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What does it means to be an American Infographic

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What does it means to be an American Infographic

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The Five Most Important Aspects of being an American

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New Piktochart | Piktochart Visual Editor

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America is extremely strong when it comes to the economy, technology, military and education. The country is also very diverse with it's culture and race. However, it is important to acknowledge that even though it is a powerful country, it still has it's downsides. These flaws include issues like racism and income inequality. This article does a good job of showing both sides to America.

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Overview of United States

Overview of United States

More on United States

The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world's most dominant economic and military power. Likewise, its cultural imprint spans the world, led in large part by its popular culture expressed in music, movies and television.

The country is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing deep economic recession. And calls for greater social justice reignited in the country following the death of Black American George Floyd at the hands of police in May 2020. Public demands to address racial inequality in the country, expressed in institutions such as the criminal justice system and health care, spurred similar movements in countries around the world.

In November 2020 the country's voters elected Joe Biden as the nation's 46th president, removing Donald Trump after one term. The country in 2021 is wrestling with deeply polarized politics. The deadly Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters who rejected the November 2020 election result underscores concerns about the health and future of American democracy.

Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. launched its War on Terror, including the Iraq War, the ongoing war in Afghanistan and other military strikes, including the 2011 killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The war has had wide-reaching effects on the country's politics, economy and global alliances that resonate to this day.

The American colonies declared independence from the British Empire in 1776 and were recognized as a new nation in 1783. The country nearly split in two during a civil war in the mid-1800s, but regained its footing in the 20th century, during which time it was on the winning side of both world wars.

The U.S. is a constitution-based federal republic composed of 50 states. The U.S. economy is the world's largest in terms of gross domestic product, and also the most technologically powerful. The country's most significant exports are computers and electrical machinery, vehicles, chemical products, food, live animals and military equipment. The U.S. also has the world's largest coal reserves.

[READ: America Slips in the Eyes of the World]

The U.S. is culturally and racially diverse, and was shaped by large waves of immigration from Europe and beyond. American literature, art and music reflect the rich heritage of the county's people. The U.S. is the birthplace of jazz, and Louis Armstrong, an African American, is one of the country's most recognized and admired musicians. Prize-winning Jewish writers Saul Bellow and Philip Roth are some of the best known literary figures in the U.S. The media industry in the U.S. has a global audience, with its television shows, music videos and films distributed worldwide.

The country is home to some of the top universities in the world, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Despite being the foremost global power, the U.S. still faces domestic challenges, including racial tensions, income inequality and an increasingly polarized electorate. All of these fissures were on display during Trump's presidency, as even his own party has been divided on some of the nation's most important legislation. While national security is a concern, so too, is the debt incurred from wars and expenditures on an aging population. The U.S. leads the developed world in deaths due to firearms.

The U.S. often takes a leading role in international organizations, and was a founding force behind institutions such as the United Nations, NATO and the World Bank.

Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. launched its War on Terror, including the Iraq War, the ongoing war in Afghanistan and other military strikes, including the 2011 killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The war has had wide-reaching effects on the country's politics, economy and global alliances that resonate to this day.

The American colonies declared independence from the British Empire in 1776 and were recognized as a new nation in 1783. The country nearly split in two during a civil war in the mid-1800s, but regained its footing in the 20th century, during which time it was on the winning side of both world wars.

The U.S. is a constitution-based federal republic composed of 50 states. The U.S. economy is the world's largest in terms of gross domestic product, and also the most technologically powerful. The country's most significant exports are computers and electrical machinery, vehicles, chemical products, food, live animals and military equipment. The U.S. also has the world's largest coal reserves.

[READ: America Slips in the Eyes of the World]

The U.S. is culturally and racially diverse, and was shaped by large waves of immigration from Europe and beyond. American literature, art and music reflect the rich heritage of the county's people. The U.S. is the birthplace of jazz, and Louis Armstrong, an African American, is one of the country's most recognized and admired musicians. Prize-winning Jewish writers Saul Bellow and Philip Roth are some of the best known literary figures in the U.S. The media industry in the U.S. has a global audience, with its television shows, music videos and films distributed worldwide.

The country is home to some of the top universities in the world, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Despite being the foremost global power, the U.S. still faces domestic challenges, including racial tensions, income inequality and an increasingly polarized electorate. All of these fissures were on display during Trump's presidency, as even his own party has been divided on some of the nation's most important legislation. While national security is a concern, so too, is the debt incurred from wars and expenditures on an aging population. The U.S. leads the developed world in deaths due to firearms.

