About 2 weeks ago a major tropical storm was forming as usual over the Atlantic Ocean. Often these storms become Hurricanes and this one did too getting the name Katrina. As always Katrina was monitored as it developed and moved forward. A little bit more than a week ago it became clear that Katrina might move towards New Orleans. At this time its strength already was of a category 4 Hurricane. Discussions started in the media whether it might hit New Orleans directly or hopefully change its course. All possible scenarios were outlined including a total destruction of New Orleans through flooding. A few years earlier the scenario of a major Hurricane of category 4 or 5 hitting New Orleans was studied and it was strongly recommended to strengthen the existing levees and even create a safe haven in the center of the city where people could be moved in and survive. All these recommendations were declined as we know. And Katrina came and did almost exactly was foreseen inflicting an enormous damage by flooding New Orleans due to levees no longer able to withstand the water. By now everybody realizes the magnitude of this natural disaster. But we still don't know the mid and long term impact on our economy and subsequently on the people. We cannot change the past and the future has not yet come, so let's concentrate on the present and do something now! Leadership is required in first place! We need true leaders whom people can fully trust, leaders deserving to be followed, and leaders caring for people no matter what. We need the kind of leaders who take action instead of constantly giving interviews promoting their career. We need leaders in the forefront being personally there where leadership is required, right in the middle of the action. Beyond that we need to take advantage of all these skilled people this country has. They are everywhere and when properly treated as human beings, treated as the diamonds of every society they will there for each other. This is about working together, helping each other and not about survival of the fittest. Unfortunately our society has chosen to ignore what I call the Human Dimension, dividing people into winners and losers. But there is no such thing as a loser. In most cases it only means that we are unable in our society to recognize even the largest diamond. People, the Human Dimension, are the richest resource we have in our country, talented and gifted human beings waiting eagerly to be discovered and make a difference in the world. If we want to stay competitive in our world the only opportunity we have at our hands is our people, their knowledge, know-how and experience! We only have to provide them with what they want and they will be glad to return the favor to society providing all of us with what we all need. I sincerely hope that this natural disaster is the wake-up call for our country to stand up, learn and develop our society to a much higher level, becoming once again the example for the world what is really possible when being united and having faith, faith in our leaders and faith in our country! Walter H. Groth
Institute for Life and Career Transition |
