Treat people fairly....

The economy’s hot, unemployment is way down, and the war for talent is raging: lots of companies think the answer is putting employees under contracts with non-compete clauses. Wrong. If you’re good to your employees in the best and worst of times, they’ll be loyal; if you care about and nurture their careers in good economies and bad, they’ll stay and progress with you; if you treat them right, they’ll treat you right. Stop and think about what you did in the past 10 years when things got tight - did you lay people off, cut salaries, and talk about them having to do more with less. Or did you talk honestly with them about the difficult times, ask them to stick with you, and invest in their training and security.  Now that jobs are plentiful, people can and will leave you for something better: make sure they never think that anything could be better. People willingly give loyalty to those who demonstrate it in kind. Investing in your employees every day is an investment in their loyalty and your company’s future.  Treat your people honestly and fairly today.

T. F. Hodge: Former Marine and athlete, currently an author and blogger

Honesty really is the best policy....

“Loyalty is the pledge of truth to oneself and others.”  Ada Boardley

People always told me they disliked getting, or giving, performance evaluations. Most companies have policies that require them, but given this antipathy, it doesn’t seem like they’re very well regarded. Feedback is good, but when it’s held for some arbitrary annual date it tends to lose its appeal: too much time passes for it to be relevant. But what if you promised your employees you’d be thoughtful and honest, and pledged to use feedback as a way to help them be better. Better yet, what if you told them you’d be more attentive and let them know in real time when they performed well and would correct them and show them how to be better when they didn’t. After a while, relationships with your employees would be based on fairness and truth: their perception of you would improve and they’d probably be more loyal to you and your company; they’d probably be happier coming to work every day with a good attitude.  Remember that loyalty is the pledge of truth to yourself and your employees today.

Ada Velez-Boardley: Social worker

Great service beats all....

Reward programs are everywhere: from the slot clubs we join, the airlines we fly, the hotels and restaurants we frequent, and the stores we shop at the most. They award redeemable points based on the dollars we spend and think that’s enough to make and keep us loyal. Somebody should tell them: it’s not the stuff you sell but rather the service and staff that ultimately create loyalty. There’s a Kroger’s store right behind my house that gives me great points that I can use for discounts on gasoline, but I regularly drive 5 extra miles to Trader Joe’s because they’re so much friendlier. And the airlines all give frequent flyer miles, but I dread flying any but Southwest Airlines: the staff on all the other airlines are just not as fun or nice. Frankly, my repeat business is not for sale: my loyalty will be to those companies that earn it through consistently good service and smiles. Keep reminding your people that it’s not the giveaways that keep customers coming back, it’s them. Be sure to thank every employee you see giving good service today.

Janey Robinson: Freelance creative and children's book writer based in London

Give em service with a smile....

During the past year I started collecting antique clocks: some are cuckoo clocks, others are the wind-up regulators, some sit on a mantel and others hang on the wall, and all are old. And like most old things, they need TLC, a kind I’m not experienced enough to give. I found a store here that specializes in clock repair and took them in: there were at least 200 old clocks of all sizes and styles and prices...  I was a bit intimidated and out of my element, but not for long.  The owner, probably my age or older, immediately put me at ease, showed me around, and made appropriately appreciative sounds when looking at my relatively inexpensive clocks. He wasn’t sure when he’d get to them but said not to worry. Today, 5 days later, he calls, says he’s already checked them out, gave me a detailed run down of what was needed, and exactly how much each would be. It was great service + sincerity and integrity. Somebody asks you for something, give them that kind of service today.

Donald A. Adams (1878 – 1958): Businessman and 15^thPresident of Rotary International

Say what you mean and mean what you say....

