Mansfield, Ohio - Slowly Burning

A week ago, downtown Mansfield, Ohio suffered acts of arson- #48 and #49 (simultaneously) since June. Apparently, the authorities were holding two individuals in jail while considering filing charges, when the two fires ignited. Since nobody has been charged, I’m assuming the suspect’s were released. One of the individuals had a previous history of arsons.

I still believe these acts of arson are somehow related to the $2.1 million SAFER (FEMA) grant money awarded to Mansfield and the push to hire 15 firefighters. Despite a $6,000.00 reward the neighbors to these acts of arson are just like Sgt. Schultz of Hogan’s Heroes fame.

Will we suffer our 50^th act of arson in downtown Mansfield, Ohio prior to the New Year?

Despite the snow, I wouldn’t bet against it. With a major portion of boarded-up houses, the downtown area is an easy picking for the prey. There are also many houses with boarded-up windows and tenants living within the homes. Mansfield has been fortunate to avoid human casualties since the fires began in June, but how long until innocent lives are lost?

 

If you know something, please contact the authorities or contact me. Playing the “hear no, see no evil” wildcard isn’t a solution or a humane response.

Arson is simply a form of terror and Fear is never the answer.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Failing, Losing and Winning

We don’t encourage people to be creative. Rarely, do we ask people to do something meaningful.

We spend far more time telling folks:

·        No- you can’t.

·        You have no experience.

·        Somebody else has already done it.

·       Nobody's ever done it.

·        You don’t have the money, education or time.

·        It won’t work.

·        You better get permission.

·        I’d talk with a lawyer first.

And the ultimate sabotage responses:

·        You’ll fail.

·        You’ll never make it.

·        You’ll go broke and starve.

·        You won’t be able to survive.

·        You’ll die.

How often do we say- “That’s a great idea, I think you should go for it?”

That’s what I thought.

We shoot someone’s hope, dream and possible future down quickly. If everyone followed our own fearful advice, there’d be no electricity, surgeons, automobiles, medicine, clean water or technical device to read this blog.

Somehow, I believe we can do better. We allow fear to keep us from doing the very things we need to do. Persuading others through our own inadequacies and lack of insight to do nothing ensures we never step out of our comfort zone, make progress or change the world.

Failing is a far better gift than doing nothing.

Losing is a lesson in improvement.

And winning is the opportunity to start over again!

Don’t listen to the advice of naysayer’s, family members or best friends. Live your dreams. Seek out those who encourage your goals. Surround yourself with positive people who transcend hope, imagination and fuel your passion to persist with excellence.

 We’ve only got today and it’s our chance to do-

 Something Meaningful that Matters!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Posturing 101

1.   Posturing

Verb

Behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others.

Adopt (an attitude) to impress or mislead.

-      The Free Dictionary

The act of people posturing is a daily ritual in some establishments. It’s a frightening display of human neediness within a fluttering workplace environment. When the environment becomes unstable with rumors, layoffs, closings and uncertainty; the emotion of fear produces some strange twists in behavior patterns. Suddenly the competition to be important and publicized becomes top priority in the whirlwind to be noticed.

Those in fear of their jobs seek popularity and publicized moments above everything else. Their desire to earn mass attention is what triggers every act of good will, performance and achievement. Fear produces posturing of epic proportions within management and employees.

I find nothing wrong in attempting to stand-out in a crowd. But to continually push beyond the boundaries, posturing becomes an addiction for all the wrong reasons. Exemplary work is fabulous, but throwing everyone under the bus to achieve stardom cheapens the reason.

Doing good deeds doesn’t require extraordinary effort, nor does it have a need to boast. Posturing inflates the ego and is a narcissist’s best friend. It depreciates the value of co-workers or team effort; causes dissention and promotes the selfish, shameless promotion of self. The long term destruction produces a lack of trust and unfair objective view of others.

It’s easy to see who the most insecure people are within a company. There’s a difference between a sincere act of generosity and a piranha like feeding frenzy fighting to be noticed. The distorted view becomes an endless competition among a few. The reality is misleading; it’s outlandish, ridiculous and over-the-top.

