Category Archives: SPECIAL TOPICS
TRIPLE III TIME: Considering Untold CAREER STORIES
One of the most impactful and favorable tools I use in my classroom teaching moments and thought-provoking consultant opportunities is the sharing of personal CAREER STORIES. For a ton of solid reasons, listening and discussing the life-building experiences contained in every persons CAREER STORY is the greatest form of true, actual instructional content.
Hesitancy and modesty are often “limiters” of quality details that those invited to contribute their CAREER STORIES use during their presentation times. However, with the right prompting from me…the extra special details most often do come out!
So as I was looking at my notes regarding this week’s TRIPLE III TIME messaging Considering Untold CAREER STORIES…I could not help but think about what my Dad would say if he was pushed onto the guest presenter stage??
Well maybe he would:
- Tell everyone he only had an 8th grade education but wasn’t afraid to try new farming methods or crops…and make more money.
- Explain why it was important to try different brands of machinery (Massey Ferguson/International/David Brown/New Holland/John Deere) and not pick just one because that’s what everyone else was doing.
- Encourage everyone to help others because that is what farmers in our neighborhood did when someone wasn’t doing so good.
- Report that he liked innovation before it was called innovation. Because he allowed his kids to raise chickens, pigs, ducks, rabbits and even different kinds of calves…just to learn about being special.
- Maybe conclude about the importance of having hobbies that you love. Like playing accordion in a polka band for people that really appreciated the music.
Yes I believe he would have needed some prompting…but it would be worth the push! And I hope that this message encourages you to consider your own CAREER STORY and what unique experiences you might recall and share.
TRIPLE III TIME: The Devaluation of Governmental Learning
This quarter’s American Society for Public Administration article is truly a reflection of our times. Given the situation: The Devaluation of Governmental Learning, there are plenty of reasons and examples of why we are going “down” in this area.
The article offers a simplistic description of this phenomenon but more importantly some equally simplistic developmental corrections. Of course, these corrections would require U.S. citizen participation and dedication… but the necessary governmental learning that would occur would be PRICELESS.
Read the article here: The Devaluation of Governmental Learning
TRIPLE III TIME: “Remember When?”
Throughout the years that I have been writing these TRIPLE III TIME messages, I have reported that I never really am sure where motivation for a specific message may come from. However, this week my inspiration came about totally unexpectedly.
Since my wife’s recent retirement from the world of education, she has started going through boxes of “stuff” that has been untouched for years. The goal is to make us more organized. And as you can see she came across a very special picture that brought back a ton of memories…which made this III message timely.
JHL and I have been friends, co-workers and colleagues for well over forty (40) years. There are a million stories I/we could share…but for this moment I believe a special TOP 10 of partnership would be best.
Let’s say it like this…Mr. JHL for me:
- Always offered a reliable, safe and confident listening ear yesterday, today and tomorrow.
- Provided a real meaning to the “I’ve got your back” statement.
- Made our service philosophy “For The Cause”… a daily reason to show up for work.
- Supported the building of an agency image which believed “There Is Always A Better Way” to help people.
- Served as the ideal “co-star” when showing off our innovations.
- Helped make personnel management always progressive.
- Facilitated an agency priority of partnerships…which proved to be the best way to do business.
- Conquered re-starting his job… to be even better than his first start.
- Never said “I don’t think we can” or “I don’t think I can help with that” regarding any brand new business or personal project I dreamed up..
- And lastly, he didn’t know that when he referred to himself as the “2nd Banana”…that I took that assessment to mean our Agency was better with two LEADERS!
Sometimes we all need to “Remember When” to make sure we appreciate friends, opportunities and future possibilities.
Thanks Chief!
TRIPLE III TIME: Customer Service Made Easy!
I don’t know if I ever stated (or admitted) this fact in any of my blogs or podcasts…but yes I played trumpet in my family’s polka band. And I have to say that although we were not the greatest polka band in the world…we were pretty good! My Dad played accordion…my oldest sister the clarinet…older brother the drums and me on the trumpet. The bottom line truth is that none of us were superb musicians (except my Dad)…but we were great entertainers.
Recently I had the privilege of enjoying an old-time polka band playing in a small local venue. The music was wonderful and the band members although senior in their years…were very much crowd pleasers in every way. So now you are asking when and why did this TRIPLE III TIME Customer Service Made Easy message idea become prime time in my mind while basking in this great musical moment?!
Let me explain.
During our polka band time…we were a SOLID TEAM. Our COMBINED TALENTS and SKILLS created a helpful, meaningful product/service. Our PRESENTATION STYLE and DELIVERY was always authentic and consistent. And finally our ability to be FLEXIBLE and ADAPTABLE to the needs and wishes of all attending our events…resulted in Customer Service Made Easy!
