Act responsibly...

Most people I talk to these days are beginning to go a little stir-crazy: being isolated is tough on all of us. Yet none of us want to be the one to go out and either get infected or, worse, infect someone else. There’s always the risk of thinking that just one outing can’t really hurt, but then again, you never know. That’s why it’s important to occupy yourself while at home: with things like having a routine, talking to others regularly, and setting goals. Learning yesterday that this social distancing is going to last another 30 days was disappointing – it’s hard to think we can continue this for that much longer (or more). It’s the uncertainty that makes this most difficult and finding reliable information within all the media noise is hard to discern. So, get your head around this and make the most of it; and don’t be the one who’s responsible for continuing the spread of this virus. Order online, take advantage of curbside pickup, stay at least 6 feet away from others, and, whenever possible, stay home. Be responsible today. 

George Burns (1896 – 1996): American comedian, actor, singer, and writer, whose career successfully spanned vaudeville, radio, film and television

Do your part...

Many times, when we sidestep our responsibilities, the consequences are minimal and often undetected: not so with this Covid-19 virus: one misstep and the results could be lethal.  Talk about motivation. I presume nobody wants to get sick, but too many are cavalier about that prospect: the problem is less that you might get infected, but that you might infect others, and that’s the basis of the theory of community spread.  That’s why we self-quarantine, stay home, and wash our hands incessantly. We might play a little loose with our own isolation, but the consequences of that looseness can’t be dodged. It’s the beginning of week three of this isolation for most of us – in the beginning it was hard to accept; but I’ve started to see a grudging belief that this is only the beginning. When suggested that this might not end until summer, we scoffed; now that’s a reality. So, accept this social distancing and find other ways to focus, adjust, produce, thrive, and survive today.

Josiah Charles Stamp ( 1880 – 1941): English industrialist, economist, civil servant, statistician, writer, and banker.

Don't let the unknown scare you...

“When you come to the edge of all that you know, you must believe one of two things: either there will be ground to stand on, or you will be given wings to fly.” O.R. Melling

Boy howdy, I sure would like to fly away from this crazy (and serious) pandemic.  When I was a kid, I was naturally curious: things like dust motes and dryer lint seemed weirdly other-worldly – they were there but not quite understood. Germs were also a bit beyond complete understanding, but because our mothers always told us to wash our hands to get rid of them, they didn’t seem so scary: I mean, how scary could they be if you could just wash them away. But those dust motes were always there, and that lint was always in the trap no matter how often you emptied it. Maybe we should have realized the same with germs – they’re always there, we just have to remember to get rid of them often. Those things were on the edge of what we knew, and it probably would have been best to get a better understanding of them: clear and concise information is better than the stuff of our fears.  The same is true of this pandemic – there’s lots of real good information out there – study it and take it to heart – give yourself solid ground to stand on. Funny how it this pandemic has reawakened our fears of the unknown – best to combat it with the wise things our mothers always told us. Wash your hands today.

O.R. Melling: Irish-born Canadian Dancer and Author 

Focus on the outcomes...

Like many, I had trouble getting my head around starting to self-quarantine and isolate: it seemed a bit drastic and, frankly, I didn’t think I could do it. But as the news and impact of the virus spread, the reality of having to practice social distancing sunk in. It’s not like this all makes perfect sense but, being in the high-risk age bracket, I was worried about how it might end. I was in Hong Kong 15 years ago when SARS broke out: one minute there was little or no information, the next, everyone there was wearing masks and being quarantined.  We came home almost immediately and self-quarantined before going back to work. Back then, I was more worried about the infection and less about the mortality statistics; but I’m older now, and the current statistics make me realize how important it is to do what the experts say in order to have some personal control over this pandemic’s end and its impact on me and my family. Life really is fragile, and that realization is sobering. Stop worrying about being apart from others and focus on remaining healthy today.

Usain St Leo Bolt (born 1986): Jamaican former sprinter and record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4 × 100 meters relay

Find your spirit...

