Learn your lesson...

Oy… today is the last day of the year 2019: so much left to do, so little time; lots of lessons to reflect on from the past year, and some resolutions left to consider for the next one. In retrospect, here’s some of what 2019 taught me: 

v Don’t be such a smart aleck

v Bad things can happen to good people

v Don’t take anything or anyone for granted

v There can be a silver lining in just about anything

v Don’t be so quick to think you’re right and others aren’t 

v Remember to say you’re sorry… and really, really mean it

v Don’t ever forget to treat others the way you want to be treated 

v Always do what’s right, even when it’s hard

v Don’t break your promises, and

v Friendship is unconditional

There are probably more, but these are some that stick out the most from 2019; but I’m not sure that they all sunk in as much as they could or should have. And therein lies the potential seeds for a New Year’s resolution: I promise to learn and practice the important lessons I learn. Let’s all remember that while every year teaches us something valuable, whether we get the lesson is up to us. Note to self: print these out and re-commit to really start living them today.

                                                   HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

Here it comes...

Here we are: the last few days of 2019 and of the decade of the 2010s.  Most years, we pause right about now to think of the year nearly passed and the one set to begin. But this one is different: it marks the passing of and to a new decade. I was born in 1950, and always fantasized about the changing of the millennium on my 50^th birthday: it seemed then like a far-off point in time… until it came and went.  I also remember vaguely thinking about how life would be in the year 2020… and here it is: it seems like it should be bigger than the day after tomorrow seems, something like stepping through Alice’s looking glass. But it probably won’t be anything like that: life isn’t defined by time, but by where we are and who we’re with. Call it a clan, network, tribe or family: whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one (or all of them) to define what life will be in this new year and decade. Recognize what’s really important to you today.

Jane Temple Howard (1935 - 1996): American journalist, author, and editor

Shine a little light on...

These holidays are all about lights: our family lights a candle each night of Hanukkah and our neighbors decorate their trees and homes with Christmas lights.  As a kid I used to love the single candles lit in the windows of our neighbors, shining in the twilight: all around were the lights that represented the good wishes and cheer of family and friends. I never thought of it then, but these days the same kind of lights lead the way to good thoughts and relationships.  Back then, I thought all we have to do was enjoy them; now, I think we each have to spread the light either as a candle to light the way for others or as a mirror to absorb and reflect the beautiful light of others. Either, way, we must make sure the light shines. Get up every day with the intent of both being the light for others and reflecting its warmth and glow inward. Do what it takes to spread a little light today.

Edith Wharton (1862 – 1937): American novelist, short story writer, playwright, and designer

Remember the feelings...

With Christmas and 4 days of Hanukkah in the rear-view mirror, we now head into the New Year’s holiday: the challenge is to keep them appropriately blended in our minds.  The revelry and hope embodied by next week’s celebration, along with most things in our everyday lives, should always be tempered by what we professed and felt during our religious holidays. We all have our own lives to live, complete with work, family and friends, and the obligations inherent in all of them. Work has, in most cases, a set of values we’re asked to live by; family is full of obligations and relationships that demand our attention and commitment; and friends (and friendships) are guided, optimally, by the Golden Rule.  Most of us have all three going on simultaneously: keeping them straight, but similar, can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why it’s important to live our daily lives infused with the best of our holiday intentions. Make that your everyday resolution today.

Bob Hope (1903 – 2003): English American stand-up comedian, vaudevillian, actor, singer, dancer, athlete, and author

Merry Christmas...