A recent survey found that trust is at an all-time low: fake news is one of the biggest culprits followed by broken promises. While there doesn’t seem to be much that can be done about fake news, each of us can certainly address the issue of broken promises. It comes down to this: if you say you’re going to do something – do it. If you say your company cares about career mobility – post all jobs and give current employees preference and training. If you say your company promotes diversity – make sure inclusion is practiced everywhere. If you say you value employees – listen to them and answer their questions. My consulting company conducts employee surveys and the complaint we most often discover is a lack of communications: employees don’t like that “nobody listens”, “nobody told me”, and “nobody will give me a straight answer”.  People with integrity listen carefully, communicate clearly, and then do what they say they’re going to do.  There are no good excuses for not doing those things. Do what you say you’re going to do today.

Laura Schlessinger, PhD (b. 1947): American talk radio host and author

Don't be a coward....

Like many people, we order lots of stuff from Amazon: we’re Prime members and UPS regularly delivers purchases to our home.  Today a package came and when opened we noticed it was for someone else: inside was a book AND a $50 gift certificate for one of those subscription meal delivery services. At that moment of discovery, the following briefly went through my mind: great gift certificate, returning it could be a pain, and who’s going to know if we just kept the package. The answer, of course, is we would know. Then I thought about my granddaughters and how they look up to me like I’m a good guy: how could I deserve that adulation if I kept stuff that wasn’t mine.  So, back it all went into the package, taped it up, and took it to the local UPS Store. Done. To know what is right and not do it, even when nobody would ever know, is the worst cowardice. When faced with doing something right or wrong, don’t be a coward: do what is right today.

Don Alden Adams (b. 1925): Former president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, the principal corporation of Jehovah's Witnesses

What you do matters....

At last week’s Hope for Prisoners’ graduation there was much said about the need for ex-offenders to make better choices. The graduates have to make different and often difficult choices – where they live, who they have as friends, what their priorities are, and so many other choices that are affected by the integrity of their conduct.  When faced with turning their lives around, who they choose as friends becomes a reflection of themselves and their intentions. Their case managers and mentors regularly discuss this with them, their families are attuned to this as they work to support them, and those who give them a second chance regularly watch for this. Successful reentry is measured by their conduct every day, not by what they did in the past. Life’s choices can be difficult under the best of circumstances: who we are is measured by those choices.  Let integrity guide your conduct and your outcomes today.

Junius was the pseudonym of a writer who contributed a series of letters to London’s Public Advertiser from January 1769 to January 1772

The truth, and nothing but the truth....

Today’s message is more a parable than a real story. Remember as a kid how you felt when you told a white lie… it probably wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t altogether good either. The trouble with telling a little lie, is that when you don’t get caught it tends to lead to bigger ones. Most people do things like that because they think they can get away with them… and in many cases they do. But the problem is they know they did it. So, the issue isn’t that they lied: it’s more about the fact that their integrity is no longer intact. You see, even if nobody knows, it’s still a lie. Telling the truth, always, is the best thing to do – it always sets you free.  The lesson to be learned – hopefully sooner than later, is that integrity is what you do even when nobody knows. The best way to never have that terrible feeling in the pit of your stomach is to always to do what’s right, even when nobody’s looking. That’s the best way to keep your integrity intact today, and every day.

Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895 – 1986): Indian philosopher, speaker and writer

Believe in your dreams....

After 50 Years on 'Sesame Street', the voice of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch is retiring. Caroll Spinney was in his early 30s when Jim Henson asked him to join the Muppets. Most of us think and act in plain sight – Spinney’s work - his thoughts and words, hopes and dreams, and efforts and successes - were through the gestures and voices he gave to his puppets. Imagine how hard it was for him to make the kind of impact he’s had on children and society over the past 50 years; now think how hard you work to do what you do, live and in person. In reality, dreaming about what could be and making it happen occurs in our hearts and then takes shape in our minds: how it all comes out is almost secondary. Whether you’re a puppeteer, or the puppet, remember that innovation can happen anywhere, at any time. Believe in your dreams and make them happen today.

Caroll Spinney (b. 1933): American puppeteer and cartoonist

Look over the horizon....