People are doing all kinds of interesting things in these difficult times.  A friend who’s in a band sings for others every night on Facebook. One of the smartest guys I know has an Open Chat twice a day, five days a week, on Zoom.  And my consulting partner and I have started posting lessons in leadership effectiveness on our Tiny Classroom Live Facebook page. Yesterday I saw Vince Gill on Facebook participating in something he called a Deep Cuts Challenge – singing inspiring songs and asking others to do the same. Companies are conducting business online, media outlets are giving subscriptions away for free, restaurants are selling groceries, people are producing virtual conferences, and friends and families are having distance dinner parties on Face Time.  We all could have done these various things before… but we weren’t inspired like we are now: these difficulties aroused and fueled our spirits.  We’re sharing and caring, almost like never before. Make the most of your talents and opportunities in these difficult times – find a new groove and keep your spirit strong today.

William Ellery Channing (1780 – 1842): The foremost Unitarian Theologian in the United States in the early nineteenth century

You have choices...

It takes something like this pandemic to remind us that we’re all in the same boat: I could go on about this forever but seeing that today’s author is from an Animal Rescue makes me think in another direction. I travel a lot and am always amazed by the number of people who bring comfort pets on a plane: I always thought that was curious. But last month my daughter, who is the owner of three rescue dogs, took us to an adoption event and we fell in love with a 3-legged little dog that was injured and then restored to health by a volunteer rescue group. We fostered here for two weeks and finally adopted her last week. Right about now I am so thankful and comforted by this new member of our family: she’s been a gift in these difficult times. As we all shelter in place, it’s important to find comfort wherever you can… be it with family, colleagues, and friends online, work or school-from-home assignments, spring projects around the house, or a favorite pet. Let’s remember, we have to do MORE with what we have right now, not less. Find ways to keep your boat in relatively calm waters today.

Jamie Thomas: Executive Director at Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

Do unto others...

In these difficult times, this quote, by a superstar who has contracted the Covid19 virus, says it all. As a good friend reminded me yesterday, this is not only about changing your behavior to avoid being infected by this virus, it’s also  about changing your behavior to avoid transmitting it to others. That’s why social distancing is so important (why I’ve stayed away from my daughter and her family, something I wouldn’t do under almost any other circumstances), and why we’re all staying at least 6’ away from others if and when we must go out. It’s why non-essential businesses everywhere are closed until the pandemic’s growth curve flattens out and why people everywhere are essentially on lockdown. Nobody likes this… but we all have a responsibility to help make it end.  So, we’re staying home, interacting on Zoom and FaceTime, and staying close to our families and friends and colleagues on Facebook. Take care of yourself and each other, and be kind to others even when you feel the cooped-up urge to snap and lash out building within; use this time to reflect on what’s truly important and calm your inner drive. This whole crazy situation is bad, but it could be worse. Take care today.

Tom Hanks (born 1956): American actor and filmmaker

Yes you can...

It’s hard to believe that most of the drastic measures related to this pandemic started about a week ago here in the US. We’ve swiftly gone from relative denial to social isolation, the closure of all non-essential businesses, and the near universal stay-at-home regimen for families, students and workers. A week ago, most of us were still thinking we couldn’t possibly do all that… well, dear friends, it’s time to clear our minds of can’t. We CAN interact with others – that’s where Face Time, Zoom and many other programs are taking us: my wife and I have had several Face Time dinner parties that are the next-best-thing to being there. We CAN pick up a phone and call others (family, friends and co-workers) and revel in the discourse. We CAN take walks in the middle of the day – staying 6’ apart of course – and smell the roses. Last week nobody could accept this… well, we CAN get through this – no matter how long it takes. Take a look around at all the possibilities and clear your mind of can’t today.

Samuel Johnson (1709 – 17 84): English poet, playwright, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer

Take it to the limit...

America’s most decorated gymnast knows about giving her all: it’s a lesson we all need to learn from her. One week ago, I didn’t think businesses really had to close… then the governor here in Nevada closed all casinos and non-essential businesses and pushed us all to consider the importance of social distancing.  Three days ago, I didn’t think about staying indoors all the time… then the news of this virus and how fast and far it’s spreading pushed me to personally reconsider how I’m living my life. Yesterday, I didn’t want to believe I shouldn’t see anybody personally… then the number of people sick and dying in my own community pushed me to accept the reality of this thing. This virus, and the unknowns associated with it, have pushed us all to quickly accept new limits on how we’re living our lives at this moment… and I think it’s going to push us more. The lesson is that we always have more to give.  Take it to your personal limit today. 

Simone Biles (born 1997): American artistic gymnast. With a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is the most decorated American gymnast 

Social distancing doesn't have to keep us apart...

