The Executive Duck Pond-When Ducks Teach Leadership (Acrylic Painting 11"X14")

Leadership and training help organizations stay strong. Too often we focus only on hard skills because they’re easier to measure and easier to justify in a budget. Hard skills—like computer proficiency—are important, but the soft skills such as creativity that support personal development, judgment, and leadership are just as critical.

At the end of the day, every organization runs on people. If you imagine a small village building a dam to manage its water supply, you can picture what happens: the natural leaders start organizing things, the builders start building, and the folks who brought snacks somehow end up being the most popular. Everyone contributes their strengths.

That basic process hasn’t changed much over time. While art may be a hobby for some (and yes, this is technically a hobby), it can also strengthen long-term decision making. Creative work helps develop cognitive flexibility—the ability to see things from different perspectives, connect ideas that don’t seem related, and get to the essence of a problem. Plus, it’s cheaper than most corporate retreats.

This particular painting features ducks on a lake. I experimented with sketching basic shapes before painting, and in this case it seems to be working pretty well. There are a few things I’d probably change—mainly making it a little less messy—but for some reason I keep drifting back to this style. If I can refine it a bit, it might even become something unique.

So, if this painting inspires you, feel free to give it a new home. Otherwise, fair warning: it may end up in the fireplace in a few months during my annual “declutter with enthusiasm” phase. Adopt this orphan painting while you still can. 🦆🔥

Ducks on a Lake EBay

Creative arts and human flourishing: A thematic analysis of leaders engaging in a 21-day creative arts intervention.

• leaders who participated in a 21-day creative arts practice reported improved well-being, including more positive emotions, engagement, and sense of meaning

• creative arts helped leaders reduce stress and gain perspective, which supported clearer thinking and better decision making

• participants reported stronger relationships and teamwork with colleagues after engaging in creative activities

• leaders experienced increased resilience, focus, and productivity during demanding work periods

• the study suggests regular engagement in creative arts can support leadership effectiveness and overall human flourishing

Friberg, P. (2024). Creative arts and human flourishing: A thematic analysis of leaders engaging in a 21-day creative arts intervention. Journal of Positive Psychology Coaching. https://www.journal.theippc.com/article/120333-creative-arts-and-human-flourishing-a-thematic-analysis-of-leaders-engaging-in-a-21-day-creative-arts-intervention

Nations Built on the Principles of the Enlightenment: The Story of the Clan and Justice

(Illustrative Only)

A philosopher trying 
to teach judges and politicians
that the purpose of law and
the nation is founded in
the fundamentals of human
development and fair 
treatment. If they raise their moral
conscious they can rebuild trust. 
That trust is important
for everyone because all
people have value and
a nation is built on that
inherent human value.
Break that and you break the 
foundation. 
A couple taking notes because
they know the hard truth will help them, 
some checking their investment stocks
rolling their eyes at rights,
a few checking in with
their political leadership to
see what values they should
profess this week.

Unfortunately some feel
that only people within their
parties or most similar to them
should have basic rights. 
The problem with taking
partisan attorneys
and sticking them on
a bench to decide issues
and problems they will
never face themselves because
they are in the in-group. 
 They sometimes
will protect corruption
and hate while damaging
the future of many others.
Choose your judges
and politicians wisely.
They have responsibilities
to strengthen the system
and not just their pocketbooks
or pander to parties.

We have been here before
in history.

Ancient and Modern
Influences that shape
America's Founding.

Nations are built on principles, and those principles help define what is acceptable and unacceptable in decision making. In the United States, these principles are rooted in the Enlightenment and the belief in human dignity. That is why we have oaths of office, a Constitution, a Bill of Rights, and laws designed to protect freedom and equality. However, not every official consistently follows these ideals. Some may not fully reflect on these values or recognize the importance of protecting the founding principles behind them.

A philosophical learning story called The Story of the Clan helps explain how corruption can occur and how leaders can support Enlightenment values. When officials move away from these principles, it could appear through violations of human and civil rights, undermining free speech, or suppression of religious freedom.

