The Importance of Listening to Feedback in College, Work and Life

(Illustrative Only)

Feedback that leads
to growth. 

Seeking feedback helps you better understand your environment, your role in it, and how to improve your performance. We are constantly receiving feedback through cues, information, and comments, and we often adjust our behavior naturally to stay aligned with our surroundings.

Some individuals actively seek feedback by listening to colleagues, supervisors, professors, and other trusted sources. In the workplace, people who are “trainable” or “groomable”—those willing to listen, adapt, and improve—are especially valued.

Over time, consistently using feedback from others and from your environment allows you to refine your skills and better navigate different situations. Across a lifetime, the difference between those who are open to feedback and those who resist it can be significant.

These ideas are supported by research showing that actively seeking feedback contributes to growth, meaningfulness, and improved performance.

The “sense” behind proactive behaviors: Feedback seeking, meaningfulness, and personal initiative: 

• Examines how proactive workplace behaviors—especially feedback-seeking—relate to employee performance through underlying psychological processes
• Uses sensemaking theory to explain how employees interpret feedback and construct meaning from their work experiences
• Finds that feedback-seeking behavior enhances a sense of meaningfulness in work, which acts as a key mediating factor
• Demonstrates that meaningfulness increases personal initiative, leading employees to take more proactive, self-directed actions
• Shows a sequential relationship: feedback-seeking → meaningfulness → personal initiative → improved job performance
• Highlights the importance of internal cognitive processes (not just behavior) in driving effective workplace outcomes

Ma, B., Zhu, S., & Jain, K. (2023). The “sense” behind proactive behaviors: Feedback seeking, meaningfulness, and personal initiative. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2023.103826

Corporate Social Responsibility and Profitability

(Illustrative Only)

CSR initiatives
by a local business
owner. Maybe
a flower market
might look nice 
in Escanaba
on Ludington St.,
next to a sidewalk cafe
and a book shop.
It would make
the other businesses
for a few
blocks more
of a destination.
Businesses can
co-complement each 
other to enhance
the draw and 
customer experience.
CSR can be
part of a percentage
of profits. i.e.
every 5th flower or
cup of coffee.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to how businesses contribute positively to society beyond making profits. This can include supporting community programs, donating to causes like the arts or veterans, and reducing environmental impact through pollution control.

There is ongoing debate about CSR. Some view it as an essential part of corporate governance, arguing that companies have a responsibility to give back. Others believe it adds little value and that businesses should not be expected to invest profits in these efforts.

The study referenced suggests there is generally a positive relationship between CSR and company profitability. However, like all research, it has limitations based on its methods and scope. Gaining a clearer understanding of this relationship would require further study.

The study on Corporate Social Responsibility and financial performance in emerging markets indicates that CSR is associated with profitability. 

• the study is a systematic review of 227 peer-reviewed articles (2010–2024) examining the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance (FP) in emerging markets
• results show a predominantly positive relationship between CSR and financial performance, though outcomes depend on institutional quality, governance, and sector context
• four main research themes are identified: CSR and firm performance, CSR disclosure and stakeholder perspectives, ESG reporting in developing contexts, and ESG integration with financial outcomes
• the study uses a combination of PRISMA methodology, bibliometric analysis, and the TCCM framework to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the literature
• key research gaps include limited cross-country comparisons, insufficient focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and a lack of qualitative research approaches
• practical implications emphasize improving ESG transparency, strengthening governance, and adopting context-specific CSR strategies to enhance financial outcomes

Parra-Domínguez, J., Dote-Pardo, J., Severino-González, P., Rebolledo-Aburto, G., & Romero-Argueta, J. (2026). Corporate social responsibility and financial performance in emerging markets: A systematic review to enhance decision-making frameworks. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 13, 102512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.102512

The Good Ol’ Boys: The Story of the Clan

(Illustrative Only)

An old
guide through 
the forrest. 

We are a single people with
a single mission
as codified in our 
oaths, artifacts,
and values. 
Staying focued
on these values
and the
needs of an indivisible
people and things 
will work out
just fine.
Your moral
conscious will
be your guide. 
Hope it is calibrated
to true north.

