Craig Fuller Archives

Too Big to Succeed by Craig Fuller

May 18, 2020 by Craig Fuller

The Too-Big-to-Fail phrase prompted consternation if not contempt in many circles as government bailed out banks and financial institutions in the past. But, in recent days, articles about Google, Facebook and Amazon make me wonder if we’re now adopting a Too-Big-to-Succeed attitude within some circles.

Google is reportedly under antitrust investigation. Facebook has taken a beating before Congress. Current news reports suggest that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will go before Congress soon.

Of course, I know there are concerns about the size of these companies and the intrusion into the lives of many of us. But, really, they are learning about us is in no small part because we invited them. And, we invited them because their research, ingenuity and considerable investments bring value to us.

I don’t want to be overly blunt, but if you don’t like what they do, don’t log onto these sites.

If you do log on, will they track your interests? Yes. Will they learn about your personal preferences? Yes.

In my case, I like suggestions about books, photography, dogs and boats. And, I’m just as happy not to get so much information about cosmetics, baking, hair coloring or panty hose. The fact these companies know the topics that interest me and those that don’t, I find perfectly acceptable.

There is another side to all of this as well.

Many of us use the tools Google, Facebook and Amazon make available.

Last year, a local organization reached nearly a quarter million Facebook and Instagram users who live within one hundred miles of Easton and enjoy art and craft. And, it was done for relatively little money. This “reach” as they call it promoted artists and their work. Thousands of people clicked on artists’ sites and on the organization’s site for more information.

Our local businesses use Google ads to share their enterprises. Again, they can reach their target audiences for rather reasonable amounts of money.

It is a fact that charitable organizations, businesses and even political campaigns PAY for the advertising and other services they use. And, because there is a business model that drives considerable revenue to a company like Google, you and I can have a question come up and get a near instant answer on Google without paying anything. And, we can have a free email account. Imagine if all the research and investment making these services possible came with a transaction cost every time individuals used the service.

Lastly, in this day and age we need all the innovation we can get. If prospective founders of potentially successful companies get the feeling the government may penalize their success, I suspect we will get less innovation, not more.

Craig Fuller served four years in the White House as assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs, followed by four years as chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush. Having been engaged in five presidential campaigns and run public affairs firms and associations in Washington, D.C., he now resides on the Eastern Shore.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Now my iPhone Doesn’t Know Me! By Craig Fuller

May 4, 2020 by Craig Fuller

Cable news and weekend talk shows are filled with wise people discussing differing views of just where we are in the cycle of this pandemic and at what pace society should return to normal (whatever that actually is down the road).

It’s not that I’m uninterested in these debates. But, increasingly I find my attention going to the more mundane. Mostly because, the mundane I can do something about.

The Mask

I was gifted a stylish mask for use while doing essential shopping. I like the mask, but it’s been my habit of creating a list of items needed in the house using Amazon’s Alexa. The shopping list feature is so helpful and allowed me to quickly open the app upon arrival at the supermarket to see the list of what I needed.

Trouble is, now my iPhone doesn’t recognize me! There is an easy workaround to this problem, but the indignity of the situation is off putting. Of course, I quickly enter the password that facial recognition helps one to forget if not used. I shake my head about our circumstances and promptly go about my shopping, forgetting all about the lack of facial recognition with a mask until the next time I find myself at the supermarket.

The Boat

Here on the waters of Maryland, we have a difficult to understand mandate to suspend pleasure boating. While we all have views on what may be more or less risky, I just don’t see the case in suggesting that getting in a boat alone or with your significant other is putting people at risk.

Wanting to be law abiding as much as cautious, I pondered the situation until I realized that if one is fishing for their family, use of a boat is permitted in the State of Maryland. So, while I can’t report catching many fish, I do have rod, reel, tackle box and a senior citizen fishing license. Thus, boating has provided a restful moment on the water, even if the family hasn’t enjoyed fresh caught fish.

Drive-Ups

As opposed to the drive-in of yesteryear, this drive-up phenomenon may last longer than the virus. Some of my favorite providers are reporting brisk business. At first, the thought of not having the chance to visit with friends behind the counter made the concept of driving up to pick-up food and beverages a bit undesirable. Now, I drive-up with the best of them. I pop the back hatch and in comes the bags ordered and paid for online or over the phone.

And, of course, online purchasing…

Already a favorite, this activity has reached near obsessive proportions. Borrowing from a better intentioned concept, “…if you can think it, you can buy it!” I’ve been a partner in redoing my living room. I’ve arranged for painters and electricians online. And, I’ve devoted one section of the garage to a mountain of boxes that one of these days will get to the recycle center…unless I go online and schedule a Got Junk visit.

There is no end to what arrives from online purchases. Based on a strong recommendation I now enjoy smoothies shipped and received frozen and filled with healthy ingredients. The weekly Daily Harvest shipment restocks the freezer with wonderful healthy items. Who knew?

The Dog

Much has been written about the relationship between dogs and us. Maggie, my well-photographed Weimaraner, is now four years old. This pandemic hit about the time one could expect her to be a bit more mature. But, the sheer joy she exhibits in spending days and nights together is something one can only marvel at. I occasionally get ribbed for giving Maggie what Maggie wants. But, now, what else exactly do I have to do….well, sleep is an option I suppose.

