Common Ground
I was in Memphis, Tennessee last week at a conference that brought management and unions together to explore ways to improve relationships and increase competitiveness in our rapidly changing world. This conference was a collaborative effort by the University of Tennessee, state, federal and local governments, as well as labor organizations and corporate leaders. It offered an open forum for sharing ideas, plus a variety of workshops and speakers brought in to unlock awareness and investigate avenues to becoming more competitive in the international arena.
The sponsors of the conference were overwhelmed with the response and participation and overall, it exceeded everyone’s expectations. People were able to take back new ideas and a renewed sense of hope to their organizations and agencies.
Although several groups have been able to keep this energy alive in spite of tough economic conditions, we need more of these activities. Only with a concentrated effort by both labor unions and management teams will we be able to keep well-paying jobs in our communities. Organized labor has a major role to play in improving workplace culture and this conference was a great start to a complicated challenge. The days of “us versus them” needs to take its place in history and it will take the ingenuity and commitment of all parties to keep jobs in this country. The men and women on the line need to be engaged and allowed to bring their creativity and energy to the party, while management needs to open communication and solicit input from hourly employees.
My thanks go to the sponsors and coordinators for inviting me to participate in such a valuable event.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Gordon Graham: Corrupt Judges
Corrupt Judges in Pennsylvania
by Gordon Graham
A recent article exposed two judges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania who were getting financial kick-backs for sentencing young people to private prisons. For more on the article check out this link: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/02/13-3
This outrageous and unjust activity is yet another example of just how corrupt people in power can become. It’s also an example of how vulnerable people are when they are caught in the web of an unjust system. Young people are especially at the mercy of the system when they are without competent representation.
Fortunately the Pennsylvania situation is not the norm. Most Judges are honest and administer their duties in honorable ways. However it causes concern and raises the question; “How many young men and women have been unjustly sentenced by these two corrupt judges?” If I was serving time in prison I would want a review of my case. The criminal justice system has never really been “just!” This case just exposes how unjust it can become when we blindly trust in the integrity of those in power.
I feel empathy for my friends in Pennsylvania who play by the rules and work to demonstrate that the criminal justice system is, in fact, just. Corruption by people in power should carry the maximum penalty, administered by judges who realize that the damage done by these two will have a negative impact in prisons, jails and courtrooms for years.
Gordon Graham
www.ggco.com
by Gordon Graham
A recent article exposed two judges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania who were getting financial kick-backs for sentencing young people to private prisons. For more on the article check out this link: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/02/13-3
This outrageous and unjust activity is yet another example of just how corrupt people in power can become. It’s also an example of how vulnerable people are when they are caught in the web of an unjust system. Young people are especially at the mercy of the system when they are without competent representation.
Fortunately the Pennsylvania situation is not the norm. Most Judges are honest and administer their duties in honorable ways. However it causes concern and raises the question; “How many young men and women have been unjustly sentenced by these two corrupt judges?” If I was serving time in prison I would want a review of my case. The criminal justice system has never really been “just!” This case just exposes how unjust it can become when we blindly trust in the integrity of those in power.
I feel empathy for my friends in Pennsylvania who play by the rules and work to demonstrate that the criminal justice system is, in fact, just. Corruption by people in power should carry the maximum penalty, administered by judges who realize that the damage done by these two will have a negative impact in prisons, jails and courtrooms for years.
Gordon Graham
www.ggco.com
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Gordon Graham: The Real Deal!
THE REAL DEAL!
by Gordon Graham
Today I had lunch with Lou Tice, Chairman and Founder of The Pacific Institute. It’s always enjoyable to spend time with Louis. His seminar was the catalyst for turning my life around 38 years go. We don’t get together as often these days but I always come away with new ideas and am motivated to speed up the process of improving the world I live in.
