I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth.

For any of you few that hit this blog from time to time, I apologize for not keeping current with my writing. Between school, work, long hours in the hot steel mill, my kids home for the summer, and various other distractions, I have neglected my blog and my handful of fans.

from www.thewashingtonfancy.com

Please forgive me, I am working on some new articles that should be posted by week's end.

Comments

The Strength of Manufacturing, Today and Tomorrow

During a recent staff meeting, I grabbed a can of soda from the mini-fridge in the conference room. There was one lonely can of Vernors Ginger Ale amongst the plethora of cans of Pepsi, and Diet Pepsi. Normally, I don't drink regular soda because of the sugar, but a spicy Vernors sure did sound good. If you aren't familiar with Vernors, it's a long-time Detroit favorite. A once regional product, it has become a nationwide staple. Different from Canada Dry or Schwepps ginger ale, Vernors has a unique darker color and spiciness that makes it an acquired taste. The logo of Vernors has always been an old style wooden stave barrel with riveted wrought iron bands. Even this particular can was dressed up like an old barrel. While holding the can in my hand, my mind was flooded of thoughts and memories about my connection with Detroit, and my grandfather, great uncle, and great grandfather that were in the barrel and crate business. The business later transformed, just

Richard Winters: Integrity In Leadership

Maj. Richard Winters While I was watching HBO's " Band of Brothers " mini-series, for the twenty-something th time, I recognized something poignant. Maj. Richard Winters , who serves as the central connecting character, continually demonstrates exceptional middle management virtues. His leadership is exemplary, not just in a military sense, but for any organizational setting. He led by example and was always willing to go first, where he sent others. He knew how to balance compassion with expectations. When it was necessary to be stern and authoritative, he was. When it was necessary to show empathy, he did. He learned to delegate, even though it was never easy. He gained the respect of his peers and his subordinates through his actions, not by intimidation or cruelty. Damien Lewis as Richard Winter s Richard Winters knew he wasn't perfect. He didn't demand perfection, he demanded ultimate accountability. In contrast to Herbert Sobel's b

The Mentor of a Middle Manager - Joel Bussell

I have been writing this article for almost a month; bits and pieces at a time. I wanted to finish it before December 26 th, on what would have been my father’s 84 th birthday. Joel Bussell was the most important mentor in my life. I have had many people who have influenced me during my journey into middle management. Supervisors, department managers, coworkers, and even direct supports have helped guide me through numerous challenges. However, my father was the first and most significant mentor of my entire life. An engineer, and later an attorney, he was not ever a C-suite executive or a world-renowned leader. To those he taught in his classes or hired and developed in his 40-year manufacturing career, and 15 years as an educator, he was an invaluable mentor. As I look back on my life, I can visualize many of the times my father advised me. It was his idea for me to spend my summer mornings as 14-year-old, selling donuts door to door in office building

Manager Sandwich: The Middle Manager's Survival Blog

Search This Blog