With the passage of the tax bill lowering rates for individuals and businesses, I have seen a large number of posts on social media.  Many of these posts make it clear that a large percentage of Americans have no clue whatsoever how capitalism works or what drives our economy. If only we could educate Americans how the economy actually works!  If there were two facts I wish the vast majority of Americans could understand it would be these: 1) The private sector is what drives our economy.

During my 35-year career, I have seen first-hand the impact of great management, as well as the devastating impacts of terrible leadership.  I have seen management that literally turned "gold into crap," as well as inspiring management that turned mediocrity into greatness.  I have had the opportunity to lead highly-effective teams, work with leading-edge organizations and consult with some of the largest corporations in America.  If I have learned anything in my career it's that leadership is

"You don't like anyone doing anything for you, do you Randy?" Billy Joe Wooten, a friend and co-worker told me a couple of decades ago when I was living in North Carolina.   "What do you mean?" I replied. "Well, you never ask for help at home or at work.  Don't you realize that you're not allowing someone else to receive the greatest gift of all -- the wonderful feeling of doing something good for someone else?" I had always been a "giver," taught at an early age that giving to others was

Thanksgiving Miracle I was working in my office in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, on the Monday before Thanksgiving in 1984. My Division Vice President, Jim Earwood, walked into my office. "What are you doing here?" he asked.   "I'm working." "No, you're getting out of here today and going home to West Virginia for Thanksgiving," he said. "Jim, I was planning on leaving Wednesday evening after work.  I don't have any vacation accrued yet." "Randy, how many nights and weekends have you