I was reminded of one of the first questions that went through my mind when I initially went through the Achieving Your Potential seminar all those years ago. “Why didn’t I have access to this information when I was sixteen?” Maybe I wouldn’t have listened, but maybe I would have. Imagine the savings to society, myself, and my family if these concepts had been available to me then.
By the time I was introduced to T.P.I.’s process I had spent 17 years in and out of maximum security prisons, committed a number of crimes, been involved in riots, spent 365 consecutive days on bread and water, been shot, and was recognized as the leader in the prison culture. I have no idea what all of that cost the taxpayer. I do know that there’s a good chance that none of these things would have happened if I had been aware of the process that is offered by The Pacific Institute.
Now here’s the good news! T.P.I. has developed a process for youth called PX2. I had a chance to preview the content and delivery of this program a couple of days ago. It’s the real deal! It reaches young people where they are and with a delivery system that relates to their world. There’s no way to measure the impact that this type of education can have on our youth. But if it keeps one youngster from taking a wrong turn in life, or gives them tools to live a more fulfilled life, you can’t put a dollar figure on it.
PX2 could be the key to helping change the culture in our inner cities. It may also keep some youngsters from making the kind of decisions that kept me trapped in a destructive lifestyle for a good part of my early years. Hindsight is always 20/20. There’s no guarantee that something like PX2 would have changed the course of my life. However, I would have liked the opportunity to make that choice. Every young person should have that opportunity. They just might discover how great they really are!
An old Chinese proverb goes, “If you cut an apple in half anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple, but no one can count the apples in a seed.” When the time is right, the mind is open and the seeds get a little nourishment, great things can happen! PX2 is full of seeds. We just need more planters and a little more nourishment to start the growth process. (See what a lunch with Louis can do?!)
Peace,
Gordy Graham
www.ggco.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Gordon Graham: Michael Phelps--Decisions have Consequences
DECISIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES: A High Profile Example
We’ve all been young at some point, and there’s a good chance that we’ve made a mistake or two in the process of becoming mature adults.
Some of the mistakes were so serious that we had to learn our lessons the hard way.
The media frenzy surrounding Michael Phelps' lapse of judgment is out of proportion to the event itself. Obviously he made a bad decision, but the amount of attention it’s been getting far surpasses that given to Wall Street executives who have ruined many people’s lives by their dishonest acts.
The daily drive-by shootings and gang violence is generally back page news.
How fair is it to destroy a young man’s career as a result of one instance of smoking pot?
His career has been damaged, and the negative publicity has cost him endorsements and great embarrassment.
It would be much more valuable if we would focus on the gang activity and violence in our communities.
We all should look in the mirror before passing judgment on a young man who has raised the bar for athletes in this country, and brought great pride to the USA during the Olympics.
Michael Phelps made a poor decision. The lesson for him, and for young people in general, is that the decisions we make have consequences. To decide to smoke dope or commit illegal acts can damage a career, cause great personal embarrassment or worse.
The short term gratification is never worth the long term pain.
Hopefully, for Michael Phelps, this is a lesson learned. He knows he made a mistake. I suggest we all be big enough to let it go at that.
Peace,
Gordy Graham
www.ggco.com
Gordy Graham: What do I want?
What Do I want?
by Gordon Graham
When working to change behavior, whether for ourselves or others, it‘s important to keep the focus on what we want the end result to look like. It’s easy to point out the inappropriate behavior, but this has a tendency to reinforce what we don’t want. What would it look like without the problem?
When we make an error or mistake we need to learn from it. Saying to ourselves, “that’s not like me,” and then, “the next time I intend to…,” shuts off all the judgment and puts the focus back on what you want. The same technique works with young people as well as other adults. Instead of, “that’s like you, you’re always late,” stop and respond with, “that’s not like you; I see you as a person who is very responsible.” Then ask what you might do to assist in making a positive change.
It’s also important to catch people doing things right, and when you do, offer positive feedback, e.g., “I really appreciate that you’re such a reliable person; you are very important to our success.”