This quote could have been written about these crazy times: a week ago businesses and the stock market were at all time highs… today, nearly the opposite. But even with all the dire warnings and near universal closings, people are rallying around some interesting new habits. Tonight, we had dinner with my business partner and his wife: they were remote on FaceTime, computers on each of our separate tables, and it was nearly as fun as if they were here in person. Interestingly, we could have done this any time in the past, but never thought of it or even had the urge. Last night we ate and chatted like at a real dinner party… and under the circumstances this was really sweet and special.  Self-quarantining and social distancing are new to all of us: the trick is to not let them completely isolate us. Technology and personal innovation are combining in so many ways and, frankly, it’s encouraging. I’ve seen people in the park next door to us standing 6-8 feet apart and chatting; restaurants are re-organizing to provide curbside and delivery services; and streaming is being used in all kinds of interesting and creative ways. Just because it seems like everything is falling apart doesn’t mean better things can’t fall together today.

Marilyn Monroe (1926 – 1962): American actress, model, and singer

Slow it down...

After a generation of living wherever and doing whatever we wanted, this week’s dictum to stay home is a sobering reminder of the fleeting nature of our routine freedoms.  The footloose and fancy free lifestyles we’ve all been living are really hard to shut down as immediately as this pandemic now demands.  But I’m starting to see creative sprouts of ingenuity as people adapt to staying in one place: calling someone up and chatting for hours rather than texting 140 characters; cleaning out old closets rather than looking through online files; discovering favorite old things rather than searching for Google favorites; getting down to basic needs rather than just getting down.  The possibilities are endless once we slow down and consider them: this may not be something any of us would have chosen, but now that staying in one place is the new normal, we may all find what we kept chasing before. Reflective moments will be the new best things in the next few months – put your feet up and start to enjoy and appreciate them today.

Rachel Wolchin: South African Writer and Online Influencer

Do your part...

“Live simply so others may simply live.” Mother Teresa

These are incredible times that call for incredible measures. By everyone. The concepts of social distancing and self-quarantining are counter to our everyday habits, yet we’re being told that if all practice them we increase the chances of arresting this pandemic. So, businesses are suspending operations and those who are still employed are being asked to work from home. We’re being asked to stay away from others to decrease the chances that this virus might spread. In essence, we’re being asked to live more simply so that others may simply live. It’s been less than a week since the government woke up and got serious about this, and since all of us have gotten that way too. Nobody likes this – not us or the stock markets or the people in the few stores that remain open for the greater benefit of the rest of us. But it’s the right thing to do. Be careful what you do and how you live your life so that all of us can remain as healthy as possible today. 

Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu (1910 – 1997): Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary commonly known as Mother Teresa

Now, more than ever...

What a difference a day makes. Last week, it went from business as usual to something else altogether: unknown, anxious, and scary. People are avoiding people, posting all kinds of social media messages, and living in uncharted waters. Last week, when asked if he would get on an airplane, Dr. Anthony Fauci immediately and emphatically said “NO”… this from the guy in charge of infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health. I know just what he means: my flight home last Thursday night was a surreal experience. I have cousins trying to get home from London: I can’t imagine being on their plane or trying to navigate through Customs this morning.  Closer to home, a normally uneventful trip to a grocery store has turned into an equally surreal exercise: full of empty shelves and wild-eyed panic. I’m trying to act as the wisest among us are recommending - staying calm, practicing social distancing, and treating everyone with respect and kindness. Period. No exceptions. Elbow bumps, 6-foot spacing, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands are the new normal. That’s how to treat everyone with respect and kindness today.

Kiana Tom (born 1965): American television host, fitness expert, author, actress, and businesswoman

Live your life...

Travel this week has been really challenging: fewer and smaller planes with lots of scared and/or frustrated travelers. Even in the best of times, air travel is tough –  all the 24-hour news cycles this week about the Coronavirus has everyone on edge.  So, I decided to cut my current business trip short and fly home a day earlier than planned, be in my own home sleeping in my own bed.  I got to the airport, checked in for my flight, boarded, and… boy howdy, was I surprised to see all the happy partiers on that plane who were so excited to be going to Las Vegas.  Just like regular times. No panic. Full of imagination and hope for a good time.  I needed that; we all need that…the best antidote for panic is optimism and careful action. I guess there’s some logic to social distancing during these trying times…but there’s more to be gained by surrounding ourselves with friends and family. The best way to handle the fear that’s all around us is being smart, being cautious, managing your risks, and washing your hands. Don’t let your imagination run wild – control, plan, and use it to live your life today.