Improving development and building trust in institutions is essential for a healthy democratic system. Strong institutions continuously adapt by using new information, improving policies, and maintaining checks and balances. They also prioritize hiring qualified individuals based on merit rather than personal connections. In such as way they strengthen democracy through the proper application of one of the three legs of the broader system. When institutions function this way, they create trust that supports both economic and social progress.

This idea can be understood through a simple thought experiment about justice. In the scenario, a “good old boy” network uses its influence to benefit insiders while harming others, especially minorities and vulnerable groups. Misconduct is ignored, complaints are not addressed, and unfair treatment becomes part of the system. Corrections for wrong doing are slow. As a result, basic rights and fairness are weakened. 

However, the story also shows that change is possible. Over time, ethical leaders and community members recognize the problems and work to fix them. This demonstrates that improvement is a choice. As systems become more fair and accountable, trust increases, leading to better outcomes such as lower crime, higher household income, stronger communities, and more economic opportunity.

You may be interested in some of this research that helps highlight the main points, 

• The article “The Good Ol’ Boys and the Bad People” explains that incarceration rates in rural areas of the United States have increased significantly over the past two decades, even as urban incarceration rates have declined, creating a growing rural–urban divide.

• It highlights how informal social structures in rural communities often separate people into “insiders” and “outsiders,” which can influence law enforcement decisions and judicial outcomes, sometimes leading to unequal treatment.

• The piece emphasizes that marginalized populations, including low-income individuals, Indigenous communities, and Latinx residents, are disproportionately affected by these patterns of enforcement and incarceration.

• Structural challenges in rural justice systems—such as limited access to legal representation, fewer diversion programs, and higher reliance on pretrial detention—contribute to higher incarceration rates and reduced fairness.

• Overall, the article argues that addressing rural justice disparities requires both systemic reforms and greater awareness of how local cultural dynamics and biases shape legal outcomes.

Iannelli, E. J. (2025, February 21). The good ol’ boys and the bad people: The criminalization of rural disadvantage. Humanities Washington. https://www.humanities.org/spark/rural-justice/

Delta County MI Board of Commissioners Meeting (3/17/2026): Staying informed on local activities and projects

(Illustrative Only)

Keeping up on the news
and reading 
about investment
strategies for
communities.

You may be interested in some of the recent activities of the Delta County Commission, which include several new and developing projects. Staying informed about local activities can improve awareness of potential investment opportunities. The more people understand the direction of local governance and recognize areas of progress, the more likely the region is to attract investment.

This article highlights that investors often prioritize transportation infrastructure, utility systems, and access to higher education when making investment decisions. Delta County is well-positioned in these areas, serving as a regional crossroads for road and rail, and offering access to a port, airport, and marina. In addition, the county is taking steps to enhance energy independence through new energy initiatives and benefits from the presence of a local trades college, further strengthening its economic development potential. Investments in the Community

• Meeting of the Delta County Board of Commissioners was held March 17, 2026, with standard opening procedures including prayer, pledge, roll call, and approval of prior minutes with corrections
• Agenda approved with additions due to upcoming grant deadlines, including letters of support, funding items, and emergency declaration
• Administrator reported on opioid task force grant programs, upcoming regional collaboration event, and new funding opportunities for youth prevention programs
• County received additional Secure Rural Schools Act funding and completed prior fiscal audit, with next audit scheduled
• Finance and personnel committees are working on formal policy manuals and improving budget and staffing processes
• Board approved multiple personnel-related adjustments, including converting comp time to vacation or salary adjustments for certain positions
• Bills totaling over $437,000 were approved for payment
• Multiple letters of support approved for local projects, including fire equipment, park improvements, infrastructure, and city development initiatives
• Grant resolution approved for a new campground bathhouse at Pioneer Trail Park, partially funded through a state trust fund
• FOIA appeal denials were upheld across several cases
• Airport advisory bylaws were sent back for further review due to inconsistencies
• Regional public defender collaboration with Iron and Dickinson counties approved to improve legal services and efficiency
• Local and state emergency declarations approved in response to a severe winter storm, enabling potential financial assistance and resource support
• Emergency response highlighted significant coordination among agencies, challenges with road access, power outages, and rescue operations during the storm
• Commissioners expressed appreciation for emergency personnel, public works, and community members assisting during the storm

Advanced Economic Indicators Report December 2025

A release by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that in December 2025, exports declined slightly while the trade deficit persisted, with imports continuing to exceed exports. At the same time, sales remained relatively strong compared to inventory levels, suggesting stable demand and steady overall economic activity. These findings point to continued economic stability in the near term (assuming a constant), but also highlight an ongoing imbalance in trade that is unlikely to resolve without structural changes.

