Get ready for another new year....

“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.” Melanie Beattie

Today is the last day of 2018 and tomorrowstarts the 11^thyear of these daily musings: more than 2500 Arte of Motivation ARTicles are already in my files. Every day is a new thought on how to be better tomorrow: like chapters in a book, they are waiting to be written. The quotes are highlighted on social media some get these in their email each day because that’s what they requested; you'll always be able to find them here: I thank you for accompanying me on this journey and hope you continue to enjoy reading these as much as I enjoy writing them. Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve.  See you next year.

Melody Beattie (b. 1948): American author of self-help books on codependent relationships

Do all you can, and should, do....

Last year we bought a cuckoo clock: I love regularly pulling the chains to get the tic-toc of the clock and the cuckoo’s call.  Then, on a whim, I bought another, and then 3 old regulator clocks (the kind you have to wind with a special key) and 2 more electric clocks with pendulums: all of a sudden there were lots of time-related sounds in the house. The noises from all these clocks naturally began to seep into the background of our lives, but now that I’m hanging around the house (working on my recovery) I’ve started to again hear them. Maybe it’s not just the clocks … maybe it’s also the passage of time and the fact we’re counting down the dates until they start again: that’s motivating me to want to do something.  I’ve naturally slowed down this first week after surgery, but I haven’t stopped doing all I can with what I have. As you get ready to rev up your resolutions for the new year, think about organizing your thoughts and actions in the pursuit of what you want.  That’s what you can do today.

Confucius (551–479 BC): Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher

Don't, stop, thinking about tomorrow....

Another year is ending: people everywhere are rejoicing in the spirit of this season, thinking about all they’ve done in the past twelve months and what they’ll do in the next twelve. For me, this year’s ritual is interesting: after knee surgery last week, I now have the forced pause of recovery to do little else but engage in this year-end process of rejoicing and reflection. As I look back, I can’t really complain about my aching knees when in fact they were probably caused by last summer’s decision to build stone walls with my own two hands. On another level, I can rejoice in the friendships I’ve continued to nurture this year and the thrill of the music and harmonies those relationships will continue to produce.  And the times spent with my granddaughters this year will continue to create more opportunities for fun times and Instagram photos next year. There are lots of these cause-and-effect type decisions that we each must consider in this last week of the year. Take time to continue to rejoice in the holiday spirit and make time for these natural reflections and projections today.

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (1874 – 1965): British politician, statesman, army officer, and writer

Keep the holiday spirit alive....

I hope everyone had a wonderful and meaningful holiday celebration with family and friends. This is a time when people gather together to be part of traditions that are bigger than themselves, celebrate life and all that we cherish, and remember that it is better to give than to receive. We anticipate these holidays for a long time – planning and buying and preparing; then they come and are suddenly over.  This year let’s try not to let the spirit and feeling stop when the holiday passes. That’s the best present we can give to those we love today.

Andy Rooney (1919 –2011): American radio and television writer best known for his weekly broadcast on the CBS News program 60 Minutes

Tis the Season....

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”Calvin Coolidge

John Calvin Coolidge Jr. (1872 – 1933): American politician and the 30th President of the United States 

MerryChristmas!

And to all the world, a good night....

Know where you're going....

Today is the winter solstice – the beginning of winter, the shortest day and longest night of the year; and there’s a full moon tonight. The seasons come and go, life goes on, and through it all we continue on with our lives. This is the time of year – from now until the end – when it’s good to think about where we’re going and how to get there, and to make plans so as not to miss the goals we set and the opportunities that abound. Other times we’re seemingly busy doing other things, but during these next few days let’s remember to slow down and enjoy family and friends.  Hanukah just ended, Christmas and Kwanzaa are a few days away, and the New Year is just around the corner: be thankful, be happy, and be well today. 

Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra (1925 – 2015): American professional baseball catcher, manager and coach

Never stop trying....

