Choose wisely....

Y

ou can believe anything you want: choose wisely. 40 years ago I had an industrial accident and spent a lot of time flat on my back: that left me depressed and wondering if I would ever fully recover. My doctor told me a positive attitude was the best medicine he could prescribe: the only way I was going to get better was to really want it. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear: in fact, it nearly made me want to give up. But after wallowing in that depression for several months I finally hit a point where I realized if I wanted to get up I had to believe I could. It was with that belief that I started physical therapy in earnest and forced myself to do more each day: each successful step reinforced that belief and ultimately led to my recovery. Life is full of obstacles: it’s your choice to let them deter you or believe you can overcome them. Either way you own that choice.

Oprah Winfrey (b. 1954): American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist

And a thought for a Sunday....

A Simple Saturday Thought....

Support your employees and they'll support you....

M

any companies plan ‘soft openings’ at launch: not Steve Wynn. It’s common to limit the stress on new facilities to make sure everything works, and also on employees to make sure they have a chance to practice their newly learned policies and procedures: that’s what others told us when we were planning the opening of the Mirage.  But Wynn knew we’d only have one chance to make a great first impression and opted to have extended pre-opening training that included realistic practice sessions: running at anything less than 100% was not his style. Turns out employees liked the challenge and rose to the occasion: they appreciated the opportunity to learn and shine, and never faltered. If you hire great people and give them the tools and time they need to prepare they will reward you with performance and loyalty. That’s the best way to satisfy employees and customers today and every day.

Samuel Goldwyn (1879 –1974): Polish American film producer known for being the founder of several motion picture studios in Hollywood

How intense is the fire in your belly....

M

ost people want to be successful: but only the truly committed ones are. They’re the ones with clear goals and attention to detail, and those willing to work hard, care a lot, and learn from the challenges they face. That kind of commitment is supported by relationships and fed by a fire in the belly to continue until the race is done.  Opening and operating hotels demands that kind of commitment and the teams I worked with at Wynn knew how to successfully navigate the journey from beginning to end. Because of the sheer volume of things to be done and the pace needed to finish the things we do, it helps to have relationships based on mutual trust, respect and loyalty.  Whether you’re starting or maintaining a business, everything you do every day factors into whether you’re successful. Square your shoulders and start your journey today.

Colin Powell (b. 1937): American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army.

Trust builds loyalty....

Y

esterday I addressed 50 gaming leaders from around the world: they were attending the annual UNR-UNLV Executive Development Program in Lake Tahoe. The best and brightest were there to listen to industry experts talk about best practices and new trends, exchange ideas, make new professional acquaintances, and work on a team competition that spans the entire 10-day retreat: I go to meet tomorrow’s gaming leaders and see and listen to other faculty who I admire greatly. But what impresses me the most is that the companies that send these attendees think so highly of them: they know they’re taking a chance by investing so much in them, but they also know the cost if they don’t. Competition is keen and it’s a smart company that provides these kinds of learning opportunities for their up-and-coming leaders: investing in their future is the best way to create excellence and loyalty. That’s how to help others, and yourself, be all you can be today.

                                 

Frank Hall Crane (1873 –1948): American stage and film actor and director

The best part of giving....

E

ffective leaders pass on their knowledge and experience to others.  Every time Wynn opened a hotel there were lots of people who worked with us and learned from that experience. Providing them with the opportunity to learn and grow was mutually advantageous: we got the benefit of their best efforts and they enhanced their skill sets. The coolest part of that is the fact that so many of them went on to leadership roles throughout the industry. Make a commitment to furthering the careers of the people you work with by providing the kinds of learning opportunities that will stay with them forever. Of all the benefits companies provide, that may be the one that means the most to them, and you, today.

Sir Kenneth Robinson (b. 1950): British author, speaker and international advisor on education