Facing The Giants

Every year, I watch the entire saga of the television miniseries Roots. Near the end of the story, the family of former slaves is trying to leave a plantation but is told they can’t because they owe money to the landowners. Chicken George - the patriarch of the family - makes a statement after pulling the wool over the property manager’s eyes. He says, “Now, suppose your enemy figures out your first plan. What are you going to do? Get yourself another plan!” That’s exactly what happens in the miniseries and that is how the family finally escapes to freedom - by getting themselves another plan!

Not too long ago, I was facing a giant myself in the form of the Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital. The interim CEO, Amy Teal was not interested in helping me solve a problem that I was having with her personnel and policies. She offered me two options: Discharging my wife from the hospital prematurely or banning me from visiting her during her stay.

While neither of these options were in my favor, I mentioned that I had a third option: I would use the power of the written word to call her out and let everyone I could reach know how she treats loved ones of people who stay at her hospital and challenge her power. I told her I would do it with blogs, books, seminars, Google rating, the Better Business Bureau, and any other place where my voice could be heard.

To my surprise, Ms. Teal said, “If you feel that that’s what you have to do, then go ahead.” At that point, I thanked her for her permission to tell the world my story. Normally, I would have left out the names to prevent the guilty party. However, in this case, since it seemed to be of no consequence to acting CEO Teal, I’m revealing all so that you can warn your loved ones and verify the information for yourself.

In the age of social media, the pen (or keystroke) is truly mightier than the sword. It levels the playing field for the David’s of the world against the Goliaths who may see you as a bug. I also want to thank all the sponsors and readers for your support as I continue to make sure everyone knows that even giants can be vulnerable in the light of public scrutiny. Don’t ever let someone bully you into submission. Just make sure that you stay resourceful and always have at least 5 back-up plans.

Let me hear from you.

(This excerpt is taken from my seminar entitled Survive and Thrive VI: Staying Power.) I encourage you to click here to register for my all new Survive and Thrive VI: Staying Power seminar on Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 8:30 AM to 12 noon Eastern Standard Time Melhorn Manor in Mount Joy, PA. This event will also be available through live streaming.