It would be fun to share more about our polka band experience which all faded way too soon. But this week it was an extreme pleasure to describe how being a SOLID TEAM with COMBINED TALENTS and SKILLS…and a quality PRESENTATION STYLE and DELIVERY while remaining FLEXIBLE and ADAPTABLE can not only be fun…but also be a working example of Customer Service Made Easy!
Public Administration in 2040 — Can You See It?
My most recent quarterly American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) guest author article is especially entitled: Public Administration in 2040 (Can You See It?). And at first glance one might assume that I am taking stab at predicting or proposing what our American Government & Politics systems might look like almost 20 years from now. But you are wrong.
The insights into the future come from student answers to one of my American Government & Politics final exam questions from this past semester. I have bundled them into four primary response areas… but together and separately they offer the unique insights of young adults into our public administration future.
I hope you enjoy the article.
TRIPLE III TIME: Public Sector Entrepreneurship III
This week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is my quarterly American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) guest columnist article. As you can guess from the title: Public Sector Entrepreneurship III…not only is this my third segment on innovation in the public service arena, but also one of my most favorite topics to discuss!
The special inspiration for this third entrepreneurship piece is contained in Robert F. Kennedy’s memorable words:
“Some men see things as they are and say Why? I dream things that never were and say Why not?”
I hope you enjoy the article as much as I did preparing it.
Our Founding Fathers: What Would They Say?
First I have to report that even after writing articles for the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) for a bunch of years, I am still “reawakened” when they assign everyone’s quarterly submission dates!
So YES… I’m saying it’s my turn already.
My newest PA TIMES article is a reflection on: Our Founding Fathers: What Would They Say? with regard to four major topic areas. The topic areas were picked based on their status as priority concerns to every U.S. citizen. I could have written much more on every topic… but I know my thoughts on each area will get you thinking too!”
Enjoy the read. PA TIMES Online: Our Founding Fathers: What Would They Say?
TRIPLE III TIME | Public Administration: Endless Lifelong Learning
This quarters American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) article: Public Administration: Endless Lifelong Learning, represents a reflection of a major professional element of my career in the public service arena. Working in a public administration role uniquely requires a continuous improvement focus in multiple lifelong learning categories. They are all “naturally” built into public service jobs, but rarely are professionally identified as Endless Lifelong Learning responsibilities… but they are.
Be thoughtful as you read the article. Each paragraph offers an additional career reflection. And for those employed in public service, I hope the article adds value to everything that you do.
TRIPLE III TIME: Recognizing & Appreciating “Security Blankets”
Did anyone ever GOOGLE the term “Security Blanket”? If you did, my guess is that you found Dictionary.com’s definition and meaning to read something like this:
“Someone or something that gives a person a sense of protection or a feeling of security.”
Now at first glance, you may be wondering which TRIPLE III TIME topic area does Security Blanket fall under? Communication? Professional Development? Innovation? Leadership? Or maybe that Special Topics area!
Let me explain.
Throughout my professional career, I have been fortunate to have co-workers that have provided me with that “sense of protection or a feeling of security.” Whether it was during a major Board meeting, preparing for an audit/monitoring visit, or delivering a workshop message, having individuals in the room that know, trust and support me has made me a better leader, communicator, and innovator!!
Likewise, I know I have reversed the Security Blanket role when I have attended a colleague/co-workers event/meeting. I could feel the extra confidence they had knowing I was there to support them and benefit from the learning they were offering. However, most often Security Blanket benefits are received in an unspoken and unthanked style…and are only quietly acknowledged.
This week’s TRIPLE III TIME message title: Recognizing & Appreciating “Security Blankets,” says it all. I recommend we break the Security Blanket silence and toss out a “THANK YOU” whenever you realize or experience a Security Blanket moment. Today I wish I could go back and let individuals or the gang know how protected and secure they made me feel everyday…EVERYDAY!
But I guess this TRIPLE III will have to fill the void for today.
An ASPA Membership Address: What Would YOU Say?
Have you ever let your mind wander and thought about this question: ”If you were asked to get in front of a big crowd of friends/colleagues/coworkers and give a speech about your profession… What Would YOU Say?”
Well, my submission for this quarters American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) article is all about my approach to taking on this challenge. Specifically, the article: An ASPA Membership Address: What Would YOU Say? discusses four major areas I consider critical to realizing the potential educational role of public administrators.
Given the current state of American government and politics, The article was a personal privilege to write and share on a local, state, national and international level. I hope it is thought-generating.
Inspiring Innovations, Inc. 