The U.S. often takes a leading role in international organizations, and was a founding force behind institutions such as the United Nations, NATO and the World Bank.

More on United States

The United States in Photos

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United States Ranks Among the World's Best Countries

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Overview of United States Overview of United States More on United States The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world's most dominant economic and military power. Likewise, its cultural imprint spans the world, led in large part by its popular culture expressed in music, movies and television.

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In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield is chasing after a dream that he will never be able to reach. He wants to save all children from the corrupt adult world and keep them from losing their innocence. His dream is unrealistic, like Gatsby's, and many other people who come to America. Yes, America has many opportunities, but at the moment isn't very open to giving them to everyone.

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Racism is embedded into our culture and it has been for way too long. Studies show that African American men serve longer jail times than white men, even when they were convicted of the same crime. This shows the bias, unfairness, and inequality of the country.

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Racism in the United States: By the Numbers

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Women are making great strides in the country today to get the same opportunities as men. The problem of gender inequality stems back to the early stereotypes placed on men and women. Women were expected to be trophy wives and stay in the private sphere, while men went out into the public sphere. These carried over into today, were women are pushed into more human service jobs and men are pushed into science and math professions (which are higher paying). These stereotypes are taught to kids early on, based on the toys the play with and what is marketed to each gender.

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Martin Luther King Jr's Impact on Today's World

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Martin Luther King Jr's Impact on Today's World

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Today, America can thank MLK for giving minorities a voice and making the world more equal than it would have been. Even though America is not an equal place for everyone, he helped move it in the right direction. He is also to thank for the idea of non-violent protests. This was a huge step that stands out in history

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In order to be an American does one have to achieve the American Dream?

No, it is not necessary to achieve the American Dream to be considered an American. Many people who do not achieve their American Dream are American's. Plus there is no way to measure if one has achieved the American Dream, because it is different for everyone. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby has not achieved his American Dream, but he is still an American. Gatsby is still working at his dream of Daisy, because he still hasn't achieved his goal of being with her. "He couldn't possibly leave Daisy until he knew what she was going to do. He was clutching at some last hope and I couldn't bear to shake him free" (Fitzgerald 78). He hasn't achieved his biggest goal yet, but is still an American.

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There are many reasons Americans join the army. Sometimes financial responsibilities and education can drive a person to enlist, and other times it is the want for something bigger or better than themselves. However, many stay in the army because of the camaraderie that is developed. While the soldiers are away, their families are very worried and lots of the time don't understand why they are doing what they are doing. In America, it is special that citizens aren't drafted, but instead they can join the army all on their own, for whatever their reasons may be.

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Many countries require young men to serve in the armed forces. But in the United States, military service is voluntary. And joining the U.S. military is not an easy process.

Staff Sergeant Terrelle Thomas joined the Air Force nine years ago. He now works as a military recruiter in Woodbridge, Virginia.

His job is to get volunteers to join the U.S. armed forces.

"At the time I was going to school, I was paying for, for school out of my pocket. And I was like 'Man, this is tough,' and I was staying home with my parents. I was like, 'I don't know if I like this as much anymore.' So I went in, talked to a recruiter. He was cool. He broke it down for me, and next thing you know, I'm in..."

Benjamin Spahr volunteered for the military. He says other members of his family have served in the armed forces.

"My mother was enlisted in the Air National Guard and my father was an officer in the Air Force. So I was accustomed to that lifestyle from a young age moving around..."

The armed forces pays its members to attend school, both while they are on active duty and after they leave the military. But not everyone can join the armed forces. There are age limits and volunteers must be successful at mental and physical tests. They must also not be abusing alcohol or taking other drugs.

Training for new recruits is difficult and intense. The recruits must be strong and in good health.

An increasing number of women are joining the military. Madison Foote is one of them.

"Its just the pushups I'm worried about. I'm not very good at pushups. But I think I can do everything else..."

Some Americans volunteer for the armed forces, even when their parents object. The parents are worried about their children because the military deploys troops to many dangerous areas throughout the world.

Oludare Ogunmadewa is a new recruit. He says not everyone in his family supports his decision to enlist in the military.

"My parents are worried, my whole family is worried as well, but it's a risk I feel is necessary for myself -- more for my children, to secure their future."

The United States ended forced enlistment in 1973, during the Vietnam War. Now, recruits voluntarily sign an agreement to stay in the military for three to six years, depending on their chosen job.