In the early 1990s I visited computer companies and told them I wanted to find a way to use computers to capture, store, track and retrieve   job applications: I wanted to be done with all those paper forms. Nobody had ever suggested something like that and they said it couldn’t be done. One of those tech guys called me back and said maybe it could: that became the first applicant tracking system.  And when I asked our PeopleSoft reps in 2003 for ways to use their software to create a paperless HR office they said it couldn’t be done: I hired two of their programmers and they made it happen.  I’m certainly not the smartest guy in any room but I thought I could see the future and went and created it with the help of people who really were smart. Opportunities to be creative are everywhere, in every aspect of where we live and work: the next time somebody tells you they have a good idea, listen and be supportive. That’s how the future starts to get created today. 

Alan Kay (b. 1940): American computer scientist

Keep a steady hand on the wheel....

Many of my clients talk in terms of wanting roadmaps – a metaphor they use for a logical plan that will guide them from point A to point B. I advise them that before they can have one of those they need to first imagine where they want to go…  to have a vision that allows their employees to all gaze at the same spot on the horizon. These plans need to be well thought out: make sure the process is engaging and inclusive… get opinions and perspectives from all your stakeholders. Make sure everyone is aligned: they all need to be heading in the same direction towards the same goals. And execute your plan flawlessly, with a cool head and steady hand on the wheel.  Leadership is about direction and having people follow you willingly and excitedly. Take the time to understand what’s best for you, your company, your employees, your customers, and your community, and then plan accordingly. Provide inspired, imaginative and effective leadership like that today.

Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955): German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics

Keep trying....

Think about who puts things together: chefs when they mix ingredients, composers who mix media, coaches who draft players in search of the right combinations, and business people who put two companies or ideas together to enhance value, among others.  While many take the easy road and just use the one thing or way that’s readily available, others are more courageous and seek out the people, ideas and things that really do go better together than alone. The key to any combination is to figure out how to make 1 + 1 equal more than 2: that’s where and when the real value of innovation is to be found.  While change is hard, innovation demands we resist the urge to continue to do things because they’ve always been done that way and commit to the harder but more valuable practice of continuous improvement.  Have the courage to look for the possibilities that exist in your world and then try putting the right things together in new ways. You may be successful or not: in either case celebrate what you accomplish and learn. And no matter what, keep trying to find innovative combinations today.

Thomas E. Freston (b. 1945): American entertainment industry executive

You gotta believe....

Acompany I know was faced with the need to change in order to achieve its goals. Sound familiar? Change is everywhere and constant: while some fear it, this company looked for opportunities to make change work for them. They studied the causes and effects of the pending changes, planned the implementation carefully and kept the lines of communication open as the changes were occurring.  The best part: the positive results were almost immediately apparent and helped reduce the resistance that occurs with any changes. The particulars in this case aren’t as important as the fact that the opportunities were realized because the leaders believed in them: their confidence could be felt by those affected by the changes and inspired everyone to give those changes a chance to succeed.  Nobody likes change but, when faced with it, remember to plan it well, talk about it openly, and celebrate its success. Believing in something is the best way to make it happen today.

Barbara Ann Corcoran (b. 1949) is an American businesswoman, investor, speaker, consultant, syndicated columnist, author, and television personality

Be yourself....

Most people are wrapped up in and primarily identified by the work they do. After all, HR people like me work hard to develop workplace branding that fosters ‘employer of choice’ environments with which to attract and retain talent. But since leaving the corporate world and becoming a consultant, I’ve developed a clearer perspective on the importance of balance in people’s lives: time off is good, recharging batteries is important, and time away with family and friends can help renew a sense of purpose when returning to work. If that’s true, maybe we should focus more on this time off and recharging concept as a way to better balance the work people do and the people they are. Most attendance policies focus on the importance of being at work: maybe they should also start to reflect the benefits of time off from work. Workplace cultures, and their policies and practices, should be focused on helping employees be their best... that’s how and when they and their companies do great work. That’s how to really be yourself today.