At the heart of the problem is the workplace environment. When an organization is motivated by fear the results are negative. The system in place is unaccountable for its actions and results. Posturing is viewed as a bench mark of effectiveness and used to increase the culture uneasiness.

Companies operating in this mode don’t offer counseling, truth or comfort. It’s a cat and mouse game of control by state of fear. Longevity doesn’t bode well for organizations seeking long term stability by practicing fear mongering.

It’s not 1947 and using Gestapo type tactics ruins reputations!

When you see an unusual display of people posturing for their livelihoods chances are: the culture is the problem and at the root is fear.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mansfield, Ohio- Does it Still Burn?

Back in October, I wrote a blog concerning the 42 acts of arson within the city of Mansfield, Ohio. Interestingly, it became my most viewed blog to date. Even more interesting was the fact that the majority of viewers were not from Mansfield, nor has one comment been received. From June to October we averaged an act of arson every 3.2 days.

The City of Mansfield was coincidentally attempting to pass a safety levy which would hire 3 additional firefighters. The suspicion arose as perhaps the acts of arson were somehow an inside job. On Saturday, November 3rd, we had 2 fires with abandoned buildings setting 3 feet apart. The fires diminished near the voting on November 6th, when the safety levy failed to pass.

So we now have 44 acts of arson within 6 months.

In October, I raised several questions:

• Why wasn’t the State of Ohio or Federal assistance summoned to assist in the investigation?

• Why hasn’t our Mayor or Fire Chief sought community meetings seeking information and vigilance?

• Why has no one come forward with information in lieu of a $5,000 reward?

Some citizens believe the acts were inside fires started to instill fear in the levy voters. Some residents feel it is another typical Mansfield, Ohio cover-up. Some believe it was someone seeking a firefighter job by promoting fear.

Late in October, I contacted a news reporter with our local paper. No response. I left messages. No response. Why?

On Thursday November 1^st, the local newspaper ran a story featuring the local Firefighters Union. The Union announced donating $1,000 to the existing $5,000 reward offered by the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist(s).

The Union also stated it would form a coalition of citizens, service organizations, church groups and neighborhood watch groups to assist in dealing with the acts of arson.

I thought that was interesting since I questioned this back in October.

Within the same interview it was noted the Mansfield Fire Department was awarded a SAFER Grant that would pay for the additional hiring of 15 firefighters for two years. The City of Mansfield so far has waffled at accepting the money. The Mansfield Fire Department has attempted to land this grant money for 3 years. 

Interesting.

Union dues and jobs are (were) at stake. Did the acts of arson have any direct bearing on being awarded the Grant? Is this the reason the fires have quieted? No cards left on the table? The levy failed.

Why is the City of Mansfield reluctant to accept the Grant money? Do they know something?

We do know a few things are certain:

1.     The fires weren’t started by some negligent crack head or drifter. The person(s) know exactly how to start a fire without any evidence.

2.     What better way to scare the poor low-income residents in those fire zones of downtown Mansfield into voting for a levy if you have a wienee roast every 3.2 days!

3.     Somebody somewhere knows who performed those acts of arson.

If anybody has knowledge of who may have started these fires and is afraid to contact the authorities, please contact me. We can work something out.

Meanwhile, the Ohio State Attorney General and the State Fire Marshall have been contacted.

Until We Meet Again,

 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Risk or Opportunity?

 

"You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

~ Zig Ziglar

Since I stumbled upon this nugget of wisdom from Mr. Zig Ziglar, I have often used it to promote others through my writing. My first book was based on this philosophy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next book is written for someone special or the audience attached to that person.

I’ve often blogged about people going out of their way for others or examples of courage and bravery. It’s the least I can do to give back to those special people and my audience.

This is part of the battle I fight daily. Where to sometimes draw a fine line and either go to the edge or just bust the door down. Careful consideration is required and wisdom is heeded.

Slowly building a following, which look forward to what subject I tackle next or attempt to eradicate is always interesting. The opportunity to make a difference is too important to keep silent. The responsibility to serve others is a key to understanding success.

It’s not an easy road to travel due to risk. The possibility of success always exceeds the risk factor. Any great achievement was mastered by overcoming the fear of risk. History shows this correlation time and time again.