Lauren Bacall (1924 – 2014): American actress named the 20th-greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute

Think and act differently...

While traveling on business for the past ten days, I’ve continued to write these daily messages. But today I’d like to pause because of the worldwide Coronavirus outbreak: we are experiencing a new normal, one that government officials, health care professionals and media pundits are telling us is very real, most likely temporary, and requires everyone’s attention.  I’ve personally seen it on airplanes and in public spaces: people responsibly wiping down surfaces; in meetings: elbow bumps instead of handshakes; in planned activities: the advent of social distancing; in public venues and events: increased closings, cancellations and disruptions; and in personal hygiene: lots and lots of handwashing and sanitizing. It’s all pretty scary – I’d be lying to say I’m not rattled, but the message is fairly simple: think and act differently, use common sense, and adjust accordingly. Like any outbreak, many will be exposed, and some will get sick: but from all accounts, most of the cases – while serious, have been relatively mild. Now is the time to remain calm and get away from our normal habits and routines. Do your part to help contain this outbreak today.

Jodie Foster (born 1962): American actress, director, and producer.

Reputations matter...

I’ve had lots of different jobs. I learned from all of them and applied what I took from each to all the others, building a growing list of knowledge, skills, habits, and abilities, and the reputation they created. Unlike those before them, baby boomers started the trend of having multiple jobs throughout their careers; it was also the first generation to relocate in search of jobs, leaving the safety net of home and people who knew them. Young people today often undervalue the importance of that familiarity and the many ways it supports career growth: without it, one’s reputation becomes more dependent on how well they perform at each of their jobs. While job references are supposed to only contain positions held and dates of employment, don’t be so naïve to think nothing more than that is conveyed: answers to questions like “would you rehire them” can be very telling.  Live your life and do your job like it matters… because your reputation is the most important part of your resume. Best to remember that today.

Madeleine Albright (born 1937): American politician and diplomat, and the first female United States Secretary of State in U.S. history

Stand out...

If you want to get ahead at work, make yourself irreplaceable. That means coming to work every day, doing more than what’s asked, being open and flexible to changing times and circumstances, picking up around you, helping others, and looking for creative ways to make work better. Most companies get obsessed with job postings and complicated job descriptions that they create a mentality of “do what you’re told” and inadvertently drive any creativity and extra initiative out of the work equation.  We need to be better at clearly explaining expectations, paying closer attention to people’s performance, providing coaching when needed and catching them when they do things right: that creates an environment where people are free to be themselves, do more, and increase their value to the company and its customers. In other words, they’re the kinds of employees we want to have around… doing what’s needed, being different, and becoming irreplaceable. That’s the best way I know to build a team of top performers that you’ll want to retain today.

Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel (1883 – 1971): French fashion designer, businesswoman, and founder and namesake of the Chanel brand

Count and share your blessings...

I am blessed to be able to write and send these messages every day to so many friends and colleagues, and to find and use quotes by people I really admire, like today’s author. I’m thinking about that this week as I visit with friends in Toronto and help guide them thru the transitions and transformations they’re experiencing professionally. I am blessed to have learned so many meaningful lessons from some wonderful coaches and mentors throughout my HR career, and to now be able to share those experiences and that knowledge with others. Leadership and entrepreneurialism are subjects learned less from books than from the stories of those who’ve been there and done that: I’m honored that people think my experiences can provide that and blessed to still be able to work at something I’m good at and love. Pass on the lessons you’ve learned in life to others who can use them to learn, develop, and grow. Don’t take your valuable life’s lessons for granted today.  

Emmylou Harris (born 1947): American singer, songwriter, musician, Grammy winner, and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame

Nurture good ideas and people...

