🌱 Excellence Is Intrinsic: it can’t be forced; it must be sparked 🔥

Anything great that people accomplish begins with their own desire to excel. Training can build competence and experience can prepare employees for their responsibilities, but exceptional performance is ultimately driven from within. Workplace culture can inspire, and teamwork can support, but the true drive for excellence is personal.

 

Leaders provide the vision that defines organizational goals, and HR creates the systems that support development and motivation. Yet it is the front-line managers who play the critical role of coaching, guiding, and inspiring employees every day. When these elements align, micromanagement becomes unnecessary — excellence emerges naturally from employees who bring skill, optimism, flexibility, resilience, and grit to their work.

 

Leaders can create an environment that encourages excellence, but they cannot demand it. They can build systems that point employees toward success, but they cannot force motivation. Effective leadership recognizes that motivation is the art of getting people to do what needs to be done because they want to do it.

 

The hard-driving, command-and-control leaders of the past must give way to visionary, empathetic leaders who guide rather than push, support rather than criticize, and coach rather than command. The workplace continues to evolve with each new generation, and leadership must evolve with it to bring out the best in their workforce today.

 

Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower[a] (1890 – 1969): American 5-Star Army General, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in WWII, and 34th president of the United States. 

Happy winter solstice, it only gets brighter from here...

The Winter Solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year — marks the symbolic rebirth of the sun. Paired with the approaching New Year, it offers a natural moment for reflection and a meaningful turning point in the calendar. These transitions often prompt us not only to look back, but also to consider how we might grow in the months ahead.

As a child, I remember walking home from school in the fading twilight, watching snowflakes shimmer under the streetlights, and imagining the life that awaited me. I never would have predicted that I’d one day live in Las Vegas or work in a casino, yet in hindsight, both now feel like logical milestones along my path. It has truly been a long, strange trip.

I’ve always enjoyed coaching young people as they begin exploring career possibilities. I encourage them to learn as much as they can about the companies they’re interested in — context helps them make informed decisions. For those considering a career change, I often remind them that the best job is sometimes the one they already have; the challenge is learning how to make it the one they love. In both cases, it’s impossible to know exactly where the journey will lead, but it’s remarkable to look back and see how far you’ve come.

This season is an ideal time to reflect on where you’ve been, envision where you’d like to go, and consider who you want to become. With the days now growing longer, there’s a renewed opportunity to begin meaningful work — starting today.

Robert Hunter (1941 – 2019): American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator, and poet, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead. This is from their song “Truckin”.

Teamwork isn’t just about getting the job done - it’s about learning skills that make life better. 🚀

I love working in teams – it’s more fun, keeps me focused, sparks creativity, and helps balance the natural ups and downs of the workday. The best part: teamwork teaches us a “better way to live” by developing essential life skills:

• Handling pressure with resilience
• Improving communication across diverse perspectives
• Building empathy and understanding
• Fostering shared purpose and belonging

These skills translate into stronger relationships, more effective problem-solving, and greater adaptability in every aspect of life. A collaborative environment nurtures accountability, support, and unity — reducing stress while promoting growth.

Whether in an office or working virtually, people must interact with others. Effective leaders recognize this and actively engage with their teams to maximize collaboration.

• By communicating how teams work, employees better understand the benefits of collaboration.
• By coaching employees to get the most out of teamwork, leaders shape stronger interactions.
• By highlighting how collaboration benefits life beyond work, leaders help employees become more well-rounded individuals.

Don’t leave teamwork to chance — plan it, nurture it, and maximize it. When leaders invest in collaboration, they’re not just building better teams; they’re helping people discover a better way to live today.

Freeman Dyson (1923 – 2020): British-American theoretical physicist and mathematician.

Celebrate community and tradition...

For over four decades, A Prairie Home Companion has been a cherished part of our lives. We’ve attended productions in person many times, most recently at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Each show is a living tribute to the golden age of radio—complete with singers, storytellers, musicians, and sound effects artists—reminding us of a time when families gathered around the radio to share laughter, music, and stories.

 

The heart of the program lies in its storytelling. Tales of small-town America capture the values of community, simplicity, and connection—where neighbors know one another, children play freely, and life unfolds with both triumphs and foibles in full view. These stories, paired with live music, create a sense of belonging that is rare and deeply meaningful.

 

This year’s Christmas performance was especially memorable. It culminated in nearly forty minutes of seasonal and patriotic songs, with the audience joining in full voice. Without prompting, strangers sang together in harmony, transcending differences and divisions. In that moment, there was no “us and them”—only unity, goodwill, and shared joy.

 

Such experiences remind us of the importance of empathy, friendship, and generosity. They echo the values we strive to uphold in our workplaces and communities: supporting one another, celebrating successes, and extending kindness without restriction.

