Month: June 2014

#739 an illusion

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Inside the Alabama State Capitol are beautiful walls that appear to be painted in between crown moulding.  The colors just pop off the walls and they certainly appear to be three-dimensional.  I hope you can see them here:


 

In reality, the walls and ceilings are nothing but one-dimensional paint.  Regular paint, just like you and I would use, only in the hands of a master muralist who made the decor come to life.  The whole interior is an illusion.

I wonder about the city of Montgomery itself, and whether or not civil rights and racial equality are an illusion too.  Taped into the window of an abandoned downtown business was this sign:


How long has that sign been there — and does it represent the sentiment of today?  Has racial tolerance been replaced with bias against another group of people or is this closed-minded behavior what caused the business to close in the first place?  Maybe it is a reminder from a long ago time, but the city officials trying to revitalize the area would be well served to take it down promptly.

Does a cue from one area of your organization send mixed signals from what you are trying to achieve in another area?  Are you guilty of painting the walls to appear 3-D when in reality your commitment is only surface deep?  We are always looking for clues for what is authentic and real.  Look to the little signs to see how your true message is coming across.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


#738 historical connections

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Montgomery, Alabama was just named the Most Historical City by USA Today’s Readers Choice Poll.  It certainly should be on the short list if not the winner.  They have played a central role in the “Civil War to Civil Rights.”

I was surprised to see all the places in the city that had national significance.  The first White House of the Confederacy where Jefferson Davis lived.  The Greyhound Bus Terminal that was the site of the Freedom Rides. The church where Martin Luther King, Jr. was pastor.  The steps of the capitol where Governor George C. Wallace preached his “I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever” litany.  The bridge site of Bloody Sunday in the voter registration march to Selma.

And, of course, where Rosa Parks refused to get off the bus which became the motivation for the Montgomery Bus Boycotts.  The site where Rosa got on the bus is marked with a plaque, and fortunately where she chose not to yield her seat is also publicly noted.  

Troy University purchased the land on that famous corner, with the intent of making into a parking garage.  Fortunately, the leadership realized that it would be far better utilized as a Rosa Parks Museum, and that is what it is today.  The Greyhound Bus Depot was set for demolition but instead became a Freedom Riders Museum.  

Is there hallowed ground in your community that you should work to preserve?  Public places that have played a role in making your organization, your city or you what you are today?  Sometimes just having people stand in the same place as history can shape the future.  Think about how you can influence tomorrow by the decisions you make about yesterday.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com




#737 pursuit

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After California Chrome came in fourth in the Belmont Stakes yesterday, its owner Steve Coburn spoke to reporters.  “There will never be another Triple Crown Winner in my lifetime,” he said.  “The way owners hold back their horses so they have fresh legs is the coward’s way out.”

He was referring to the fact that California Chrome (and any other potential Triple Crown winners) ran in the Kentucky Derby and then the Preakness before coming to Belmont.  Tonalist, who won the race, did not run in either precursor.  Wicked Strong was another Belmont runner who skipped the Preakness in order to save strength for this race.

Coburn certainly has a point that those who run all three races are at a disadvantage.  But isn’t life like that?  Sometimes you are working on projects or attempting things where you are more fatigued than the competition or when the field isn’t even.  You may not win all the races, but attempting them all will earn you more glory than those who take an easier path. 

We’ll remember California Chrome longer than anyone can recall Tonalist, because he tried for the gusto.  Keep going for your Triple Crown, even when the race you’re running doesn’t seem fair.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


#736 easy living

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When I lived in West Virginia, my house had a porch swing.  I think a large portion of why I purchased that particular home was because of that swing; that it remained with the house became a condition of my purchase.

I spent many hours on the swing; somehow all my cares seemed to vanish with the peaceful swaying of the seat.  You couldn’t be stressed out as you swung back and forth at the leisurely pace, and it was physically impossible to traverse at any other speed.

It seems that the Tallahassee, Florida is trying to add a similar element of charm and relaxation to their community.  The city is attempting to make the porch swing a “signature symbol” as they place them in parks, at the lake, downtown and gardens.  The city is encouraging residents to add them to homes, high schools and other public places.

You don’t need a community decree to add a swing to your yard or neighborhood.  Far cheaper than therapy, and more fun too, think about bringing a relaxing addition into your life.  Elements of community, conversation and casual enjoyment all await at the end of a few chains.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


Source:  (Porch) Swing City by Byron Dobson, Tallahassee Democrat, 5/26/14, p. 1A

#735 in a decade

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Yesterday I wrote about the pitiful state of downtown Montgomery.  Apparently a group of investors can see beyond that and has formed the Montgomery Market District in an attempt to bring commercial, retail and residential vibrancy back to the central city.

They have just started their work and are in the initial stages of encouraging brave tenants to join them.  A new sidewalk and beautification program is underway:


And they have an incredibly clever advertising firm with signs and billboards such as:
> Visit beforeidie.cc
> Turning the lights back on
> Bad time to be a cobweb!
> On your Market, get set…
> Teach an old building new tricks

But Montgomery will need more than catchy slogans to motivate people to dream this big. They need strong leaders with a compelling story before many will invest here:


The work of the Montgomery Market District is possible, perhaps backed by believers and funders in the RSA.  It will take a decade to truly transform the city, but people are actively starting that task today.  

How are you as a leader helping your people see what their organization could be like for the next generation instead of just for the next quarter?

–— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

See MontgomeryMarketDistrict.com


#734 envision

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In 1993, when the Retirement System of Alabama* purchased the building at 55 Water Street in New York, it cost them $203 million.  Today it is worth $1.4 billion, is paid off and generated $70 million net profit last year alone.  

