by John Philipp

Member since:
August 10, 2006

Thought~Byte No.175

October 27, 2009 11:52 PM EDT

views: 149 | rating: 10/10 (10 votes) | comments: 93

Thought~Byte No.175

Concept and words by John Philipp. Drawings by Phil Frank.

(The comments below are where the wisdom is found.)

view all photos

You need the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Install the player now

Tags: thoughtbytes, philosophy, psychology, writing, life, relationships, cartoon, johnphilipp, wwe, ltbrgtleadership, behavior, modeling, parenting

To Groups: Orange Juice, Parenting Babies and Toddlers, ! Post Office @ Gather Town !, !!! GatherJournal !!!, Mindbends, The Reader's Lounge, Notes to Self, Quotes that make you think, .....The Writers Review....., Clear Minds Create, Brain Core Dump, Fatherhood, new yorker readers, a penni for your thoughts, points for your articles, Babies, Kids, and Families, A Beautiful World of Articles, Photo, Videos and You, brought to you by the Gather Women's Coalition, The Writers, !!! OriginaLiterate !!!, Fluent Thinkers, Thought~Bytes, Think About This, Odd Insights, Slices of Life, Gather Writing Essential, Best of Gather, Random Musings, WELL, HERE WE ALL ARE........NOW WHAT??, thought provoking, Californians on Gather, *~Fluffin' 'n Puffin'~*, Gather Broadcasting, gatherverse, Gather's Best, Vic's Original Content, The Writin' Wombats

rate

link to this page

Bookmark this post:

Comments: 93

John Philipp Oct 27, 2009, 11:52pm EDT

Mini Thought~Bytes (words without drawings) appear every day on my Twitter page. If you're on Tweeter please follow me and I'll follow you.

reply to this comment

John Philipp Oct 27, 2009, 11:52pm EDT

Thought~Bytes are posted every Wednesday. To see all Thought~Bytes and get an email when new ones are posted, please join Thought~Bytes

reply to this comment

Paul Allen Leoncini Oct 28, 2009, 12:03am EDT

oh, yes, the hypocryt's mantra

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:15am EDT

Not sure I get that connection, Paul. Maybe it's late.

reply to this comment

Angela A. Oct 28, 2009, 12:06am EDT

Well, yeah!

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:15am EDT

OK, then.

reply to this comment

Vivian A. Oct 28, 2009, 12:08am EDT

Yeah! And when they don't, whack 'em on the head with your big scepter.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:15am EDT

Well of course, there's that.

reply to this comment

JOHN BECK Oct 28, 2009, 12:09am EDT

That goes for parenting role models as well.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:16am EDT

Excellent point, John.

Thanks.

Jennifer K. Oct 28, 2009, 11:40am EDT

Great point John. I ageree with you 100% on that one.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:12pm EDT

Him or me? :)

reply to this comment

Nina A Oct 28, 2009, 12:17am EDT

Very true. As well in Buddhist teachings it's said to be the change you want to see. In other words you cannot expect things from others if you cannot do the same.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:45am EDT

An individual aspect to this, Byte, Nina. Thanks.

I like the phrase "be the change you want to see."

Jennifer K. Oct 28, 2009, 11:41am EDT

That is very good Nina. I also like the same phrase. You can't expect more from others if you're not going to give it yourself.

reply to this comment

Dianna Doles-Petry Oct 28, 2009, 12:35am EDT

LOL, but what if that was leading them into temptation? It's a great concept, I was just thinking of the other paths one could take with that. Seriously, I never did anything in front of my children that I wouldn't want them to do.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:47am EDT

Dianna, I hope your not thinking of a unselfish banker, for example.

Good rule with kids. Thanks.

reply to this comment

Ruth J. Oct 28, 2009, 12:42am EDT

It is a better stategy than to yell "Do as I say, NOT as I do!" Heard that one growing up and vowed not to say it to my children. If I made a mistake I admitted it and apologized.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:48am EDT

Good, Ruth. And apologizing adds the dimension of personal responsibility to this Byte. Thanks.

Jennifer K. Oct 28, 2009, 11:44am EDT

I am the same way. If I'm angry and yell at my children and know it's me not them, I always apologize. I explain to them that I was wrong to yell at them like I did, and I apologize to them. I also tell them that it wasn't right for me to take my anger with something else out on them.

reply to this comment

Tanya P. Oct 28, 2009, 1:15am EDT

But the emperor wears no clothes.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:49am EDT

Then, according to this Byte, Tanya, he is or soon will be ruling a naked land.

Tanya P. Oct 28, 2009, 4:36pm EDT

We sheep do love following the leader.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 6:51pm EDT

reply to this comment

Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 28, 2009, 1:35am EDT

Good thing the emperor got new clothes then, ain't it John / Tanya, can you imagine these Gather folks naked? Go on try....?