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don't clean it up too quickly.” Andy Rooney

My Dad was born on Christmas morning, which was the third night of Chanukah in 1913 (the year of his birth):  it made for an interesting occurrence in his Orthodox Jewish home. After that, my grandparents celebrated his birthday by always opening several presents on Christmas morning, much to the delight of he and his siblings who would normally get only one present a day for each of the 8 days of Chanukah… a practice my parents continued. So, there was always a lot of wrapping paper in our home on Christmas morning. But that’s nothing compared to my sister-in-law’s house: she and her second husband had 13 kids – his, hers, and theirs. You can imagine the look on our one and only daughter’s face the first time she saw what was under their tree and the mess that made: it was a serious counterpoint to our comparatively sparse nightly Chanukah exchange of gifts. Which leads me to musing that this is the time of year when gift giving reigns supreme in the hearts and minds of families everywhere: the wrapping paper mess that it makes creates a glow that keeps on giving. Don’t clean it up too quickly in your home and hearts today.

 Andrew Aitken Rooney (1919 – 2011): American radio and television writer who was best known for his weekly broadcast "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney", on the CBS News program 60 Minutes

Twas the night before Christmas...

“Family and friendships are two of the greatest facilitators of happiness.” John Maxwell

Yesterday was the 1^st day of Hanukkah and tomorrow is Christmas: for me, these holidays evoke fond memories. Growing up, we had next door neighbors who made ribbon candy and passed it out to everyone on Christmas. Their names were the Porters: my earliest memories of them were that he was old, always wore a suit, and walked to the bus every day to go to work at the Post Office, and she sat in the parlor or on their porch and rarely went out. But, every year after Thanksgiving she was a blur of activity, making dozens of tins of this brightly colored candy. Everyone knew, and on the day before Christmas he would deliver a box to each of us, beautifully wrapped with each family’s name on it. On Christmas morning we would open them and marvel at the bright colors and how the ribbons were folded… I can still remember the stickiness and taste. Holidays are all about remembering and celebrating the little traditions that make life so wonderful. As you celebrate this year, remind yourself that life itself is a celebration. Remember that and count your blessings today!

John Calvin Maxwell (born 1947): American author, speaker, and pastor

             “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” 

                            from: A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore

Happy Hanukkah...

“At this time of year, when the sun is most hidden, the holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the rays of hope and light. Often, it is through simple and unrecognized miracles that we are able to feel the warmth of hope and light.” ~Rafael Goldstein  

Stay warm...

Tomorrow is the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year.  Long and relatively dark days are the norm for now and, along with the cold climes, these winter months can limit activity. Days like this, it’s hard to be motivated, let alone creative; warmth and sunshine nurture a freer and more open mindset, which can lead to innovation. In spite of these seasonal anomalies, teachers, coaches and managers must inspire and motivate others to stay sharp and alert, to be on the lookout for opportunities, and to think and act creatively. I’m up early editing these messages each day, and the light in the windows, or lack thereof, definitely affects my mood and productivity. Like many, I am alone at my work – not unlike service employees whose supervisors cannot get in the middle of a guest interaction: those are the times when self-motivation is most important. Prepare yourself and others for those ‘moments of truth’ with training and coaching. Let these dark winter mornings sweeten your appreciation of the sunshine today.

John Steinbeck Jr. (1902 – 1968): American author and Nobel Prize winner

Meet people's needs...

Edison’s ideas led to the lighting of America: from light bulbs to power generation, and from phonographs to films. He understood the business of inventions, from production to distribution, and what it took to be successful and profitable.  It’s not enough to have a good idea: it has to be practical, doable, and financially sound. Expanding on yesterday’s message, the ROI on the systems and applications I envisioned more than paid for themselves: the applicant self-service system we created for the opening of Bellagio saved more money in 6 months than it cost, a key reason I was allowed to embark on that project in the first place. It wasn’t enough that I understood the HR needs, I also had to  learn enough about IT and Finance to make sure my project would meet their standards and produce the necessary return on investment.  Lots of people have good ideas about ways to improve the products, processes or practices related to their work: the key is also understanding the value in using their ideas.  Look to create value in everything you do today.

Thomas Edison (1847 – 1931): American Inventor and Industrialist

Launch your thoughts...