Some volunteers choose to stay longer. Staff Sergeant Thomas says that is because they discover that serving in the military is unlike any other job they could have.

"A lot of veterans that serve their 20, 30 years, the main thing that they talk to me about -- especially when they bring their, their children to the office -- is the camaraderie they establish with the people they met."

I'm Christopher Jones-Cruise.
Odil Ruzaliyev reported this story for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.
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recruiter - n. a person who finds suitable people and convinces them to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc.

pocket - n. a usually small cloth bag that is sewn into a piece of clothing, a larger bag, etc., and that is open at the top or side so that you can put things into it

break it down - informal expression explain

accustomed - adj. familiar with something so that it seems normal or usual (+ to)

lifestyle - n. a particular way of living; the way a person lives or a group of people live

pushup - n. an exercise in which you lie on your stomach and raise and lower your body by straightening and bending your arms

camaraderie - n. a feeling of good friendship among the people in a group

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Many countries require young men to serve in the armed forces. But in the United States, military service is voluntary. And joining the U.S. military is not an easy process. Staff Sergeant Terrelle Thomas joined the Air Force nine years ago. He now works as a military recruiter in Woodbridge, Virginia.

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In order to be an effective leader one must have integrity, be charismatic, enthusiastic, empowering, loyal, a good communicate, able to make decisions, and want to be successful. These are not only qualities of leaders, but they are important ones.

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Company leaders are facing a crisis. Nearly one-third of employees don't trust management. In addition to this, employers now have to cater to the needs of the millennial generation. On average, after graduating from college, a millennial will change jobs four times before they are 32. Most of them also don't feel empowered on their current jobs.

It's clear that many leaders are failing to foster a sense of trust and loyalty in their employees. Fortunately, that doesn't have to be the case. Managers who show great leadership qualities can inspire their teams to accomplish amazing things, according to Daniel Wang, the creator of Loopring Protocol and founder of the Loopring Foundation. Loopring is a decentralized automated execution system that trades across the crypto-token exchanges. The platform reduces the cost of trading and shields users from counterparty risk. I've distilled my conversation with Wang to eight of the most essential qualities that make a great leader.
1. Sincere enthusiasm
True enthusiasm for a business, its products, and its mission cannot be faked. Employees can recognize insincere cheerleading from a mile away. However, when leaders are sincerely enthusiastic and passionate, that's contagious. For instance, someone who worked with Elon Musk on the early stages of his SpaceX project said that the true driver behind the success of the project was Musk's enthusiasm for space travel.

Wang says being enthusiastic helps a leader identify existing key problems in his industry. "Any innovation starts from these problems and ends with products and services, with some of the key issues resolved," he said.
2. Integrity
Whether it's giving proper credit for accomplishments, acknowledging mistakes, or putting safety and quality first, great leaders exhibit integrity at all times. They do what's right, even if that isn't the best thing for the current project or even the bottom line.

"When people see evidence that leaders lack integrity, that can be nearly impossible to recover from," Wang said. "Trust lost is difficult to get back."
3. Great communication skills
Leaders must motivate, instruct and discipline the people they are in charge of. They can accomplish none of these things if they aren't very skilled communicators. Not only that, poor communication can lead to poor outcomes. Leaders who fail to develop these skills are often perceived as being weak and mealy-mouthed, according to Wang. It's also important to remember that listening is an integral part of communication.
4. Loyalty
The best leaders understand that true loyalty is reciprocal. Because of this, they express that loyalty in tangible ways that benefit the member of their teams. True loyalty is ensuring that all team members have the training and resources to do their jobs. It's standing up for team members in crisis and conflict.

"Great leaders see themselves as being in a position of service to their team members," Wang said. "Employees who believe leadership is loyal to them are much more likely to show their own loyalty when it matters."
5. Decisiveness
A good leader isn't simply empowered to make decisions due to their position. They are willing to take on the risk of decision making. They make these decisions and take risks knowing that if things don't work out, they'll need to hold themselves accountable first and foremost.

Further, bosses who aren't decisive are often ineffective. Too much effort working on consensus building can have a negative effect. Rather than simply making a decision, many leaders allow debate to continue, and then create a piecemeal decision that satisfies no one.
6. Managerial competence
Too many organizations try to create leaders from people who are simply good at their jobs. To be clear, those who emerge as being very good workers often have important qualities. They are the ones who have a strong understanding of the company's products and services. They understand company goals, processes, and procedures. All of these are important.