Don’t expect immediate change, but keep focusing on what you want. Invite others to have input, and let them know that each of us can make a difference.
Peace,
Gordy Graham
www.ggco.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Gordon Graham: Thoughts on Change
Thoughts on Change
by Gordon Graham
Everyday I receive a number of letters from men and women in state and federal prisons from across the United States and Canada. Generally the letter is response to one of our video based programs that are utilized in prisons as a resource to assist inmates in changing their approach to life. Often the letter is just a thank you for creating an approach to change that they can relate to, at other times it’s someone wanting a magic pill.
The one common theme is a desire to break the cycle that keeps them caught up in the system. I’ve been at this for 38 years and still struggle with how to respond in a way that is helpful, but that also deals with reality. There is one truism that cuts through all the rationalization and blame fixing. If you stop doing whatever it is that puts you in prison, the cops will stop arresting you. However, it took me a long time to internalize that message.
There are some practical ideas that can trigger a change. When you, deep down in your soul, make a commitment to do whatever it takes to improve your life, your thoughts and energy change. No one knows when this happens but you. The way that you think impacts how you act. So when you change the way you think your life changes.
Principals drive behavior. If you honestly look at the principals that you hold to be true it will give you a starting point for change. A principle of unconditional honesty has been my guiding principle for the past 38 years.
Accepting accountability for who you are and for where you are in life is a strong foundation for accepting accountability for your future. I recognize that life isn’t always fair. Things occur that are out of our control, but if we come back to our center of influence and ask the question, “What can I do about it?” It will put you back in the driver’s seat.
Affirmations have been a tool that I’ve used for many years. When I neglect using affirmations life doesn’t work as well. The other thing that I do is stay in touch with a Higher Power. This is personal to me and I respect other people’s right to believe as they choose.
I also stay focused on what I want in my life. Sometimes it’s necessary to see through the pain to the pleasure in our lives.
Peace – Gordy Graham
Affirmations
1.) I believe in myself and I believe I make a difference.
2.) I believe that good things happen to me and I take all setbacks as temporary.
3.) I treat all people with dignity and respect.
by Gordon Graham
Everyday I receive a number of letters from men and women in state and federal prisons from across the United States and Canada. Generally the letter is response to one of our video based programs that are utilized in prisons as a resource to assist inmates in changing their approach to life. Often the letter is just a thank you for creating an approach to change that they can relate to, at other times it’s someone wanting a magic pill.
The one common theme is a desire to break the cycle that keeps them caught up in the system. I’ve been at this for 38 years and still struggle with how to respond in a way that is helpful, but that also deals with reality. There is one truism that cuts through all the rationalization and blame fixing. If you stop doing whatever it is that puts you in prison, the cops will stop arresting you. However, it took me a long time to internalize that message.
There are some practical ideas that can trigger a change. When you, deep down in your soul, make a commitment to do whatever it takes to improve your life, your thoughts and energy change. No one knows when this happens but you. The way that you think impacts how you act. So when you change the way you think your life changes.
Principals drive behavior. If you honestly look at the principals that you hold to be true it will give you a starting point for change. A principle of unconditional honesty has been my guiding principle for the past 38 years.
Accepting accountability for who you are and for where you are in life is a strong foundation for accepting accountability for your future. I recognize that life isn’t always fair. Things occur that are out of our control, but if we come back to our center of influence and ask the question, “What can I do about it?” It will put you back in the driver’s seat.
Affirmations have been a tool that I’ve used for many years. When I neglect using affirmations life doesn’t work as well. The other thing that I do is stay in touch with a Higher Power. This is personal to me and I respect other people’s right to believe as they choose.
I also stay focused on what I want in my life. Sometimes it’s necessary to see through the pain to the pleasure in our lives.
Peace – Gordy Graham
Affirmations
1.) I believe in myself and I believe I make a difference.
2.) I believe that good things happen to me and I take all setbacks as temporary.
