We all have the right to our own opinions, but we don't have the right to make up our own facts.
People sometimes say or do things that can be embarrassing or difficult to walk-back. Rather than 'fess up and try to make things right, at times a smoke screen is rolled out instead.
There have been rumblings, rants and wisps of smoke. "They kinda go out on their own and do things." Some say this is about this group vs. that one.
Please don't jump to conclusions.
The quote in bold above is from Bob Woodward, of the Watergate break-in, Washington Post reporting fame. I'm talking about current DC politics, will show how this touches on MH, but perhaps not the way one may at first imagine.
Please read thoughtfully, because for perhaps 4 baker's dozens (+/-) of MHPros, this is a "dog whistle" report. Most will gain an entirely different take.
What causes errors or blunders?
"It's isolation," says Woodward, referring to the Obama Administration's presumed impulse for the Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl/Gitmo detainees 'prisoner exchange' fiasco.
One lesson is that no leader can afford to be isolated, as Bob Woodward – who has done two books on Barack Obama – says the president did in the
headline case with the Special Forces sergeant.
Nor should a leader suffer from "arrogance or ignorance," as some – like Fox's Bill O'Reilly – accuse our nation's president on this topic.
Polar Opposites…Professional Lessons?
The parents of soldiers who died searching for Bowe Bergdahl, soldiers he served with and people in both major parties are shocked as more details come out about this dubious exchange of Bergdahl for men the president himself admits could end up returning to acts of terror against the U.S. and it's allies.
So why did the president do this?
The NYPost report and the photo shown are on this web page linked here.
As important as this is, why mention it on a manufactured housing industry trade journal site?
As various voices expressed to your Masthead scribe, there are concerns about bubbling issues, including not yet reported stories.
Sometimes analogies and parallels are the easiest way to get people to take a fresh look at something they are very – or too? – close to themselves.
Concerns are brewing – and may boil – amidst the clearly positive things happening in and for our industry.
Bowe Bergdahl; people in his hometown say he is this nice Buddhist-leaning son of Calvinist parents who was motivated to help the Afgan people. Yet 100% of the soldiers who served with him who have said he walked off – deserted – perhaps is a collaborator with the Taliban. Do you see the near polar opposite of those views?
Now the point is that a number of savvy, successful and motivated MH Pros have similarly divergent views on some important topics to our Manufactured Home Industry! Here is one example.
The RVIA/HUD Code and related issues
It is not my intent to state a position, because frankly I know people on every side of the topics (named and un-named), such as the RVIA issue.
For example, here are the public statements, in sequence of public release, made so far within the ranks of MH:
The number of off-the-record statements we've received dwarfs those shown. They run the gamut. These include industry friends, colleagues and clients. Many have strongly held views on this, or on the placement (or not) of RVs/ANSI Park Models in MHCs.
Which is a long way to say that intelligent people of good will can be on either side of issues, be it the RV/ANSI Park models, definitions of what is a Manufactured Home, how this topic is best handled to MH's advantage and much more that we won't go into today.
Voices at the Table
That the RVIA has a stake in the topic cited above is clear. We should listen, see what might be gained, but act according to our Industry's short-medium-long term best interests. You can bet that is how the RVIA will approach this!
What seems less clear to some is that the principle – that a solid cross-section of own industry's voices – must be given an ear, and ought to be broadly applied.
24: Live Another Day?
Have you seen 24 this season? Real life controversies can be every bit as complex as an intricate mystery or drama.
In episode 6 of 24, partially informed parties get incomplete intel that is misunderstood. The risks shot up (pardon the pun) – life and death – in the fictional drama; partially as a result of guessing vs. knowing.
For our industry, it isn't fictional life and death. Much less is so about real U.S. soldiers in Afgan lands, who risk – or lost – their lives and limbs.
For us, here safe at home under freedom's cover, this ought to be far simpler.
For industry pros, this ought to be about selling HUD Code homes and serving the public well.
But people's lives and careers are impacted by decisions being made, or in some cases, decisions being avoided.
Making an – – – Out of…
We all recall from junior high what happens when people "assume."
Leaders don't just talk or do, they also ask questions, gather facts and then truly listen.
Then, after gathering info, they act.
Who says?
In the Jim Clayton part II interview, the industry legend says he makes quick decisions, but preferred to wait until he had the facts! He humbly admitted that at times, fast decisions led to errors, which he then sought to learn from.
That's wisdom, candor, humility and billion-dollar thinking.
Which is why all good leaders need to consider a broad, not a narrow view.
It is also why cooler heads must prevail until clarity on issues of importance are reached.
We share interviews with industry success stories and legends – like Jim Clayton and others – not just because they are good reads or interesting viewing!
But also to share success principles from those who know. Are we reading, viewing, listening?
Not 'Stirring the Pot' or Self-Serving…
We have word that a self-proclaimed 'agitator' plans to reveal information that has up until recently been kept quiet.
Why is that plan afoot? What is the motivation for revealing something heretofore kept quiet…is it for said individual's perceived personal or the industry's benefit?
Hopes, Faith and Concerns for the Industry
It doesn't mean that the Masthead author is always right (write? ;-), but Dick is correct about the goals and motivations. We routinely work for and support efforts that are hopefully the best outcome for all involved.
But sometimes the best that someone like me can do is raise a topic, take no sides at all, and say..."please, leaders! Deal with this issue," while facilitating a genuine dialogue, as much as one is able.
Fortunate!
We are fortunate to have lots of talented people in our industry's ranks and leadership roles.
With all the right people at the proverbial table, there is no doubt in my mind we will see greater days ahead.
If you haven't already seen all the video interviews this month with industry leaders, kindly benefit yourself and your team by watching them, the list of those and other new red-hot features are linked here, scroll down to the listing.
Lies, double-talk, dodges and cover ups. The truth outs, almost every time.
No less a leader than legendary Jim Clayton says, gather the facts, get the data, then decide.
When the back-room efforts fail to perform, why not just get the issues on the table, let the various voices impacted be considered and come to the best possible outcome for all involved?
Bottom line. Let's resolve issues, so we can move ahead on all the great opportunities that await us.
One more thing…
Oh, Yes. Let's not forget to say, "Hi Phyllis…" ##
L. A. 'Tony' Kovach ManufacturedHomeLivingNews.com | MHProNews.com | Business and Public Marketing & Ads: B2B | B2C Websites, Contract Marketing & Sales Training, Consulting, Speaking: MHC-MD.com | LATonyKovach.com | Office 863-213-4090 Connect on LinkedIN: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
