This election year has opened multiple doors for thoughtful discussion. We have many chances to broaden our views on incredibly important issues facing our country if we’re willing to engage in the discussions. There is significant value associated with sharing different points of view and different approaches to solving our nation’s challenges. In these discussions, we’ll experience tension for differing views. This tension can bring about conflict or learning.

The key is to have the conversation, and not fall back on the advice to never talk about politics or religion. We must enter into the discussions with an open mind, and to aspire to embrace the tension and learn from it. We can speak passionately about a political issue and still come out on opposite ends of the issue. A healthy debate of an issue does not need to become a brawl. As long as we discuss the topics with respect for one another, we just might be able to convince someone to consider our views. So, challenge yourself to learn about the issues. Take off the gloves, arm yourself with facts, and have the conversation with an open mind. You just might learn something.

There are so many leadership (or lack of leadership) lessons in this story. The two most significant for me are character and consequence. Let’s look at the character issue first:

“It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it.”

This was a statement made by the man who ran the bounty. An NFL spokesman said they would look at “any relevant info regarding rules being broken.” Have all the rules you want, but they simply cannot replace character. This didn’t happen because rules weren’t in place or expectations were not clearly communicated. When someone lacks character, he/she will simply spend more time trying to get around the rules (and hoping they don’t get caught).

The decisions we make every day are led by expectations and consequences. I’m guessing potential consequences didn’t drive the proper behavior in this situation. As of now, no punishments have been handed out. However, I’ve heard the punishments could include suspensions, fines, and loss of draft picks. Really? Suspensions, fines, and loss of draft picks. Perhaps jail time would encourage team leaders to not compensate players for inflicting career-ending injuries on opposing players. Even the behavior of people who lack character can be guided when the consequence is severe enough. It all comes down to consequence.

And the same is true for us. Our character is on display each and every day, and our behavior is quite often driven by how we see a consequence.

Often our words are hurtful and we don’t even know it. Regardless of our intent, our words create a ripple effect with those around us. The pain from negative comments gets spread, as does the joy from positive comments. As a leader at work or home, you have a responsibility to be aware of the impact of your words. You have a responsibility to manage the impact of the ripple effect that comes from your words. My hope is that by the end of today, you will be able to point to something you did to create a positive ripple effect … having a positive impact on the lives of people you’ve never even met.

Somewhere along the way it became acceptable to be routinely late. I’m not referencing the occasional tardiness. We’re all busy, and sometimes life gets in the way. Despite my attention to promptness, I’m late from time to time. A conference call goes longer than planned. Traffic from an auto accident extends the normal commute. I get that, and I understand that. What I’m referencing is the pattern of consistency in never being on time that speaks volumes about how we respect those around us.

Someone early in my life told me, “If you’re on time, you’re late.” For whatever reason, that comment has stuck with me over the decades, and I take it seriously. Some people, however, chuckle about their inability to be on time. But let’s be honest about what it is. It’s rude. It’s inconsiderate. And it’s unacceptable. I used to work with a lady who would say, “I can’t help it. I’m just always late.” Wrong. Timeliness is a choice (other than unforeseen occurrences). People may not notice if you are consistently on time, but I promise they will notice if you are consistently late. How do you want to be seen by your friends, family, and colleagues? Remember, it’s a choice.

Every year brings challenges, and I’m certain 2012 will be no different. But as you get started, it is my sincere hope that you draw a difference between real challenges and the insignificant nothings that occupy your time. Save your energy for real challenges, and rise above the little things. Not only will you have more energy to effectively deal with your challenges, you will have more time to cease the opportunities 2012 will no doubt present.

Now, go out and find those opportunities! It is my hope that 2012 is the best year of your life.

We’ve all heard a similar story. In fact, we may have said those exact words related to our own lives. Sadly, that thought process is exactly what will cause most people to fail in their resolutions. The key requirement to change our lives is true resolve. If we have true resolve, then why would we ever want to wait? Every goal in our life must be driven by a passion and a real desire to change, not a day on the calendar.