------------------------------

ps: Streaker is On Her Feet Again
------------------------------

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:50am EDT

Robert, save those images for after breakfast, please.

Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 28, 2009, 8:13am EDT

And on that thought, the cowboy drops his chaps and his bikini fruit-of-the-looms and dives naked into a large and inviting bowl of Cocoa Puffs and sliced bananas; turning over, he commences to float on his back in all his glory.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:14pm EDT

Ha! I was smart enough to eat breakfast before checking your response.

Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 28, 2009, 12:17pm EDT

Oh great another exhibitionist skinny-dip gone to waste. What's that the fifth this year? I have to work on my timing. How was your breakfast kemosabe?

Tanya P. Oct 28, 2009, 4:39pm EDT

It's what keeps me coming back to Gather, Robert!

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 6:51pm EDT

See, Robert, it didn't go to waste.

Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 28, 2009, 10:46pm EDT

Good because that milk was sooo cold my nips are still up. lol.

John Philipp Oct 29, 2009, 12:07am EDT

OK, no one encourage this guy.

Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 29, 2009, 12:21am EDT

lol

ok i'll be good now.

reply to this comment

Elizabeth R. Oct 28, 2009, 1:42am EDT

Good point and appropriate to many situations.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:50am EDT

Thanks, Elizabeth. There are a lot of applications for this one.

reply to this comment

Vinod Sailes Oct 28, 2009, 2:33am EDT

John Philipp :Surely "Behave as you want them to behave" and enhance the prospects of a re-election. Well that is also the best way to avoid being dumped after four years.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:52am EDT

An interesting thought, Vinod. I'm not sure any American politician has ever put that into practice.

reply to this comment

Jan S. Oct 28, 2009, 3:24am EDT

I'm trying to banish a mental image of all Americans behaving like Barack Obama. I may well have nightmares now....

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:54am EDT

Jan, I didn't see the political side to this in the sense that we know if a politician always told the truth he/she'd never get elected.

Maybe we need to separate behavior from beliefs for the pols so you can sleep better.

reply to this comment

Linda T. Oct 28, 2009, 6:36am EDT

I agree with John Beck. People tend to follow by example and children are not an exception to the rule. Anyone in a leadership role can not expect their followers to act any differently than they do.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:55am EDT

Linda, I'd say children are the rule. They learn by imitation and are an empty canvas when we get them.

reply to this comment

Sandi S. Oct 28, 2009, 7:46am EDT

Well said!

People believe what you do, not what you say. Lead by example. Be the change you want to see in the world. :) So true... it all requires doing.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 7:56am EDT

Thanks, Sandi. Doing instead of talking is key in this Byte.

reply to this comment

Larry M. Oct 28, 2009, 8:04am EDT

It's much easier to behave however you like and lie about it.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:15pm EDT

Nobody ever said life was easy, Larry. :)

Larry M. Oct 28, 2009, 1:38pm EDT

You're right. Life is hard. Dying is easy. Anyone can do it.

reply to this comment

K D. Oct 28, 2009, 10:06am EDT

Isn't it a shame that so many people in leadership positions have no idea that this concept exists!

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:16pm EDT

Karen, I think they're following the model of a leader they knew and think that's the way it should be done.

Unfortunately, some of those models can be traced all the way back to the Inquisition.

K D. Oct 31, 2009, 9:52am EDT

They follow the Hun theory of management! I always said that it's good to lead by example. You get the best results that way.

John Philipp Oct 31, 2009, 10:39am EDT

Well said.

reply to this comment

Judi F. Oct 28, 2009, 10:33am EDT

brings a whole new image to The Emperor's New Clothes. LOL

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:16pm EDT

I did like that one, Judi.

reply to this comment

Sandre M. Oct 28, 2009, 10:47am EDT

Saying isn't nearly as effective and doing. There's no way to actually follow someone who isn't accomplishing something.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:18pm EDT

Good point, Sandre.

Except, as my pastor used to say, you can follow him straight through the gates of Hell ..

reply to this comment

Dennis Gilman Oct 28, 2009, 11:23am EDT

If you want people to follow you, give them an excellent example to imitate; yourself.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:19pm EDT

Agreed, Dennia.

A great leader in my life always maintained the best way to get power was to share it.

Dennis Gilman Oct 28, 2009, 12:32pm EDT

That's probably why we have been married for so many years. Sharing power is part of the success strategy, right John?

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 6:53pm EDT

Could be, Dennis, though in that case some call it a survival strategy.

reply to this comment

Jennifer K. Oct 28, 2009, 11:59am EDT

Very good John. Dennis is spot on with what he said about giving people an excellent expample.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:19pm EDT

Thanks, Jennifer.

reply to this comment

Heidi S. Oct 28, 2009, 12:06pm EDT

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" and "Be, Do, Have" are two of my mantras. It's just too bad many people will follow a leader who is going in circles....

