3 Tactics for Growth
"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
Attributed to Ben Franklin
Most of us are normally supporters of growth. We may differ on the desired amount, type, timetable or direction, but we have all experienced and embraced growth at some point in our lives. Some of us, whom we call greedy, may at times have too much desire for growth. Some of us, whom we call lazy, may at times have too little. Most of us strike a balance fluctuating somewhere between hunger and contentment... (read article)
Take Time to Think
In a typical day we use our minds for a number of repetitive thought processes as we communicate, solve problems, memorize and remember. However, without a conscientious effort, our busy schedules leave little time for introspection, experimentation, creation and other thought processes which contribute to a healthy, well-rounded life. Regardless of your position, if you don’t invest time in your mental fitness, you’re falling behind in a world that is changing at a technology accelerated pace.
(read article)
Elevate Your Video
My daughter learned her first video production tip before she turned two:
“Big smile Daddy?” she asked as I turned our video camera to record a picture she had colored for Momma. “Yeah, but show me the picture too,” I replied.
These two instructions are probably the best tips I can share about creating effective video – a smile and a demonstration are all it takes for many forms of successful communication and whether you realize it or not... (read article)
Process Improvement;
Are You a Team Player?
At nearly every job interview I’ve participated in, a question or comment about being a good “team player” eventually enters the discussion. My observation is that the conversation usually is trying to determine whether the candidate is someone who will get along with people or who will cause more headaches than they fix.
If I’m part of the team that’s making the hire, I always make sure the candidate is asked what they think it means to be a team player. Although I’ve heard a lot of great answers, I’ve never had anyone claim the characteristic for which I’m looking...
(read article)
Invest Time in Developing a Plan
“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything,” said President Dwight Eisenhower. Having served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces during the invasion of Normandy, the largest amphibious invasion in world history, he should be considered an expert on planning. Eisenhower explained that a plan’s weakness was that it couldn’t account for the unexpected. In contrast, the ability to plan was indispensable because it prepared you for dealing with change as it occurred over time...
(read article)
What Are You Thinking?
It is an election year in the United States and our fate is once again in the hands of people who are asked to elect our leaders because they can do one thing; have enough energy to complete the balloting process. Are you, like me, concerned about what people are thinking?
My concern extends beyond the elections; after all, this is hardly the appropriate forum for a discussion about politics. In this article, I want to advocate for the value of collaboration and critical thinking when making decisions, and also talk about a couple of tools that are creating impressive results because they employ inclusion and teamwork as an alternative to rugged individualism...
(read article)
What Motivates Me Today May Not Tomorrow
Once upon a time employees worked for a paycheck, some health insurance and the promise of a nest egg for the golden retirement years. But their kids heard stories about pension plans “gone bad,” and parents died months after leaving their jobs.
Motivation for deferred payment became less attractive.
Once upon a time employees worked for the American Dream – a loving marriage with two kids, a dog, and a house with a two-car garage in the suburbs. The Dream turned into a race – “keeping up with the Joneses” that resulted in two-income families, daycare, and the world’s highest divorce rate...
(read article)