For the past few years I served on the board of a Las Vegas start-up company that was developing robotic concepts for hotels and casinos. The company worked with faculty from the engineering college at UNLV, leveraging what they learned in the 2015 DARPA robotics challenge. I mention this because people always said what we did in casinos and hotels “wasn’t rocket science”; well, this was. We all know about robots in manufacturing plants and warehouses, but they’re not so common, or intuitive, in hotels.  Sure, there are robotic bartenders and vacuum cleaners, but some things being developed today, using artificial intelligence, point the way for future developments. Such as: robots, with AI interfaces, always being available to listen and respond in multiple languages rather than having to track down employees who can come do the same. These were difficult challenges, and there were both successes and failures along the way: but, like today’s author says, creating great things is supposed to be hard. It was an exciting entrepreneurial effort, producing great ideas just a little ahead of their time. Find your path to truly new, never-been-done-before things today.

Regina E. Dugan (b. 1963): American businesswoman, inventor, technology developer and first female director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) 

Never ignore the truth...

An article in the WSJ recently reported that National Public Radio (NPR) president Jari Mohn will retire after establishing the network as a “podcasting powerhouse”.  I found this interesting in light of the challenges that many organizations are facing with the advent of digital media and changing habits. You primarily get podcasts via smartphone apps, and given the dependence we all have on our smartphones, this seems like a smart transition for this traditional media channel.  That got me thinking about what companies can do to adapt to changing times: NPR conducted customer focus groups and listened to what they heard: ask customers what they like and want, react to their comments, and keep your products relevant. NPR saw the future and didn’t hesitate to adjust accordingly: watch for trends in your business and don’t be afraid to act boldly in pursuit of customer interests and satisfaction. People and businesses that want to do great things don’t wait for new truths to become reality and negatively impact your business: chase after and address these truths if you want to be great today.

Michael Marshall (b. 1965): American R&B singer

Learn from your past....

I’m doing strategic planning and budgeting with a client this week: it’s an exciting opportunity to help them set their focus and efforts. In business, as in life, it’s good to take time to examine your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and to find what you really might be capable of achieving. But maybe the most challenging part of an exercise like this is finding the courage to push whatever line you set just a little bit further, using all that you’ve learned, and testing the bounds of your natural inclinations. Planning like this is all about tomorrow, meaning that all your yesterdays are preludes for what comes next. That’s why being prepared is so important. Take stock, collaborate, choose wisely, act appropriately, and be ready for whatever happens. Be nimble, remain flexible, adjust accordingly, and make the most of what happens. That’s the best way to let yesterday put you and your team in a position to do great work today.

John Wayne (1907 – 1979): American actor and filmmaker

Learn more to become more...

There’s a young single mother at one of my clients whose job didn’t pay enough to support her family. She was happy enough with the work but wanted something that paid more: she enrolled in a dealing school to take advantage of all the gaming jobs in Oklahoma. Last night I saw her dealing blackjack at a Native American casino there and watched as she had a table full of customers laughing and enjoying themselves while playing. Later, on one of her breaks, she told me how much she appreciated the chance to earn more and create a better life for herself and two-year-old son. Most of the world is experiencing record job growth and people everywhere should be encouraged to take advantage of it: there are job training programs for just about everything and those who hope to create better lives for themselves should explore them.  If someone you know wants to improve their lives then encourage them to start by learning more today.

Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling (1775 – 1854): German philosopher

Join with others to do great things....

Last night was Hope for Prisoners 50 Christmasesevent at The Crossing Church in Las Vegas:

50 inmates and their families, some who haven’t been together for Christmas in years; 50 living rooms set up, complete with decorated trees and presents donated for each family; 50 family meals donated by Three Square; 100’s of volunteers including LVMPD officers, Hope graduates and mentors, members of this wonderful and caring Church and so many others; 1000s of donated bicycles and beautifully wrapped gifts; and Countless smiles and tears of joy. 

This event was 1 man’s vision (the crucial ingredient) but it was powerfully supported by the entire Hope for Prisoners’ dedicated team. Everyone there got the holiday spirit, and all were touched by the Grace of God. It was an evening filled with the true meaning and spirit of this holiday season and I was one among many who were moved to tears and nearly speechless at the glory of what we witnessed.  We wait all year for this holiday season and the chance to do something special: give others the gift of your time and love today.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (b. 1947): American retired professional basketball player, NBA MVP, All-Star, member of eight NBA championship teams 

Find the will to win....

