(This ran 10/06/11 in the triCityNews and I liked it enough to reprint it here. Special thanks to Dan Jacobson, Publisher of triCityNews for allowing us to do so.)

WALL STREET – By now, you have no doubt heard the low hum of screaming, pepper sprayed twenty-somethings drifting in from across the Hudson. Beginning on September 17th, the Occupy Wall Street protests have drawn thousands of “overeducated and unemployed” citizens to the streets of downtown Manhattan. Now heading into their third week of demonstrations, protesters insist they will stay until the financial sector sees meaningful reform… And no, pepper spray is not a hallucinogenic.

Nothing gets me going quite like unjust police brutality and talk of campaign finance reform, so I took a meeting across the river with the self-branded “99%ers” to see what was happening up close.

What I found at “Liberty Square” (formerly plain ol’ Zuccotti Park) was a crowd of 1000, angry but vague. A colorful array of people seventeen to forty-nine, well-to-do to welfare, informed and intelligent to patently insane, the only thing shared among them a debilitating lack of specificity.

Occupy Wall Street has inadvertently brought into focus three distinct New American Problems. The first of which is our mainstream media, unfailing quick to jump on any story regarding an uprising in another part of the world, is not so interested in domestic dissent. These past two years have been marked by grassroots movements and organized demonstrations, but you would hardly know it by watching the nightly news.

Perplexingly, while the Tea Party (disqualified from the “grassroots” category by virtue of their corporate funding) has never had trouble securing airtime or inches in print, the oil pipeline protests outside the White House received little attention and big networks were slow to cover union rallies in Wisconsin, Ohio, Washington and Maine. Maybe agitated Americans are too polite to make good television, or maybe our media has forgotten what it’s job is.

The second New American Problem is an awe inspiring lack of conviction. We want all of the bombast that comes with a revolution, but want to carry none of the weight of the heart and the head. “That’s not right!” is not an argument, and “we should fix that!” is not a suggestion.

It does not take bravery, intelligence or even mere energy to point a finger at something and declare that it is wrong. Change is a sexy word that can get you elected, we know, but without a definition it is utterly useless. Defining change takes work. Change what, exactly? Would those demonstrating recognize a viable solution if it were presented to them?

Even with a lack of humidity in the cool, fall air, steam emitted from the crowd. Shoulder to shoulder, they moved slowly, not quite sure where they were going. Jon (22) from Connecticut shouted over the heads of two short girls to me, “you can’t run for office unless you’re rich. You can’t get rich anymore. Everything’s f****d up, you know?” The short girls nodded in agreement.

It is tempting to look upon those protesting and concede that given the state of Wall Street and Wall Street’s pet chihuahua, Washington, this is the only option. We cannot vote for change, as Prophet Jon from Connecticut informed me, and with a shrug or a shake of the head, I got the same story from nearly everyone.

Except this is not the only option… This should not even be an option. Maybe it makes me a bad teenager, maybe it makes me a bad liberal, maybe it makes me a naysayer… Whatever it makes me, I cannot ignore the fact that staring like a deer in the headlights as you point out the obvious on the public stage is helpful to no one. A platform is a privilege. To waste it, as those having a slumber party in the financial district are doing, is a disgrace.

Certainly, it could be argued that the message is the lack of specificity itself. How can we be specific when discussing the financial sector, whose reckless behavior is what spiraled us into that fun recession we have yet to crawl out of? Riddled with complexity and defined by corruption, no amount of homework could make it seem sensical. But that is not a message to rally behind. Throwing darts at ghosts, as these demonstrators are doing, is a silly, tiring game that does not even threaten those they wish to hold accountable.

The third New American Problem clearly defined by Occupy Wall Street is our collective laziness. From sea to shining sea, this is the land of abundance to the point of suffocation. Revolt in America – in New York City, no less – seems ludicrous, not helped by the fact that the protesters have a constant supply of free pizza. Therein lies the problem, without a distinct gripe, the message is: “We’re mad as hell! We’re not gonna take it! But we want to be comfortable while we revolt, is that too much to ask?”

Occupy Wall Street’s aim is to echo the revolutionary spirit of the protests that took place in Egypt’s Tahrir Square. Perhaps they need to be informed that those in Tahrir Square were driven to protest in large part because they could no longer afford bread. It is a bit difficult to seem serious when your idea of dissent is a damn pizza party.

Something about having evolved in the internet age makes any type of organized gathering seem like a science experiment or a ploy for attention. With it’s loud wails, Occupy Wall Street feels very much like the latter. Far from a noble effort, this is a disservice to those actively seeking information and solutions. Their noise drowns out the calm discussions that will ultimately lead to real change.

At this point, the streets remain crowded and thanks to Twitter and unwarranted assaults at the hands of the NYPD, momentum continues to grow. Occupy movements are now spreading across the country like a disease (no word on when they plan to take it to Palm Springs, but that would be fun) with the most recent ones infecting Boston and Chicago.

Given that the last time I saw this many kids my age congregating outdoors was during a fire drill, I will say that I am pleased to see young people discussing important issues.