 

As we move through this holiday season, let us honor these moments of connection. Life is good, friendships are special, and the spirit of togetherness is what makes both our personal and professional lives richer today.

 

 Robert Hunter (1941 – 2019): American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator and poet, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead where he became friends with musician Jerry Garcia. Hunter and Garcia began a collaboration that lasted through the remainder of Garcia's life.

🎶 Leadership Lessons from the Country Music Hall of Fame...

During a recent visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, I was struck by the institution’s ability to collect, preserve, and interpret the evolving history and traditions of country music. What stood out most was the sense of unity among the artists represented—an unmistakable reminder that they are all in it together.

 

Music, much like sports or the workplace, brings people together in shared pursuits that can be deeply powerful. My own experiences—singing harmonies in a college folk group and motivating service teams in the casino industry—placed me at the center of inspiring others to commit fully to what they were doing. When people are aligned and engaged, the sense of accomplishment is profound.

 

From these experiences emerges a clear leadership lesson: work closely with your team, listen attentively, observe their actions, understand their needs, and engage with them in ways that foster their own engagement. Allow them to experience the results of their efforts firsthand. True leadership is not about standing apart, but about being part of the collective journey. If you are in it, you must be all in.

 

Organizations, like bands or sports teams, do not achieve success on their own. It is the individuals within them who succeed—because they care enough to strive for excellence. As a leader, your role is to instill the tools, values, and inspiration that empower people to want to win. You cannot do the work for them, but you can help them believe in their ability to succeed. When that belief takes hold, they recognize that they are all in it together—and that is when real success happens today.

 

Johnny Cash (1932 – 2003): American singer-songwriter who is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide.

Communication isn’t just a "soft skill"...🗣️

The difference between a good manager and a great one is their ability to communicate effectively. 

 

It is how leaders inspire vision, build trust, motivate teams, and drive action; it turns abstract ideas into shared goals, fosters collaboration, resolves conflicts, and creates the vital human connection needed for people to follow and align with an organization's purpose, making it the foundation for everything from setting direction to achieving results. 

 

Key Reasons Communication is Leadership's Language:

·      Vision & Direction: Leaders use communication to articulate a clear vision and the path to achieve it, unifying people around a common purpose.

·      Trust & Credibility: Open, honest, and transparent communication builds trust, making teams more likely to believe in and follow their leader's guidance.

·      Motivation & Inspiration: Effective leaders use words and empathy to inspire passion and commitment, transforming goals into shared beliefs.

·      Collaboration & Alignment: It aligns individuals and teams towards organizational objectives, ensuring everyone understands their role and works together.

·      Connection & Rapport: Meaningful dialogue helps leaders understand their team's needs, fostering engagement and creating stronger human connections.

·      Influence & Change: A leader's language shapes attitudes and actions, making strategic communication a powerful tool for driving positive change.

·      Conflict Resolution: Clear communication is essential for addressing challenges, resolving disagreements, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. 

 

In essence, leaders don't just give orders; they use communication to create meaning, build relationships, and guide people toward a desired future, making it their most crucial skill. Make sure you learn how to communicate effectively today.

 

James C. Humes (1934 – 2020): American author and presidential speechwriter.

Great service isn’t luck—it’s built through focus and feedback.

The first F.W. Woolworth store opened in Utica, New York, in 1879. By the time I was growing up there, it had become a full department store—complete with a lunch counter, a record section, and even a pet department featuring dozens of varieties of birds. Riding the bus downtown with friends to have lunch at Woolworth’s was a memorable experience.

What impressed me most was the number of employees, all working together with a singular focus on customer service. That early exposure showed me the power of teamwork in action.

In my career in hospitality, I have learned that the best teamwork occurs when individuals work independently yet in harmony toward a shared goal. This type of collaboration does not happen by chance. Leaders must introduce the concept, train employees to deliver it seamlessly, coach them to perform effectively, and continually monitor progress.

At this stage, effective leaders either recognize employees for doing things right or provide coaching and additional practice to help them meet expectations. Focus and feedback serve as the bookends of effective teamwork. By consistently providing both, leaders create the conditions for exceptional service through teamwork today.

James Cash Penney Jr. (1875 – 1971): American businessman and entrepreneur who founded the JCPenney stores in 1902.

🚀 Growth begins where comfort ends...

📊 In today’s fast-changing workplace, adaptability isn’t just a “soft skill”—it’s a career-defining competency.

Research shows that professionals who embrace change are more resilient, competitive, and successful. In fact, adaptability is now considered one of the most essential skills for long-term career growth, as industries transform through globalization, automation, and shifting expectations.

I experienced this firsthand. As an HR professional with little technical background, I was overwhelmed by paperwork and information overload. Necessity pushed me to adopt digital tools and rethink how I worked. That shift didn’t just improve efficiency—it expanded my professional identity and opened doors I hadn’t imagined.