Addressing this imbalance may require rethinking current economic approaches. One potential direction is to strengthen innovation and development by supporting small, micro, and medium-sized businesses. Expanding opportunities for these businesses can help revitalize local economies, rebuild downtown areas, and increase tax revenue across communities. This approach reflects a shift toward a more broad-based form of capitalism, where economic resources and decision-making are more widely distributed and closer to local populations.

Encouraging entrepreneurship, investing in human capital, exports of products, and adjusting policies to better support emerging and smaller enterprises could provide greater opportunities for future generations, who may face more economic challenges than those before them. In some ways a result of overconsolidation and its influence.

Advanced Economic Indicators Report December 2025. Released Feb. 19th, 2026:

• Exports of goods were about 180.0 billion dollars, a decrease of 5.6 billion dollars from the previous month

• Imports of goods were about 278.6 billion dollars, remaining significantly higher than exports and contributing to a trade deficit

• Wholesale inventories were approximately 918.0 billion dollars, increasing 0.2% from the prior month and 2.9% year-over-year

• Total business inventories reached about 2,680.7 billion dollars, rising 0.1% month-over-month and 1.6% compared to the previous year

• The business inventories-to-sales ratio was 1.36, slightly lower than 1.39 the previous year, indicating relatively stronger sales compared to inventory levels

• Overall findings suggest modest inventory growth, steady economic activity, and a continued trade imbalance with imports exceeding exports

U.S. Census Bureau. (2026, February 19). Advance economic indicators report: December 2025. Retrieved March 19, 2026, from https://www.census.gov/econ/indicators/current/index.html

The Conference Board Economic Forecase 2026-2.1% Real GDP

(Illustrative Only)

An economic forecaster
out in Bark River
trying to see the future.

"Yes, yes I see it
now my pretty." 

The ball says,
"Increase savings,
spend on what you need, 
avoid emotional spending, 
and invest your reserves"

Not sure what
the future says. 
Changes in the wind.

2026 is shaping up to be an edge-of-your-seat year. There are significant geopolitical, economic and political developments creating a climate of uncertainty, and that uncertainty is likely to slow hiring. While companies may not move toward large-scale layoffs, many could delay hiring decisions as they wait for clearer signals about where and when to invest.

As seen since COVID-19, conditions can shift quickly—sometimes validating projections, and other times proving them wrong. In this case, forecasts from The Conference Board suggest real GDP growth of about 2.1%, which represents moderate, steady expansion—neither particularly strong nor weak. Ideally, growth would be higher, accompanied by consistently low inflation, but that remains uncertain.

Consumer spending may face pressure, and while the labor market has shown resilience, overall job stability and consumer confidence could fluctuate. Inflation also remains a potential concern, largely depending on the pace and direction of economic activity. As with much of the current outlook, the trajectory of 2026 will depend on how these uncertainties evolve over time.

The Conference Board Economic Forecast for 2026 (Updated March 11, 2026):

• The U.S. economic outlook is characterized by slowing growth entering 2026, with weaker economic activity signaled by leading indicators and softening conditions at the end of 2025

• Real GDP growth is projected to remain modest, around 2.1% in 2026, reflecting a gradual slowdown rather than a sharp contraction

• Consumer demand is a key uncertainty, with future growth dependent on whether households can sustain spending amid inflationary pressures and economic constraints

• Labor market conditions show signs of softening, including rising unemployment claims and reduced manufacturing hours, contributing to weaker overall momentum

• Consumer confidence has been volatile, with declines followed by modest rebounds, reflecting mixed perceptions of current conditions and future expectations