Las Vegas continues to evolve as a sport’s town: from Running Rebels of the NCAA to the Golden Knights of the NHL to the soon-to-arrive Raiders of the NFL. We love our teams, and that extends to the use of team metaphors at work.  But how do you sustain the team spirit that portends a group’s success – it’s raison d'ê·tre, that important reason or purpose for its existence. It’s not just the stamina, speed, strength and skill of the people playing … it’s their individual and collective spirit that drives them to be a cohesive and successful unit. This can be achieved thru the adoption and use of strategies related to effective communications, credible rewards and recognition efforts, and basic human character-building programs: in essence, making it achievable because people believe they can. And that ultimately calls for leaders to be good coaches, something that takes organizational focus and individual training.  Turn your leaders into effective coaches to discover and unleash the spirit of your team today.

Ken Doherty (b. 1969): Irish professional snooker player, commentator and radio presenter

Positive thinking matters...

My daughter gave me a Fitbit 5 years ago and I started walking 10,000 steps a day: I believe I’m in fairly good condition. So I was surprised when my knee started hurting and the doctor advised me I had torn something in there: said it wasn’t uncommon “among men my age”.  The knee hurt, but that comment stung. Not that these things don’t happen to all kinds of people – young, old, fit or sedentary, but I didn’t want age-related thoughts to start living between my two ears.  The mind is a funny thing: once we start thinking one way there’s no telling where it might lead, because ultimately, we are what we feel and believe. That’s why I think it’s up to supervisors, mentors, coaches, family, friends, and even doctors, to tell people to think positively.  Thus, I was grateful when the Doctor suggested I follow up this impending surgery with yoga and stretching so my body remains limber enough to do the things I want to do. Put positive thoughts between your own two ears and encourage others to do the same today.

Laird Hamilton (b. 1964): American big-wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and an occasional fashion and action-sports model

Dig deep to overcome challenges....

One of the questions I liked asking college recruits was which class did they find especially difficult and what was their final grade in it? I was always impressed with those students who told of having to work especially hard in the class they mentioned in order to get a passing or better grade. Life is full of challenges like that and the people that overcome them are those who won’t much flinch at the difficult times or duties found at work. For me, that class was Statistics: I wasn’t very good at math but the professor’s explanation of why the subject was important helped me to understand it better. You’ll most likely have employees who struggle with some things at work, but rather than giving up on them, double down on explaining why when teaching them how: that’s the best way to help them overcome a lack of natural talent and find the motivation to work especially hard to get things right today.

Derek Jeter (b. 1974): American former professional baseball player with the NY Yankees, businessman, and baseball executive 

Remember the good times....

Corporate Challenge is a large amateur sporting program sponsored annually by the City of Las Vegas: 18,000 employees from more than 125 companies compete in nearly 50 different events. It builds morale, camaraderie and community for employees of some of the major employers and small businesses in the Las Vegas valley.  Back in the day, my HR department organized our company’s efforts: we were highly competitive, spirited, and successful. I’m not sure I remember all the different medals we won over the years, but I vividly remember the people who competed and the fun we all had. One memory stands out: me, dressed in a clown costume, riding on the shoulders of our Safety Director at the opening ceremony in the late 80s – although it’s been years since then, he and I recall that memory every time we see each other. We competed in every one of the 20+ years I worked there, and while it was fun to bring home all those trophies, in the end we all realized that the real prizes were the memories that continue to last forever. Do stuff with the people you work with that will create memories today.

Mary Lou Retton (b. 1968): Retired American gymnast who won a gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics

Live your life completely....

