More Thanks & More Sources For Learning

More Thanks & More Sources For Learning: "

OK, here is the catch-up post from the past week.

First: Sincere thanks to everyone who cast a vote for All Things Workplace in the Best of Leadership Blogs 2009 event hosted by Remarkable Leadership Guy Kevin Eikenberry. This is a real treat and I don't take lightly the fact that so many readers took the time to weigh in. We hope that the posts in the year ahead will continue to offer the kind of information, insights, and discussions that keep things going here throughout the week.

Second: A deep bow with a tip of the hat to Becky Robinson for her willingness to write and tweet on our behalf while we were going through the clean-up from the recent tornado. Becky not only knows how to turn out great copy for her client, the Leadership Studies program at Mountain State University, but she has a heart to match her expertise. Anyone looking for a writer/social media done-for-you person would be well-served to put Becky at the top of their 'contact now' list.

Third: More thanks to all of you who emailed, commented, and sent homing pigeons to wish us well during the weather aftermath here. Anyone who still thinks that heartfelt relationships don't happen online is simply out-of-touch (and perhaps relationally-challenged offline as well). Great comfort came from the simplest one-line email that showed someone was thinking about us or praying for us.

Note: The refrigerator situation is now back on track. After tossing out all of the food and then squeezing what we could into the cooler, this is what ended up being our version of the basic food groups for the week. We figured if we survived college on this it must be pretty darned good. Foodies beware: this could cause a severe reaction leading to a 911 call.

Why You Should Read These

One of the benefits of the nominated 'Best Of' blogs is discovering terrific writers, coaches, consultants, and managers whose different experiences and voices add to our collective knowledge. Honestly, I no longer have time to seek out new writers and rely on existing bloggers to clue me in when a new, good one pops up on the scene. Some of those nominated this year are well-known and have been around quite a while; others are relatively new to the scene.

Here's my take, in no particular order, on why you should check out each one:

Michael McKinney's Leadership Now is dedicated to providing resources to students of leadership. Michael spends a good deal of time carefully reviewing leadership books, posting thoughts, and even giving leader-related Twitter updates. Those resources aren't limited to the blog, so click around the rest of the site.

LeaderTalk is relatively new to the scene and came on like gangbusters thanks to the energy and focus of Becky Robinson. The cohort model for leadership studies at Mountain State University offers a good starting point for their PR. Becky brings in a wide range of leaders and authorities to give the blog both depth and breadth. Kudos.

Seth Godin is, well, Seth Godin. He posts frequently, has been in my RSS reader for a long time, and has never written a post large or small that didn't make me go, 'Hmmm....'. Every post has a practical orientation or object lesson to be pondered and used. Although most would put him in the Marketing pigeonhole, it's too small. His writing is that of a thought leader and applies to leadership and self-leadership in every aspect of business and life.

Jon Gordon's Blog reflects his high-energy approach to training, performance, and change. Jon posts weekly and the posts usually offer up a real-life example of what he's been experiencing. Real-life is good.

Great Leadership By Dan is like taking a 'here's how it really works' practical graduate course in Leadership and Organization Development from a leader who is managing the development of others every day. Dan McCarthy's topics are always relevant. What I really enjoy is the fact that he takes time to develop context, theory, and application. There are not many bloggers out there who are going into the office every day and then dedicating time to share online what works, what doesn't, and what you should be paying attention to. He has also spent a lot of selfless time organizing and promoting the Carnival of Leadership. Read him.

Ok, I wish I had thought of the title 'Leadership Is A Verb' before John Bishop. John knows that to be true because of his first-hand experience with leadership in the military as well as a 30-year career as a Fortune 100 exec. John's insights come from real experiences and carry a lot of weight.

John Baldoni is one busy guy. His Lead By Example Blog plus the Q&As for Harvard should keep him busy enough. When you read his thoughts it will become apparent why he's in demand as a speaker and consultant. Important 'guy' note: We did not consult each other regarding the whole turtleneck-in-the-blog-banner thing.

Bob Sutton was one of my original feeds when I started reading blogs. He was also an encouragement when I started out and, even while busy at Stanford and churning out must-read books--whether alone or with Jeff Pfeffer--he took time to respond to my emails. If you want evidence-based thinking vs. 'Here's what I think just because I'm me', click over to Bob's blog.

Scott Eblin writes about his executive coaching experiences, experiences in between coaching gigs, and even Amygdala Hijacks. With a title like that, there's no way that the brain-based crowd could hold back from a mouse click!

Again, thank you all for your support personally and in the contest...

Steve Roesler

"

Auxiliary's 70th Anniversary

A Message from National Commodore Nicholas Kerigan, regarding the Auxiliary's 70th Anniversary .

On June 23, 1939, Congress established the Coast Guard Reserve, a volunteer civilian organization, to promote boating safety and to facilitate Coast Guard operations. Initially, members conducted safety and security patrols and helped enforce the provisions of the 1940 Federal Boating and Espionage Acts. In February 1941, the Coast Guard military reserve was established and the volunteers renamed the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

As the U.S. entered World War II, recruits flooded Auxiliary flotillas in a burst of patriotic fever. In 1942, some 50,000 Auxiliarists became the core of the Temporary Reserve performing coastal defense and search and rescue duties, patrolling bridges, factories, docks, and beaches. They fought fires, made arrests, guided naval vessels, and conducted anti-submarine warfare. As their ranks grew, thousands of active duty Coast Guard personnel were freed for service overseas.