When faced with a problem, it’s wise to first imagine a solution.  Look up ‘imagination’ and you’ll find words like vision and inspiration, creativity, and ingenuity.  After the opening of The Mirage I articulated a vision to our HR software vendor about the many ways technology could be used to better manage a large and complex integrated resort: things like how to more efficiently manage tens of thousands of applicants and employees, the actions and paperwork it took to administer them, the volume of information needed to understand what was going on with them, and the mostly manual processes all of that entailed. That inspiredus to seek alternatives to the way we’d always done things. We collaborated with lots of people and generated a lot of creative ideas: it then took a lot of ingenuity (not to mention perseverance) to develop workable solutions. In many ways, imagination is like throwing out ideas and seeing if they’ll fly. I continue to network with lots of professionals and enjoy learning about the things they are imagining: you should do the same. Imagine something cool today.

Lauren Bacall (1924 – 2014): American actress known for her distinctive voice, and  honored for her central place in the Golden Age of motion pictures"

Use your head...

The challenge for managers is to be both consistent and fair: sometimes these two goals don’t exactly line up. In the realm of employee relations, we’re often required to make decisions about things that happen at work, by and for employees. These kinds of decisions are mostly guided by policies and procedures, but they sometimes must also be viewed with common sense. If and when the people and circumstances are exactly the same, then the decisions should be guided by those policies; but when they’re not, which is often the case, common sense should be applied thoughtfully and judicially. When doing this, you need to be clear about the facts, and equally as clear about how you communicate your decision. This may sound complicated, but it’s not.  Your employees expect you to be understanding – where and when possible, and to be flexible within reasonable boundaries. Even though you may not be able to control the circumstances of any employee relations issue, you can control your response to those issues. Think carefully and wisely about your decisions today.

Condoleezza Rice (b. 1954): American political scientist and diplomat who served as the 66th United States Secretary of State

Wise up...

The economy is full of disruptors: entrepreneurs and companies that give fits to the status quo. Sometimes it’s about the prices they charge, other times it’s about the product; in the case of Amazon, it’s about price and methodology. Customers are intrigued and begin to affect the competitive landscape; the competitors themselves start off in denial and are often late to adjust to the challenge. Those who work for these disruptors face a different challenge: they have to learn a different set of values and operate in a different kind of culture. Amazon is a huge employer, offering lots of perks and benefits, but in return, they also demand a different work ethic: getting all those packages out on time requires a commitment to many things, including speed.  Slowly, the public and employees get used to the innovative and disruptive new player and everything starts to change. Don’t be fooled by what you don’t understand: take time to grasp and appreciate what’s good in the new and begin to adapt today.

Jeffrey Preston Bezos (b. 1964): American internet and aerospace entrepreneur, media proprietor, investor, and founder, CEO, and president of Amazon.com, Inc

Listen up...

 

Tw0 guys I went to school with (meaning they’re my age) biked across the US last year. Before that I hadn’t known anyone that did that; sure, there were some who did marathons or triathlons, but these two, who I’d known most of my life, really caught my attention.  Here I am limping around on bad knees thinking I could never do anything like that, when it hits me that you first have to say ‘I’d like to’ or ‘I’m going to’ before you find out if you actually can. Both guys told me they had lots of friends who encouraged them to go for it, and that really helped. And that got me thinking about people at work needing to be encouraged rather than criticized – like catching them doing things right – and how that simple practice drives a culture of personal development, achievement, excellence and success. Listen to those who say ‘get on your bike and ride if you really want to get somewhere’. Everybody needs somebody like that. Be an encourager today.

Elizabeth Harrison 1849 – 1927): American educator, and founder and first president of what is today National Louis University

Excite your senses...

Ask yourself: 'Does this subject move me to feel, think and dream?' Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams took pictures that carried you away: every one of them made you feel, think and dream. Spending this week in New Mexico makes me feel that same way: the landscapes and the people are very enticing and engaging. So, I get what people here tell me about it awakening all of your senses: so much so, it seems to let the positive energy help you see more clearly. Which leads me to an article I read recently about the trend towards 4-day work weeks – not just the optional kind, but standard too. Surveys show that many of today’s younger workers – who will be a majority of the workforce in the next 10 years -  want to work hard and have 3 days off to do whatever else they do that excites and re-energizes them.  Doing things that make you feel think and dream – at work, with colleagues, and serving customers – are good and keep you feeling alive. The concept behind the gig economy – work where and when you want – recognizes people’s interest in working and playing hard.  Discover the subjects that make you feel, think and dream today.

