It takes a CRISIS TO CHANGE AMERICA...

Over the course of American history, the United States has faced a number very serious crises and has been successful in overcoming them. However, the country's response has always been reluctant and reactive, versus proactive.

Lets take a few examples:

During the 1920's the United States and the world enjoyed unusual prosperity and "perceived wealth". It was called the "roaring twenties" and no one believe it could end. There was rampant spectulation and spending over the head. Unfortantly, the world found that nothing goes up forever and it came to a "crashing halt". Though Hoover tried to turn around the situation, it took the drastic moves of Roosevelt to stop the fall and move the country upward. Roosevelt instituted welfare programs, social security and even was willing to allow cartels, under the NRA.
The country was willing to accept a loss of individual rights because there was no choice.

In the mid and late 1930's, Hitler conquered Europe and was on the verge of destroying England, Japanese took over most of the far east, but the American people felt safe and didn't want to fight other people's war. It took bombing of Pearl Harbor to get their attention and willingness to give up everything to fight to win.

Russia launched the Sputnik and the country again became fightened and was willing to invest in a space program...Sept 11th is the most recent crisis and reactions.

In each case, the country was willing to give up their rights and had leaders and resources to recoup and be successful.

In my last blog, I described what I consider the current crisis, which includes the problems of the GREAT DEPRESSION, fighting a war- almost alone, and the lack of concern on the part of the country's leaders.

It is not my intent to be a "gloom and doomer" or to say that it is too late to address and beat the crisis, but I am convinced that it will require STRONG CRISIS leadership and the willingness to accept reality, set priorities and recognize that our resources are limited and time is running out.

In the next two blogs I will describe the characteristics of a crisis leader and the ACTIONS REQUIRED NOW...

Bill Rothschild

Author of "The Secret to GE's Success" and "Risktaker, Caretaker, Surgeon, Undertaker- the four faces of strategic leadership. Both available on AMAZON and on his site" www.strategyleader.com.