If there are some things you want to do to improve your life in 2012, start now. Don’t wait until New Year’s Day. Set your goals, identify potential obstacles and ways to overcome them, and resolve to change your life. If it’s important to you, there’s no better time than right now to start making progress.

I won’t go into the details of the movie, but every year at Christmas I’m reminded of a quote that came from that movie. Fred had gone to the North Pole to help his younger brother, and during one of their conversations he said this — “You know, Nick, there’s been one thing that’s been eatin’ at me since I got here. That naughty-nice list that you got? There’s no naughty kids, Nick. They’re all good kids. Some of them are scared and some of them don’t feel listened to. Some of them had some pretty tough breaks, too. But every kid deserves a present on Christmas.”

As an adult, I know the reason for Christmas, and it certainly is not the exchange of gifts. However, as a child, the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning and opening a gift was pretty special. I was fortunate as a child that my parents always made sure I had gifts to open. Sadly, that’s not the case for all. We’re only a few days until Christmas. There’s still time to make the effort to provide for a child who may not be getting a gift this Sunday morning. Find out what organization in your local community is still collecting toys, and make a difference in the life of a child this Christmas.

God’s blessings to you all!

As I added in the personal stuff, the list kept getting longer and longer. At some point I realized there is absolutely no way I could do everything on the list this week. I realized that no matter how well I managed my schedule, I simply would run out of time before I could get everything done. Or would I?

When I consider how I used my time last week, I realized there were some things I needed to stop doing to make my week more productive. I have a bad habit of leaving my e-mail open throughout the day, and those things I think I can handle quickly end up consuming more time than expected and throw off my entire day. I also have a bad habit of checking in with social media throughout the day (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), rather than scheduling some time for it. Again, things I think I can handle quickly that end up consuming more time than expected.

This loss of productivity led to a second list … my ”Not To Do List.” I’m guessing that you may benefit from one as well. No matter how good you are, there’s a good chance you can’t get it all done without making a commitment to stop doing a few unproductive things. So, here’s my challenge to you. Take a look at your typical week and ask yourself if there are some things you do that you could stop doing to make yourself more productive. Create a list of those items, commit as much effort to that list as you do your “To Do List,” and share it with those around you. In the end, you’ll find you have more opportunities to say “yes” to the things that really matter in your life by saying “no” to the time suckers that consume your day.

Actually, most people don’t complain when we get to “fall back.” The extra hour is cherished by most people. The serious complainers come out in the spring when we are forced to “spring forward.” The loss of a single hour seems to be devastating to a large number of people.

I’m often amazed at the significance people place on a single hour. It seems most people don’t feel they have enough time in a day. I always hear, “There’s not enough time in the day to get everything done!” This past weekend we were given an hour, perhaps the most scarce resource we have. So, what did you do with it? The numerous online polls I’ve seen indicate most people used it to get an extra hour of sleep.

Regardless of how you used the hour this weekend, I’d like to challenge you to do something this week. Take an hour, any hour … and give it away. These are tough times for a lot of people. Shelters are full. Food pantries are in need of people to volunteer. Family and friends need our support. Take a moment and determine the best way to give of one hour of your time. Are you up to the challenge?

Don’t get me wrong … I’m happy for them. It’s apparent they are crazy about each other (or just crazy). In fact, when two people are that much in love (or lust, which is probably the case for these two), they should express it. However, there is a time and place for everything. While right now may be the time for them, it certainly is not the place.

Go ahead, show your affection for your partner in public. Hold hands, provide the occasional kiss, but please recognize boundaries. I’m not exactly sure what the boundaries should be, but here’s a good standard … if you would feel awkward doing it with your mother or father sitting in my seat right now, then you’ve probably crossed into unacceptable territory. At that point, just get a room!