February 2008
BUSINESS OUTLOOK: FEBRUARY 2008
Overview
On the grand stage of mass culture, presidential politics will likely be the key influencer during this period. What is nice to report is that the process of leadership determination seems to be in a very attractive spotlight during this period, with most if not all of the candidates giving a good account of themselves and their positions. While things may get messy further along in the contest, right now the planets are aligned to encourage public hope in our collective problem solving capabilities and to foster a sense that decent and articulate people are taking important matters seriously.
This spirit translates into the business realm through a strong emphasis upon the importance of leadership. What cannot be conveyed strongly enough here is that the requirements of those being led are not sufficiently met simply by the promise of "change." What is certain to be increasingly revealed in this election and business season is an enormous desire for competence. Change may sometimes imply revolution and a striking out along new paths, but at this moment a nervous public and a collective workforce is practically nostalgic for a time when managers and administrators effectively engineered long-term social and financial stability...even embracing a bit of behavioral aristocracy in their leadership if attained by results-oriented means (so long, the concept of a 'buddy' leader).
Considering its influence over our lives, and its increasing concentration in the hands of a few massive corporations, the truly vulnerable segment of our culture right now is media. Whether one is considering politics or business, the public is right now very attuned to (and increasingly weary of) the self-serving filters through which journalists/commentators/sellers screen the flow of information. Executives should take heed both in their marketing efforts and in their workforce communications, which should be as honest and balanced as possible, and far more oriented towards "how to" than "how come."
In all, though, February seems to be a positive month in which some faith in a serviceable and survivable future is restored.
History Rhymes
Batman - Bruce Wayne might be a highly electable candidate right now, if he wasn't saddled with being fictional. Nevertheless, the notion of a handsome and reserved aristocratic industrialist who is also a world class philanthropist is very close to the zeitgeist's ideal leader right now. And that's even before the physical strength, the mental ingenuity, the cool costume, and the selfless crime fighting.
Taxi - While the spotlight may be on an emergent belief in leadership right now, the thing to keep in mind is that a whole lot of us work for some iteration of Danny DeVito's insufferably narcissistic, manipulative, acerbic,and bullying Louis De Palma character. While there may be any number of reasons that the cosmos invokes the ghost of this great sitcom right now, it's essential to keep in mind that our society is often comprised of brutishly-led people in grim situations, who are just doing what they have to in order to get by. The essential key to Taxi may well be that its central figure, Judd Hirsch's Alex, is someone who has surrendered his dreams. Although laughter is employed as an escape valve in this context, this isn't just a sad circumstance...it's cultural poison.
Pope John Paul I - He was an instant global darling, a friendly and humble man who was dubbed "the smiling Pope." His papacy lasted for 33 days in 1978, and then he passed away under circumstances that are still considered mysterious. The planets are pointing to this event right now...God only knows why.
Strange Days
February 1 - As indicated in last month's "Oracular Ruminations," there is good astrological reason to keep one's eyes upon Hillary Clinton in this election season. The first day of this month, the Friday before the Super Bowl and the primary season's Super Tuesday, is marked with an enormous 'good fortune' signature for women in executive positions, a lovely cosmic nod towards the so-called feminine virtues as expressed in leadership functions. Regardless of gender, though, this is a day (and month) when leaders are particularly prone to act with visionary grace.
February 17 - This may be one of those Sundays when it is particularly possible for information gathering and reflection to yield a very good idea about preparation for the future. Or you might just chop some wood in anticipation of a cold spell.
February 28 - A genuine opportunity exists here to take action that will benefit the greater good. Unfortunately, to some this may feel like the flu shot that keeps you from getting sicker later on..but certainly stings today.
For more info visit: www.stevenmarkweiss.com
To contact Steve privately: smw@stevenmarkweiss.com
Overview
On the grand stage of mass culture, presidential politics will likely be the key influencer during this period. What is nice to report is that the process of leadership determination seems to be in a very attractive spotlight during this period, with most if not all of the candidates giving a good account of themselves and their positions. While things may get messy further along in the contest, right now the planets are aligned to encourage public hope in our collective problem solving capabilities and to foster a sense that decent and articulate people are taking important matters seriously.
This spirit translates into the business realm through a strong emphasis upon the importance of leadership. What cannot be conveyed strongly enough here is that the requirements of those being led are not sufficiently met simply by the promise of "change." What is certain to be increasingly revealed in this election and business season is an enormous desire for competence. Change may sometimes imply revolution and a striking out along new paths, but at this moment a nervous public and a collective workforce is practically nostalgic for a time when managers and administrators effectively engineered long-term social and financial stability...even embracing a bit of behavioral aristocracy in their leadership if attained by results-oriented means (so long, the concept of a 'buddy' leader).
Considering its influence over our lives, and its increasing concentration in the hands of a few massive corporations, the truly vulnerable segment of our culture right now is media. Whether one is considering politics or business, the public is right now very attuned to (and increasingly weary of) the self-serving filters through which journalists/commentators/sellers screen the flow of information. Executives should take heed both in their marketing efforts and in their workforce communications, which should be as honest and balanced as possible, and far more oriented towards "how to" than "how come."
In all, though, February seems to be a positive month in which some faith in a serviceable and survivable future is restored.
History Rhymes
Batman - Bruce Wayne might be a highly electable candidate right now, if he wasn't saddled with being fictional. Nevertheless, the notion of a handsome and reserved aristocratic industrialist who is also a world class philanthropist is very close to the zeitgeist's ideal leader right now. And that's even before the physical strength, the mental ingenuity, the cool costume, and the selfless crime fighting.
Taxi - While the spotlight may be on an emergent belief in leadership right now, the thing to keep in mind is that a whole lot of us work for some iteration of Danny DeVito's insufferably narcissistic, manipulative, acerbic,and bullying Louis De Palma character. While there may be any number of reasons that the cosmos invokes the ghost of this great sitcom right now, it's essential to keep in mind that our society is often comprised of brutishly-led people in grim situations, who are just doing what they have to in order to get by. The essential key to Taxi may well be that its central figure, Judd Hirsch's Alex, is someone who has surrendered his dreams. Although laughter is employed as an escape valve in this context, this isn't just a sad circumstance...it's cultural poison.
Pope John Paul I - He was an instant global darling, a friendly and humble man who was dubbed "the smiling Pope." His papacy lasted for 33 days in 1978, and then he passed away under circumstances that are still considered mysterious. The planets are pointing to this event right now...God only knows why.
Strange Days
February 1 - As indicated in last month's "Oracular Ruminations," there is good astrological reason to keep one's eyes upon Hillary Clinton in this election season. The first day of this month, the Friday before the Super Bowl and the primary season's Super Tuesday, is marked with an enormous 'good fortune' signature for women in executive positions, a lovely cosmic nod towards the so-called feminine virtues as expressed in leadership functions. Regardless of gender, though, this is a day (and month) when leaders are particularly prone to act with visionary grace.
February 17 - This may be one of those Sundays when it is particularly possible for information gathering and reflection to yield a very good idea about preparation for the future. Or you might just chop some wood in anticipation of a cold spell.
February 28 - A genuine opportunity exists here to take action that will benefit the greater good. Unfortunately, to some this may feel like the flu shot that keeps you from getting sicker later on..but certainly stings today.
For more info visit: www.stevenmarkweiss.com
To contact Steve privately: smw@stevenmarkweiss.com
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