AFTER THE POST II: Book's Questions and Insight Deserve to be Mentioned Again

For a book I recommended people NOT to purchase, I keep referring back to it. (Good thing I haven't taken my copy of "How Do You Kill 11 Million People?" back to the library yet.)

There were a couple insightful comments made by the author, Andy Andrews, that I can't shake. They are in my brain and splintering off in a countless number of directions.

I wanted to share.

Andrews writes: "....there are currently 545 human beings who are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for every problem America faces: one president, nine Supreme Court justices, 100 senators and 435 members of the House Representatives."

Then he asks this question: "Have you ever noticed that if any one of us lies to them, it is a felony? But if any one of them lies to us, it is considered politics."

Hmmmmm.......

The other point that stuck with me was his breakdown of the world's greatest civilizations, which average around 200 years.

Andrews writes: "Why do these civilizations all seem to follow the same identifiable sequence – from bondage to spiritual faith, from spiritual faith to courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, and finally from dependence back into bondage."

His questions: "What is our nation's course? Do you believe that one can determine a probable destination by examining the direction in which one is traveling? If so, where are we headed."

To understand the context of Andrews’ insight, I wanted to remind you about the basic premise of his New York Times Bestseller:

• The book puts an emphasis on World War II and the holocaust;

• Andrews firmly believes "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it;"

• He expresses concern about where United States is headed – without calling out a specific leader and/or particular political party;

• He doesn’t say that the U.S. WILL be the site of the next holocaust, BUT he said that it COULD be;

• He attacks the integrity of leadership in this country;

• He points to the apathy of the American people,

• And he challenges Americans to get educated, engaged AND vote.

To read my original blog post about this book, click here.

AFTER THE POST: Perspective Makes This Book a MUST Buy, a MUST Read and a MUST Share

In a post last week, I referenced the New York Times Bestseller "How Do You Kill 11 Million People?" by Andy Andrews.

I was thrilled when Mr. Andrews – or a member of Mr. Andrews' team – reached out me on Twitter. He said he liked the post – despite the fact I told people NOT to buy the book. (I simply suggested checking it out of from the local public library instead.)

He had a sense of humor about it,
adding a friendly "Ha!" in the Tweet.

The ironic part: The exact same day I received the Tweet, I finished ANOTHER book by Andrews – "The Noticer".

This wonderfully great book IS a "buyer." (Not to mention a "sharer.")

"The Noticer" is an easy read that is profound, thought-provoking and inspirational. The theme of the book revolves around its subtitle: "Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective."

GREATNESS!

Andrews' web site, The Noticer Project – which deserves its own blog post – describes the book perfectly:

"Based on a remarkable true story, The Noticer beautifully blends fiction, allegory, and inspiration. It provides simple, yet powerful distinctions about love, relationships, value and integrity and will inspire readers to take that first step towards a major life change."

I'm not sure why I'm just now being introduced to Mr. Andrews' fabulous books, but I've already started No. 3: "The Traveler's Gift." (Sorry Mr. Andrews...I got it from the library.)

I'll keep you posted.

Follow the Leader? Only If They're Qualified

When you write a book entitled “How Do You Kill 11 Million People?” people are going to take notice.

I sure as hell did.

I was out on a run earlier this week, listening to the Dave Ramsey radio broadcast (great way to kill two birds with one stone – staying in shape physically AND financially.) Author Andy Andrews was a guest on the show, pimping his new book, “How Do You Kill 11 Million People?”

The book’s title obviously got my attention, but it’s something Andrews said during the interview that made me tuck my lips, nod my head and say: “Wow...he nailed it!”

To understand the context of Andrews’ statement,
you have to know the basic premise of his
New York Times Bestseller:

• The book puts an emphasis on World War II and the holocaust;

• Andrews firmly believes "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it;"

• He expresses concern about where United States is headed – without calling out a specific leader and/or particular political party;

• He doesn’t say that the U.S. WILL be the site of the next holocaust, BUT he said that it COULD be;

• He attacks the integrity of leadership in this country;

• He points to the apathy of the American people;

• He challenges Americans to get educated, engaged AND vote;

So how DO you kill 11 million people?

Andrews: “You lie to them.”

It’s an interesting book, a 20-minute read – short, sweet and to the point. (It’s such a quick read, I wouldn’t recommend buying it. Just check it out from your local library.)

Back to Andrews’ comment on The Dave Ramsey Show...he said:

“The question is not ‘who is going to lead us.’ The question is ‘what are our standards for being led.’ "

Tuck lips.

Nod.

“Nailed. It.”

Andrews was specifically talking about government and elected officials, but I quickly applied his rhetorical question to ANY leadership position – a boss, a coach, a teacher, a preacher, etc.

It didn’t take me long to realize that’s what I’ve been missing recently in my professional life – solid leadership.

Have I worked for good leaders? Absolutely. I’ve actually worked for GREAT leaders.

But I’ve also worked for some poor leaders. (They were simply “managers” with a fancy title.)

I wanted to share a letter I wrote to one of my former employers before I left and moved on to another opportunity (reminder 11 jobs in 11 years). I’ve removed all the names from the letter, and it was important to me that I didn’t identify the company/organization. (He or she knows if they're my muse for this blog post, because they received a copy of this letter on my last day.)

The only reason I want to share this letter is because Andrews’ question is powerful:

What are our standards for being led?

Mine are high and will always be high. That's why I refuse to stay in a bad situation. I guess I’m hoping this letter inspires you to take action:

• If you’re in a position to lead...THEN DO IT!

• If you’re in a position to follow...make sure you’re being led by the right people and hold those leaders to the highest standards.

Dear (name removed),

I just want to thank you for this tremendous opportunity – to briefly be a part of your incredible vision.

Even though this business relationship did not work out, I hope you know how much I believe in what you are trying to do. I’ve said this to MANY people (family, friends, random people in the community): I definitely drank the “Kool-aid” and was ready and willing to help take you where you wanted to go.

What happened?

I simply wanted to be a legitimate part of the team. I thought my experience and skill sets could truly help you accomplish your goals. After several conversations over the last two months, I realized that you were unable to facilitate that need/desire.

You asked me on several occasions to be a “team player” – pick up the slack where necessary. And even though I was hired to tell your story in the role of marketing and communications, I was willing to adjust on the move since I believed in what you were doing.

The most recent request – splitting my time and energy in other departments – definitely caught me off guard. However, my decision to be proactive with an “exit strategy” had nothing to do with the request and everything to do with how it was handled.

From my initial meeting, to my earnest request to be a more integral part of the team, I was disappointed. But my biggest frustration came when we were discussing the details of my new role within the company. The fact that my meeting was scheduled at the exact same time as a singing birthday telegram was unprofessional and disrespectful.

It was a complete and utter joke.

I tried to push it aside. I tried to let it go. I couldn’t.

BUT with all that in the rearview mirror, my sit-down meeting with you this morning was going to be the determining factor. You only gave me 10 minutes and that was enough time to make me realize that this wasn’t going to work out.

I wish you the best of luck. You ARE going to do wonderfully great things. I encourage you to be flexible with the “structure” of your company and focus on the strategy and the people. Those two things will take you where you want to go.

Please don’t ever forget where you came from and who you are – never, never try to be someone or something you’re not.

Thanks again,

Drew

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