Now let us imagine for mental exploration a worst case scenario...

In this learning philosophical thought experiment story, individuals were targeted, a few clan oriented court officials engaged in secretive practices, perpetrators were rewarded, and decisions placed children, the sick, elderly, vulnerable women, and veterans at risk. Human and civil rights were violated, decisions were driven by ideological extremism combined with the misuse of authority and public resources. Recourse for victims blocked. Some members within the network had a history of similar behavior and protected one another by offering “sweetheart” treatment when wrongdoing was exposed. In doing so, decision makers failed to support the many good, noble, and exceptional officials who serve the public and honor their oaths every day. We need more good officials and remove the bad apples but positive change is slow.

The learning story describes three possible paths. The first path is to continue down a corrupt and harmful road, hoping the wrongdoing is never exposed. Suppressing descent which becomes more expensive. The second path occurs when someone realizes they may have acted wrongly and attempts to act more ethically, but fails to implement meaningful reforms, protections, or accountability. Gross negligence. The third path is the “wait and see” path, where people sense something is wrong but are unsure how to respond. When the truth becomes clear, they work to correct the system, protect victims, hold people accountable, and rebuild trust. 

Simply saying “Don't get caught” is not an appropriate response when large swaths of society have serious concerns, trust is struggling, freedom metrics are weakening, and many believe improvements are needed—especially if the behaviors involved may be unlawful. Instead that narrative should be "How do we better serve The People".

Each path leads to very different outcomes for both leaders and society. The next time you vote, choose leaders based on character, competence, and commitment to public service—not simply alignment, popularity, influence, or wealth. A healthy society depends on placing the right people in positions of responsibility. In the end, we all share in the outcomes. 

You may be interested in the article below that discussed some aspects of dehumanization. 

De-dehumanization: Practicing humanity.

• Dehumanization occurs when people deny the shared humanity of others, which weakens empathy and makes violence or mistreatment more likely in conflicts and political situations.

• Research shows that dehumanizing language and attitudes increase the likelihood of conflict and abuse and make reconciliation and peace more difficult after violence occurs.

• The article argues that “de-dehumanization” requires actively practicing humanity—recognizing the dignity, value, and rights of every person even during war or political conflict.

• Humanitarian principles such as humanity, neutrality, and impartiality are important tools for resisting dehumanization and protecting people from abuse.

Deffenbaugh, N. (2024, June 27). De-dehumanization: Practicing humanity. International Committee of the Red Cross Humanitarian Law & Policy Blog. https://blogs.icrc.org/law-and-policy/2024/06/27/de-dehumanization-practicing-humanity/

*This is a philsophical learning story so take with a grain of salt. Because it is a thought experiment we can write in any positive outcome we desire. In this case we will write in a positive one. Come to any conclusion you desire. 

February 2026 Jobs are Down: Concerns Over Long Term Manufacturing (Sam Thinks of a New Dock and Port)

(Illustrative Only)

Sam knows how to 
build docks and ports.
He ponders the idea
of the advantages of
building a port in
a place like
Escanaba for
UP based distribution,
manufacturing, 
exports, and shipping. 
His thoughts
are if you can reduce
costs on the Great Lakes
it might help the 
region through
lower transaction costs
making the area more
competitive.
 He will
continue to mull the idea
over and its postives
and negatives. There
are always both. Jobs
will be created but
wants to ensure the value
is maximized for 
UP residents. So
he thinks of ways to
provide a conduit
for UP manufacturing
and exportation through
a small to medium 
port. Its ok
to reject the idea as
long as you thought it.

Solving complex
problems with new
lenses from the "little 
people" is kind of
fun. We are
generally discounted
and outside
the process.
Its like a puzzle. 
Something to do while
building docks.

He just can't put his finger
on how wealth has become
increasingly concentrated and 
manufacturing jobs have
declined over the past
two decades+.
What social networks do 
you need to be invited to?
Few would probably
wear flannels.
It might have something
to do with companies
overconsolidating, eating
up promising smaller
businesses, weaker
downtowns, operations
moving operations 
overseas while
not fully considering the
needs of the people in 
this country. Someone
is making money? Sam
knows the average people well, 
was born from the same
cloth. He has seen 
a wide and deep world.

