Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/author/tom-heuerman-phd/page/5/)
Tom Heuerman, Ph.D. is a former Secret Service agent, Star Tribune executive, and leadership consultant. He is a writer and photographer. He is the author of two e-books: Learning to Live: Essays on Life and Leadership and Value Driven Leadership: A Story of Personal and Organizational Transformation. The e-books are available at Amazon.comTom's blog: Tom's Thoughts is at TomHeuerman.Wordpress.com
When I listen to Barack Obama speak, I feel hopeful. Maybe we can renew our nation. Perhaps we can recommit ourselves to the noble values and grand purpose of America. Obama takes me back to the 60’s, and I remember the dangers visionaries like he face willingly. I was a senior in high school when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Continue Reading
Senator John Kerry said recently: “There are moments when America is ready to move in a different direction. I believe this is one of those moments. Barack Obama has the ability to be a transformational leader.” The theme of this presidential election is change. All the candidates say they are the one to bring forth renewal in America. Continue Reading
The death of one man symbolizes the passing of what Tom Brokaw called ‘the greatest generation.’ The flag-draped coffin of Walter Scheffler of Barnesville rested before us as we walked into the small Lutheran church recently. Walter was a quiet man with bright eyes and a big smile. Since the death of Violet, his wife of 53 years, in 2002, Walter continued to live on the family farm—active and engaged–until he was 91 years old. Walter served his country as an army infantryman in World War II from 1941-45. Continue Reading
My wife and I spoke about emotional abuse to approximately 85 college students recently. Millions of women (and some men) live with repeated verbal assaults, humiliation, sexual coercion, and other forms of psychological abuse, often accompanied by economic exploitation. I’ve worked in organizations for 40 years as a leader and consultant, and I’ve never been in an organization that didn’t have abuse as part of its dark side. Yet few of the students had heard the term “emotional abuse.” It remains one of a community’s dirty, dark secrets. The community needs to illuminate its shadows. Continue Reading
I was in Minneapolis on August 1, 2007. I went to dinner with my daughters and their families. We sat down and looked at the television above our table. A news helicopter flew over a fallen bridge. Suddenly my daughter said, “That is Minneapolis.” We realized it was the 35W Bridge. Continue Reading
My wife and I stopped at the local grocery recently. A tall, muscular young man ran past us in the parking lot. He was outraged and out of control. He screamed profanities at a young woman in a car. He kicked the car’s door, pulled it open, and dragged the terrified woman to the pavement. Continue Reading
A letter to Senator Larry Craig of Idaho:
Dear Senator Craig:
I see that you got yourself in yet another humiliating situation in a men’s room. You and I are close to the same age, and by my calculations we have been going into public restrooms without chaperones for at least 50 years. Your confusion in the men’s room led me to reflect on my “unwritten rules” of conduct for when I am in a public restroom—perhaps they will help you stay out of trouble in the future. 1. Look twice to be sure it is the men’s room you are going into.2. Continue Reading