On the other hand, being good at one's job doesn't prove that someone possesses the other competencies they need. For example, can they inspire, motivate, mentor and direct? Wang illustrates with major league baseball. While nearly all coaches have backgrounds as major league players, the most winning players aren't necessarily the most successful coaches.
7. Empowerment
A good leader has faith in their ability to train and develop the employees under them. Because of this, they have the willingness to empower those they lead to act autonomously. Wang says this comes from trusting that their team members are fully up to any challenges they face. When employees are empowered, they are more likely to make decisions that are in the best interest of the company and the customer as well. This is true, even if it means allowing workers to go a bit off script.
8. Charisma
Simply put, people are more likely to follow the lead of those they like. The best leaders are well-spoken, approachable and friendly. They show sincere care for others.

"People at all levels of an organization find it easy to relate to them and follow their lead," Wang concluded.

Every one of these qualities is absolutely essential to great leadership. Without them, leaders cannot live up to their full potential. As a result, their employees will never perform as well as they can either. Because of this, organizations must learn the best ways to identify and also to develop these necessary traits in existing and emerging leaders.

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8 Essential Qualities That Define Great Leadership

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Company leaders are facing a crisis. Nearly one-third of employees don't trust management. In addition to this, employers now have to cater to the needs of the millennial generation. On average, after graduating from college, a millennial will change jobs four times before they are 32.

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The Women's March is only one example of people across the country standing up and speaking out against inequalities. Marches and protests are a very common way to do this. Social Media is also another great away to spread awareness. Other examples of events like the Women's March, is the Black Lives Matter, Me Too, and Never Again movements.

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Even though this clip is very comical, it shows how great the freedoms in America are. In some countries, a video negatively talking about the President could never be released. In America, everybody has the right to say and share whatever they please.

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After a horrific tragedy, President George W Bush managed to address the country in a calm and collected manner. Which then helped the country remain sane.

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"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all." - George Washington'

This quote shows why George Washington was a great President. He saw the good in situations and wasn't quick to jump to any unnecessary actions. He wanted everyone to be at peace with one another.

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Without George Washington stepping down after two, four year terms, that rule might not be in place. The rule is there so that one person can't be in control forever, and that different people have the chance to lead. Franklin Delano Roosevelt has been the only President to serve more than two terms. Does this show the power going to his head or does it show him doing what was best for the country?

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22nd Amendment: Two-Term Limit on Presidency - National Constitution Center

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Following Franklin D. Roosevelt's election to third and fourth terms, this amendment set a future limit at two terms.

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I asked my family what they think it means to be an American.

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What sets a good leader apart from a great leader?

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What sets a good leader apart from a great leader?

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One who is emotionally intelligent will be a better leader then ones who are not. Being emotionally intelligent means that one has the ability to be aware and have control over ones self, and to handle situations in the correct way.

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Emotional intelligence sets great leaders apart from the rest. Learn to recognize it in yourself and others with this 7 minute video slide deck. Download a customizable version in Subscriber Exclusives.

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This photo shows how men who were once immigrants themselves are denying an immigrant from coming into the country now. For some reason, people in America think that if they welcome in new people, they will lose some of their own success. But, if one could understand what it is like to be in that position, and then end up being successful, why wouldn't they want someone else to experience that? Then men in the picture have all become successful and wealthy, and now they are denying someone in the position they used to be in, the same chance that they had.

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America has been known as one of top countries in the world for quite some time. They are always looking for the newest and best ways to do activities. In that position, one would think they would do a better job at finding an alternative to one of the most deadly activities. Over $600 billion is spent on all aspects of war each years and research on finding ways to avoid war get significantly less that that. It is thought that if the nonviolent programs received more money, it could have a overwhelmingly positive effect on the world. The organizations that do this "work to resolve conflict peacefully through discussion, negotiation, and compassion" (Schutt, Randy. “Nonviolent Alternatives to War.” Why Nonviolence?).

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Groups that practice nonviolent alternatives to war

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It is important to note that American has come a long way with the inequalities that used to face the country, but it is also important to acknowledge that it still has a long way to go. The article argues that while the country has made great strides, it still isn't done. "Thus while blacks and whites now graduate at the same rate from high school today and are almost equally likely to attend college, on average they are not equally educated" (Thernstrom, Abigail, and Stephan Thernstrom. “Black Progress: How Far We've Come, and How Far We Have to Go"). When looking at education, this shows that there are improvements, but that there are still flaws in the system. This is also true for other aspects of life.

