Dave Guerra (the official blog)

17 January 2025

2025: Change -The Politics of Dancing (and other such nonsense)

While my views and opinions on politics are mine and I try not to OVERTLY cram it down anyone's throat. This I try not to do because one; it is pointless to do so, two: I am write where others are wrong (then again, there are times when others are right and I am wrong).

There are times when politics needs to be mentioned. This is one of those times.

Today, is Friday, January 17, 2025, and on the other side of the weekend, the world will change, our lives will change. On Monday, while it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day it is also Inauguration Day here in the United States of America.

Everything changes. For good or bad, who knows as that is still unwritten.

What is not unwritten is the following:

• Change is happening.

• Change will happen.

• You do not have to like change.

• Change is what you make of it.

• Remember, "changes aren't permanent but change is" (RUSH, "Tom Sawyer")

A few words of advice:

1. The sooner you accept the fact that change cannot be stopped the sooner you can get on with accepting and dealing with any change that comes your way.

2. It falls solely on you to come to peace with the change that is happening around you. You cannot force or demand others to acquiesce. They are dealing with their own change(s).

3. Stick around, a new set of changes are coming fast.

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader: Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

26 December 2024

The Day After...

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay

THE DAY AFTER...
Yesterday, we celebrated an event of epic & legendary proportions. The birth of Jesus Christ. A Savior to the masses, a Prophet to many, an enigma or curiosity to others. Many of us celebrated the day by continuing the traditions that have been set before us: Family, Food, Merriment, Cheer, Food, Joy, Laughter, and Love. Did I mention food?

Today, we continue to be in good spirit and good cheer because it is contagious. However, a harsh reality sets in when we move away from the 25th day of December and face the realities that are the other days of the year.

Should they be harsh? No!
They should, however, not be as full of joy and merriment as the holiday season. It is Joy and Merriment that makes the holiday season special. The remaining days of the year are there to tell us that there is work that needs to be done. This does not have to be a time for back and forth and ONE-UPMANSHIP (the art or practice of outdoing or keeping one jump ahead of a friend or competitor).

There must be a balance between all things. There must be attempts made to make all things better. However, egos are finicky things to work with but if you want to be better and make life better then be prepared to fight the good fight and work with the egos, of others, all in an effort to make things better. However, should you come across someone that expects it to be "their way or the highway" there is only one appropriate response and you will know what the response will be when your gut tells you. Remember, our lives will get better when we, ALL OF US, want it and will do what it takes to make it happen.

12 December 2024

2024: A Reflection on CONTROL (part 1)

Image by (https://pixabay.com/users/rigby40-6395145/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6861887) Rigby40 from Pixabay

Hello, again.

It has been a while since my last blog post. I had to take a little down time as the holidays started to ramp up just to get my "headspace and timing" aligned, in line, make myself ready to see the end of the year arrive, and to execute on the start of the new year.

Can you believe 2025 is now just days away? Before it comes to an end I want to take this blog post and a couple more to reflect on some of my observations, actions, reactions, and behaviors that affected my life in 2024.

So let's begin, shall we?

The first reflection as the title says is about CONTROL.

Personal Control that borders on Intimidating Control/Abusive Behavior.

Early in 2024, I experienced someone was exerting on the individuals they are "supposed" to be leading/managing. They would be quick to snap at people, the individual would instigate confrontations in order to find themselves on top. To re-assure themselves they had control over others.

I get it. People are different. People react to the actions of others in a different way for any number of reasons.

Well, come to find out this individual was losing their last parent. This individual was watching a close relative slowly and, from what I have been able to put together, a painful end of life. Then it all made sense. The behavior became crystal clear. They found themselves in a situation they could not control. There was pain and suffering and there was nothing this individual could do about it. They had no control.

It made all the sense in the world why they lashed out, why they behaved the way they did. It was completely understandable. NOT EXCUSABLE.