However, that does not overshadow the reality that this is nothing more than flaccid protest and will not result in reform. When it fails, most involved will harden, becoming cold and uninspired. They will be reluctant to engage themselves in the future, becoming the problem for those among us who seek to define the word change.

(Like this article find more Olivia Nuzzi here: http://winglessnews.tumblr.com/)

Occupy Wall Street: You Say You Want a Revolution? Guest Post by Olivia Nuzzi is a post from: The Wall Street Coach

I’m very proud and excited to let you all know about my newest venture: Wall Street 50 . This will be a public Quest to show the world that there are Conscious Capitalists on Wall Street. This started stirring in my heart over a year ago but it became even more clear to me in the last few months and once Occupy Wall Street showed up my resolve was locked in.

I have wanted to tell the world about my experience with a very different Wall Street then the one the media has focused on.  I know generous, kind and smart Wall Streeters.  I’ve had the pleasure to know and work with them. I have proof there are conscious financiers out there because I’ve met them. There are many that are doing amazing work for this world and have incredible solutions for what we now face.  Its time to hear about them and from them.  Why?

1.) To stop the stereotyping.

2) To stop the theory that capitalism = corruption, because it doesn’t.

3.) To show the world these good guys & gals exist.

4.) To have them name names and clarify what those in finance, government and the rating agencies did so we can ask for specific & powerful change.

5.) To hear their solutions to fix this debacle.

I hold the media responsible for creating Occupy Wall Street.  They poured fuel on this Nation’s wound by their unbalanced & unfocused coverage. Instead of educating us on what truly happened three years ago (plus) and helping us to understand who the real wrong doers are they instead offered up a cheap and lazy alternative. They’ve sold us the story of “Us vs. Them.”

This story ain’t simple. It’s a bitch to figure this thing out. I’m still trying to. Truth is complicated.  It isn’t always black and white.  And we are a fast food nation. We like it spoon fed to us in 90 second sound bites. So maybe in the end the media just gave us what we wanted. But don’t they have a responsibility to inform us of what we must know whether we want it or not?

Aren’t  there Wall Streeters that need to be held accountable?! Duh!  Of course there are! Aren’t there changes that need to be made? Of course there are! Any Wall Streeter will tell you the same! And actually if we were listening there were plenty of them that were warning us to wake up way back before it was trendy and cool!  Take a look at John Bogle who has been writing about this for years.  The media didn’t report what these guys had to say, now did they? And maybe we would have been too busy parading around in our Emperor’s New Clothes back then anyway even if they had. What with our second and third mortgages, new cars and pools that we couldn’t afford to keep us busy.

So the media kept telling us what we wanted to hear instead of what we needed to hear. And now with the party having ended in chaos and confusion they still over simplify it and divide us up with this “Them Vs. Us”  story, which gets us nowhere fast. Where’s is today’s Woodward & Bernstein’s for this story? Watergate started out complex too but those boys pulled it apart and MADE us understand it.

A responsible media would explain all the parties that participated in this mess including the more complicated rating agencies part, and the names of the government officials that were asleep at the wheel and yes the names of those on Wall Street that did us all wrong including their own. I bet ya if they had we actually might have a few of these folks in jail right now.

But I digress…

Please join Samir Selmanovic (my co-journeyman) and I on our Quest for 50 Conscious Financiers.

If you are one or know one please email me at kim@thewallstreetcoach.com.

Occupy Wall Street is the Media’s Fault Plus A Quest Begins is a post from: The Wall Street Coach

I’m frustrated by Occupy Wall Street. Frustrated because I believe there is an absolute need right now to express anger over no one being held accountable for what has happened to us all and I don’t think they are doing that effectively.

I’m the first one to advocate that that MUST be done.  I’m also spending time being educated in exactly what did happen so that I am more informed.  This way I may responsibly use this forum (and any others) properly. I believe it’s my responsibility as a citizen to do my best to understand this debacle and then make powerful requests to my government and/or as a consumer.  Expressing one’s feelings and allowing them to process whatever one’s emotions are is healthy. And then there comes a time when it’s time for action.  Shifting from feelings into a way forward.  This is when we need to enter into dialogue.  To do that effectively (not to mention fairly) we can’t “otherize” those we need to be in a conversation with. It just doesn’t work.

One of the main cries of Occupy Wall Street is that it feels “otherized.”  This is why there is so much anger. Nobody wants to be dismissed or marginalized.  Being ignored is one of the more cruel things you can do to someone.  Yet the very thing they are saying must come to a stop then they themselves should not be practicing.

When I tried to engage with some a few days ago – I watched one man scan me, my suit and handbag up & down.  He was assessing me based on my appearance. We all do this of course, yet he missed out on the opportunity to really have a conversation with someone who was willing to listen and engage with him. He put me in a “box.” And after that – he found it hard to relate to me as a person and not as “the enemy.”

Are there some conscious Occupy Wall Street activists? Of course there are.  But there are also Conscious Wall Streeters! Most of us haven’t heard about them because the media loves to pour salt in a wound.  Yet it’s not doing anyone any good by throwing every capitalist under the bus right now. There are conscious capitalists out there. Believe me! I work with them! I’m friends with them. Heck I am one!

