2/25 GSX ODO 8119
Around.
Notable: 50 really is too cold to ride. I missed my first real turn when I felt the rear breaking loose and wasn't sure the front-end was going to turn-in properly. I've skidded the rear a couple of times on the same downhill run when braking, but this is the first time I felt like I might not make the turn. I rode on straight (in spite of my turn-signal) rather than risk it, glad that no one else was at the intersection. ...but tomorrow is supposed to be 60+!!! woohoo!!
If you aren't following religiously already, check out the (near) daily updates here:
http://www.examiner.com/x-2294-DC-Motorcycle-Travel-Examiner
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Motorcycle Diaries 2009.02.11
Happy New Year! And, yes, I have been riding around Virginia in the middle of winter!
2/11 GSX ODO 8114
To work and back.
Notable: After a visit to the eye doctor, the weather (68 and partly sunny) was just too good to pass up. So, after swapping the car for the bike, returned to work, wrapped everything up, and then headed back home. It's necessary.
2/8 GSX ODO 8099
Woohoo! Waxpool, 50, Snickersville Turnpike, 7, lunch at Nick's, and then home!
Notable: Riding the sweepers on Northern Virginia’s historic Snickersville Turnpike
Meeting up with 14 other sport-bike riders at noon, then hitting the road with the group. Heavy Metal Thunder! The pace was quick, and mostly legal, most of the time. It was well after noon, so it's unlikely that we woke any of the Snickersville residents, and passing rapidly, it's unlikely they were troubled by the roar of the bikes for too long. We may have seen 116 briefly on the way back on 7, but for the most part, kept the pace with the traffic. A fantastic ride, with a great new group of friends as a bonus! Oh, most notable of all: nearly 70 at 11:30AM and warming; still comfortable when I finally headed home at 5:30PM. This is the way winter is supposed to be!
2/7 GSX ODO 8017
Out to enjoy the weather for just a bit before heading to the Washington Auto Show.
Notable: In the high fifty's and sunny, it's good enough for a quick run around the block. (It's a big block.) Passed a couple riders going the other way, and then caught them again arriving home.
2/1, GSX ODO 8006
To pick up Joe's truck and back.
Notable: How different a Ford F150 and a Suzuki GSX-R1000 handle. And yet, the Ford's massive V8 and four giant tires their share of work to handle all that mass. But, nothing beats a bike and a rider weighing in under 600 lbs! 168 HP can handle that weight nicely.
Hauling lumber with the F150, I missed the apex of the temperature -- into the mid 60s. But, it was warm enough to enjoy the ride out and only a little chilly on the way back after 5PM.
2/11 GSX ODO 8114
To work and back.
Notable: After a visit to the eye doctor, the weather (68 and partly sunny) was just too good to pass up. So, after swapping the car for the bike, returned to work, wrapped everything up, and then headed back home. It's necessary.
2/8 GSX ODO 8099
Woohoo! Waxpool, 50, Snickersville Turnpike, 7, lunch at Nick's, and then home!
Notable: Riding the sweepers on Northern Virginia’s historic Snickersville Turnpike
Meeting up with 14 other sport-bike riders at noon, then hitting the road with the group. Heavy Metal Thunder! The pace was quick, and mostly legal, most of the time. It was well after noon, so it's unlikely that we woke any of the Snickersville residents, and passing rapidly, it's unlikely they were troubled by the roar of the bikes for too long. We may have seen 116 briefly on the way back on 7, but for the most part, kept the pace with the traffic. A fantastic ride, with a great new group of friends as a bonus! Oh, most notable of all: nearly 70 at 11:30AM and warming; still comfortable when I finally headed home at 5:30PM. This is the way winter is supposed to be!
2/7 GSX ODO 8017
Out to enjoy the weather for just a bit before heading to the Washington Auto Show.
Notable: In the high fifty's and sunny, it's good enough for a quick run around the block. (It's a big block.) Passed a couple riders going the other way, and then caught them again arriving home.
2/1, GSX ODO 8006
To pick up Joe's truck and back.
Notable: How different a Ford F150 and a Suzuki GSX-R1000 handle. And yet, the Ford's massive V8 and four giant tires their share of work to handle all that mass. But, nothing beats a bike and a rider weighing in under 600 lbs! 168 HP can handle that weight nicely.
Hauling lumber with the F150, I missed the apex of the temperature -- into the mid 60s. But, it was warm enough to enjoy the ride out and only a little chilly on the way back after 5PM.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Leadership
Leadership is about "what" must be done (and why). Managing is about "how" it will be done. The distinction between the two is less about an individual's level in an organization, and more about the nature of the direction being provided by that individual and whether constraints (e.g., resources, time, money) are informing that direction (leadership) or limiting that direction (management).
This distinction is important, because I'd argue that good managers are also effective leaders, great managers understand when and why they need to switch hats, and the best leaders and managers clearly understand the distinction between the two roles.
The basic keys to being an effective manager are succinctly enumerated in The One Minute Manager. Certainly far more vast volumes have been written. But few can claim to be so clear and concise in capturing the core elements of good people management.