Last night I attended the annual Cornell Chapter Holiday Party here in Las Vegas: it was a real treat to see so many folks from my alma mater. More than 30 years ago I came to Las Vegas and attended that year’s party: I think there were 5 or 6 in attendance – an engineer, two doctors, two lawyers, and me. I was so surprised: I figured with all the hotels here there would be more: but Cornell’s hotel school back then didn’t think gaming was a proper place for their graduates and the companies here weren’t much into college recruiting. So, I contacted the School’s career placement office and began speaking in classes and actively recruiting interns and their graduating seniors. Fast forward to last night: there were several dozen in attendance – most from the gaming industry; the Chapter now has hundreds of members and has been the fastest growing for more than a decade. The attendees ranged from old folks like me to young professionals (many of them) starting families to new arrivals – all making their lives here. If you have the chance, help others find and make the life of their dreams today.  

Paul Simon (b. 1941); American singer-songwriter and actor

Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited....

Like many, I watched yesterday’s funeral for former President George Herbert Walker Bush: it was a fitting tribute for a great person, statesman and leader. The eulogies and sermon portrayed a man almost larger than life – while reminisces often do that, in this case it was truer than not. Adept at foreign affairs, committed and concerned about the national welfare, and kind and considerate to all were some of the many traits mentioned. The term “CAVU” was used several times, an aviator’s acronym meaning “Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited”: in the context of the day it portrayed an individual of unlimited vision, optimism, good intentions, and one who cast a big shadow at all times. One could not listen to what was said without seeing the parallels to the professional way we should act every day when carrying out our duties at work, at home, and in our communities. Someone once told me that leadership is best learned by observing how others conduct themselves: we would all do well by trying to emulate this wonderful man when conducting ourselves today.

Lin Yutang (1895 – 1976): Chinese writer, translator, linguist, philosopher and inventor

Think about how this affects The War for Talent....

In yesterday’s headlines: China is facing a labor shortage, and low unemployment in the US is making it hard to fill open jobs - the war for talent is seemingly worldwide. Business leaders everywhere are debating what to do: in China they are debating whether to stop forcibly relocating workers; in the US we are debating whether to raise the minimum wage. Maybe governments should think about equalizing living wages everywhere to stop the flight of businesses in search of cheaper labor, and business leaders should think about how they treat their employees. This last point screams for more effective on-boarding and new-hire training programs, and more transparent management practices that create commitment and loyalty: together these have the potential to reduce the number of people looking to leave jobs in search of ones they hope might be more satisfactory. The buzz words throughout the world’s economies are productivity, equity, fairness, engagement, and employee satisfaction: if we truly want to improve those then professional managers everywhere need to create workplaces that attract recruits and promote retention. The bottom line: doing little or nothing for workers is leading to the undoing of businesses today.

Horace Mann (1796 - 1859): American educational reformer and politician dedicated to promoting public education

Stay the course....

One of my former college recruits – who has since become a good friend - was talking the other day about the benefits and challenges of creating an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) at the company where he’s the COO. Lots of business people talk about the need to improve employee engagement - mostly by gimmicks and less than effective policies, programs, and practices - but this guy understands the dedication, commitment and hard work needed to get employees involved to the point that they truly take their work seriously: in this instance meticulous planning, total transparency, real patience, and unbelievable stick-to-itiveness were needed to achieve the plan’s goals. Professionals often spend too much time worrying about the short-term impact of their decisions and lose the will to wait for the long-term effects of good planning and strategy. In my friend’s company, their selfless commitment became a powerful method of influence and his employees are now experiencing the high engagement, low turnover, great teamwork, feeling-of-ownership environment created by this ‘stay-the-course’ thinking.  Believe in your good ideas with all your heart and soul and let that inspire others to believe in them today.

Stephen R. Covey (1932 – 2012): American educator, businessman, and author of the popular book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Use your time well....

In honor of his passing, here’s my favorite George H.W. Bush story. 

Years ago, George and Barbara Bush were invited to speak at one of our Employee of the Year celebrations and he wanted to assist in presenting the award. The winner that year was a young Laotian woman whose family emigrated to the US after the Vietnam war: they were grateful for their new lives here and hoped to be able to someday formally express their thanks. When the winner was announced and invited to the stage, she brought her mother and father with her to receive the award: after the presentation, her father bowed, took the former President’s hand, and kissed it in appreciation for all the excellent opportunities that America had given them. The room became silent: The Bushes, and nearly everyone else in the audience, had tears in their eyes.  It was one of those times when we had the chance to offer something special and used that opportunity to create a very poignant moment, and memory. Look for a chance to do something special for someone today.

