TBTNEWS HEADLINE

New Year Predictions: Things I Wish Happen (or Don't)

Contributing Correspondent: CDW

I have so much respect for the readers of TBTNews and I would really like for them to understand the premise of why I Write to Differ... I write to Empower, to Engage, to Educate, to Inform, to Enlighten, to Transform and to bring Collective Thoughts together under one roof. These collective thoughts, I think can inspire each of us to walk, talk and do things differently, if we truly want change. I believe the bulk of us, at least the tens of thousands of loyal readers who continue asking for more within the pages of TRUTH B TOLD each day wants change.

There are some who disapprove and dislike what TBTNews represent. That's OK. There are some who question the validity of the news service. And that's also OK. But there are many more who beg for this unique and truthful voice to remain committed to its initial mission: Seek The TRUTH, Know The TRUTH, Speak The TRUTH. And as 2014 creeps in, I can assure you that our objective will remain steadfast and we'll only get better at what we do.

TRUTH B TOLD, there are some new and innovative features being planned for 2014. New content and corporate partnerships have signed on. And old invaluable relationships will continue like University of Chicago and McDonald's to name a few. One of the new features being added will be a satirical cartoon strip. It will be creative and poke fun at popular and unpopular figure heads. There will be readership engagement where subscribers can win prizes to sporting events, concerts, restaurants, and gift cards to retail outlets.

Several new columns and a host of new writers have signed up to deliver more relevant content. For instance: one on entrepreneurship and another section will profile high-end personalities with a weekly Q&A. A host of content programming will be produced: NGLC Leadership Awards Luncheon is Friday, Feb. 21 and on Sat., Feb. 22, The Rise of Technology & Innovation Symposium will take place. Carl West COMEDY HOUR and IMAGEMAKER Series will also be presented in 2014 by MG Media.

There is a new advertising section for small businesses. To inquire, call 312.980.2681. We're considering a new look, but not quite sure. What ever we do, it'll only enhance the readership experience. Here are a few things TBTNews predict for 2014. These are situations that we hope will happen or not happen:

1. I hope that more black folks invest in the stock market or purchase bonds or annuities instead of high priced gym shoes or overpriced jeans and jewelry. To see preferred stocks, visit Ariel Investment's website: www.arielinvestment.com or call 1.800.292.7435 for stocks in your price range (See penny stocks).

2. I predict that America will finally recognize the plight of black folks in this country and the contribution of Negroes to build this great nation and consider REPARATIONS under President Barack Obama.

3. I would love to see someone step-up and challenge Chicago's Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He appears to have a free-ride thus far for the 2015 election. And I think in order to build a more affective government, serving all the people, political operatives must be challenged to provide needed services.

4. I don't want to see or attend another gathering on violence. It's not the main concern of urban hoods. The biggest and most important issue plaguing my community is jobs and building start-up enterprises in technology, retail and consumer goods.

5. I really wish my generation (ages 25 - 50) would stand-up and decide to mentor young lost and confused black kids within the hoods where they live, work and play!

C.E.O. EXCHANGE

Words Managers Afraid to Say

Contributing Correspondent: Ted Santos

There is a much larger impact on the organization as a whole when the managers are not having the right conversations with employees. As a manager, you should always have an exit strategy and a successor. While it is important to possess knowledge yourself, it is more important to know how to manage knowledge. More importantly, managers are responsible for extracting as much knowledge as is required to build a thriving organization. So the notion of being afraid to tell your people you don’t know, you were wrong, or ask them, “what do you think?,” or “what would you do?,” is a formula for a struggling organization.

I have seen smart managers come up with all the answers. In the end, his employees became resentful and sat back and watched the manager solve all the problems. As long as the manager had “the right answer” the other employees were not able to contribute. Unfortunately, that manager stunted his and his company’s growth. All problem solving depended on him, so once he was taken out of the operations room, the employees had to make the tough decisions themselves.

As they became more confident in their problem solving abilities, they became a huge asset to the organization. In fact, they developed a competitive edge as an operations team. That only happened because the new manager used the Socratic approach. He started asking what would you do if I were not here? Can you explain what will happen if…?

Asking questions serves several purposes.

1. Develop leaders – successors
2. Creates problem solvers who can function independently
3. It ensures your people feel valuable to you and the enterprise

In times of constant change and global competition, no one should have the same job functions from one year to the next. As a manager, you should be working to make yourself obsolete. Work yourself out of a job. To do that, you will have to find a successor. Or your people will choose the successor. Delegating is one way to prepare people for increased responsibility.

The other is to let your people have the answers. There are times when you may know it. However, it is more valuable long term to ask your people to solve the problem for or in partnership with you. As your people become accustomed to your dialogue, they will have a process for solving complex problems. As a manager, this frees you up to focus on larger issues, instead of putting out fires your people are not comfortable handling.

When your team or company grows, your direct reports develop a sense of pride knowing they contributed to the growth. Asking your people questions empowers them and makes them feel valued. If you have all the answers they are not needed.

What do you think? I’m open to ideas. Or if you want to write me about a specific topic, connect through my blog www.turnaroundip.blogspot.com.

PUBLISHER'S PEACE: So Let Greatness Begin!

Carl West, CEO MG Media

It's now the 3rd of January and the year is 2014. As if you didn't know that already. But just for the record, I wanted to highlight the day and year, because everyone who aspires for greatness should remember this moment in time as your greatness starts today.

One year from now, you should be able to recall where you were and what the hell you were doing when you made the decision to take this greatness journey with me. Are you ready? Did you write down the date? Where are you and what exactly are you doing - other than reading these Works of Words? I'm in my driver's seat and I need you at the starting gate with me!

I'm ready for take off. Are you? This ride will be filled with bumps and pot holes. This path will be somewhat difficult to navigate. It will not be an easy road trip, not by far. So are you sure you're ready? If not, I understand. Maybe this time next year you're have the guts and vision to challenge yourself to be better than you've ever been. But remember, we are not going to wait for you. We're headed for greatness. So lets go...

Once the readers who decide to ride out with me on our quest for greatness, we will not turn back, nor will we look back. The only road we'll see is what's ahead. So think twice, some may have to think a third time, but again, we will not wait on you. As you can see, time waits for no one!

At the end of these Works of Words, greatness begins and being mediocre ends for those who'll take this journey. No longer will you doubt yourself. No longer will you question your abilities. No more hesitation and no more procrastination. The fight of your life finally takes shape and once you join this journey to discover one's greatness, you'll never be the same. And you'll wonder why you took so damn long.

You'll feel your mind transform into something you've never imagined before. You'll watch your eyeballs glow brighter with every step you take. You'll see your shoulders get broader. You'll raise your head and look people in their eyes. You'll feel the strength in your voice get stronger and more determined. You will start to know and feel greatness.

And for any readers who selected not to step-up and reach for greatness today - shame on you. Because what you've done in choosing not to strive for a better life today, is depriving your children's children a better opportunity to succeed tomorrow.

Who will they have to emulate? Who will they have to brag about to their friends in school? Who will they have to learn from? Today, you've failed them and all their other immediate relatives and family members for decades to come. All because you let greatness pass you by today. Peace and One Love.