Reports that there are no more dogs available for adoption in many locations suggests that dog lovers and those who aspired to be are looking for the safe companionship that comes from these amazing creatures. They bring joy to the day in the simplest and most natural ways.

Well, we all seek and find our coping mechanisms. When you can’t do much to change the big picture, it is nice to find a few things that make the day to day experience more fulfilling and enjoyable. That’s my mission these days….

Stay safe and healthy!

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

The Great Slow Down List: Craig Fuller

March 19, 2020 by The Spy

As the Spy has pointed out in a recent editorial, the country and our region will be facing an unprecedented moment in history when many meetings, performances, schools and other gatherings will temporarily come to an halt. To help with unexpected slow down, each day for the next thirty days The Spy will share with our readers suggestions from our long list of writers and friends on how to pass the time as the country and the Mid-Shore endure social isolation.

Today is Craig Fuller, Spy Columnist and former chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush.

Read: Thomas Jefferson : Writings : Autobiography / Notes on the State of Virginia / Public and Private Papers / Addresses / Letters
Listen: Little Big Town
Watch: James Bond Collection
Cook: Prepared food at Piazza Italian Market
Outing: Walking with Maggie my Weimaraner

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Good Enough by Craig Fuller

March 4, 2020 by Craig Fuller

Delegate counts continue to be tallied, but one overwhelming message came from Super Tuesday, Democrats in huge numbers find Joe Biden good enough to challenge President Trump in November.

Winning always impresses. Throughout election night, though, it became clear that voters decided in close proximity to voting that the candidate who delivers what they want most is former Vice President Biden. And, what they want most is to defeat the incumbent President, suggesting in the exit interviews at polling places that winning mattered more than issue agreement.

Early on, many Democrats looked to alternatives having reservations in the beginning about the lifelong Democrat again seeking his party’s nomination. And, he gave them reasons to shop around. Then came South Carolina. Then candidates fell away and backed Biden. The wakeup call came, and voters turned out to send a signal that they are serious about winning in November.

There are many more contests and hundreds of more delegates to win before the Democrats open their national convention on July 13th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; however, the contests ahead bring out voters that look more like those in the states Biden won than the states Sanders won. Still, it is not over, and the number of delegates necessary to lock up the nomination before the Convention could prove elusive. “Could,” but it feels like and looks like Joe Biden is on the move.

Maryland voters get their say on Tuesday, April 28th where 102 delegates could matter a great deal. So, get ready if you care to shape the election contest heading into November.

One thing for sure, voters will have a clear choice in November…but, more on that in the months ahead.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

What’s Next by Craig Fuller

January 8, 2020 by Craig Fuller

Beginning a new decade seems like the right time for serious reflection. And, over this holiday period just passed I did a good deal of reflection. For those on the planet over several decades, the perspective can be more than a little mind expanding regarding the path taken.

In my case:

1950 – It all started in 1950 and I arrived on February 16, 1951

1960 – Happily, one of a family of four living in Arcadia, California…soon to move to Walnut Creek, California

1970 – Into my freshman year at UCLA moving from a major in psychology to a major in political science

1980 – Engaged in a presidential transition after the election of Ronald Reagan as President which took me to the White House for eight years

1990 – Outside of government, enjoying the second year of the George H.W. Bush administration having served four years as his chief of staff while he was vice president and seeking the presidency; and, I entered my second year as the president of a wonderful public affairs firm in Washington, D.C.

2000 – Just beginning my tenure as the president of a large health care related association in Washington, D.C…..and, the initial version of FIRST MONDAY is launched

2010 – Entering my second year as the president of the world’s largest general aviation association based in Frederick, Maryland…flying 400 hours a year in all types of aircraft

2020 – Living with Maggie, my Weimaraner, on Trippe Creek in Easton, Maryland

So, during the holidays, what I reflected on most was the blessing of health and happiness after leading an interesting and fulfilling life up until now. And, like a lot of friends, I asked, “…what’s next.”

When looking at the mosaic of decades, I must confess that at the beginning of each I could never have forecast where I’d be ten years later. That in and of itself is a bit daunting when pondering the “what’s next” question. Still, a worthy inquiry I think, but it must be tempered by the knowledge that the effort relates more to focusing on a direction than on predicting a point upon which one will land in ten years’ time.

There certainly is a freedom as this decade begins quite unlike anything in my past, or at least if feels that way. Blessed with resources and great friends, the options are many.

As I reflected on this question of what comes next, two words became central to my thoughts: discovery and connection.

Discovering something is beyond just an experience. And, if you are fortunate, the “that which is discovered” becomes core to living your life for some extended period of time, if not throughout your life.

I discovered at a very early age that I loved being near water. Living in Southern California, the Pacific Ocean drew me early on as a young swimmer, as crew on a sailboat, as a scuba diver trained at UCLA and this attraction continues to this day.

