Feedback helps

Tim Tebow's story inspired one reader

You never know which newsletter will touch nerves. It is something of a crap shoot each time you write.

I wrote this week about Karin Muller in the Philippines.
Karin disarmed a group of hostile communist soldiers.
She did it by simply offering them coffee.
Guy Kawasaki wrote about it in his book, "Enchantment".

Rev. Michael Henderson wrote:
"Another good one, Jerry.
"Reflects what St. Paul said in Romans 12:9-21."

Richard Weiler wrote: "BRILLIANT JERRY!
"Thanks for sharing this."

Richie Moye commented:
“I’m reminded of a quote from ex-USC president Thomas Jones.
“Friends come and friends go but enemies accumulate”
"I’m reading the epic story of Tim Tebow’s life.
"He was born in the Philippines to missionaries.
"Thanks for your ration of food for thought."

Turning enemies into friends is important.
A first step is to understand their thinking.
How do you do that? You ask them or their friends.
Then you extend your hand in friendship.
Offer them coffee and the chance to become friends.
Most people will take it and gladly bury the ax.
Forget those who won't. It's their problem.
Have a friends-to-enemies story to share?
Email it to jerrybellune@yahoo.com

Leadership: Fairness in public education

Charlie Moye had a struggle in public school.
His father Richie found a special school to help him.
Like most private schools, it was expensive.
Richie learned a disappointing lesson.
Other states help parents pay for such expensive schooling.
Not South Carolina.
Richie says he learned that South Carolina would rather pay lawyers to fight you than help you pay for special schooling for a child with learning disabilities.
Is this leadership in public education?
I don't think so. You shouldn't’t think so either.
In public education's defense, lets concede that private schools enjoy an advantage.
They can choose who they admit. Public schools don’t have a choice.
They have to take everyone, regardless of motivation or ability.
How do you feel about a state’s obligation to educate all children?
Should we at least contribute the same amount of money to a special needs child who needs expensive special help?
I welcome your comments.
For more on leadership, see www.JerryBellune.com
Click on "Success Strategies".