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 12:19pm EDT

Heidi, that way they're never far from the buffet table.

reply to this comment

Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Oct 28, 2009, 12:32pm EDT

Oh yeah. Can't argue with that. And ditto what Heidi said: Gandhi had some very wise words.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 1:59pm EDT

I agree, Lydia. Beautifully phrased.

Tanya P. Oct 28, 2009, 4:45pm EDT

Can you imagine the courage it took for some to follow the truth Gandhi lived? I am truly grateful to those, and humbled.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 6:53pm EDT

Amen.

reply to this comment

~Sia McKye~ Oct 28, 2009, 1:16pm EDT

Good point John. Lead by example is a good precept whether a boss, parent, or leader of the country.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 1:59pm EDT

It's a broad-spectrum Byte, Sia. :)

reply to this comment

Sheila Deeth Oct 28, 2009, 1:56pm EDT

Wise advice, assuming the leader is wise. If not wise, probably doesn't take the advice in the first place.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 1:59pm EDT

There you go.

reply to this comment

Tanya P. Oct 28, 2009, 4:48pm EDT

A bit of a side track on this note, John:

Many of 'us' are following the illusion we've created of our 'leader', and not actually what he/she does or says. (I'm speaking in general, universal terms, not pointing at any one leader.)

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 6:55pm EDT

Interesting side to this, Tanya. Thanks.

Then maybe when they misstep, it's partially our fault that they stepped out of the "model" we chose for them.

Tanya P. Oct 28, 2009, 8:31pm EDT

Yep............or maybe they didn't misstep at all, but we slip out of our illusion momentarily and glimpsed the real thing. Of course, if we're cozily secure in our illusion, we'll quickly close and forget that curtain. -- Oh what a tangled web we weave......... (gotta laugh at ourselves or we're going to get nuttier than we already are)

reply to this comment

Teresa A. Oct 28, 2009, 5:12pm EDT

As a business owner, I never ask my staff to do anything that I wouldn't do myself.

John Philipp Oct 28, 2009, 6:56pm EDT

Another area where the modeling is powerful, Teresa. Thanks.

reply to this comment

blaine d. Oct 28, 2009, 9:18pm EDT

great one!

John Philipp Oct 29, 2009, 12:07am EDT

Thanks, Blaine.

reply to this comment

Beth G. Oct 28, 2009, 11:28pm EDT

lol this was awesome John!

John Philipp Oct 29, 2009, 12:07am EDT

Glad you liked it, Beth.

reply to this comment

LaRue B. Oct 29, 2009, 7:01am EDT

That's what I tell my older children. It's called being a roll model.

John Philipp Oct 29, 2009, 1:03pm EDT

Right you are, LaRue.

reply to this comment

Bill W. Oct 29, 2009, 11:57am EDT

I'm never going to use the word "strategy" again. I like your spelling better.

Anyway, you've spoken a universal truism. Now get it across to congress before they kill us with more government control.

John Philipp Oct 29, 2009, 1:05pm EDT

Isn't that wild. I never noticed that. Thanks.

Lee P. Oct 30, 2009, 9:43pm EDT

LOL I don't think anyone else noticed either. Awww man, there's always one to point out our flaws isn't there! LOL

Well spoken Mr. Bill W.

John Philipp Oct 30, 2009, 10:41pm EDT

I'm glad he pointed it out. (I rely on Bill for that). The problem is I typed the words for the Bytes in a font I had created of Phil's own handwriting.

But now they are part of an "image", so trying to change it s a HUGE hassle.

However, Lee, it's always better to know than not to know. A big publishing contract would motivate me to correct it.

Just sayin".

Lee P. Oct 30, 2009, 10:52pm EDT

I rest my case.

Bill W. Oct 31, 2009, 10:31am EDT

Hey, I didn't say it was a flaw. I try not to notice anyone else's flaws lest they start looking for mine. Actually, it was a quaint coloration of the English language by an officiando of the genre used to illustrate a point that was later to be emphasized by an astute reader and practitioner of the use of malaprops to emphasize speech and to get the idea to across to complete morons. John, don't deny this.

Rest easy

John Philipp Oct 31, 2009, 10:38am EDT

Bill, when you're right, you're right. :)

Listen up everyone. That's Bill's story and I'm sticking with it.

reply to this comment

Beaker (just Beaker) Oct 29, 2009, 1:39pm EDT

Funny how quickly all of us parents saw ourselves in this one.

John Philipp Oct 29, 2009, 2:54pm EDT

Very true, Beaker. Maybe it is the acute awareness of the responsibility that many don't necessarily feel in other fields.

reply to this comment

Jeff K. Oct 29, 2009, 7:14pm EDT

So if I want everyone behind me to be brilliant, knowledgeable and live in caves, then that's what I have to do. And like it.

On the other hand, if I want a bunch of losers behind me in order to retain my back stabbing and overbearing leadership position, then I have to behave like a loser (be a believable fake).

Got it.

Thanks, John!