Toni Morrison (b. 1931): American novelist, essayist, editor, teacher, and professor emeritus at Princeton University

Work hard and smart to reach your goals....

One of the other people on the panel of my G2E presentation this week was the Director of Casino Operations at a mid-sized regional casino: throughout his career he’s worked hard to be better than the competition. He has a will to win: thinking outside the box to make his workplace fun; a desire to succeed: looking for ways to make his employees feel appreciated and loyal; and an urge to reach his full potential: he’s had a succession of progressively more responsible positions and made sure he made the most of learning from those around him. I’d never met him before and didn’t know what to expect, but I was thrilled to hear him talk about doing the things I did during my career and now write about in these daily messages. Life is full of opportunities: make the most of them on your way towards achieving personal excellence today.

Confucius (551–479 BC): Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history

Walk the Talk....

This week is the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas: it’s an annual gathering of gaming people from all over the world. Thousands of people walking the exhibit hall, listening to keynotes, and attending educational workshops. I moderated a workshop on Recruiting and Retaining Talent, a popular topic most of the time, even more so now with low unemployment and a shortage of skilled applicants. We talked about where and how to recruit talent and, interestingly, the audience was more interested in how to retain the good ones they hire: they want and need them to stay around long enough to become great. There were no revelations: treat them fairly, develop trust, respect their needs, and build their loyalty; make work uncomplicated and fun, get them engaged by being engaged with them. Sounds simple, but I’ve been talking about this for 30 years and people are still asking the same questions: my path has been to learn and then share those lessons with others. There were hundreds of workshops and it was cool seeing all these professionals giving back what they know to others. Help someone on their road to reaching their potential by teaching them what you know today. 

Cynthia E. Mazzaferro (b. 1963): Author & Fine Artist

Choose your path....

When I started writing these daily messages I was working on the opening of the Resort at Pelican Hill, whose Palladian style of architecture emphasized grandeur – one of the values these messages address.  Those original missives were used in pre-shift meetings during the property’s pre-opening to give new employees a sense of the company’s values. Now, ten years later, I’m still writing and sending these to people and companies that use them to instill employees with a sense of what their employer stands for. Interestingly, grandeurhas often been used interchangeably with excellence: both describe Pelican Hill and its dedication to those values.  These two values can be adopted by other people and companies that aim for the stars in all they do: thinking and talking about excellence is a good way to prepare to do your best work, keeping it in mind as you work helps you to remain focused, and reviewing everything you do against those standards helps to achieve that goal. In that way, life will lead you through the narrow valley of grandeur and excellence today, and every day.

Kristian Goldmund Aumann: Austrian author, screenwriter, filmmaker, director and actor 

Make a plan....

Decide what you want to be and then make plans to achieve your goals: aim high and work hard if you want to do great things and get ahead. I interviewed long term employees at a client recently and asked about their aspirations: some said they were content where they were, but most wanted to do and be more. When asked, few had a plan about how to get there, but one said she was taking classes to learn to be more, asking her colleagues about the things they did so she could prepare to do more, and shadowing other employees on her own time to practice to be more. It’s hard to get from good to great without personal sacrifice, extra effort, and a good plan. Nobody wants to be or have less tomorrow than they have today: if you want more then then put some skin in the game, talk to your supervisor, and act like you mean it. That’s how to begin achieving your goals today.

Joshua J. Marine: Author of books and motivational quotes

Plan for tomorrow....

Some of my clients are getting more engaged in strategic planning: identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and focusing them to help decide where they’re headed. This exercise can be done by one person and teed up to others, but it’s often best to do as a team: that’s what your mother was hinting at when she said‘two heads are better than one’.  But habits tend to keep us doing what we’ve always done – they’re less risky but won’t help when you’re trying to keep up with the competition or continually improve. When planning becomes a habit you bring people together, improve communication, foster collaboration, create alignment, and discover potential. It’s probably not for those scared of change, but can be an elixir for those who like to peer over the horizon and have hope for tomorrow.  It’s the way for you and your team to start to achieve great things today.

