Did You Rethink It?

“Of course we care about our wages and we wouldn’t work without them. But we care about more than money.We want work that is challenging and engaging, that enables us to exercise some discretion and control of what we do, and that provides us opportunities to grow.” So says, Barry Schwartz, a professor of psychology…

Food for Thought

When I lived up north I was an avid organic gardener.  I learned the tomatoes were happy when I prepared the soil well, fed it compost, oriented the plot toward the sun, watered it deeply, planted at the right time, picked off the bugs, drowned the slugs, planted basil on one side of them and…

Should Your Boss Do Social Media?

A recent study by CEO.com revealed that 87% Inc. 500 CEOs are active on social media. Their companies are growing fast and they know the value of keeping their finger on the pulse of what their customers (and competitor’s customers are saying). Whether large or small business, executives are learning the benefits that come along by being…

News from the Frontier

In the last few days of June, I had the pleasure to attend the Fourth World Congress of the International Positive Psychology Association. Wow! I was amazed at the rush of people that moved ever so quickly as the doors opened to get seats at the front of the ballroom which held all 1500 of…

Is Anyone Listening?

May be THE Most Important Skill You Can Apply in Life

While out to dinner with a friend last week, he carefully and specifically ordered his drink, a bloody Mary. “I’d like it made with plain tomato juice, vodka, and a lime, I don’t want any spices at all, please.” The server took the order and shortly returned with a drink that included the spices. After tasting…

I'm Grateful For

A Labor of Love

We’ve been celebrating Labor Day for over a 100 years. The idea of celebrating a “workingman’s holiday” spread with the growth of labor unions. It’s celebrated in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, the Philippines and maybe even a few other places.

Customer Results

I just got back from a lovely night on the beach with my friend Susan Schluz. We picked up some salads and headed to then beach for a late summer evening of catching up on personal and professional successes and foibles. I haven’t seen her since July, so it was a good time to catch up.

Bill and the Bad Jokes

I was getting ready to get out of the office the other day when my phone rang. I know I shouldn’t pick it up when I’m headed out, but instinct took over and I picked it up.

The man at the other end identified himself as Bill and told me he had one bad joke for me and one quick special offer.

I’d heard from Bill once before and it brought a smile to my face hearing his voice again.