Steven Paul Jobs (1955 – 2011): American business magnate, investor, and chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), and co-founder of Apple Inc.

It's a great day to be you....

Back in the day a guy walked into my office and said he wanted to be a hospitality professional and utilize his newly-awarded hospitality degree. Great resume, great attitude, great ambition… and blind.  He wanted to work in the front office so I introduced him and his resume to our Room Reservations Manager: during the interview she discussed his skills and abilities (which were impressive) while silently looking at me questioningly and mouthing “he’s blind” (as if I somehow had missed that). When we got to the part about reasonable accommodations, he suggested software that translated text to voice: we bought it, hired him, and gave him the opportunity he sought. Six months later the once reluctant manager asked if I might have another like him: seems he was her most productive employee –never looking around or at the clock and always focused on the voice from his computer. He knew who he was and proud of it: and he rocked it loud. Another good reason why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover today.

Apolo Anton Ohno (b. 1982): Retired American short track speed skating competitor and eight-time medalist in the Winter Olympics

Be strong and help others....

During the run-up to opening Bellagio I tore an Achilles tendon: as painful as that was, the overdose on the pain meds was worse. That sent me into a depression that surprised and shocked me: I had always been Mr. Positive and just like that I could no longer get out of bed or face the world. Nobody wants to admit to any personal weaknesses or fears; we all want to maintain that perfect façade: but I was down and needed help.  Family, friends, my Rabbi, the boss – everybody – told me that humans are fallible, subject to the worries and pressures and pain that go with life. My eyes were opened to the reality that we’re not alone and that it was ok to show my problems and scars. From that day on I’ve talked about and became an advocate for accepting and dealing with depression, and I gained the will to live on. If someone you know is hurting, help them, let them know you’re there for them, and use your presence as a first-aid kit. Help others get through life today.

Paulo Coelho (b. 1947): Poet and writer

It shows when you love what you do....

I’ve had the good fortune to work with lots of people throughout my career: most of them were proud of what they did. Many of them had really cool jobs that were easy to love, but it was the people who did what we referred to as ‘back-of-house’ jobs that impressed me more. One – a man named Wesley – was a public area cleaner: he vacuumed floors, emptied cans, polished brass and glass, and maintained restrooms. There was nothing flashy about his job: did it day in and day out, never complaining, always smiling, thankful for all he had. He took pride in the things he did, and was proud of his work. I’d see him nearly every day and he always had a great attitude and something nice to say. He, and so many others, taught me it’s not what you do but how you do it that’s important; that how you see and carry yourself is how others will see and perceive you. Do things in a way that makes you proud, and recognize that in those you work with today.

Karen Horney (1885 – 1952): German psychoanalyst who questioned some traditional Freudian views

First: love yourself....

Several years ago, I consulted with a start-up company to help recruit their senior management team: a candidate I ultimately hired to be their marketing leader stood out in the interview process because of her unbelievable self-confidence and style. First time we met she introduced herself as “Super-Girl” and all of her subsequent correspondence included the term “rock star” after her name. I’ve interviewed lots of people in my career and she ranks as one of the most positive and self-motivated people I ever met: always happy and upbeat (even when having a bad day), never hesitated to pitch in (in spite of all that was on her plate), and believed in herself so much (with enough energy to inspired others). I still get Facebook and Twitter posts from her that make me smile and want to do more each day. She’s a living example of how self-image can set the tone and boundaries of one’s accomplishments. Be proud of who and what you see in the mirror each morning and let that set your course today.

Maxwell Maltz (1889 – 1975): American cosmetic surgeon and author of Psycho-Cybernetics (1960

The things we do reveal who we are....