True, Genuine Leaders know their limits. They know when they can no longer effectively lead others. Leaders, while human beings, must also know when it is time to step aside. It is when they either do not know themselves or refuse to accept that things are out of their control that they continue to lose control and ultimately lose the respect of those they are supposed to be leading. Again, it is not excusable.

If you ever find yourself in a situation that is putting you in a place of where you feel you no longer have control and before you abusively try to control others CHECK YOURSELF and if need be, step aside. You will most certainly thank yourself.

While that is one incident, late in 2024, another individual's lack of control and attempting to be abusive to others reared its ugly head, again. An older gentleman suddenly found himself in a health situation that all but took away his freedom. Sure he was alive, able to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. He, however, was tethered to a machine and did not know if he would ever be free of that machine. It was obvious in hearing his voice his frustration came out loud and clear. It was just a matter of time before he lashed out.

Then one day, it all came out. His sense of losing control of his life came pouring out of him. A river of obscenities, racial slurs, derogatory statements about genders, sexual preferences, and orientations. This guy was way out of line. At first, you felt a bit sorry for him and his situation, then by the end of my interactions with this person, I felt nothing but disdain, disgust, and sadness what his situation made him into and that deep down he was always that angry, hate-filled person.

In the case of the older man, while people may want to excuse his behavior and allow it to continue. LEADERS do NOT have that luxury. You will be held accountable for your actions, inaction, words, and behaviors. There are other people involved in the life you have chosen and if you cannot lead them, STEP ASIDE.

If nothing else, you can CONTROL that aspect of your life. Yes, it is that simple.

04 November 2024

2024: Celebrate The Small Victories

A war is one through a long, sustained, series of battles. It is winning all the battles that hastens winning a war. These battles, big or small, will always pale in comparison to the war. Nonetheless, the battles must be fought and won. There is no changing that fact.

Of course, there are different perceptions when it comes to battles, conflicts, and wars. However, there is no escaping the fact that battles, conflicts, and/or wars must be fought. There will always be some conflict. There will always be some level of discord. There is no escaping the YIN and the YANG. In order to have harmony there has to be dissonance. Without dissonance how will anyone know what harmony is? It is inevitable and no amount burying your head in the sand will deny that fact.

This fact is important to remember, that while we may not win them all, the next battle is just ahead. This is not a pessimistic way of thinking. This is a realistic way of living. Our days are full of challenges with good and bad outcomes. However, we cannot let the bad over take us and just as we should never be complacent when it comes to the good. For those that feel they are too good to fail, then let me be the first to burst your bubble, YOU will lose. You will lose more times than you will win. How do I know this? I know this because I know I have failed more than I have won.

Failing makes me appreciate the climb and the small victories. While I may never win the war, I know that I have more failures ahead of me. I also know that I have more victories, as well. But in the end, there is no coming back from the ultimate and final loss. So keep kidding yourself but when the end comes, no one will care how much you won and most certainly no one will care how much you lost. It is over and there is no winning from that loss. See, in the end we all lose.

That is why celebrating the small victories, NOW, is just as important as celebrating winning the war. Make that trip memorable by having an adventure along the way. Do not see the trip as a means to an end (the destination) but see it as part of the entire journey (there and back). The same applies with experiences, competitions, and the like. Win or Lose; Rejoice in the fact that you are alive to experience the experience. Remember, while it may be an inconvenience, a flat tire is the moment to change priorities, you pivot and make the best of an unpredicted/unprecedented situation. You turn that detour into another adventure.

Then the celebration that follows will be even better. Of course, the small victories are just an excuse to celebrate. Winning the battle is just an excuse to celebrate. Waking up and putting your feet on the ground is just an excuse to celebrate. Here is a little-known fact: small losses are an excuse to celebrate. Losing a battle, losing a war are also just excuses to celebrate.

What I am saying, is GO AHEAD and CELEBRATE!

15 October 2024

2024: Adopting a 'Can-Do' Attitude

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

It is all about your attitude. It is all about your CONSISTENT attitude! It is NOT about being occasional. It is not about being a part-tine DOER! It is ALL about having a CAN-DO attitude.