What we have done in 
the past is unlikely
to work in the future
without manufacturing
decline
so new ideas are needed.
Just like an organization
that wants to compete in
new market opportunities
we may need new
thoughts, be inclusive
of new free thinking
decision makers, 
and higher focus
on small and medium
manufacturing where
innovation and growth 
are often realized. 
Money and tax revenue
stays more local and
downtowns can be
enhanced.
It is wise to 
think a decade or two
 in advance
to maximize strategic
outcomes and
quality of community
life.

His ideas are likely
to be glossed over by the 
interconnected ultra rich
that influence policies
that create wealth for
themselves at the
top by favoring large
corporations without
fully 
considering a stronger
balance between
small, medium and
large that enhances
more innovative 
economic synergy.
In Theory. 

Regional Economic Development
Warehouses Esky
MultiCluster
Cities and Supply Chain
Port Infrastructure
Invest Start-Ups

In February 2026, the U.S. economy lost about 92,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate rose slightly to around 4.4 percent. Job gains were strongest in financial activities and wholesale trade, while the largest declines occurred in education and leisure. Manufacturing also continues to face long-term challenges.

It is important to separate short-term changes from long-term trends. Monthly data can show immediate shifts in the economy, but looking at trends over several years often provides better insight for policy decisions. Short-term fluctuations are a normal part of business cycles, where economic activity expands and contracts from month to month or quarter to quarter. Current events and temporary conditions can cause these numbers to move up or down, so it is not realistic to expect them to remain stable.

Long-term trends, however, often point to deeper structural changes. Over the past 20 years, manufacturing employment has generally declined, suggesting the need to rethink how the sector develops in the future.

Possible approach

One option is to support manufacturing at all levels—micro, small, medium, and large—through responsible entrepreneurship. Policies could encourage innovation while also considering environmental responsibility and the broader economic system that supports business development.

Something to consider

On a personal level, if you currently have a job, it is wise to value that stability. At the same time, opportunities may emerge in different sectors. For those looking to increase income, reducing expenses and developing a small side business or hobby enterprise can help strengthen both personal finances and the local economy. Building savings and investments whenever possible can also improve long-term financial security.

The employment situation — February 2026:

• The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, with about 7.6 million people unemployed in February 2026.

• Unemployment rates were about 4.0 percent for adult men and about 4.0 percent for adult women, while teenagers had a higher unemployment rate than the national average.

• The labor market data are produced from two primary surveys: the household survey, which measures employment and unemployment, and the establishment survey, which measures payroll jobs, hours, and earnings.

• The report provides information on labor force participation, employment levels, job changes across industries, and wage trends in the U.S. economy.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026). The employment situation — February 2026. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.htm 

20 Year Changes:

Over the past 20 years you will notice a rise in some industries and a decline in others indicating fundamental shifts that should be carefully considered in future policy making.

Industry	2006 Jobs (millions)	2026 Jobs (millions)	Change (millions)	% Change
Mining & Logging	0.62	0.72	+0.10	+16%
Construction	7.7	8.3	+0.6	+8%
Manufacturing	14.2	12.6	−1.6	−11%
Wholesale Trade	5.9	6.1	+0.2	+3%
Retail Trade	15.3	15.5	+0.2	+1%
Transportation & Warehousing	4.5	6.4	+1.9	+42%
Information	3.0	2.9	−0.1	−3%
Financial Activities	8.1	9.2	+1.1	+14%
Professional & Business Services	17.6	23.0	+5.4	+31%
Education & Health Services	16.3	27.0	+10.7	+66%
Leisure & Hospitality	13.6	16.7	+3.1	+23%
Other Services	5.5	6.0	+0.5	+9%
Government	22.0	22.6	+0.6	+3%

Protecting Others Through Reporting Corruption and Hate (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)

Corrupt people and those
who lack values 
may not like you but
it is your duty to report
corruption for 
the benefit of organizations,
society, and communities.
A test of your inner character
is not what you say
but what you do under
tough situations. 
The worm a the core.