Through a mentorship program I recently participated in, I had the opportunity to analyze and discuss the nature of leadership. I've been fortunate through my career to work with a number of great leaders, and see a wide range of leadership styles. Taking the best of the attributes I've seen, I assembled this list characterizing...
A great leader...
is honest, treats all members of their organization with respect, and communicates with integrity.
treats others as he/she expects to be treated, and leads by example.
demands accountability from all members of the organization, including themselves – both taking on appropriate responsibility, and accepting responsibility.
has a clear long-term vision for what the organization will accomplish, and clear understanding of the specific goals that must be achieved to support that vision.
effectively communicates their vision to their management team and the organization as a whole.
is able to clearly articulate a mission for the organization that inspires the members.
is enthusiastic about the organization, the people, and their collective mission.
is humble, and serves the organization.
is confident, and unthreatened by disagreement or conflicting ideas.
listens.
makes it clear that although they will listen to criticism and differing ideas, they are not looking for approval – "it's not a democracy."
provides thanks, praise, and other positive feedback at all opportunities (daily) to individuals, groups, and the organization as a whole.
provides constructive criticism and/or reprimand when necessary, and is sensitive to providing this feedback in an appropriate venue.
sets clear priorities, and makes decisions rapidly.
knows when to ask for more information in order to make an informed decision.
is comfortable not always being right, and isn't discouraged by making mistakes.
recognizes that it's often better to make a decision and be wrong than it is to fail to make a decision.
encourages a culture in which it is OK to make mistakes and take responsibility for them.
reacts positively to adversity, seeking solutions rather than placing blame.
knows the limit of their expertise and when to seek expert counsel and/or specialized professional support (e.g., logo design).
is genuinely interested in the people that work for them, and makes an effort to learn and address all members of their organization by name.
is willing to spend time with members of their organization at all levels.
Thank you to the great leaders I've worked with, who, by their example, made this summary so easy to assemble.
What other aspects of great leadership have you seen?
7 Qualities of the Best Engineering Leaders - by Patrick Sweet, Hired.com
They can develop and communicate a strong mission and vision
They have a plan
They thrive in dynamic situations
They care about you as a person
They are servants of the team
They are role models
They are humble
Related:
This distinction is important, because I'd argue that good managers are also effective leaders, great managers understand when and why they need to switch hats, and the best leaders and managers clearly understand the distinction between the two roles.
The basic keys to being an effective manager are succinctly enumerated in The One Minute Manager. Certainly far more vast volumes have been written. But few can claim to be so clear and concise in capturing the core elements of good people management.
Through a mentorship program I recently participated in, I had the opportunity to analyze and discuss the nature of leadership. I've been fortunate through my career to work with a number of great leaders, and see a wide range of leadership styles. Taking the best of the attributes I've seen, I assembled this list characterizing...
A great leader...
is honest, treats all members of their organization with respect, and communicates with integrity.
treats others as he/she expects to be treated, and leads by example.
demands accountability from all members of the organization, including themselves – both taking on appropriate responsibility, and accepting responsibility.
has a clear long-term vision for what the organization will accomplish, and clear understanding of the specific goals that must be achieved to support that vision.
effectively communicates their vision to their management team and the organization as a whole.
is able to clearly articulate a mission for the organization that inspires the members.
is enthusiastic about the organization, the people, and their collective mission.
is humble, and serves the organization.
is confident, and unthreatened by disagreement or conflicting ideas.
listens.
makes it clear that although they will listen to criticism and differing ideas, they are not looking for approval – "it's not a democracy."
provides thanks, praise, and other positive feedback at all opportunities (daily) to individuals, groups, and the organization as a whole.
provides constructive criticism and/or reprimand when necessary, and is sensitive to providing this feedback in an appropriate venue.
sets clear priorities, and makes decisions rapidly.
knows when to ask for more information in order to make an informed decision.
is comfortable not always being right, and isn't discouraged by making mistakes.
recognizes that it's often better to make a decision and be wrong than it is to fail to make a decision.
encourages a culture in which it is OK to make mistakes and take responsibility for them.
reacts positively to adversity, seeking solutions rather than placing blame.
knows the limit of their expertise and when to seek expert counsel and/or specialized professional support (e.g., logo design).
is genuinely interested in the people that work for them, and makes an effort to learn and address all members of their organization by name.
is willing to spend time with members of their organization at all levels.
Thank you to the great leaders I've worked with, who, by their example, made this summary so easy to assemble.
What other aspects of great leadership have you seen?
7 Qualities of the Best Engineering Leaders - by Patrick Sweet, Hired.com
They can develop and communicate a strong mission and vision
They have a plan
They thrive in dynamic situations
They care about you as a person
They are servants of the team
They are role models
They are humble
Related:
- 15 Things Mattis Taught Me About Real Leadership
- 8 Qualities That Make Great Bosses Unforgettable
- Why Introverts Can Make The Best Leaders
- The Six Deadly Sins of Leadership
- Best Advice: What I Learned From Jack Welch Hanging Up on Me
- 11 Simple Concepts to Become a Better Leader
- How Great Leaders Communicate
- The Essential Hallmarks of a Good Leader
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