People often wonder how greatness gets started: for the most part, it’s because someone believes it can happen. Examples are literally all around us: common, everyday people and ideas that can be changed with care, focus, hard work, creativity, attention to detail and reinforcement. Sometimes they’re people: with a little coaching and mentoring, they can become future superstars and leaders.  Other times they’re ideas: with some research and perseverance, these can take on new meanings and forms.  And then there are things: think before casting any aside and you might find hidden treasures. The most rewarding parts of our careers and lives are when we mold and shape something new and better out of things that are already there. Mostly, these happen because someone believes in something (or someone): that simple act can inspire someone to believe in themselves, and after that, anything’s possible.  I’ve seen it with the college recruits we hired, mentored, and supported: optimistic people who, with a little time and showcasing, had the opportunity to become great thinkers and performers.  Help someone believe in themselves and achieve their goals today.

James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens (1913 – 1980): American track and field athlete and four-time gold medalist in the 1936 Olympic Games

Inspire others...

Everybody’s talking about Kobe these days (no last name needed): his record and reputation are now more legendary than ever. Talent like his – gained as a result of lots of hard work – inspired countless others to try to do the same… but you wonder who or what inspired him. In many of the most fundamental ways, it was his father, a professional basketball player (too) who went on to coach in several leagues. Parenting is about many things, not the least of which is inspiring children; not surprisingly, many of the best aspects of parenting apply to managing employees.  Like: enforcing rules but also encouraging flexibility; having to say “no” without hurting feelings or creativity; being objective… and loving; making sure everyone gets enough rest… but then up and out on time every day; and recapping each day’s ups and downs at the dinner table to make sure everyone’s okay. Parents, like managers, know that the most important thing is to care about and inspire people so they can be great in whatever they want to do. It’s tough enough to get going each day – real professionals shake that off, and challenge, motivate and inspire those around them. Be like a parent when you supervise others today.

Kobe Bryant (1978 – 2020): American professional basketball player

You gotta believe...

I’ve worked on some great projects: each overcame skepticism and exceeded expectations. At the time, The Mirage was the most expensive property ever built in Las Vegas, and everyone said it wouldn’t be able to buy cover that much debt: boy, were they ever wrong. Opening casinos in China became our next big challenge and showed the importance of being culturally sensitive: that makes more things possible.  And opening a grand resort on California’s Newport Coast, in the midst of a deep recession, presented multiple challenges: fortunately, the owner was less concerned about occupancy than the property’s grandeur and service, and that made success possible.  All of these projects were buffeted by people telling us we had impossible dreams; but we were staunch believers in what was possible and doable. Any project, big or small, has its challenges and naysayers: good leaders inspire their people to believe in themselves, create clear goals and expectations, foster robust communications, and motivate teamwork and team spirit. Nothing is impossible if everyone believes. Don’t let your people develop insurmountable doubt: help them believe in possibilities today.

Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993): Actress, Humanitarian

Create a masterpiece...

How many times have you had what you thought was a great idea?  The problem with many of these is that they involve changing something that already exists: even if one or more of them have merit, trying to create and change anything is a complicated process. Maybe a better way to approach a great idea is to first clear your mind of anything other than the goal you’d like to achieve, write a concise statement about why you think it really is a good idea, list some of its important outcomes, and then think about a few pros and cons of the idea itself. You can do this kind of brainstorming alone or with others – either way, do it against a blank canvas against which anything is possible rather than one that is being compared to some status quo. Give a new idea the chance to grow and flourish before trying to deconstruct an existing one. That’s a lovelier way to begin thinking about something new, and possibly great, today.

Wassily Kandinsky (1866 – 1944): Russian painter and art theorist who is generally credited as the pioneer in abstract art

Don't dally...

There’s no better time to start thinking about doing something great than right now: some people delay, however, worrying that the time has to be just right. But then they think of all that needs to be done while waiting for that perfect moment: it takes a lot of time and effort before you can actually start. Once upon a time, I got the idea to create an automated applicant capture and tracking system: it was right after experiencing all the headaches of not having one during the opening of the Mirage. And even though it took another 8 years of brainstorming, networking, researching, planning, building, testing, and finally implementing a system that reflected that idea, according to my watch, I knew the time to do it was the day after the Mirage opened. Unfortunately, that was a time when computers and the he internet were mostly the things of hopes and far off dreams. Lots of people have good ideas about how to improve things – but without grit, it’s hard to get the courage and support to do them. Don’t wait another minute: if you’ve got a good idea, get started is today.

James William Buffett (born 1946); American singer, songwriter, musician, author, actor, and businessman.