Hate and corruption harm both societies and organizations. When people see these behaviors, it is important to report and challenge them because they damage trust and fairness. People who engage in corruption often focus on their own personal gain rather than the well-being of others or the long-term success of the organization. Society and organizations suffer. 

So what often happens when corruption is reported?

Reporting wrongdoing can help stop it, but whistleblowers are sometimes targeted or blamed by those involved, or those aligned to the ideology of the misconduct. This retaliation can discourage others from speaking up, which allows corruption to continue and creates more victims. No one really cares as long as the victims have been dehumanized or are seen as part of some invented out-group (i.e. the narrative). 

A philosophical thought experiment called The Story of the Clan illustrates this problem. In this allegory, corruption and wrongdoing are openly encouraged. People target a family, put children at risk, and manipulate the elderly. Clear financial gain for wrong doing. Social ideological benefits of some decision making groups. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that many of the associated individuals are involved in other harmful actions, leaving a trail of potential victims.

In the allegory, there is no effective safeguard. When official complaints are made, the members of the system share the information with the perpetrators instead of protecting the victims. An attempt to silence and punish. A warning to all those who seek to uphold their oaths or have a semblance of moral conscious. This protects the inner members of the group while social contracts and fundamental laws are ignored. More harm to others is allowed.

When systems fail to hold people accountable, or reverse illegal outcomes, corruption can become normalized even when laws exist to prevent it. This can lead to misused resources, growing inequality, and harm to communities. It also reflects a lack of respect for victims and for the future well-being of society. In our story there is a bright side. We learn about corruption and we push the system to adapt despite the kicking, screaming and attempts by "connected" members to maintain the status quo (for their benefit and everyone elses loss). 

It eventually will be reversed in our learning story and we can talk about how that might happpen later.......

On the surface, there is no simple solution. Reducing corruption requires stronger policies, better oversight, and protection for people who report wrongdoing. Transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership help prevent corruption and protect future victims. While checks and balances are important, the character of leaders and the ability of institutions to stay aligned with their core mission ultimately determine whether justice and fairness are upheld. If they can't do that or just give lip service to shared societal values then we might find many others with similar strains of concerns. 

This is meant for intellectual discussion so feel free to come to your own conclusion. In the meantime you may be interested in reading, 

Speaking up is golden: The importance of integrity for a safe reporting culture in organizations.

• Organizations often focus on rare risks like fires but overlook integrity violations such as fraud, misconduct, or data misuse, even though these occur more frequently and can cause serious damage.

• Creating strong reporting systems and integrity policies helps organizations detect unethical behavior early and reduce financial and organizational harm.

• A large share of fraud and misconduct cases are discovered through tips or reports, with many reports coming from employees who first notice problems inside the organization.

• When wrongdoing is reported earlier, organizations can respond faster, limiting the damage caused by corruption or unethical conduct.

• Building a culture of integrity encourages employees to speak up, which helps organizations maintain trust, accountability, and ethical behavior.

• Employees are more likely to report misconduct when they feel psychologically safe and believe their concerns will be taken seriously and handled fairly.

• Ethical leadership and transparent reporting procedures strengthen trust within organizations and improve long-term performance, employee engagement, and reputation.

Verbraeken, K. (2025, May 8). Speaking up is golden: The importance of integrity for a safe reporting culture in organizations. ICC Netherlands. https://www.iccwbo.nl/news/speaking-is-golden%3A-the-importance-of-integrity-for-a-safe-reporting-culture-in-organizations

Worker Productivity Up: Wages and Human Capital Growth Needed (Kitty and her Tea and Teacup Business)

(Illustrative Only)

Kitty remembers
a time when the average worker
still mattered and good
middle class wages were
plentiful. 
She is thinking of
starting her tea and tea
cup business in Escanaba
because of the sense
of community and skilled
labor force. 
She was once
a single mother and 
was not born from aristocratic
generational wealth so
she had to claw her way
to the top. She can
open her storefront
downtown on Ludington
and has room to scale.
It is her retirement company
she hopes to
give to her grandkids
as long as they uphold
the values of how
to treat workers.
 
