2005: Don't Let The Door Hit You

From the war in Iraq to an unrelenting hurricane season, 2005 was, in many ways, a "character building" year for many people across the world.

Before we usher in 2006 and begin to focus on the possibilities ahead, I would like to share some of the lessons I've learned in the last 363 days, as well as my insight for the days ahead.

In a period when it might sometimes seem faith has abandoned us, know it is in this moment that faith is most present. When the mind can no longer summon the independent strength to elicit thoughts of hope and light, faith must prevail. Without it, we are only as strong as individual might allows. In remembering faith, each individual becomes as powerful as the collective.

Confidence in truth -- faith in the existence of a truth beyond our own being, regardless of our acceptance or understanding of its dimensions -- serves to empower each of us to fulfill the ability to achieve our maximum potential as individuals and, therefore, as a collective. Faith, in and of itself, is not the end result, but a passageway to personal enlightenment. To exercise faith is to strengthen an area of the mind that cannot be reached in any other way.

It is faith in ourselves, in tandem with that in our Creator, that has fueled the progression of humankind since its inception. The future of society depends greatly on our ability to rekindle that sense of trust, that faith, in ourselves.

Beyond this, I also rediscovered the value of the time-tested notion that to be a good leader, one must be a good listener. Now more than ever, people seek to be recognized, heard, and valued for their unique input in daily life. I've found that so many feel misunderstood in general, they spend more time trying to explain their position than gathering new information to make better decisions.

The solution is effective, patient listening. Whether you are teaching a child to read, a new employee to work, or a customer about your business, listening is the key to establishing a foundation for your message, and ensuring that message is successfully received.

In a leadership position, it is impossible to make proactive, long-lasting decisions without the input of those who are affected by those decisions on every level. I refuse to make a decision without seeking the input of everyone in my organization. Time consuming? Absolutely. Challenging? Yes. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Those who look to me for leadership are worth the investment of time and energy.

To those beyond my circle, I am so proud of your courage and resolve to overcome some of the most difficult times America has ever faced. Know that you are not alone in your endeavor to survive these odds, and that hope remains for those most deeply impacted by hardship and loss. You are going to make it.

If I were able to see into the future, I would predict 2006 to be a great year for America and its global partners, for many reasons. Adversity is the medium from which opportunity transforms, and as such, our national economy will gain durability. Our nation will be restored as the planet's strongest and most respected example of diplomacy and everlasting true freedom.

As Americans who survived a great period of difficulty in our nation's history, let's make it a goal this year to focus on fortifying America in every way we can. If you are a business owner, seek the advice of other experts to grow your company and internal staff, thus creating new jobs (did you know 7 out of every 10 jobs are created by a small business, and that over 1/2 of the American workforce is employed by companies with fewer than 10 employees?). Participate in community events. Recycle. Start a neighborhood watch program; it's inexpensive and effective. Be happy, because you deserve it.

Happy New Year to you, my friends! Make it a good one.