Green Light

The engine rev’d and lurched the vehicle just a bit. The car next to me, a Cadillac Escalade, was polished and chromed with expensive wheels and tires. Its anxious driver could barely contain himself while waiting for the light to change. Apparently, it was very important to him that he be the first out of the gate, the first to cross the line at the intersection.

He raced down the busy street, weaving in and out of traffic, glassy-eyed and seemingly oblivious to all other cars. While he wanted to be first and must have been in a very big hurry, he arrived no more quickly than I, still having to wait at the next light. His eagerness only garnered dividends in pride. And while I admire a competitive nature, after all that is the basis for capitalism, I do not approve of the Escaladier’s lack of respect for other drivers or pedestrians that might get in the way of his quest: to be first to the next light.

His raucous music blared and his ride was sweet, but what did it prove? That he had wealth? That he knew how to drive well? That he is a winner? That the guy with the biggest toys wins? More along the lines that he is bossy, unruly, selfish, and not so bright…, like I said, we arrived at the same destination at almost the same time. His behavior did not get him there any faster or esteem him in the eyes of those that witnessed said behavior.
What does a competitive nature say about the business you ? If you make wise choices, driving the closure of deals that create long-standing relationships, than it says that you are smart. But if you base decisions on selfish needs or wants and ignore the desires and requirements of those around you, your sense of competition has not improved your business acumen or endeared you to clients or associates. You have indeed separated yourself from the crowd, but from which crowd?

How do you measure your achievements in work? If you are competitive, if that is what drives better performance, then be prepared to measure your performance, not just beat those around you or your direct competition. If a victory does fall your way, study why you were victorious, not just simply that you were – that you beat everyone else. But most of all, make sure you understand what a victory would truly look like to you and those around you. Simply arriving at the next stoplight first is not a prize – it isn’t even an honest day’s work.

by rayannethorn

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Taking a Stand

“I will not reveal the name of the author of the articles which I set to type, not even to the Governor.” ~John Peter Zenger, Newspaper Printer, The New York Weekly Journal – 1735

Some of you may be avid bloggers. Some of you may write when you are compelled to. Some of you may write for your company’s website. Some may write just to expand your mind, vocabulary and view point. Others may write simply because you can – and still others may write because you have to – you simply “can’t not” write. I fall into all of the categories above.

Back in June, I wrote A Grave Crime. This was a piece addressing the imprisonment of journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee in North Korea. I was compelled to write then, as I am now. I wonder if it is a mere coincidence that the date of  their release, negotiations successfully completed by Bill Clinton, fell 275 years – TO THE DAY – after the release of John Peter Zenger who was jailed as the result of an information – a listing of charges – set forth by a tyrannical New York Province governor; Zenger refused to reveal the source of the articles he printed that criticized the governor. His refusal led to his arrest and long imprisonment before a jury of his peers swiftly voted him not guilty. He was released August 4, 1735.

Both of these stories are important to me. Why? Because I value deeply the right to say and write whatever I want, as long as it doesn’t bring danger to anyone else. The incidences are as different as they are alike but the principle remains the same. Social media in 1735 consisted of a weekly printed newspaper and word of mouth – an actual front porch. Social media now consists of twitter, social networks, online news sources, television, email, instant messaging, printed publications, and mobile phone (texting and voice to voice) – the new front porch.

Are you sometimes unhappy with what you read here? Are you sometimes compelled to write a response to a post or other response that infuriates you or causes you to question? Good. Do you ever read a post here that opens your mind or changes your POV? Good. Do you ever write a post here with the hopes of stirring the pot a bit? Good. Putting thought into type has been around hieroglyphics. Reading a great story is just as joyful as writing one.

People stand up for their rights every day. The put words on a sign to carry at a picket line. They print pamphlets that denounce practices with which they disagree. They argue at City Council meetings or at congressional hearings. They run for office or back candidates that share their view point. They write books or plays that question laws or freedoms. They produce movies that educate or inform. They create art, poetry, music, or photography that depicts when freedoms are taken away, squelched, or abolished. Why? Because the compellation is strong and the need is too powerful for them to ignore. The stand taken is laid on a thick foundation, built over the backs and stories of those that came before.

Currents events continue to prove that even today, taking a stand can mean life or death.  What’s it worth to you?

by rayannethorn