Norman Vincent Peale (1898 – 1993): American minister and author known for his work in popularizing the concept of positive thinking

Be prepared for life....

This quote aptly describes the life of a consultant …. but I’m not complaining. It’s about scheduling: keeping one eye on the calendar and the other on the work left to be done. It’s about flexibility: having options, making choices, and quickly changing when needed. It’s about being prepared: thinking ahead, planning ahead, and communicating with others can help keep things going. And it’s about being happy with what you have: don’t over-reach, or under-reach for that matter – know your limits. I started out thinking this was about me and the work I do these days, but this applies to everyone who has places to go and stuff to do: whether it’s managing your time or timing your moves, it’s important to be aware of everything that’s going on around you and acting accordingly. People sometimes accelerate or delay things we’re involved with and we have to roll with the punches: this applies whether you’re planning for yourself, or you’re trying to coordinate things for a whole group or team. Make time, save time, use time wisely: that’s the way to manage your life today.

Paulo Coelho (b. 1947): Poet, Writer

#VegasStrong....

The news in Las Vegas the last two days has been all about the anniversary of last year’s mass shooting here: stories of the victims and survivors, and the way our community came together as #VegasStrong. Some of the other lesser-known stories told how our two new professional sports teams played a part in helping us recover and move forward.  The Golden Knight’s hockey team immediately got involved with promoting relief efforts like blood drives and food donations to the families of the victims and at their opening game that week they spoke about how it takes a community to begin healing from something like this.  And football’s Raiders, whose stadium was just breaking ground then, got the NFL behind allowing commercials that showed the heart and soul of Las Vegas, something many hadn’t really seen before that: those commercials showed our pain and pride and helped sustain the healing. Fortunately, those tough times slowly became easier, but the real story is how these rugged athletes stood by their new neighbors and helped us begin to get beyond the tragedy. Hopefully we will never experience a mass shooting like that again; thankfully, our shared responses have made all of us and our community stronger today.

Robert H. Schuller (b. 1926): Pastor, Author

Re-charge your batteries....

People tend to overcommit their time and energy when working as a team on important stuff: they get so excited to be included and involved in those team efforts that it can disrupt their normal schedules and habits. They stay hyper-focused, take fewer breaks, work extra hours, and think they can ‘burn the candle at both ends’ without affecting their performance and productivity. But energy is a valuable and finite resource: it needs to be used and distributed wisely, making sure there’s enough left to continue after the project is done. When opening hotels, I learned to consciously pace ourselves during the pre-opening phase so that there was energy left to handle the post-opening business demands. I also realized that a work/life balance was less about time off than recharging everyone’s batteries and sharpening their focus on the things that needed to get done. The best leaders are attentive to employee needs and react appropriately: if every member of the team is sharp then the team will perform at its best. No matter what you’re doing, find time to re-charge your batteries today. 

Jay Samit (b. 1961): American digital media innovator, author, and Independent Vice Chairman of Deloitte 

Be your best....

 We all have competition: sometimes it’s not so apparent who or what it might be. The best way to look at this is to first assess who the customer is: companies can scan the market or conduct focus groups to better understand where the competition is coming from; individuals may have rivals but most often compete only with themselves. While my clients do a great job identifying where the competition comes from and how to deal with it, most people don’t: they think it’s another employee. But look at this from a supervisor’s perspective: they rarely pit one person’s output against another’s and almost always try to encourage and motivate each individual to be the best. Each individual’s challenge is to be better than they were the day before: it’s about continuous learning, self-improvement, and a commitment to be the best you can be for the people you work with and serve. Focus on being your best today. 

Steve Young (b. 1961): American football quarterback who played 15 seasons in the NFL, 13 of them with the San Francisco 49ers