At the time, the building was full of asbestos and devoid of clients, but RSA’s head David Bronner saw the potential and made the acquisition.  “When something is very bleak, we’ve often had great success with it,” said Dr. Bronner.

I believe that the City of Montgomery is hoping for a similar scenario with its downtown. The central city is in serious need of revitalization.  Calling it a ghost town would be kind.  In reality, parts of it are more than vacant, they are dilapidated and in need of great repair.  Example:

(note the presence of sunshine inside the building!)

Is having a vision enough?  Where does reality come in that says having a dream should remain just an idea and not be pursued?  The right answer to this question is what separates the leaders from the managers, and the wrong answer is what gets them fired!

More on this tomorrow…

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


*See Blog #733, June 4, 2014

Source:  www.ras-al.gov  2013 Annual Report

#733 visible

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Who owns the largest office building in New York?  You may make many guesses, but I doubt you’ll come up with the answer:  The Retirement Systems of Alabama.

RSA is a $35 billion entity that owns office buildings, parking decks, hotels, luxury condominium villages, an early learning center, performing arts center, golf courses, an activity center and even a park.  They are real estate moguls who have investments in three cities (Montgomery, Mobile and New York).

RSA’s goal is to “preserve excellent benefits and soundness of the Systems at the least expense to the state of Alabama and all Alabama taxpayers.”  Instead of investing in invisible ways, they have chosen to be prominently recognized for their ventures.

All throughout Montgomery, buildings display the RSA seal on their facades.  We learned that if the funding for construction came from RSA and the facility must display their logo until the entire debt is paid.  It is a bold way for the system to let the public know how funds are being used.  It is also an integrated way to strengthen the community through the reinvestment of funds.

I was only there two days, but there is no doubt that RSA has made a difference in Montgomery. Think of all you are doing for your members that is done behind the scenes.  Can you take a lesson from RSA and be more visible about the impact you are making in your community?  Maybe your logo won’t be incorporated into the design of a building, but there are other ways to show your influence in action.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  http://www.rsarealestate.com

#732 living history

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On vacation, we took a guided tour through the Alabama state capitol.  After seeing so many of them, they all start to look alike (to me), but what Montgomery has that no other capitol does is Arione Irby.  

Mr. Irby was a docent extraordinaire — full of both humor and facts, with a zestful laugh and a way of making a tour of a building most entertaining.  In addition, he brought a piece of history to life with stories about his personal involvement in the civil rights movement.

Mr. Irby was one of the marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday (March 7, 1965).  Armed officers, with dogs and horses, attacked peaceful civil rights demonstrators as they attempted to march to the capitol.  Deputies used billy clubs and tear gas to stop those advocating for voter rights.  Irby said: “I was 19 years old. I did not want to die, but I was prepared to die” on that day.  

Seventeen marchers were hospitalized and the images of the brutality were broadcast around the world.  The march from Selma to Montgomery was seen as the turning point in the civil rights movement.  It was hard for me to imagine that such brutality and discrimination occurred and that we were speaking with someone who lived history rather than just read about it.  

Mr. Irby’s efforts were not in vain.  At the time, he was not allowed in the capitol; now he was giving tours of it.  He received his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama and had two sons receive law degrees from there.  

It would be understandable if Mr. Irby was bitter toward the government or chose to distance himself from the workings of the state. Instead, he majored in history, is an active member of the Alabama Historical Commission and plans to participate in the commemorative march to mark the 50th anniversary next year.

Mr. Irby consciously chose to be brave 49 years ago, and he consciously chose to have a positive attitude ever since.  I think of the causes I believe in, yet often do not speak up for, let alone put my life truly at risk for something bigger.

We can all take lessons from Arione Irby on having the courage to take a stand, and then living a life worthy of the battle.  

Think of him today and go vote in the primaries.  Never take your rights or freedom for granted.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


#731 boundaries

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Just to the edge of the snow white beaches of Destin, Florida was a roped off area protecting beach dunes.  


The signs read:
Intact dunes protect us from storms, keep our beaches healthy and provide habitat for rare wildlife.  Although dune plants tolerate harsh beach conditions, they can’t withstand the pounding of feet.

Are there parts of your organization that are like the beach grasses — able to withstand one type of difficulty but unable to bear another?  Maybe your staff can put up with long hours and travel, but not confusing reimbursement practices.  Perhaps they can handle unhappy customers but are unsettled when confronted by unhappy colleagues.  Or maybe the staff can thrive amidst budget cuts but becomes deflated when professional development is impacted.

Try to be like the park service and know where the limits are.  It’s not always the harshest conditions that cause people to break, rather the smaller transgressions that trample.  Take care to rope off the appropriate areas to help in your organizational restoration.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Happy 2 year Anniversary of the Dots!!



#730 have fun with it

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While in Montgomery, Alabama we went to the minor league baseball game.  The team name:  the Biscuits.  We asked about the rationale behind such an unusual moniker, and the ticket seller said that it was what the people voted for.  No biscuit factory in town; no baking legacy in the city, just a hats off to a Southern food favorite.  

[What if all teams took part in identifying with indigenous delicacies?  The Chicago Hot Dogs.  The Boston Lobsters.  The New Orleans Beignets.  The  Philadelphia Cheese Steaks.  It could start a whole new trend.]

My favorite part of their branding wasn’t the two-dimensional icon (a biscuit) or their costumed mascot (Mo the Anteater), rather the live pig that was led around the stadium on a leash.  


Her name: Miss Gravy.  (As in biscuits and gravy, of course!)  Can they have any more fun with this?

The next time you need to name something or come up with a theme, think about the Montgomery Biscuits.  Don’t take yourself so seriously!  They are merchandising marvels and proof that if you add a little humor, you can make anything work.  

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

The Biscuit print identity
Big Mo the Mascot