Leadership frameworks like situational leadership reinforce this lesson. Effective leaders adjust their style to fit the needs of their teams and the demands of the moment. For example, a directive approach may be necessary when guiding inexperienced employees, but as confidence grows, leaders must pivot to a more supportive, hands-off style.

The data is clear:

·       Adaptability drives relevance in rapidly evolving industries.

·       Flexible professionals outperform peers who resist change.

·       Organizations value adaptability as a core competency, not a secondary trait.

💡 The takeaway? Don’t let your past role define your future. Challenge your assumptions, embrace new skills, and stay open to transformation. That’s how professionals remain vital, impactful, and future-ready today.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933 – 2020): American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg

🎯Approach Life’s Challenges Professionally 🚀...

Over the past 16 years, my quotes and messages often have been read quickly, absorbed for a moment, and then set aside. Today’s message, however, deserves deeper consideration.

Take the example of the first female pilot to attempt flying around the world. Success wasn’t simply about taking off; it was the result of extensive preparation. Training, practice, and countless hours of study came long before the flight itself. The lesson is clear: readiness is not about waiting for the “perfect” time, but about preparing thoroughly until you are equipped to act with confidence.

When you have invested the time to study, practice, and anticipate challenges, the next step is decisive action. Hesitation, second-guessing, or searching for excuses only delay progress. The most effective way forward is to begin. If you succeed, excellent. If you fall short, you gain valuable insight to improve the next attempt.

This principle applies directly to leadership. Leaders must engage actively if they want their teams to grow. Difficult conversations with employees are inevitable, and effectiveness in those moments comes from preparation—studying, planning, and practicing your communications and coaching skills. Avoiding them only weakens leadership. The first attempt may be imperfect, but improvement comes through repetition and commitment. That is the hallmark of a professional.

Do not allow fear of the unknown to hold you back. Prepare diligently, practice consistently, and then step forward with conviction today.

Amelia Earhart (1897 – disappeared 1937; declared dead 1939): American aviation pioneer who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the world.

Strategy isn’t a luxury... it’s a leadership imperative.

In today’s fast-paced environment, there’s a growing expectation for immediate results. However, sustainable business success is rarely achieved overnight. Just as constructing a building requires a step-by-step process—acquiring land, preparing the site, installing infrastructure, and laying a solid foundation—so too does building a successful organization.

Effective business operations begin with a well-developed and approved plan, secured financing, and the recruitment of the right talent. You can’t serve customers before the groundwork is in place. At every stage, it’s essential to start with a clear vision and to communicate that vision to stakeholders, managers, team members, and target markets. Achieving organizational goals takes time and patience; while you can’t accomplish everything at once, you can always take the first step.

This is why mission, vision, and purpose statements are critical to any business initiative, large or small. Launching a project without these guiding principles is like embarking on a journey without a destination or a map. Your purpose defines why your organization exists, your vision articulates the future you aspire to create, and your mission outlines the strategies and actions that will get you there. Together, these elements form a strategic roadmap for your business. Begin by clarifying these foundational questions to set your organization on the path to success today.

Calvin Coolidge (1872 – 1933): 30th president of the United States, serving from 1923 to 1929. If you think the only think that happened during his presidency was the Crash of 1929 – click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Coolidge

Drive Change with Purpose and Clarity...

Professionals often struggle to find effective strategies for problem-solving—especially when planning for change. Success begins with building consensus on objectives and identifying both the driving forces that propel progress and the restraining forces that hold it back. These exercises clarify issues, encourage open dialogue, and align teams behind decisions.

When teams examine these forces, they uncover factors that may have been overlooked or taken for granted. Until these are identified, discussed, and prioritized, they will continue to hinder progress. Calm, open debate combined with logical thinking strengthens the team and maximizes effectiveness.

Every leader faces moments when problem-solving and change planning are critical. Without a structured approach, failure is likely—and in today’s organizations, failure isn’t an option. Study proven methods, seek advice, involve your top team, and commit to a clear plan. Change should never be left to chance. Start shaping it with intention today.

 

Billy Corgan (born 1967): American guitarist and songwriter best known as being the co-founder of the Smashing Pumpkins; he’s also a professional wrestling promoter.

🔥 Stop Rewarding Compliance—Start Driving Results 🚀

                                                               ef·fec·tive·ness

                                                                                /əˈfektivnəs/

                                                                                noun

                    1.     the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.

Would you rather be right or effective? For professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact, this is a critical question. Effectiveness means achieving desired outcomes, which requires clarity about objectives. Yet many organizations focus on prescribing tasks rather than defining results. They emphasize how work is done instead of what is accomplished, mistaking efficiency for effectiveness.