She might call it
Ki-Tea Inc.

She pays good wages, shares
part of her company profits with
employees so as to max
productivity, and gives
raises for increased education. 
Anytime an employee
inovates and improves
 the productivity
of the process they get
a big bonus based
on the financial savings.
Tourist Micro 

She has a few ideas on
the economy that some of
the super rich don't like.
She knows we are all 
in this boat together.
She has lived a full life.
Life is too short
to worry about what
they want or
cater to unquechable
self-interest when
we can find win-win
situations. It is
her time to raise the people
around her. 
We all count in the process. 
That is what community
and indivisibility means.
Economic-Sociological Platforms,
Perpetual Sustainable Dev.
Digital GDP,
After Covid
Job Enrichment
Economics and Human Needs
The Welfare Theorem
 In theory

Worker productivity increased by 2.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025, with an annual growth of 2.2%. Higher productivity makes workers more cost-effective, and greater skill levels often lead to better outputs. Over the past 20 years, productivity has steadily improved.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how AI and new technologies might create significant jumps in productivity. Technology alone is not enough—human ingenuity, skills, and innovation are crucial to improving outcomes and maintaining competitiveness. This is why people should attend school, enroll in trade colleges, and get advanced education. 

As a large country, growth tends to be slower than in emerging economies. Enhancing infrastructure, optimizing work environments, and supporting efficient business development can improve human capital and organizational productivity. Wages, which have only grown 12–14% over the past two decades, also need attention to ensure living standards match skills.

Ideally, combining technology, skilled labor, innovation, and new business practices could lead to much higher growth. Achieving this requires a systemic approach: understanding how productivity, human capital, wages, and innovation interact, rather than analyzing them in isolation. By improving these factors together, supported by effective micro-level economic environments and data-driven insights, overall output and economic growth can be enhanced.

(As a side note corporate profits and executive wages seem strong but it appears that polices and approaches seem to move wealth up in concentrated capitalism while broad based capitalism that foster wealth generation might have a compounding effect. In other words, if we are worried about long term national competitiveness maybe we need to think about new approaches that maximize societal engagement and input.).

Productivity and costs, fourth quarter and annual averages 2025 (revised)

• Labor productivity in the U.S. nonfarm business sector increased at a 2.8% annualized rate in the fourth quarter of 2025.

• Productivity growth was driven by higher output relative to hours worked.

• Unit labor costs (the cost of labor per unit of output) increased at a 2.8% annualized rate in the fourth quarter.

• Over the full year from fourth quarter 2024 to fourth quarter 2025, labor productivity increased 2.8%.

• Unit labor costs rose 1.3% over the same year-over-year period.

• For all of 2025, productivity increased about 2.2%, reflecting steady gains in output relative to labor hours.

• Unit labor costs increased about 1.9% for 2025 overall.

• Strong productivity growth helps offset wage pressures because more output is produced per hour worked. 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, March 5). Productivity and costs, fourth quarter and annual averages 2025 (revised). https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/prod2_03052026.htm

Year      Growth %

2005      2.7

2006      1.7

2007      2.6

2008      2.2

2009      3.3

2010      3.3

2011      0.9

2012      1.3

2013      1.0

2014      1.3

2015      0.6

2016      0.4

2017      1.2

2018      1.3

2019      1.5

2020      4.0

2021      1.9

2022     -1.4

2023      1.8

2024      2.7

2025      ~2.0

Wages grew modestly 12-14% purchasing power over 2 decades.

(Illustrative Only)

Kitty loves cats
and brought Snarls
Charles
home from the
Delta County Animal
Shelter (Feel free
to give donation to
them on their page.).

Her philosophy is
that tea teaches patience
and a cat teaches independence. 
Hence the name Ki-Tea.
Snarls comes up
with the best ideas
because he is a free
thinker.

btw Snarls Charles
thinks its the unsophisticated
dogs that break all the 
ordinances. I 
mean they are pack animals
and they chase their own tail
(A local discussion on animal
ordinances 🙃).