Giving into fear is true failure. By avoiding risk we stagnate, suffer and never enter the race. We never learn the tactics to improve our process. Never understand what we are capable of doing or perfecting. Subsequently, we avoid the opportunity.

It’s pretty tough helping someone achieve what they want, if we can’t overcome our own fears. Responding to someone with: “I’m sorry, I’d love to help you but…..,”- just doesn’t cut it and isn’t helping anyone. That’s not what Zig suggested in his motto.

By clearing the hurdle of risk, we can begin to make a difference in something meaningful that matters for others!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Home of the Brave?

When dealing with something new, unexpected or financially challenging, we sometimes hear people mention “how awful” the situation was to endure.

Some folks never think of the ordeal as an opportunity for a positive outcome, educational experience or simply fate.

By reinforcing fear, we set the wheels in motion to expect the worst.

The tale of fear is perpetually encouraged, until someone breaks the cycle.

Running your life by state of fear is a guarantee to never find a cure, solve a problem or change the world.

Bravery, courage and wisdom silence fear.

Far less popular or easy, but quite effective, rare and noble!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Recipe for Failure and the Path to Success!

Some businesses become so distracted by committees, meetings and the “push” of their immediate attention, the vital questions are no longer asked. It’s assumed all resources or possible processes are in place. Nothing could be further from the truth. The larger the organization the easier it becomes to fall into this mindset.

Poor leadership with little accountability from the senior management is the tip of the iceberg. The incompetence flows down to middle management and the lack of proper assessment continues. When the culture of a business is in a state of flux or change, fear becomes the only thing that matters.

Consequently, the organization is spending unnecessary funds, cutting services or budgets to compensate.  The focus on the results never leads to the correct question to improve the situation. Wash, rinse, repeat.

The denial continues because of fear. Nobody wants to be “that guy or gal” and risk their job by taking charge of making decisions or pointing out the real issues. It becomes solely about survival.  

The Recipe for Failure

·        It’s far easier for middle management to blame upper management and vice versa.

·        It’s far easier to spend time putting out fires, than to seek the source.

·        It’s far easier to rubber stamp everything instead of the risk of stepping on someone’s toes.

·        It’s far easier to assume all of our ducks are in line.

·        It’s far easier to operate by fear, instead of leadership.

·        It’s far easier to tackle problems we believe we can resolve, instead of the real issues.

·        It’s far easier to attend a “generic how to seminar” or hire a company who wants to tell you what you want to hear in order to achieve re-occurring business.

The Path to Success

 

Management and employees need to have the ability to offer suggestions and ask “why?” When the sub-culture of an organization is based on fear the costs are staggering. The manifestation of a larger problem exists when the culture of a business isn’t in-sync with the organizational goals.

I am now offering consultation advice services for businesses that want to turn their situation into a successful business strategy. Let me assist you in discovering the recipe for success. It doesn’t cost a small fortune and the only requirement is to have an open mind and willingness to change the internal dynamics of your business.

Don’t allow fear to permeate throughout your organization. The first step of any successful philosophy is admitting a problem exists. I have the ability to discover and develop a structured plan to resolve what is keeping your company from “doing something meaningful.” 

I won’t tell you what you want to hear. I will address the action needed to turn your organization into a winner. Together, we can map a plan of success for your business!

Please contact me, if I can be of assistance to your organization, business, or non-profit. Thank you!

jimcarver55@hotmail.com

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Consultant, Author and someone who cares about:
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Wall of Fear!

One of the problems in business is the lack of support from management. Management should be a buffer between the frontline of the business to provide support for the employees with the customers. Also, management should be the support of the backline between upper management and employees.

 Too often in today’s business world a breakdown or total collapse occurs in one or both areas. High stress related careers become unmanageable when there is a lack of support. Quality suffers and morale plummets in situations where the buffering isn’t an ongoing activity.

The worst cases are when middle management appears to run by a dictatorship from the top down. The middle manager just passes the “push of persuasion” down to their employees. Wouldn’t a direct email do the same amount of collateral damage?

The sound of the crack of the whip would be the only thing missing.

Whenever middle management is run by fear the responses are the same. Leading by fear is a terrible motivator. The truth is the middle managers are probably more fearful than the employees. When managers become more concerned with “possibly looking bad”, rest assured you won’t find any support.