On a family vacation while in high school, I discovered the thrill of flying in a small airplane. Today, I have a logbook describing nearly 6,000 hours of flying that includes piloting business jets to back country flying in two-seat aircraft. And, my interest in the promotion of aviation continues with business involvements involving flight simulators and the development of electric powered training aircraft.

While at UCLA, I came to appreciate art. I also developed an interest in history. Today, I find myself engaged in both on the Eastern Shore of Maryland serving on the boards of the Academy Art Museum and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

I also delight in photography and discovered a strong interest in photographing waterfowl here on the Eastern Shore as well as images from trips throughout the world. While government and business have taken me to well over sixty countries around the world, I now have a chance to really spend time in the places that are new as well as returning to places I desire to discover more thoroughly.

Clearly, one directional theme for the decade ahead of me is discovery!

As suggested, though, discovery is associated with the other concept I thought about, that of connection. Up until the later part of last year, I would have thought this meant a focus more on connecting with my brother in California and great friends now spread around the country. And, it most certainly does mean that. However, probably the best possible connection occurs with someone with whom you desire to share discoveries. And, in my case, the opportunity for such a connection is by far the best discovery at year’s end. Unexpected and wonderful and very much in the making, a connection with someone equally interested in sharing discoveries makes the beginning of a new decade look pretty exciting.

We will see what comes next, and with any luck at all, future commentaries will share a bit more about the discoveries ahead.

The best to one and all in this new year! May your discoveries and your connections be exciting and meaningful!

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The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

It’s All About Skill, Not Will by Craig Fuller

December 2, 2019 by Craig Fuller

The recent interview in the Spy with Dr. Stuart Ablon hit me as more than just a little insightful. So, I dug deeper with Dr. Ablon’s book, CHANGEABLE: How Collaborative Problem Solving Changes Lives at Home, at School, and at Work.

My first reaction to his interview caused me to wonder, “…how have so many been so wrong about discipline for such a long time?”

The suggestion in Dr. Ablon’s work is that research is actually clear when it comes to how to improve behavior, but mostly ignored, took me back to work I did a decade ago around flight training. It was difficult back then to comprehend a fact that 80% of people who became student pilots failed to complete the instruction necessary to become private pilots. Using Dr. Ablon’s language, how could thousands of people who possessed the will to fly, fail to learn the skills necessary to become a pilot?

The research we did at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) almost a decade ago is still relied upon to improve the flight training experience. The research revealed more than 40 factors that contribute to a successful flight training experience leading an individual to become a private pilot. The facts and the factors were clear. It was remarkable how so many simply elected to ignore them.

Truth is, finding subject matter experts who with experience and research challenge conventional thinking has always infatuated me. And, the more I watched Dr. Ablon’s video presentations and then read his book, the more I accepted a concept that, while I’ve embraced it most of my life, I’d never really thought about how broadly the collaborative problem solving approach could be applied.

The title tells the path that Dr. Ablon has traveled. His work started with so-called problem children. Young people with behavioral problems challenge parents and schools. And, the stakes are high because far too many troubled youth pose much larger problems as adults. So, what if the approach to discipline by a high percentage of parents, teachers, employers, prison guards and even health professionals is, well, wrong? And, by wrong I mean parents and professionals are adopting strategies that research and reality suggest will not work at any age or stage of an individual’s development.

What if, as Dr. Ablon suggests, young people do not lack the will to behave in acceptable ways, rather they lack the skills to cope with the situations in front of them? And, if it’s a matter of learning the skills – as in flying – can we get better at teaching the skills necessary for a successful and fulfilling life?

The more the reader follows the path Dr. Ablon and his team have been on, the more accepting – indeed, believing – you become that decades of experience and thousands of examples point the way to a better approach. And, you learn that what works for troubled youth, works for adults. Turns out, if you have issues at any age with flexibility, frustration and problem solving, then you need skills to improve interaction with others. In fact, refining skills in these areas even works for healthy well-adjusted people who want to get even better at resolving issues in life.

Consider the basic premise: there are only three plans, says Dr. Ablon, for resolving a conflict or issue. Plan A involves imposing one’s will on another. Plan C involves electing to let the person with whom you are in conflict “have it their way.” In neither of these approaches are both parties satisfied, thus any real progress is limited if it even exists. In between is Plan B where the parties elect to solve the problem collaboratively.

While it is straightforward to explain, it takes skills to effectively advance the collaborative approach. The parties need to listen. They need to empathize, and both sides need to have their views on the table for consideration through an open dialogue.

Dr. Ablon describes the process in detail in various settings. He shares the views of the skeptics (e.g. it is too soft; it takes too much time; if I give an inch they will take a mile). In every case where the skeptics give collaborative problem solving a chance, they see outcomes that change their view. And, it is all about positive outcomes which is where the results shared are so powerful. Years of experience with thousands of individuals from kids to cops to business leaders suggest that utilizing the collaborative problem-solving approach gets people much further.

I commend the book to anyone who thinks it is possible they might confront a challenge of any kind with another individual….I think I can guarantee that you will think differently about just how you approach the situation. And, if you think more collaboratively, you will likely be more successful.

To order this book please go here. Available from Amazon.

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The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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