Ansel Adams (1902 –1984): Landscape photographer and environmentalist known for his black-and-white images of the American West

Photo: by Kathleen Dillon Nathan

Behold the beauty...

“When the reality looks extraordinarily unreal, you must know that you are in an extraordinarily beautiful place!” Mehmet Murat İldan

We’re visiting friends and family in New Mexico this week: the ride up from Albuquerque was breathtaking, climbing through the gorge of the Rio Grande. The unique light here paints subtle tones on the landscape and clouds, and last night’s nearly full “Cold” moon lit the streets as we walked around the plaza and back to our Airbnb cottage. The air is thinner and the dramatic natural lighting illuminates the clouds and mountains.  When it looks this extraordinarily unreal, my artist wife reminds me that we are in an extraordinarily beautiful place. Many of the people I know are making plans for this holiday season: some to go away to places like this to spend time with family and friends. This is the time when we begin to reflect on the year that’s coming to an end, the blessings and tribulations we’ve experienced, the health or sickness of ourselves and friends, and our hopes and dreams for the new year. No matter what – in good times and bad – it’s good to be alive. If you haven’t already done so, start thinking about the New Year today.

Mehmet Murat İldan: Turkish playwright and author

Photo by The Taos News

Don't be so shocked...

Air travel used to be a glamorous experience: the old movies on the Turner Classic Movie channel portray it well. Nowadays, not so much: long lines, TSA inspections, crowded planes, and little or nothing to eat. The seats are way too small: they definitely weren’t designed to accommodate large travelers, personal pillows and comfort pets. Two things caught my eye this week in the Vegas airport: the boots, buckles, and hats of the National Finals Rodeo crowd, and a big macho guy sporting a Hell’s Angels outfit. This last one was complete with a leather jacket, club name and logo, heavy black boots, chain strap for his wallet, bandanas around his neck and head, long beard and lots of tattoos: those all made sense; but, it was his cute little comfort dog at the end of a rhinestone leash that was the surprise. Years ago, that picture, today’s air travel, and life in general, would have been inconceivable: but boy howdy, things do change.  The moral of this story: anything is possible so don’t be shocked by the things you might see today.

Max Planck (1858 – 1947): German theoretical physicist whose discovery of energy quanta won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918

Put on your thinking cap...

People always want to be creative.  Some days that’s easy: we get inspired and the innovations start to happen.  Other days it’s not so easy: we get distracted and tired, and can’t think straight. But we can’t ever let laziness stop us from trying. Put on your thinking cap, focus on what you’re doing, stay positive, pace yourself, don’t get discouraged, don’t get distracted, and don’t give up. There are challenges and obstacles that often get in the way of becoming inspired: don’t let them get you down.  There are countless examples of people overcoming their own challenges that should inspire us to keep going. Remember: nothing worthwhile comes easy. Get up, get going, and get inspired today.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893): Russian composer and guest conductor in Europe and the United States. 

Catch people doing things right...

I sometimes get the opportunity to help leaders develop their strategic plans and skills. For many it’s the first time they’ve had to create plans and budgets, and the materials that support them. That first pass is often more about familiarization with the terminology and process than content: they ask questions and develop spreadsheet capabilities, draft narratives for completeness and coherence, brush up on their presentation skills, and overcome fears of presenting to corporate executives. That’s when the smallest compliment has a disproportionate effect on their feeling of confidence and purpose: some call that ‘catching people doing things right’. You can see it on their faces and in their body language, you can hear it in their voices and their presentations, and you watch their understanding of the process and its importance grow. In the course of those initial efforts they gain poise and self-assurance and, through that experience, become better thinkers and leaders. Business acumen is about trial and error, stepping up to the challenges, and learning as we grow. We’ve all been there: in business meetings for the first time and realizing we can survive the anxiety of doing anything for the first time. Remember what that’s like and compliment others as they grow and improve today.