We recently visited Tecopa, California, an out of the way patch of desert near Death Valley whose therapeutic hot springs attract snowbirds and Las Vegans.  The 150 full time residents there proudly promote a lifestyle committed to health and well-being: a recent addition is the family that runs the baths, a tiny motel and a bistro with food to write home about.  They’re transplants from the east coast seeking a more meaningful life: the son is retired military and the parents gave up their day jobs to follow, and for them it’s turned into a mission. The parents run the bistro and they’re as nice as any favorite aunt and uncle: they make visitors feel special and the experience unique. Whenever we bump into people like this we often ask why they’re there: these folks talked about wanting to do something they could look back on with pride. The quiet beauty of that place and the loving commitment of that couple made what’s billed as 3 stars seem as good as any 5-Star place we’ve seen. Do something you can be proud of today.

Bruce Rauner (1956): American businessman, philanthropist, and politician serving as the 42nd Governor of Illinois 

Remember: every day is a blessing....

According to a new study from Mattress-Inquirer of over 1,000 people, 55% of people oversleep at least once a week and 75% of those have missed work. Wait a minute: I thought people who liked and were really passionate about their work couldn’t wait to get up and go there… does this mean that this same 55% don’t like their work? And if you couple this weird survey with the tight labor market, it stands to reason that this same 55% could, if they wanted, find a more alluring job. If you’re a manager plagued with oversleeping employees and absenteeism, focus on making work exciting, challenging, rewarding, fun, and inspiring enough to motivate your employees to want to get up on time and come to work every day. If you’re not passionate about your work, don’t expect your employees to be any different than you. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you, and then inspire your employees to feel the same today.

Oprah Winfrey (b. 1954): American media executive, actress, talk show host, television producer and philanthropist

Count your blessings....

                                                              Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, think about all the things you’re grateful for: certainly, family and friends, and good health, and possibly a job that’s really exciting. Like me, you’ve probably heard people say they can’t wait to get up and go to work – that kind of passion serves as the best alarm clock. It’s often the work that makes people feel that way, but more it’s the people there and a supervisor that makes you feel good about yourself and lets you know you’re appreciated. When work is like that, every day is a holiday. Let those you work with know how much you appreciate them today.  

Happy Thanksgiving.

Frank Tyger (1929 – 2011): Editorial cartoonist

Take good risks to make great changes....

This headline caught my eye in last week’s WSJ: Employers trying to recruit in the tightest job market in decades are hiring some candidates sight unseen—after just one phone interview.To me, that makes no sense.  I get it that hiring managers don’t want to lose good candidates, but this seems like they’re okay just hiring any warm body. If these companies are so intent on finding employees then they should hire more recruiters and more quickly and effectively interview those warm bodies, and creatively expedite their on-boarding process. Filling open positions quickly is not the same as finding and hiring the right people quickly: the first might make you feel good in the short-term, the second makes better sense in the long-term; saving money by having fewer recruiters will cost you more money in turnover: don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. If you’re passionate about finding the best employees then unleash your HR creativity and do what it takes to accomplish that goal more effectively today.

Yo-Yo Ma (born 1955): Cellist

Know how to grow....

Some people have an appetite for learning: unfortunately, it’s not all that common among adults. But that number can be increased if you talk to your staff about the benefits of continuous learning and the effects it can have on both the business and their careers: we need employees to continually learn and improve, and perform more productively and effectively. Some people learn on their own: they watch and adapt appropriately - but the vast majority respond more when coached. That means it’s your job to provide feedback and guidance: that’s how to ‘inspect what you expect’and let your team know that you care and are aware of their efforts. Many of the employee surveys we conduct for clients identify communications as something that could and should be improved: that means those employees want more interaction with and feedback from their supervisors – about what’s going on and how there are performing. Be passionate about giving great feedback and inspire your employees to be passionate about learning to be better today.

Anthony J. D’Angelo (b. 1962): Electronic commerce professional

Open your eyes....