Photo used courtesy of: Daniel Antald.

Insecurity is fear and fear is when the lizard brain and survival instincts take over. At this point, nothing else matters. Providing a buffer-forget it. Truth, integrity, and common sense left the station a long time ago.

Actually, I am not sure why an organization needs many levels and sub-levels of management to operate in this outdated 1950’s style of the atrocity of class warfare. It seems to me if they can’t actually provide support or help, one gatekeeper could easily cover a good size herd. You shouldn’t need a small army to convince the sheep to be scared, be very scared.

Obviously, this type of situation is an unhealthy work environment. The bigger question is why would anyone want to work for an organization that fails to respect their employees or values their effort? Does the negative treatment make you believe there is no better job out there? Aren’t you worthy or have the years created self-doubt in your own abilities? Have you sold out your value and ethics for a paycheck?



Photo used courtesy of: Krossbow.

I think we all deserve better. I believe we could succeed in a work environment that operates on trust, integrity and support. I believe we could be happy, enjoy our jobs and work together for a common goal if an organization eliminates the use of fear in the workplace.



Excitement would fill the air and innovation could overtake an organization to levels of success never before thought possible. Imagine seeing smiling faces, motivated to a call of action. Instead of employees regressing on a daily basis, what if their disappointment only occurred when the implementation of a new process failed to reach the desired results?

Everybody united in a common quest for excellence.

But to do that, we must tear down- The Wall of Fear!

Are you with me?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Who Builds The Road to Success?

"You can have everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want"- Zig Ziglar 

I've noticed in discussions concerning being successful, one of the obstacles often shared is the attempt to diminish the desire of someone from becoming successful.

It’s a roadblock between taking the leap and doing what you did yesterday. The belief in your desire is an advantage towards climbing the steps to success.

Yet, we let one opinion or more dissuade us and prevent us from becoming what we were meant to be. We have given others the power to approve our present and future. Why?

Whatever happened to “the little engine that could?”

Why don’t friends and family  share our enthusiasms, dreams and ideas? 

10 Reasons- Why others don’t support our ideas:  

1.     Fear

2.     Lack of Interest (their lack of interest)

3.     Risk

4.     Change

5.     Envy

6.     Competition

7.     Jealousy

8.     Growth

9.     Financial Gain (for them or us)

10. Lack of Knowledge (their lack of knowledge)

```

Whose Got Your Back?

All ten reasons are beneficial to our growth as a person. The educational and personal experience substantially offset the risks of most ideas. Even failing helps us to grow and improve ourselves.

Risk has always offered a larger reward. Doing something scarce drastically increases income. Competition pushes us to excel and succeed. It separates us from the pack and quantifies goals.

Fear keeps us from moving forward and people know how vulnerable we are to fear. Does the fear represent someone being worried about our relationship changing? Who owns the fear- you or them?

Some folks just don’t want someone to accomplish something they can't. Perhaps the people you are seeking approval from believe they are higher up the social ladder. If you often seek their advice, this could be the case.

People like the comfort of feeling they are in control. The truth is- only if we choose to relinquish our control. Giving someone else the power to alter or decide our finances, life or career is unwise.

Do we value an opinion because it is in our best interests or theirs? Is our decision based on their income or wealth? Do they share any common knowledge or perhaps the topic isn't interesting to them?

It’s nice to have peers, family or others onboard; unfortunately don’t be surprised if there is a lack support or if the first problem you encounter-the negativity jolts like a sonic boom from those closest to you.

No Permission Required

While I was writing my first book I kept it low-key until I was nearly done. I didn’t want opinions or distractions. I found support from people within the industry to be the most positive influence. This gave me the opportunity to develop friendships with people I barely knew and in some cases were total strangers.

Being able to standout and be a lynchpin requires effort, passion and perseverance. The journey begins within you.

"You don't have to be great to start, but you do you have to start to be great"- Zig Ziglar

 I hope you reach a decision on your own dreams, desires and destiny. Take charge of your own life. You’ve waited too long for permission. It’s not necessary. Not anymore.

Grant yourself the power and start today!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3<sup>rd</sup> party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.