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Black Progress: How far we've come, and how far we have to go | Brookings

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Brookings Review article by Abigail Thernstrom and Stephan Thernstrom (Spring 1998)

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History has shown that all men are NOT created equal. Sometimes people have all their rights they are supposed to, but still aren't successful in life. They don't have the same opportunities that others do and therefore, will never be able to become what they want. The article suggests that giving people help, in any way , shape, or form will go a long way. It doesn't matter, what side of the political spectrum one is on, or what they make for a living, anybody can help. If more people were willing to help and provide support, maybe there wouldn't be as many differences between people in the country.

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A few weeks ago, I received an email written by members of the Republican Party that was forwarded on to me. The email discussed some of the current political issues, and in particular Obamacare. In discussing their opposition to the Affordable Care Act, the general sentiment was that we are all created equal and all have the same chances in life to succeed. Why is Obamacare necessary to even the playing field? Why should the rich have to pay more in taxes in order to subsidize health plans for the poor or low-income?

This belief that everyone is created equal and that we all have the same chance to succeed in life is fundamentally flawed. The truth is that we are not all created equal in our ability to achieve success. Every person has a unique set of strengths, which can aid in achieving the success they desire. Conversely, each person also has their own unique set of challenges that inhibit them in achieving such success. We are meant to share our strengths with those close to us and resolve the challenges we face together.

The United States is the most powerful nation in the world but it spends less on helping the poor than most other Western nations. Increasingly more people take on the attitude, "Why should they get help when I never did? I turned out fine." But that belief is not true. If you "turned out fine," then you did receive help along the way, whether it is from family, teachers, or friends, and it was this help that contributed to where you are today. Not everyone is lucky enough to grow up in a nurturing environment and it is these people that we should try and provide support to.

If a child is born disabled or grows up in a poor, abusive, or criminal home, they do not have the same chance at success as a child born healthy, to a high-income, loving family that lives in a nice neighborhood. The former will start school approximately 1.5 years behind other students and by third grade, they will be three years behind their peers educationally. These are the facts. In this situation, most children will never be able to catch up and this will subsequently affect the rest of their lives.

Lending a helping hand because you were born with some advantages that others may not have can make this world a better place for all of us. It will enable us to learn lessons from the strengths others gained from struggling through challenges they faced. It can reduce violent crime and create a better and safer environment for future generations to grow up in.

We all have different views and opinions and everyone is free to express these views as they wish. In this country, the right to free speech is one of our most important principles. If you travel around the world, you will see that other countries do not have advantages equal to those of the United States in respect to individual freedoms and standard of living. In Israel, armed guards stand at shopping mall entrances searching bags as shoppers enter. In China, you see children begging for food on the street. In war-torn regions like Syria, you see millions displaced by the violence that has taken hold as a result of people fighting for the very freedoms we all take for granted.

My viewpoint is simple: As one of the world's most powerful and wealthiest countries, we can afford to help those less fortunate. So we should. If we truly want everyone to have an equal chance at success in life, then we need to extend a helping hand to those who need it right now. This is not limited to strictly financial support. Providing love, care, guidance, and mentoring are vital aspects missing from the lives of many. Anyone is capable of providing these support functions and we can all play a role. This is not about being Republican, Democrat, black, white, Christian, or Muslim-this is simply about being human.

- Dr. Kathy Seifert

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The belief that we are all created equal is false.

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It is important to realize what rights one has as an American, so that they know what to do with them or if they are being suppressed. As an American it is important to support the country, but also to stand up for what isn't right. Students, like Emma Gonzalez, have been utilizing their First Amendment right to speak out against things they don't agree with, like gun control. They don't agree with something the country has done, and they are speaking out against it.

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Emma González: "Fight for your lives before it's someone else's job"

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Part of what makes America, the great place that it is, is that anybody can come here and that lots of people want to come here. Anybody can be an American, and it wouldn't be the same place with all the different types of people that do come here.

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Schoolhouse Rock - ''The Great American Melting Pot''

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This song is about what it means to be an American. In the song Toby Keith describes how he works hard everyday and he doesn't expect much in return, because he knows it is his duty to provide for the future. He says, "Oh, and I don't want to die for you, But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free." This shows that the United States is a country that worked hard to become the place it is today, and it was able to do that with the help of brave soldiers. Toby Keith says that he doesn't necessarily want to fight, but his country means so much to him that he would if he had to.