These are the ones that need to replace those that did not act consciously. The conscious financiers need to be in all the positions of power & responsibility. It’s time for the conscious financiers to come forth and take back Wall Street from those that are not “awake” and not “conscious.”

One of the quotes I keep hearing is that now it needs to be “people over profits” and I agree it never should be “profits over people’ but who says it has to be one over the other?

I say: People and Profits. Conscious Capitalists get that it’s not an “either or” but a “yes and” that’s needed.  There are more Conscious Capitalists out there then ever before!  Don’t believe me? click here.  And they are on Wall Street too. Even though right now nobody’s spotlighting them – they’re there. And they are the ones -these conscious financiers- who actually can help us figure out a way forward.

Let’s Occupy Wall Street with Conscious Financiers is a post from: The Wall Street Coach

Executive coaching is ranked among the most dynamic and latest influence in the business world. By using coaching owners, executives and their staff are placed at an advantage on many fronts. Improved communication, more effective leadership, increased confidence, higher productivity, staff retention and authentic camaraderie among the staff. One of the best arsenals known to propel any business to great heights is clear communication. To get this type of training, it is important to hire executive coaching services. This is attributed to the fact that they offer an integrated service that ensures all the necessary components are taught.

It is important to note that the service comes with several services and this is what goes a long way to make it appealing. A good example is the variety of training options at your disposal. These might include the following.

• Developmental coaching: This takes approximately 3-6 months. The coach is responsible for jump starting the training with supervisory and HR support training.
• Individual Executive coaching: This takes approximately 6-12 months, and may continue longer if desired. In this case, HR will identify and prioritize developmental issues. The coach also receives feedback from the participants on how the coaching is proceeding.
• Expanded coaching: This is usually brought in after the initial 6-12 months are complete. There are several aspects covered in this form of expanded coaching. It too is co-designed by coach and the HR team.

There are several factors that make it necessary for employees to work with a coach and these include.

• The need to improve performance as well as develop new skills as well as fresh knowledge.
• When the need to take part in a rigorous self-appraisal that is honest arises.
• When they are in need of talking to another individually about the challenges been faced as well as the strengths.
• To improve communication skills.
• Increase leadership behavior.

Other important services that are incorporated in executive coaching services include provision of assessment. It is important to note that this is done in stages and as such, it becomes easier to note if employees are making any progress. Step one is always about self-assessment. The individual is taught how to evaluate themselves. This is in terms of professional goals, the reasons for coaching and the type of coaching chosen. It is always advisable to carry this out in writing as it gives a clear picture of the analysis.

It is important to note that these tools are used to gather information about an individuals goals, competencies, interests and talent potential among other factors. Other types of assessment offered in executive coaching services include mid-point assessment and final assessment. It is important to note that during this last stage, the individual is in a position to determine if they would love the coaching relationship to continue of whether they would prefer terminating it.

What Do Executive Coaching Services Include? is a post from: The Wall Street Coach

There are different ways that one can use to ensure a business is successful and is taking the right direction to achieve its goals. One of the ways that have worked for companies all over the world is motivation of the employees. All the employees in an organization are very important as they are act as the backbone of the institution and can determine how the company will perform. One of the methods that can be used to motivate the personnel of a company is through coaching. This is where individuals are taught to unlock their potential to get maximum performance. Some of the reasons why a firm would want their staff to go through coaching are:

Increase sales: if the organization is not working towards its goals, coaching can help to motivate the individuals so that they work together to ensure that the business is recording profits. This is where they will able to get to the bottom of the problem and find an effective solution to ensure that everything runs the way it is supposed to.

Reduce client/customer dissatisfaction: without the customers; the business is as good as dead because they will be no one to serve. Coaching helps personnel to lean better techniques that they will use to handle their clients/customers better. This is used to enhance customer loyalty where one can be sure that they will remain in business for a long time. Satisfied clients/customers are a great asset to the company as they are likely to spread the good word to their friends and family, which will bring in more clients to the business and result in more profits. The company also gets to save money on advertising as the customers provide fee word of mouth advertising.

Enhance team work: for an organization to run effectively, everyone has to be working in unity so that this can be realized effortlessly. There are some people who do not like to work with others which could bring down the organization, as people are not working towards the same goal. Coaching helps to improve team work skills so that an individual works in harmony with others. This is particularly important for the executives of the companies as they get to learn the effective ways of dealing with their staff. At this point, there can be some changes that need to be done in the organization so that its full potential is realized. This is where some people many have to swap departments to a place where they are more comfortable and can work better. Employees are also taught the importance of change so that no one feels shortchanged and everyone works happily.

Retain employees: changing the personnel of a company often is one of the factors that cause a firm not to be successful. This is because a lot of time and money that cannot be recovered is spent finding and training individuals who will replace the ones that have left. Coaching can help a firm to get all the tactics needed to ensure they retain their staff and run smoothly.

Why Would A Firm Want Coaching For Their Staff? is a post from: The Wall Street Coach