In practice, most professionals are already efficient and capable. What they often lack is a clear understanding of the broader objectives—how their role contributes to meaningful results. Too often, companies remain fixated on rule compliance, which encourages managers to prefer enforcing procedures over being accountable for outcomes.

To change this dynamic, organizations should embed intended results into job descriptions, training programs, and performance management systems. Make results the central focus of discussions, reorient thinking toward objectives, and empower professionals to apply their expertise in pursuit of tangible achievements today.

Peter Drucker (1909 – 2005): Austrian American management consultant, educator, and author, whose writings contributed to the philosophical and practical foundations of modern management theory.[1]

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[1] He also contributed to the popularization of the concepts known as management by objectives and self-control, and he has been described as "the champion of management as a serious discipline".

It's not over til it's over...

I’m a football fan, and several times this season I’ve watched teams enter the 4th quarter with a lead—only to shift into “playing not to lose.” Inevitably, they did. The lesson is clear: whether on the field or in business, success requires staying focused and playing to win until the very end. Just as coaches must keep their players motivated and adapt strategies to changing circumstances, business leaders must do the same with their teams. Employees, like athletes, can tire or lose intensity. Without a leader to refocus them, momentum slips away. 

 

I’ve often written about the long process of building and opening a casino—sometimes stretching up to four years. Over that span, it’s natural for energy and urgency to fade. That’s when effective leadership matters most: setting a sustainable pace, allowing rest when needed, and deploying multiple strategies to prepare the team for the next push. Strong leaders are present. They sense the pulse of their people, adjust to individual needs, and recognize that one size never fits all. The constant is their attention, coaching, and ability to draw out the best in everyone. That’s what it takes to play the game all the way to the finish today.

 

Jim Larrañaga Sr. (born 1949): American head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team from 2011 to 2024 when he retired.

Take pride in getting along...

I’m shocked whenever I read about road rage – people driving like they’re playing video games and being oblivious to the dangers in the real world. Anger and hostility seem to be increasingly acceptable behaviors despite all we’re taught to the contrary. And then there’s boorish behavior by customers being waited on by service employees… always unacceptable but often seen, especially in casinos by people who are losing money. During my long career in gaming, I was always encouraged and gratified by the patience and fortitude of employees performing repetitive tasks, often interrupted, and always smiling. I marvel at that acceptance and tolerance and forgiveness are life-altering lessons learned in the workplace where people of all stripes and backgrounds take pride in getting along. If only those lessons carried over onto the streets of life today.

 

Jessica Lange (born 1949): American actress known for her roles on stage and screen. And winner of two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. 

Be supportive and kind...

In life we choose our friends carefully. At work, those around us are selected by others and we’re forced to deal with that. Work teams tend to follow social norms, but not all the time. Because work assignments and promotions are generally based on merit, small-minded people might harbor jealousies and animosities.  They might belittle your ambitions, but the really great ones make you feel that you, too, can become great. This is where effective leaders make a difference – they never play favorites and always follow up with those not selected to identify ways they can improve their chances in the future. They diffuse hurt feelings. These leaders often find ways to involve all employees in temporary and pop-up opportunities to learn and show their skills, keep an open dialogue with all employees about their hopes and disappointments, and make everyone feel like they have a voice. They never let disappointment fester, nor do they let employees feel like they never have a chance. When I worked in Asia, I learned that allowing people to save face and have hope are important motivators. And since we all have known disappointment, be aware and knowingly empathetic. Find ways to help everyone feel proud of their actions today.

 

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835 – 1910), known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, and essayist.[1]

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[1] He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced", with William Faulkner calling him "the father of American literature".

 

Don't let pride get in your way...

Nobody’s perfect. We’re expected to do our best and when we screw up, admit it, learn from it, and move on. Not carry it around like a weight on your back. If you can’t, it’ll get in the way of doing your best the next time. When planning the opening of Treasure Island, I searched for a system to electronically store applications so we wouldn’t need to file them. The theory being that hiring managers could search for and retrieve them online. Unfortunately, the computer industry hadn’t perfected high volume scanning, character recognition, or large file sharing. Titans in the nascent computer industry claimed they could but our beta test proved they couldn’t. We were just as frustrated as when opening the Mirage. Worse, I was embarrassed – I’d promised a solution, the company backed me, and the result was almost worse than doing nothing. That hurt. I had to admit failure, swallow my pride, apologize to others, forgive myself, and start over. And during the next 4 years, I had to go back to basics, study and prove everything I learned, work doubly hard to win approvals, and try again. While it was difficult, I realized how much worse it could be if I didn’t forgive myself. Because I could then start over with a clean slate. Don’t be too proud to take your medicine and start over today.

 

Publilius Syrus (85–43): Latin writer, best known for his proverbs, adages, aphorisms, or maxims.