Fresh Air

Sometimes it is wonderful to just get away and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine in Arizona. Friday the 25th I participated in the IFMA (International Facility Management Association) golf outing at the Biltmore in Phoenix and enjoyed a wonderful day. IFMA is a wonderful organization with terrific professional and I would urge anyone in the facility industry to join this group!

Role Model – I Think Not!

Representative Joe Wilson, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Kayna West, what do all of these individuals have in common? If you thought – they are famous, you would be right, but not for how they have excelled in their daily life and occupation. They all have shown their true character from the rude and boorish behavior they exhibited in the past week. All these individuals have shown a lack of respect for others and for themselves.

These antics from high profile people indicate a sad trend, manners and respect have gone out of style in society. The media attention generated in this technological age reaches impressionable youth who idolize top athletes, actors, and musical artists and, unfortunately, use them as role models. This type of ill-mannered behavior sets a negative example for anyone to follow. Whether these individuals want, or accept, the responsibility that comes with their celebrity, the reality is, they are viewed as role models and this “esteem” comes because of their public status.

National columnist, Terence Moore’s headline in an article prepared for Fanhouse on Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame speech, wrote, “Jordan went from classy to clown.” Terence hit the mark and no matter what excuse you choose to use, Jordan is “ultra-competitive” or Jordan has a big ego and that made him great and that ego was coming out in his speech, Michael Jordan was a clown.

The common rationalization Michael Jordan, his competitive nature was on display in the speech is flimsy at best. In 1997 an NBA top 50 players of all time was named and honored and every one of those men were “ultra” competitive in nature. At the beginning of the 1996-97 season, the 50 players had accumulated 107 NBA Championships, 49 Most Valuable Player Awards, 17 Rookie of the Year honors, 447 All-Star Game selections, 36 scoring titles, 923,791 total points and 410,327 total rebounds.

The other players on this list have represented themselves with class and dignity. Those fortunate enough to be elected to the Hall of Fame may have given, plain, boring and uninspiring speeches, but each did so with poise, pride, self-respect, and decorum. Thankfully, there are men who can be competitive on the court and still be proper role models in society.

No one doubts Jordan’s greatness on the court and one “from the heart” speech will not change that perception. However, the legacy of Jordan, the human being, will forever be altered by his rude and vindictive speech. Michael has a right to his feelings, and to express them openly on his day at the Hall of Fame, or at any other time, but as ESPN columnist Rick Reilly wrote, “It [his speech] was tactless, egotistical and unbecoming. When it was done, nobody wanted to be like Mike.” That is the best thing to come out of the speech.

He Who Serves

A noncommissioned officer was directing the repairs of a military building during the American Revolution. He was barking orders to the soldiers under his command, trying to get them to raise a heavy wooden beam.

As the men struggled in vain to lift the beam into place, a man who was passing by stopped to ask the one in charge why he wasn’t helping the men. With all the pomp of an emperor, the soldier responded, “Sir, I am a corporal!”

“You are, are you?” replied the passerby, “I was not aware of that.” Then, taking off his hat and bowing, he said, “I ask your pardon, Corporal.” Then the stranger walked over and strained with the soldiers to lift the heavy beam.

Once the job was completed, he turned and said, “Mr. Corporal, when you have another such job, and have not enough men, send for your Commander in Chief, and I will come and help you a second time.” The corporal was thunderstruck. The man’s name was General George Washington.

We all want to be honored, respected and appreciated. So badly, sometimes, that we try to demand it. The fact is, that these things cannot be demanded or even requested. True honor, respect and appreciation only come one way. When we become servants.

Leading by example is the only sure way to be successful in business and in life. Sometimes we need to “check our ego at the door” as I’m fond of saying. Only when we accomplish this task will we truly be respected and followed.

White Tank Mountains

If you love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, there is no better location than the beautiful White Tank Mountains just west of Surprise, Arizona. In fact the Maricopa County rangers at the park offer ranger-guided hikes and family-oriented programs. Reservations are not needed unless requested.

It is recommended that you wear sturdy, closed-toes shoes for most programs and bring plenty of drinking water. There are no fees for the programs, however entry fee to the park is a mere $5.

You can get to the White Tank Park on Olive Avenue, west of the Loop 303 through Waddell.

This is a fun way to see the gorgeous mountains and a spectacular view of the valley with your whole family.

First Time Home Buyer Credit

The first-time home buyer tax credit deadline of December 1st is fast approaching. In February Congress increased the credit from $7,500 to $8,000 and eliminated the repayment requirement. Now is the time for buyers to take advantage of this program – before it is too late. There is still a large segment of the market that is not aware of this program or it’s advantages.

Buyers who wish to utilize this program but don’t have the $8,000 up front can ask lenders to give buyers access to tax-credit funds at closing through a loan facilitated by the FHA. Another possible solution is to increase the number of dependents on the tax withholding statements buyers file with their employer. It does free up more money but it does take months to accrue the $8,000 that the government will eventually reimburse.

Even with these shortcomings, this is a terrific program and a benefit to many, if they are aware and can take advantage of it. Now is the time to put this program to work. If you have buyers, let them know of its availability and how they can use this to purchase the home of there dreams.

What Do You Really Think?

I am fascinated with the number of people who read blog posts and never leave a comment, positive, negative or neutral. I wonder if they agree, disagree or don’t care. It would be interesting to know some of the thoughts of readers. How about you? Care to comment?

Roses

Wow, September 1, 2009, where has the year gone? Life flies by so fast I can sometimes get caught up in it and miss the real beauty of everything around me; how about you? Have you stopped to smell the roses at all this year?