Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

In one of the most self-serving votes I've seen in a long time, the Senate passed legislation that could end up forcing the Bush administration to stop filling the nation's strategic petroleum reserve.

The vote, which was an overwhelming 92 to 6, with 46 Republicans breaking rank with the Bush Administration, shows that the major purpose they serve is themselves, and getting reelected. Nothing new there, of course. But...

Was there other reasoning behind this vote besides getting reelected? Yes! It was also the admission that there is nothing the government can do about oil prices. The reason the vote went this way was because there has to be the illusion maintained that the government is able to do something, because the conclusion would eventually dawn on citizens that the government is, and should remain ... limited.

In a radio interview with CBS News, President Bush said the continual rise in gasoline prices have been one of the major hindrances to the economy growing strongly.

While he confirmed the economy was growing, he reiterated that gasoline prices have held it back. "It's growing (the economy), don't get me wrong, but it could be a lot better with lower gasoline prices," he said.

He also mentioned the housing problems as another big drag on economic growth. "It's just too darn bad because this economy was doing fine and then we had the housing issue and then this gasoline issue is making it even harder for the economy to recover," Bush commented.

At home, he was affectionate and understanding. He gave love by being interested, involved, and always there for his family and friends.

While there are obvious strengths and benefits to what was mentioned above about Walt Disney personally, I want to apply it to business, because I believe how Disney lived his life at home, was what motivated and inspired him in the workplace.

When you watch the many Disney films from the early years, you see in them much of that affection and understanding displayed by Walt at home.

As his daughter Diane Miller said one time:
 
"Daddy never missed a father's function no matter how I discounted it. I'd say,'Oh, Daddy, you don't need to come. It's just some stupid thing.' But he'd always be there, on time."

Welch called for developing a corporate culture that encourages and rewards honest feedback.

One of the major accomplishments of Jack Welch when he led General Electric (GE), was his remarkable ability to communicate and get others to communicate in such a huge company.

Welch considered the absence of candor as one of the major obstacles to the success of any company. He said, "In a bureaucracy, people are afraid to speak out. This type of environment slows you down, and it doesn't improve the workplace."

If nothing else, Jack Welch communicated and set an example of candor, and those throughout the company responded accordingly.

The U.S trade deficit plunged to $58.2 billion, said the Commerce Department Friday, the lowest since 2003. That's down by about $3.5 billion from February's deficit of $61.7 billion. This could also mean we'll see upward changes in the 0.6 percent annualized GDP for the first quarter.

Most of this is the result of the weak U.S. dollar.

Areas of exports that were particularly strong were to the Eurupean Union and South America, which both produced record exports for the time frame. U.S. exports to the European Union reached $24.1 billion, and exports to South America increased to $10.9 billion.

Mother's Day is upon us again, and many businesses are taking advantage of the numerous ways they can position themselves in the minds of those wanting to do something special for their mothers on their special day.

With Mother's Day being one of those days just about any business can participate in, most can do something unique to market a product or service in honor of mothers.

The obvious flowers and cards will always be a staple of Mother's Day, but with moms having a variety of interests and preferences, it's definitely worth tapping into this market at this time of the year.

For businesses it's a good reminder to be prepared for any special day out there, and have a specific strategy in place centered around it.

Even though a number of businesses and industries have fewer employees, it didn't hurt productivity, as it grew by a 2.2 percent annual rate for the first quarter, according to the U.S. Labor Department. That's in contrast to the 1.8 percent increase in the fourth quarter of 2007. Productivity measures the hourly efficiency of a worker.

What this does is reduce inflation pressure, as labor costs are kept in check.

"Productivity is solid and labor costs are slowing and this will take the pressure off inflation and the Federal Reserve," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com in West Chester, Pennsylvania. "Unit labor costs have essentially come to a grinding halt and that should support corporate profits and allow businesses to hold the line on prices."

The death toll from cyclone Nargis, according to Myanmar (Burma) state radio, has surpassed 22,000, with over 41,000 still missing.

With a government in place that hasn't the ability or will to coordinate relief efforts, the devastating effects of the cyclone continue to ravage the people of the country.

Government Problems

At this time the government has finally said they'll allow relief aid in, but added that they will distribute it themselves. The distribution decision has caused some countries, like France, to limit aid, as the military-rulers aren't trusted to do what is best for their people by some.

Wal-Mart Expanding Prescription Drug Program

The excursion of Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) into the medical field, specifically with their prescription drug program, is a great lesson in how the market is far more effective in finding solutions to high cost in health care than the government.

What's great about the Wal-Mart strategy is it has not only saved consumers about $1.2 billion in health care costs, but it is being done while generating a profit. The existing $4 generic prescription drug program is available at over 4,000 Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Neighborhood Market pharmacies.

The retail giant now has plans to expand their prescription drug program by adding 90-day prescription drugs for $10. They are also increasing medications for women, while introducing $4 medicines able to be bought over-the-counter.

There will be a huge number of over-the-counter medications made available (over 1,000 in number), consumers will be able to buy for $4 or under. The expanded prescriptions for up to 90 days will include up to 350 generic drugs which will cost only $10.

Begin your lesson in leadership the same way Andy Grove attacks a problem: by setting aside everything you know.

This type of idea really sounds good as you read it, and seems to be the way to go. The question is if it's really true. Should we really set everything we know aside when we tackle problems?

The answer to me is yes and no. But it is really determined by what the problem is, and at what place in the business it resides.

For example, let's say we're having trouble getting people who fit into our business vision and culture. We hire them believing they are a good fit, but when they enter into the workplace, they end up being a great disappointment and wrong choice.