Robert Brault (b. 1938): American Writer

Take it slow...

“Change happens one gesture, one person, and one moment at a time.” Libba Bray

I’ve been writing these messages going on 11 years: every day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year. For all that time, I’ve followed a similar routine: sit on the couch with my cat each night, look at a quote, and then quickly write about the first thing that comes to mind. Then, the next morning, I’d sit on the couch, again with my cat, and make some final edits before sending it out.  He would always be sitting there, sometimes by my side staring at the screen, other times on my lap with his paws on the keyboard, listening to me mutter and try out phrases… almost as if I were talking it through with him. Crazy, but that’s how I’ve always done it.  Until this past Tuesday: now I have to adjust to doing this alone. But, I know that change happens slowly, so I’m taking it one thought,  one sentence, one paragraph, one story, at a time as I adjust to writing these alone. Sounds crazy, I know, but that’s what’s going on. Change is never easy. For any of us; for anything. Take it one moment at a time today.

Libba Bray (born Martha Elizabeth Bray; 1964): American writer of young adult novels

Be clear...

After overseeing the hiring of more than 125,000 new employees over the course of my career, I am convinced of the importance of clarity on the on-boarding process. At that moment, questions abound: the new employee is anxious about everything on that first day; their family is anxious that their loved one made the right decision; and their colleagues are anxious about who is joining the team. Clarity is the antidote to all of that anxiety, and therefore, clarity should be the preoccupation of those responsible for alleviating that anxiety. Examples of clarifying strategies include (1) lots of contact before the start date to answer questions, provide instructions, and set times and places for reporting, (2) follow those up with written instruction and FAQs, (3) assign a point person to call and exchange contact info so the new employee can check again if needed, (4) provide the new employee with a mentor who will provide introductions, directions where to go and how to get there, and follow up regularly. Remember your first day at work and do what’s needed to make sure any problems you experienced don’t happen to your new hires. If you do nothing else as a leader, be clear today.

Marcus Buckingham (b. 1966): British author, motivational speaker and business consultant

Remember the good times...

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France

We’ve been married more than 40 years and last night was the first time in all that time that there were no pets in our home: our 19-year-old cat (Ernie) died yesterday and his presence will be sorely missed. Through the years, our daughter always brought home new pets to make sure replacements were there as the older ones passed on. Before leaving home, she gave us two Jack Russell puppies and a kitten, and all these years later, those three furry amigos are gone: we really are empty nesters now. The love of an animal truly does awaken one’s soul… in that, we’ve been truly blessed. As I walked around the house this morning, seeing memories in all his favorite places, I feel the depth of this loss; it’s like the feelings we’ve all experienced with the passing of family and friends… and pets. Be aware of the lives and losses of those around you and remember to express yourself appropriately. It’s those memories and messages that help sustain us today and every day.

Anatole France (1844 – 1924): French poet, journalist, and novelist

Be kind...

Most of the good things in life take compassion and imagination. You want to do good work – it takes thoughtful dedication to plan and execute it.  You want a good life: it takes focus, hard work, and being a good person. You want productive and loyal employees: it takes a keen and compassionate understanding of their needs. You care about others and want them to care about you: it takes kindness, truth and honesty.  You want all of those things: be thoughtful and kind-hearted and concerned and empathetic and sympathetic and imaginative. Being all of those things is good, but it’s the  imaginative part that’s so important: meaning being original and inspired and resourceful and.... well, inspirational. That’s what it takes to be the best you can be at the things you do.  Keep the spirit of your Thanksgiving holiday weekend going by being all of these things today. 

Jennifer Beals (b. 1963): American actress and a former teen model