The Lightbulb Comes On

Ok, President Elect Barack Obama is suggesting people and businesses be proactive about the economy. He has suggested many things to help the economy and the environment. I for one am not in the position of replacing my home heating system. But, this I can do…i can replace my lightbulbs with the more energy efficient CFL lightbulbs.

I have tried it before on an experimental basis. I loved the fact that they last longer. I didn’t love the fact that they were more expensive than traditional bulbs. My family complained…loudly when the lights in the bathroom took forever to complete lighting up. They slowly go from dim to full lighting in a matter of a minute and a half or so.

While that may not be a problem for a lot of people, our bathroom has no window…it is completely dark without full lighting. So, I guess I will have to make a committment here. Either quit dipping my toe in the idea of saving on electricity/energy use or not. The light in the bathroom has a strip of lightbulbs over the medicine cabinet over the sink. It has four. So, maybe in that strip i will put in the CFL lights except in the space closest to the door.

The other rooms of the house will be easier as there are windows in every other room. There are several rooms with ceiling fans which have four spots for lightbulbs. Hmmm…does this mean four times the savings in energy use? Yes it does.

I think i will begin slowly replacing the lightbulbs with the CFL ones. It will initially take more money to buy the bulbs…but, since i need to buy lightbulbs now anyway…i may as well begin the switch. How about you? What will you do to help the environment and the economy?

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Leadership And It’s Connection To Success or Failure

      I have been thinking about leadership alot lately and it’s direct connection to success or failure.  Leadership whether it is in government, business, organizations, religions, education or, in personal relationships is very important.  Not everyone can be an effective leader.  There are more followers than leaders; so it is extremely important to follow the right person. 

       Whether a leader is skilled in certain areas determines how successful his/her leadership is.  Leading is not for the fainthearted; you can’t please everyone or, be their friend.  Some of the decisions a good leader has to make are extremely unpopular.  You can have productive relationships though, that are built out of respect, authority, compassion and hard work.  Those who are under your leadership have to know that you are informed and that you respect & understand their sacrifice to get the job done. 

        A good leader knows how to inspire, how to instruct, how to encourage, and how to redirect someone who is misguided, ill informed, has a poor work ethic or is saturated in a poor attitude.  A good leader knows when to use incentives and when praise or recognition will be more effective. 

        I know our country is in the midst of some deep and difficult issues.  Positive and productive leadership has never been more important.  A good leader also recognizes when they are out of their league and seeks a higher counsel…someone who is an expert in the area of concern.  I hope that those who are taking the reins of government leadership in our country are willing to lead with proper education and guidance… it is not a failure to admit that you don’t know all of the answers; it is a failure to not be willing to be educated in those areas.  We have much to accomplish and overcome in a short period of time.

        There is a great new book out by Lee Iacocca on leadership called, Where Have All Of The Leaders Gone?  I recommend reading this one.  This book gives some great advice on leading.  It also gives a bit of background information on the automotive business. 

         With the financial crisis hitting our country and the obviously failing auto industry…Lee’s book is timely.  I suggest that the new President elect Barack Obama consult with Mr. Iacocca on any proposed government bailout loan of the auto industry.  There has been some criticism about President Bush’s alleged lack of response to the auto industry’s struggles.  Now, if the American auto industry fails to succeed…we all will suffer the consequences.  I think that we already have been …but, it is only going to get worse without addressing the issue in a real purposeful way.  They are many businesses and employees who will be affected in a trickle down kind of action if and when the auto industry hits the roadblocks. 

        It would be wise to remember that whenever one major industry fails it generally has a domino effect on those sub-supportive businesses that supply the chain of industry.  We need to figure out some answers before we are all out of jobs.  We must demand competent leadership and hold them to a higher moral & ethical standard of conduct.  We are tired of those in business and industry who are content to take the money at the top and move on when they get their rewards…not caring about the outcome for those under their leadership.  Enough of the high salary CEO’s (or politicians) who don’t look long-term at the consequences of their decisions and their actions.  Americans must demand success in our leaders because the potential impact of failure is unacceptable!

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