What is a CAN-DO attitude?
A CAN-DO attitude is just as it sounds. It means you have adopted an attitude (and the beginning of a lifestyle) that you will do what it takes to get what you know you can do and get done. The attitude is the mindset you have, that you believe what needs to be done can and will be done, by you.

Who can have a CAN-DO attitude?
EVERYONE! However, it all BEGINS with YOU. Someone has to lead the way, so why not you? Someone has to be the one to say, “enough is enough!” Someone has to be the one to do something in any situation when others refuse to step up.
One thing to know: The CAN-DO attitude is contagious. By being someone with a CAN-DO attitude know that others will see you, see your success, and want to achieve the same level of success. However, know that having a CAN-DO attitude is NOT a FLEX, it is something that others will want. The CAN-DO attitude is something that everyone can have, all they need is knowing that it is allowed and encouraged. By watching you exhibit a CAN-DO attitude, others will step up and join you.

Why is it important to have a CAN-DO Attitude?
The importance of having a CAN-DO attitude cannot be stressed enough. You, as an individual, know things must get done. You know that in almost all cases things are not going to get done by themselves. Additionally, you know that others lack the initiative to get those things done, especially those that must be done. This is where you, not for the sake of others, step up to get that done. You know you can do it, then do it. You know that where others fail, you succeed. So, succeed. You will come to find that the successful feeling that comes from completing something becomes like an addiction especially when you create more success.

Why is being CONSISTENT important when it comes to having a CAN-DO attitude?
Having a CAN-DO attitude means you hold yourself accountable, all the time. Seriously, what is the point of holding yourself accountable part of the time? Holding yourself accountable all the time minimizes any guess work when it comes to pushing yourself to achieve your goals and/or completing your mission. Consistency breeds reliability.

As a current or future leader, the number one thing that those that will follow you look for and that is your level of reliability. How reliable are you to be present? How reliable are you to deliver the bad news as well as the good news? The only way to be known as a reliable leader is to be someone that is constantly consistent in what they do, say, and expect.

How long does it take to make CONSISTENCY a habit?
Short answer: as long as it takes. Long answer: As long as it takes for you to not to have to consciously think about or remember to have a CAN-DO attitude. Some say 21 days of consistency creates a habit. I say it depends on the individual some may be less others may be longer.

Let’s wrap this up.
As a leader, current or future, it serves you and those you lead to adopt a CAN-DO attitude. Having the mindset to do what must be done, when it needs to be done gives you and your team a one up on those individuals and/or groups that are not yet where they need to be to be successful. Be the example for those that are getting there and not yet inspired to begin their journey to have a full-time CAN-DO Attitude. Yes, as a leader that is your responsibility.

08 October 2024

2024: About Bad-Mouthing Leaders / Others

The title of this week’s blog post is “About Bad-Mouthing Leaders and/or Others”

First off, DO NOT DO IT!

Second, if you are doing it or have done it in the past…JUST STOP!

Seriously, there is absolutely no need for that to happen.

So what if they are bad mouthing you?

Consider the following: Is anyone that is professional more apt to stoop down to the level of having no option than to bad-mouth others? NO!

A Professional remains a Professional 100% of the time. Professionals do not believe in a “time out” to bad-mouth someone who bad mouthed them.

If anyone that claims they are always “professional” decides it is correct and proper to cast their “professionalism” aside just to get back at someone then they were NEVER a professional to begin with.

CHANGE MY MIND.

These individuals are the “do as I say and not as I do” type. They will never actually be professionals. The kind of professional that people respect, admire, look up to. They will never be leaders. They will never be leaders because leaders find other ways to deal with those they have conflict.

