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.