I like to observe employees when I walk into a business – their first actions or reactions tell a lot about how the place is run. Walk into a Bed Bath and Beyond and someone at the cash register always stops what they’re doing to say “hello”; same at a CVS, Houlihan’s restaurants, and lots of other places where customers and service meet. Some places – like Wal Mart – position a smiling and welcoming greeter near the door to make a good first impression: that tells you there’s a manager or owner there who’s inspired employees to do this and more when dealing with customers. It’s not that there’s close supervision in these situations: most often the employee and customer are the only ones around. So why don’t more businesses figure out how to motivate and get employees to do this - maybe it’s money, possibly a lack of focus, or maybe they just don’t know or care. When you’re the leader, tell your employees how important it is to make a good first impression and remind them that customers are always watching. Talk with your employees and make sure they give great service today.

Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra (1925 – 2015): American professional baseball catcher, who later took on the roles of manager and coach

Make the mission clear and workable.....

It’s the week before Thanksgiving and you’d figure that grocery stores were ready: it seems my Smith’s missed the memo. I hate to keep talking about this store, but some things are too inexplicable to overlook.  When asked, an employee there directed us to the right aisle for the stuffing, but when we looked, all they had was the Stove-top kind and we wanted the ingredients to make it from scratch: so, we asked another employee if they had what we were looking for and they said… now get this… “I don’t know”, without the slightest twinge of concern or embarrassment. Hey: it’s Thanksgiving – how hard can it be for a store to make sure they have the basics that most customers would be looking for, and had made sure that all employees were aware of and focused on this. This is Retail 101 and these guys either don’t get it or care. So, we again drove the extra 5 miles to Trader Joe’s and got the fixings, and the service, that customers everywhere expect today.

Jack Welch Jr. (b. 1935): American chemical engineer, business executive, author, and chairman and CEO of General Electric between 1981 and 2001

Use technology to improve employee engagement....

Most company handbooks have policies that seek to limit cell phones at work: ostensibly, to control inappropriate phone and camera usage. But, according to the latest statistics, there are an estimated 290 million active wireless subscriber connections in the United States: that’s a lot of phones to try to control. Maybe our policies and efforts should be about harnessing this technology to make employee communications and engagement easier and more effective. Companies might be better off obtaining employee cell phone numbers and texting information to them in ways that might improve two-way communications in the workplace: broadcasting pre-shift information, receiving absence-related texts, two-way texting in emergency situations, sending important management messages that contain You Tube attachments, conducting micro-training, and more, could all be accomplished using this technology. Then managers could follow up to confirm awareness in ways that promote face to face communications: that way everyone’s engaged. There’s no reason to have ineffective policies that few people follow, especially when there are creative ways to effectively use all of these smartphones at work. Try utilizing technology to improve employee communications and engagement today.

 Peter Roskam (b. 1961): U.S. Representative for Illinois's 6th congressional district

Focus on giving great service....

Here’s a tale of two customer service experiences. My old kitchen tv needed replacing: I went to Best Buy and the staff there was attentive, knowledgeable, and engaged – I walked out with a new tv and feeling that they really cared and appreciated my business. Then, like many, I stumbled along trying to get it hooked up: it became apparent the cable box wasn’t working so I took it in to the Cox store for a replacement. It was a Saturday and, not surprisingly, the place was packed: but only 3 of their 8 service stations were open and the people working there appeared as disinterested as could be. There was a digital list of who would be next but the staff seemingly never referred to it, the music was too loud to hear the names they were calling, and they never once made eye contact or smiled. I finally got served but left feeling like they didn’t care about me or my business. Best Buy has lots of competition, Cox does not: end of story. Make sure your employees are engaged and focused on the customer experience today.

Timothy R. Clark: Executive coach and organizational consultant

Look in the mirror....

 Today’s unemployment rate is at an all-time low and there are more jobs available than people: so why are there people complaining they can’t find one? Sometimes they might have to move to get the best job and are unable or unwilling to do so: that’s unfortunate, but makes sense. Or they don’t have the right skills: there are lots of programs to help with that if they’re willing to expend the effort. And some can’t or don’t want to work: I get that. But those who can’t or won’t take responsibility for doing what it takes to get the right or best job may not have done all they can to find or be ready for it: they might have to get additional training, take a step back to then get ahead, or even consider something completely different. If someone asks you for career (or life) advice, remind them that the options today are greater than they’ve been in a long time if they’re willing to do what it takes to get what they want. There’s most likely no one to blame if you don’t take life and all its options in your own hands today.