What if you are caught in the path of bad-mouthing? What if you find yourself in the presence of someone bad-mouthing a peer, co-worker, colleague, a supervisor, a manager, a boss, a leader?
First off, let them rant. Unless, you are prepared to be the victim of their next tirade do not stop them. These individuals have done this once or twice and have gotten away with it. So, what’s the use of trying to stop them now?

When they are done, make it clear that everyone heard their outside voice and leave it at that. While this might not stop them from doing it again in front of witnesses, they should, at least, give it a second thought before they open their mouth, again. Remember this, if they say “I don’t care who hears me!” Keep in mind, if they had any guts they would bad-mouth their target to their face. Face-to-Face. However, most of those boisterous individuals are just all talk and no guts whatsoever. To spot a coward all you must do is just watch and listen. They always give themselves away.

Now…it’s your turn!

As an up-and-coming leader, it is your responsibility to control yourself, your emotions, your words, your reactions, and most of all, control your situation. In my recent and not so recent past I have been guilty of not maintaining control of myself, my words, my situations. That’s OK as learning to control yourself comes with time. It is part of learning and growing.
Things are not always black and white but they are there to teach us. They are there for us to learn from. We serve ourselves best when we learn from our mistakes and NOT repeat them. However, be prepared to make more mistakes. I know I have and I know I will.

Final Thoughts: Bad-mouthing others never solves anything. It does, however, help in showing your true colors, who you really are, to those that are caught in the shadow of your rude words and deeds.

Be Better by learning to stop before you start.

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I invite you to follow me on Instagram: dave_guerra • Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

P.P.S. To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader: Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

02 October 2024

2024: SEPARATING THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF

Let’s break out the old Webster Dictionary to start this one off as these vocabulary words will be on this week’s spelling test.

Wheat is defined as “a cereal grain that yields a fine white flour used chiefly in breads, baked goods (such as cakes and crackers), and pastas (such as macaroni or spaghetti), and is important in animal feeds.”

Chaff is defined as literally, the “seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain” and figuratively as “something comparatively worthless.” Now with those unpleasantries out of the way let us get on with it.

When it comes to being a leader, a self-leader, or the leader of others it is imperative that you become proficient in knowing what is the chaff and what is the wheat. What is important and what is worthless.
In relationship building there will come times that you will find yourself up against what is real and what is not. It serves you to learn the difference sooner rather than later. The sooner you can recognize what is valuable and what is completely worthless the sooner you and those you will, eventually, lead will be better off.

So how does one go about learning how to separate the wheat from the chaff? The process may sound simple but rest assured the process involves making mistakes and learning from those mistakes so as NOT to repeat the mistakes but to get to separating the VALUABLE from the WORTHLESS faster and easier.

TIME is both an ally and an enemy in this process. It is an enemy as it will take time to experience the good and bad. Time is an ally in that the sooner you learn, the less often getting exploited by your ignorance or naivety will occur. Do not worry, people will take advantage of your ignorance and innocence (well not all people, just the ones with their own hidden agenda). Also, be advised people will be quick to figure out that you are satisfied buying the chaff they will not bother to sell you the wheat.

Time is the enemy in that this will happen over and over again until you get it. Therefore, it behooves you to get on the fast track to getting the experience and learning from it. Remember, the adage: “Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.”

Do everything you can to not to fall into the latter part of that maxim. Do your work, get your feelings hurt, take the L, and whatever else it takes to get the experience. However, do not go actively looking for people to cheat you, rob you, steal from you or do bad things to you all for the sake of getting the experience. No. Never do that. Let it happen naturally. Let it happen organically without any kind of intentional coercion or subversion. You will learn more when it comes at you unexpectedly. Trust me on this one.

Besides, where is the fun when you know its coming? Right, it is no fun at all especially when you expect the wheat and none of the chaff.

With that being said, the time to find yourself getting better is now. There is no better time than the present so get to learning and start separating the wheat from the chaff.

As for what to do with all that chaff? Plain and simple, just throw it away along with yesterday’s garbage. Get rid of it and eventually you will find yourself encountering less and less chaff and more of that golden wheat.