Be a positive thinker....

I look up quotes for these daily messages and then try to match them to something I’ve experienced or someone I’ve met: I like to be inspired and to pass that feeling on. But every now and then the story of the person being quoted is as inspiring as their quote: Peace Pilgrim is one of those.  She walked across the United States to speak with those she would encounter about peace: she was on her seventh cross-country journey when she died – google her and read her entire story.  You might say she really did walk the talk: imagine believing is something so much that you commit your whole life to it. We all work hard at our jobs and it’s good to have some kind of balance – a hobby or something you volunteer your extra time to: I think that’s the key to being fresh and excited about what you do every day. Find you really believe in and encourage others to do the same today.

Peace Pilgrim (1908 –1981): born Mildred Lisette Norman, was an American non-denominational spiritual teacher, mystic, pacifist, vegetarian activist and peace activist.

Own your customer's experience....

Lots of new restaurants have opened in downtown Las Vegas in the past 5 years. My wife and I like to sample these new eateries and have found a favorite: a Thai restaurant in one of the new high rises – good food, and an extraordinary food server. Nikki is her name and she was once a dealer on the Strip: tells us she wanted something a little less structured and corporatized, and brought with her the customer service style and skills learned on the game.  We eat there semi-regularly – she always remembers our names, the things we like, and the way we like them.  Even after being away for 4 months last summer, she didn’t miss a beat when we walked in: she immediately gave us a big smile and warm welcome like she owned the place. That’s the kind of service that people appreciate, and return for: what she does every day will impact all their tomorrows. Give your employees this message and the training, support and care that motivates them to own the customer experience today.

Alexandra Stoddard: Author, well-known interior designer, and lifestyle philosopher

Learn to navigate life's challenges....

Life is full of challenges: some of the hardest are those faced by recently released felons.  Jon Ponder, the founder and CEO of Hope for Prisoners (the Las Vegas-based non-profit that trains and helps place individuals recently released from the judicial system) understands the key to a re-entering individual’s success is their commitment to this change.  At last week’s graduation of H4P’s latest class, he again stressed the importance of positive attitudes that lead to making the rest of their lives the best of their lives: it gives them the power to change anything and everything in their lives.  Support for hiring ex-felons was also promoted in last week’s SHRM Live event where focusing on untapped labor pools is becoming increasing important as unemployment levels drop. Re-entry programs are springing up in most states: HR professionals are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Investment board facilities to learn more about this untapped source of talent. And company leaders would do well to learn the more about applicants who are committed to making the most of second-chance opportunities.

Hal Elrod (born 1979): Motivational Speaker

Remember those who helped show you the way....

When I first joined the Golden Nugget, I was interviewed by a casino host named Charlie Meyerson: at the time I didn’t realize how important he was to the company and in the industry. He became a mentor to me and many others who broke into our business back then: he was extraordinary at customer service and we all learned a lot from him.  He worked for the company for many years and passed away before Wynn Las Vegas opened: even though he wasn’t with us for that opening, his presence could be felt everywhere.  Much of the service we provided was influenced by his legacy: we faithfully followed the things we learned from him even though he wasn’t there with us and the impact of his memory inspired all the others who joined us. Remember those who helped you become what you are and let that guide you every day.

Stephen Covey (1932 –2012): American educator, businessman, keynote speaker and author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”.