Afghanistan et al are a little more complicated then that. Such comparisons are important to make, because one should sympathize with locals in Afghanistan, and empathize with their situation. The problem here is that the comparison is only fair in the abstract which is why it is attractive to Paultards. Libertarianism is attractive because it is simple to understand. When applied throughout public policy, it is irresponsible, and turns unabashed selfishness into a virtue. Did you notice the Dan Brown moment when ‘love’ turns to revolution? This is great marketing for the Ron Paul target market of the uninformed who might also believe in conspiracies, as they have a low level of trust in authority, and have a less nuanced appreciation for social responsibility, and community.
Race To The Top
Become an entrepreneur, and race to the top. That’s what Seth Godin is saying these days, and he is actually correct (after years of peddling semi-serious internet marketing literature) that there is a need for individual ownership of ones own destiny. Perhaps not for most, but North America is in a more permanent recession as the industrial system is in a process of collapse. People are conditioned to fear failure, instability, but the society our parents grew up in is rather different to our own, and an unclear new path needs to be formed by channeling our understanding of market forces, sustainable ideas, and viable value propositions. Instead of chasing lower prices, find something you are good at, and create value.
It Happened One Night
Learn How To Delegate: Warren Buffett
There are five segments to Warren Buffett’s Management Principles:
- Pick the right business: own, manage, or work for the right business, you need to work for the one with the best economics.
- Delegate authority: learn how to give up control safely.
- Find a manager with the right qualities: integrity, intelligent, and a passion for the business. You need to cultivate this in yourself, and in the right candidates.
- Motivate your work force: you need to motivate your managers so that they are all that they can be within your company.
- Learn the managerial axioms for different problems: there are axioms for handling dishonest employees, and keeping costs low.
2. Learn to Delegate Within Your Company: Berkshire growth needs to be competently run. A management approach has allowed Berkshire to become a large multi-national conglomerate.
Rules for Delegating Authority: Do not try to control every event, if you are micro-managing then you will drop all aspects of your work. Delegating to a competent manager means a more thorough execution of the task. There is not enough time in the day to actually delegate, Warren delegates with rules:
- Every business culture is unique: workers and managers have developed highly specialized skill sets, even remotely as well as he can. Employees are the experts. If you have any job as a manager; it should be to cheerlead not be a slave driver.
- Competent Managers like to do their business as their own. Play on the manager’s pride.
- The managers should not only be hardworking, you should have a great deal of integrity. If they aren’t honest they will rob the company blind. Sell cheap, and tell the truth.
[This is a précis of Warren Buffett’s Management Secrets. More is forthcoming]