running to the store for milk, and after helping direct traffic away from the accident for 10 minutes, I was able to get home to get my camera. By the time the fire department arrived, the car was pretty much destroyed. I snapped a few frames and thought back on my firefighting days and the car fires we had to put out.
Luckily, the driver appeared uninjured, but he was questioned by the police, and sat quietly in the squad car as the fire crews did their work.
As the photos show, the rolled car also snapped a telephone pole. The electric company arrived with two trucks to replace the pole and a wrecker arrived to tow away the empty, twisted hulk that was this young man's car just moments before.
I'm glad he was not hurt, but I'm confident he'll never forget the experience. Three HUGE cheers to whomever it was that helped pull this young man from his car!