Erica Jong (b. 1942): American novelist, satirist, and poe

Be honest with yourself....

Being honest with yourself is one of life’s biggest challenges: some times people are not as good at that as they need to be. We rationalize more than we should, telling ourselves what we want to hear; we’re in denial more than is good, being more optimistic than realistic; and often we just ignore some facts, hoping that they don’t really matter.  But if your mother ever told you that ‘honesty is the best policy’, this is where it might matter most because fooling yourself about the important things in life doesn’t help in becoming all you can be.  Look at it this way: all the little mistakes and mis-steps help teach us how to really hone in on and improve the behaviors, skills, knowledge, and abilities we need to achieve our goals.  So maybe the first principle is not fooling yourself when it really matters: be brutally honest and learn from them; you’re the only one responsible to know when that matters. Don’t kid yourself about the really important stuff today.

Richard Feynman (1918 –1988): American theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize winner in physics

Get engaged.....

Here’s my post-election day rant. People do things every day and feel like they’ve accomplished something. Fact is, too many people just put in their time and little else: they think nobody notices but, in reality, it shows. You see it at checkout counters where nobody smiles or makes eye contact, in stores where employees are talking to each other rather than looking for customers who are looking for service, and – here it is – in voter turnout statistics where, in some places, up to half the people don’t vote.  It’s about not being engaged, or, maybe more accurately, not caring. Listen up: it’s not the amount of time and effort you spend at something, it’s about what you put into whatever you’re doing. It seems the world is full of complainers: if you don’t like something, get involved and do something about it; change what you’re doing or change your attitude about it. The good news: it’s a new day and you get another chance to get it in gear and be engaged. It’s not about others, it’s about you: youare responsible for what you do today.

Eric Lindros (born 1973): Professional Hockey Player

Go Vote!

It’s election day.  Forget all the hyperbole and partisanship: do your duty and vote. Whatever else you think, that’s democracy in action today.  

Peter Drucker (1909 – 2005): American management consultant, educator, and author, and he has been described as "the founder of modern management"

Choose your path ahead carefully....

Everybody wants to get ahead, but not everyone wants to do what it takes to get there. That’s why it’s so important for supervisors to be specific about opportunities and expectations, and open with real-time feedback: that’s the only way employees can have realistic hopes.  And employees have to know their own strengths and weaknesses and proceed accordingly. Sometimes it’s a good match – that’s when perseverance, training and coaching are warranted; sometimes it’s not: that’s when good advice and an open mind are critical. Ask if more training is required – sometimes you may need to go back to school. Or ask if a career change is better: look at internships and job-shadowing for more information. Good bosses are responsible to give support and honest feedback; good employees have to be responsible enough to know and understand what’s really possible. Take one step at a time to find your true calling today.

Joe Girard (b. 1928): American salesman recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the seller of the most cars in a year (1,425 in 1973)

Be a friend to someone at work today....

Managers often tell me they only want to hire people who will come to work every day: well, sure, but it’s not like they don’t have something to do with that. They want people who have a good work ethic and the employee wants a good work environment: the two work together or not at all. I think new employees are generally positive and optimistic, excited to start their new jobs, and hoping that it will work out.  Those first few days, some call it on-boarding, set the tone for their perceptions and overall attitude: supervisors are the makers and keepers of that tone. That’s why it’s so important that supervisors act the way they want their employees to act: open, honest, positive, supportive, attentive, loyal, interested, flexible, punctual… you get the idea. A workplace shared with a friendly supervisor feels like a good place to be – they go together to create the work environment. Make work someplace you and your employees want to be, every day, and they’ll be there. That’s what it takes to get their dedication and loyalty, today, and every day.

A proverb is a simple, concrete, traditional saying that expresses a truth based on common sense or experience