The Miligram Shock Experiment and What It Tells Us About Human Nature and Authority (Story of the Clan)

 Leadership and authority are related, but they are not the same. A person can have authority without truly being a leader, and someone can be a leader without holding formal authority. The ability of people to think for themselves and create leadership and authority are important for society. Find your personal perspective.

People often have a strong tendency to follow others. When this happens too easily, it can create dependent thinking where individuals stop questioning ideas or making their own judgments. A healthy, fully developed person can think independently. They may agree with leaders or authorities most of the time, but not on everything. Instead, they evaluate issues for themselves and form their own conclusions.

Leadership often develops from this kind of independence. People who think critically, weigh information carefully, and trust their own reasoning are better able to guide others and make balanced decisions. Those who are good at talking but dont don't develop an independent sense of self are following the herd no matter how eloquent the speech.

The “Story of the Clan” is used as a philosophical thought experiment to explore these ideas. In the learing allegory, a group of actors targets others with dehumanizing narratives based on race, religion, or other differences. They put children, intellectuals, the sick, elderly and the vulnerable at risk willfully and without regard to greater oaths or societal contracts. Individuals in the group accepted these stories and acted on them without much critical thinking.

As the situation unfolds, responsibility is often shifted onto the victims rather than addressing the wrongdoing. Even those in positions of authority find it easier to blame the victims than to correct the problem, suggesting a deeper issue.

The lesson is that many people simply follow the person above them, around them or within their ideological perspectives, believing it is in their best interest. But this kind of blind obedience can lead to harmful outcomes. It is often how bigotry, extremism, criminal networks, and cults form. Choices can be poorly made when group think takes hold and creates a misalignment between choice and environment.

Developing strong individuals means encouraging people to think independently while still working cooperatively with others. There are times when society must act collectively—for example, protecting constitutional rights, religious freedom, freedom of speech or overcoming a challenge. But there are also times when the group is wrong, and someone must be willing to step outside the crowd.

Those who can question harmful behavior and stand apart when necessary often show a higher level of personal development. However, challenging the group can come with consequences. Sometimes those consequences lessen when others begin to recognize the value of a different perspective and join in supporting it. Or it can be squashed and the problems continue.

Review Milgram Shock Experiment

• The Milgram obedience experiment studied how people respond to authority when instructed to harm another person in a research setting.

• Participants believed they were taking part in a study on learning and memory and were instructed to deliver electric shocks to a “learner” whenever incorrect answers were given.

• The shock machine ranged from 15 volts to 450 volts, increasing in 15-volt increments and labeled from slight shock to danger: severe shock.

• About 65% of participants administered the maximum 450-volt shock even though they believed the learner was in serious pain.

• All participants continued to at least 300 volts, despite hearing protests and signs of distress from the learner.

• Many participants showed visible stress such as sweating, trembling, and nervous laughter while continuing to follow instructions.

• The findings suggested that people may obey authority figures even when doing so conflicts with their personal moral beliefs.

• The study raised important ethical concerns and helped lead to stronger research ethics standards, including informed consent and debriefing.

McLeod, S. (2025). Milgram shock experiment. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/milgram.html

*This is a philosophical theoretical discussion so take with a grain of salt and come to your own conclusion.

Delta County MI. Board of Commissioners Meeting (3/3/2026): Drugs, Animals, FOIA, Judge Allocation, Data Centers

It was an interesting meeting with many voices heard. People raised concerns about the need to get hard drugs off the streets and discussed new ways of looking at these issues. The county will continue moving forward and, for the most part, has been overcoming challenges to improve social and economic outcomes.

-Discussion on change in judge allocation. 

-A separate side concern on justice outcomes. Getting hardcore drugs off of our streets. (UP Drugs)

-FOIA issues still coming forward.

-Allocation of resources and review.

-Data centers. Delta County Data Center Pause

-Animal ordinance and issues.