Chapter 39

A maxim is a short set of words conveying a truth or a standard of conduct. These are powerful tools of communication when few words are needed but power in those words is imperative. Some of the more famous: “Failure is not an option”, Gene Kranz, NASA, Apollo 134, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”4 President Roosevelt, “I have a dream”5, Dr Martin Luther King. A few words that have stood the test of time and succinctly captured the moment.

 Down to earth were we live an example of the use of maxims is with the phrase that followed my name and title on my business email, “All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by”6. No, I am not a fan of early 20thcentury poetry, but I liked what the line conveyed, a good organization with a well-defined mission. I was also a huge fan of that captain of the Enterprise from the 1960 science fiction series; I liked his style! Further, the quote always appeared in green as I have always been an environmentalist. So much in just a signature line for emails!

Following are maxims I have collected and used over the years, consider these and your own as tools at the ready when needed. Remember fewer words are better than many words most times. The use of maxims conveys the bigger idea you are trying to get across in succinct way.

1) Count your blessing, count your challenges and stop complaining – We too often seem to be surrounded by complainers, and negative thought, just watch the national news any evening. In reality the vast majority of life is good, your job is to accentuate the good news and not be dragged down by the bad.

2) Toward the fire, not away - As a leader you must lead by tackling challenges front on.

3) “Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom” – General George S. Patton, Folks need encouragement during the tough times.

4) Judge the man not the moment - There will be time where your folks do stupid things, if that person is generally a valued worker, cut them slack we are all imperfect.

5) “Whatever you are be a good one” - President Abraham Lincoln, excel!

6) Finish well - Unfortunately most judge by outcome, not process, keep this in mind.

7) “Well done is better than well said”7 – Benjamin Franklin, Actions, Actions, Actions.

8) Victory is not accidental - There is no such thing as luck, victory is achieved by those that are prepared, work hard, and prevail.

9) “Walk by faith, not buy sight”8 - The Apostil Paul, believe in those working for you despite what your eyes and ears tell you, they have tremendous potential if believed in.

10) Embrace the remarkable - There will be those that have the gift, the talent; associate and encourage these folks.

11) Life does not change you, you change it - Do not be a victim, be a change agent.

12) How fortunate for the world you share your gift - Again, for the remarkable, encourage them, be a force multiplier.

13) “Happiness and moral duty are inseparable connected” - President George Washington. A positive attitude is contagious, it is good and it inspires.

14) “Courage is knowing what not to fear” – Plato. Be brave, resolute.

15) Your trouble is your transport - Hard times build character for those willing to listen, learn, and persevere.

16) Time is the great healer - There will be times feeling are hurt, time is on your side, be patient.

17) Today is a good day for a good day - Keep it positive and more positive and more positive.

18) As youth fades let wisdom prevail - We all age, wisdom expands quicker than youth fades.

19) Perfect is the enemy of good - We have all been there, know when the product is ready, do not overwork the issue.

20) “When you’re in command, command”9– Admiral Chester Nimitz, you are in charge for a reason, there will be occasions you must exercise your authority.

21) Live generously - I would bet you got to where you are through the help of others. Always return the favor many fold.

22) “If not now, when?”10 – Hillel, as the saying goes, carpe diem, seize the day!

23) Strength is when no one is watching - It is most rewarding to one’s self when no one knows but you the good you have done.

24) Push through it - Head forward, chin up, drive, drive, drive.

25) Loyalty - Being faithful and devoted, having an allegiance to mission and staff is critical to success.

26) Be unafraid to be right - You will be challenged, stand firm when you are certain.

27) Sometimes you do not know all of the answers - It is Ok to not have the answer at that moment, it is a sign of wisdom, but search out the answer if possible.

28) “Alone we can do little, together we can do much” - Helen Keller, the synergy of the team is amazing.

29) No one is smarter that all of us – So important that everyone, everyone, have a say.

30) “Where there is no vision there is no hope” - George Washington Carver, someone must see the course and direction.

31)  Let grayer minds prevail - It has been my observation that there is rarely any substitute for experience and wisdom.