• Business and CEO sentiment highlight elevated uncertainty as a primary economic risk, alongside concerns about a potential downturn or recession

• Inflation and affordability pressures (e.g., energy, food, and trade-related costs) continue to weigh on consumers and economic expectations

• Overall, the forecast suggests a period of moderate growth with downside risks tied to weakening demand, labor market softness, and persistent uncertainty

The Conference Board. (2026). Economic forecast for the US economy. https://www.conference-board.org/research/us-forecast

Story of the Clan: A Philosophical Discussion on A Default of Justice and Renewed Commitment to Shared Values

The development of society depends in part on all three branches of government functioning effectively and in alignment with foundational principles such as the Constitution, laws, and shared civic values. When partisanship and bias enter public institutions, trust erodes, producing long-term consequences for national development and social cohesion. One way to explore these dynamics is through a philosophical, learning-oriented story designed for reflection and contemplation.

Consider the “Story of the Clan” as a hypothetical thought experiment illustrating a breakdown in justice. Stories like this can serve as tools for learning and institutional improvement. At their core, systems and institutions must continuously take in new information, adapt, and evaluate both their performance and the trust placed in them. While illustrative, the story underscores important questions about whom these institutions serve and how they fulfill that responsibility.

In this scenario, taxpayer money is misused, informal “good old boy” networks dominate, and personal boundaries are openly disregarded with official awareness. Public safety is compromised, and vulnerable populations—including children and the elderly—are placed at risk. The situation involves human and civil rights violations, a lack of accountability, the spread of false rumors that incite aggression, and the dehumanization of individuals. Those engaging in misconduct were rewarded, while the courts initially tolerate or overlook these actions, particularly when directed at perceived “out-groups” defined by race, religion, or political identity, suggesting the influence of extremism and partisanship.

This narrative highlights how a systemic failure of justice can emerge from a misunderstanding of institutional purpose and role. Manipulative behavior becomes incentivized, while harm is inflicted quickly and corrected slowly—an inversion of what just systems should uphold. Although some errors may stem from misjudgment or lack of information, others may reflect the biases or perspectives of decision-makers rather than the lived realities of those affected. In some cases, only a few toxic actors, combined with weak checks & balances and reliance on informal or “unwritten” codes, can begin to distort an entire system.

At the same time, the story points to the capacity for correction. Societies can and do learn, especially when they recognize that the well-being of the whole must take precedence over the interests of a few. In the “Story of the Clan,” the courts initially fail by privileging select individuals as having surface value over others, but reform becomes possible when principled officials and engaged citizens act in defense of the law’s true purpose rather than its flawed application. The broader principles of good governance and judicial integrity should transcend political affiliation, race, religion, and personal belief. Ideals such as freedom of speech, religious liberty, and civic responsibility retain enduring value. These principles remain as relevant today as ever—they simply require attention and a sustained commitment to uphold them.

The Story of the Clan is a philosophy of adaptive development around shared principles

(Side note: Stay tuned for the Story of the Clan which will be written into a narrative of risks and recovery from intentional wrongdoing that leads to rejuvenation and higher commitment to oaths/values and institutional health. Or not...it just depends on how much time I have. Mostly I just sort of enjoy not doing much of anything. Do a lot of reading for the enjoyment of it, a little art, a little exercise, so on and so forth. ) 

Protecting fair and impartial courts: Reflections on judicial independence. 

• Judicial independence is essential to maintaining the rule of law, ensuring that courts can make decisions free from political pressure, public opinion, or influence from other branches of government.

• The article emphasizes that impartiality and fairness depend on structural protections such as life tenure, secure salaries, and clear ethical standards for judges.

• Increasing political polarization and public criticism of court decisions pose growing challenges to maintaining trust in the judiciary and safeguarding its independence.

• Strengthening public understanding of the judicial role and reinforcing institutional safeguards are critical to preserving confidence in courts and upholding democratic principles.

Judicature. (n.d.). Protecting fair and impartial courts: Reflections on judicial independence. Duke Law Center for Judicial Studies. https://judicature.duke.edu/articles/protecting-fair-and-impartial-courts-reflections-on-judicial-independence/