3.) I treat all people with dignity and respect.
Gordon Graham on "Patience"
Patience
by Gordon Graham
Patience has never been one of my strengths! This article is written on February 2, 2009 and Obama hasn’t turned the country around yet! He’s been in office for almost two weeks and the economy still sucks! How long does it take to rebuild a broken system? When you’ve dug yourself into a deep hole the first step is to stop digging! I think Obama has managed to stop most of the digging and he appears to have a competent team assembled to begin the recovery process.
When you look at the massive challenges we face as a nation it will take all of the creativity and talents of all of our leaders. A foreclosure on your home feels just as painful to a democrat as it does to a republican. When you loose your job it’s discouraging to listen to leadership playing politics with your future.
We need our elected officials to focus on solving the problems we face as a nation! To oppose a possible solution because it is presented by a democrat or a republican is unfair to the men and women who are struggling to stay afloat. I also recognize that each of us ahs a part to play in bringing about positive change.
I watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. It was a demonstration of two teams focused on winning. There was no withholding your support because you didn’t like the play that was called! The offense, defense, special teams, coaches and support people all had one goal, to win the game!
How powerful would our leadership be if they came together around one goal? There’s a time for politics, but this is not that time. We need our leadership to come together around putting this country back on track. We need jobs, we need to stop the foreclosures and offer a bridge so people can stay in their homes, we need to hold banks accountable for their use of taxpayers dollars and we need leadership that will support solutions to these challenges rather than oppose good ideas because it didn’t come from their party. Lastly I guess we all need a bit of patience!
Tips
1.) When you lock-on to current reality, it’s difficult to stay motivated. We need to see through the current situation to the end result we desire.
2.) Time is the only thing that we all share equally. Twenty-four hours regardless of wealth or position. So invest it wisely based on your priorities in life, i.e. family, friends, health, career, etc.
3.) If we look back in our lives we will find times when we were faced with difficult challenges and we got through them and recognize that we will get through today’s challenges as well. There are times when patience is a virtue.
by Gordon Graham
Patience has never been one of my strengths! This article is written on February 2, 2009 and Obama hasn’t turned the country around yet! He’s been in office for almost two weeks and the economy still sucks! How long does it take to rebuild a broken system? When you’ve dug yourself into a deep hole the first step is to stop digging! I think Obama has managed to stop most of the digging and he appears to have a competent team assembled to begin the recovery process.
When you look at the massive challenges we face as a nation it will take all of the creativity and talents of all of our leaders. A foreclosure on your home feels just as painful to a democrat as it does to a republican. When you loose your job it’s discouraging to listen to leadership playing politics with your future.
We need our elected officials to focus on solving the problems we face as a nation! To oppose a possible solution because it is presented by a democrat or a republican is unfair to the men and women who are struggling to stay afloat. I also recognize that each of us ahs a part to play in bringing about positive change.
I watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. It was a demonstration of two teams focused on winning. There was no withholding your support because you didn’t like the play that was called! The offense, defense, special teams, coaches and support people all had one goal, to win the game!
How powerful would our leadership be if they came together around one goal? There’s a time for politics, but this is not that time. We need our leadership to come together around putting this country back on track. We need jobs, we need to stop the foreclosures and offer a bridge so people can stay in their homes, we need to hold banks accountable for their use of taxpayers dollars and we need leadership that will support solutions to these challenges rather than oppose good ideas because it didn’t come from their party. Lastly I guess we all need a bit of patience!
Tips
1.) When you lock-on to current reality, it’s difficult to stay motivated. We need to see through the current situation to the end result we desire.
2.) Time is the only thing that we all share equally. Twenty-four hours regardless of wealth or position. So invest it wisely based on your priorities in life, i.e. family, friends, health, career, etc.
3.) If we look back in our lives we will find times when we were faced with difficult challenges and we got through them and recognize that we will get through today’s challenges as well. There are times when patience is a virtue.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)