By 1950, the four Auxiliary cornerstone missions - public education, operations, vessel examination, and fellowship were established. In 1996, legislation expanded the Auxiliary’s scope to allow members to assist in any Coast Guard mission authorized by the Commandant. The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the world’s largest volunteer marine safety organization, has kindled and interest in to create similar groups in other countries. Today, Auxiliarists can be found examining commercial fishing vessels; flying in C-130’s, working in Coast Guard offices, and crewing with regulars. Active Duty, Reservists, Civilian Employees, Retirees and Auxiliarists,–truly constitute TEAM COAST GUARD.

Auxiliarists have a great deal to be proud of. Over the past ten years, Auxiliary members have:

• Contributed 44,417,850 hours.


• Taught 1,678,946 people with 980,000 hours of classroom work.


• Spent over 869,000 hours in community relations and media events.


• Conducted 1,170,535 Vessel safety Checks (VSCs) over 579,000 hours, including more than 167,000 first time VSCs and over 158,000 high risk VSCs.


• Made over 418,000 visits Recreational Boating Safety Program Visits spending more than 279,000 mission hours.


• Served 4,297,312 hours underway on safety patrols.


• Worked 56,188 hours on 25,377 missions, verifying 138,867 ATONs.


• Spent over 19,475,000 hours on administrative tasks.


• Examined over 10,223 Commercial Fishing Vessels.


• Provided 1,587,646 hours of Coast Guard Operational Support on over 197,000 Support missions.


• Supported the Coast Guard administratively with 770,554 hours & 115,292 missions.


• Trained over 1,125,019 hours.


• Performed Search and Rescue for over 723,000 hours, resulting in 5,083 lives saved, 141,980 persons assisted, & $1,460,055,940 in property saved.


• Recruited for The Coast Guard Academy, Active Duty & Reserve Officer and Enlisted programs for over 105,000 hours.


• Spent more than 700,000 hours on Marine Safety and Environmental Protection missions.


• Contributed more than 22,000 hours in medical support to the Coast Guard.


• Worked more than 39,000 hours in the International arena.


• Consulted with state legislatures for over 5,483 hours.

Since 1999, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has participated in events, including but not limited to:

• OPSail 2000 & USCGC Eagle visits to U.S. ports


• 9/11 attacks response


• Hurricanes Charlie, Rita, Katrina, Ike


• The California Delta Whale Rescue


• Several oil spills in the gulf coast, Alaska and in California.


• Annual support for AIM week(s) at the USCGA


• Annual support for the International Boating and Water Sports Symposia


• National Association of State Boating law Administrators events


• Boating Safety Advisory Council


• Training various waterborne police agencies


• Support the Coast Guard with Interpreters throughout the world


• Support as Chefs on CG vessels and stations.


• Augmenting by Auxiliary Health Professionals at Coast Guard clinics.

We provide the biggest bang for the buck for the American taxpayer. Each of us should take pride in knowing that we are special group, making a unique contribution to the Coast Guard and our Nation. Thank you for your service.
Happy Birthday and Semper Paratus.

COMO Nicholas Kerigan
National Commodore
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

NACO and ARCO-AW

Pontiac, MI- 18 April 2009 - COMO Nicholas Kerigan, NACO and COMO Thomas Mallison, ARCO-AW discuss plans at the Joint District Nine Symposium bringing together the three District 9 Auxiliary Districts. (Photo by Bill Colby)

Report to Commandant February 2009

Below is the link to the report I send to the Commandant on what the Auxiliary is doing around the country.
NACO report to Commandant February 2009

National Commodore's Vision Statement

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will continue to meet America's changing maritime safety and security challenges, through a balanced allocation of resources towards our recreational boating safety and maritime domain awareness missions.

The Mission of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary

The mission of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is to contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports, waterways and coastal regions, as directed by the United States Coast Guard. We will balance our missions in Recreational Boating Safety, Coast Guard Support with Maritime Homeland Security and other challenges that emerge as a result of our growing understanding of changes required in the post- 9/11 era.

Strategic Imperatives

Provide continued focus on those unique roles and missions for which the Congress, the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard grant us the authority to fulfill.

Serve the country and its citizens, by participating in Auxiliary programs and activities

Provide a capable, reliable and sustainable workforce to fulfill any mission we agree to undertake.

Encourage a greater cooperation between the different levels of the organization leadership to support the recruitment and retention of our volunteers.

Value the contribution of all members, regardless of their level or type of participation.

Seek members who have the interests, skills, capabilities and dedication to serve in any role, and in any manner, that contributes to our goals and is consistent with our Auxiliary traditions and our values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.

Auxiliary leadership will:
• Articulate our vision to the membership
• Provide strategic and tactical leadership,
• Obtain resources critical to our continued success,
• Recognize and capitalize on opportunities to execute national and local initiatives
• Take responsibility for creditable results

Allocate resources across our National and District structure to support the balanced mission requirements in support of the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security.

Provide continuous updates to the Auxiliary business plan that address the financial and other resource realities of our traditional and emerging roles.