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The Bill of Rights was created so that American's unalienable rights couldn't be taken away. As an American everyone is allowed to exercise their rights and is entitled to these basic rights.

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Is it important for a leader to practice what they preach?

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Is it important for a leader to practice what they preach?

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The article opens with, "They won’t believe what you say. They will believe what you do." (Bradt, George. “Practice What You Preach or Pay the Price.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 27) This is extremely important, because often times actions speak louder than words. If a leader says one thing and does another, their credibility is completely lost. In the article there is a man who owns a pizza restaurant, named Nick Sarillo. He explained how important it is to be honest and upfront in all situations, especially with his business, and that is exactly what he does. "Nick does what he says and fundamentally believes in what he’s saying. It’s a key part of his success" (Bradt, George. “Practice What You Preach or Pay the Price.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 27). His honesty and transparency is what makes him a more effective leader.

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They won't believe what you say. They will believe what you do. But, even if what you do matches what you say, you will eventually falter if it doesn't match your own fundamental beliefs. It only works when what you believe and do and say align. This is why "Be Do Say" leadership is so powerful.

Nothing kills credibility faster than not practicing what is preached. A leader underscores discipline and timeliness, yet shows up late for meetings. Or a leader proclaims people to be the most important assets, then instigates layoffs to boost profitability.

Disconnects always get caught and result in heavy penalties in terms of internal and external credibility, reputation, and business impact. Cases in point: One of the best trained, most experienced politicians, the UK's Gordon Brown, caught on tape calling one of his constituents a "bigot" right after a nice conversation with her; 's Tony Hayward bemoaning, wanting his life back after his company's Gulf of Mexico oil platform blows up, killing 11 of his staff.

It is remarkable and powerful when a leader gets it right. Nick Sarillo of Nick's Pizza & Pub, an Illinois-based family dining business, told me he buys into the concept of BRAVE leadership.

The overriding message, I think, is that business leaders must explicitly define their organization's purpose. Defining our purpose first is critical because it shapes every other aspect of "Brave Leadership." Your organization's purpose shapes behaviors, relationships, attitudes and the work environment. The purpose, "why" we do what we do, creates a meaningful place to work. The values are also important in creating an intentional culture because they are "how" we do the "what," whether it is pizza or widgets or accounting.

I believed him on one level. And then I went through his website and came across an article about the uncertain future of one of his stores:

Barring some sort of miracle, we are going to run out of cash to pay our vendors and team members over the next couple of weeks and will have to close (one of our sites).

It is one thing to preach the importance of transparency. It's a whole different game to come this clean, this publicly. Nick does what he says and fundamentally believes in what he's saying. It's a key part of his success.

The prescription is relatively straightforward:
Say
Of course it's important to get your message right. People listen to your words. Think them through. Use them to guide the ongoing, iterative conversations that mark communication today.
Do
Everything communicates. What you say and don't say. What you do and don't do. If you can't follow through on your words with actions, don't say them.
Be
Underlying everything are your core values and beliefs. Don't get into a situation where you are saying things you don't believe in. Even if you follow through on them with actions, you will eventually get caught.

If you believe it, say it, and do it, and they will follow.

This is an example of the heart of The New Leader's Playbook: BRAVE Leadership

We're all new leaders all the time. So remember all the time that leadership is about inspiring and enabling others to do their absolute best together to realize a meaningful and rewarding shared purpose. With that in mind, BRAVE leaders pay attention to their Behaviors, Relationships, Attitude, Values, and Environment - all the time.
Click here to read about each step in the playbook Click here for YouTube videos highlighting each step
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The New Leader's Playbook includes the 10 steps that executive onboarding group PrimeGenesis uses to help new leaders and their teams get done in 100-days what would normally take six to twelve months. George Bradt is PrimeGenesis' managing director, and co-author of The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan (Wiley, 3rd edition 2011) and the freemium iPad app New Leader Smart Tools. Follow him at @georgebradt or on .

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Practice What You Preach or Pay the Price

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They won't believe what you say. They will believe what you do. But, even if what you do matches what you say, you will eventually falter if it doesn't match your own fundamental beliefs. It only works when what you believe and do and say align.

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This image shows the inequality when it comes to money and industry. The wealth in the America is not evenly distributed. The men sitting on the top represent the CEO's and business owners that hold all the wealth, while not doing much work. The people underneath represent the backbone of the companies that make it possible for the people on top to get their money, without getting much in return. This is a huge problem in America still, but people are working toward fixing it, like other porblems in America.