It's a great day to be you....

Back in the day a guy walked into my office and said he wanted to be a hospitality professional and utilize his newly-awarded hospitality degree. Great resume, great attitude, great ambition… and blind.  He wanted to work in the front office so I introduced him and his resume to our Room Reservations Manager: during the interview she discussed his skills and abilities (which were impressive) while silently looking at me questioningly and mouthing “he’s blind” (as if I somehow had missed that). When we got to the part about reasonable accommodations, he suggested software that translated text to voice: we bought it, hired him, and gave him the opportunity he sought. Six months later the once reluctant manager asked if I might have another like him: seems he was her most productive employee –never looking around or at the clock and always focused on the voice from his computer. He knew who he was and proud of it: and he rocked it loud. Another good reason why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover today.

Apolo Anton Ohno (b. 1982): Retired American short track speed skating competitor and eight-time medalist in the Winter Olympics

Be strong and help others....

During the run-up to opening Bellagio I tore an Achilles tendon: as painful as that was, the overdose on the pain meds was worse. That sent me into a depression that surprised and shocked me: I had always been Mr. Positive and just like that I could no longer get out of bed or face the world. Nobody wants to admit to any personal weaknesses or fears; we all want to maintain that perfect façade: but I was down and needed help.  Family, friends, my Rabbi, the boss – everybody – told me that humans are fallible, subject to the worries and pressures and pain that go with life. My eyes were opened to the reality that we’re not alone and that it was ok to show my problems and scars. From that day on I’ve talked about and became an advocate for accepting and dealing with depression, and I gained the will to live on. If someone you know is hurting, help them, let them know you’re there for them, and use your presence as a first-aid kit. Help others get through life today.

Paulo Coelho (b. 1947): Poet and writer

It shows when you love what you do....

I’ve had the good fortune to work with lots of people throughout my career: most of them were proud of what they did. Many of them had really cool jobs that were easy to love, but it was the people who did what we referred to as ‘back-of-house’ jobs that impressed me more. One – a man named Wesley – was a public area cleaner: he vacuumed floors, emptied cans, polished brass and glass, and maintained restrooms. There was nothing flashy about his job: did it day in and day out, never complaining, always smiling, thankful for all he had. He took pride in the things he did, and was proud of his work. I’d see him nearly every day and he always had a great attitude and something nice to say. He, and so many others, taught me it’s not what you do but how you do it that’s important; that how you see and carry yourself is how others will see and perceive you. Do things in a way that makes you proud, and recognize that in those you work with today.

Karen Horney (1885 – 1952): German psychoanalyst who questioned some traditional Freudian views

First: love yourself....

Several years ago, I consulted with a start-up company to help recruit their senior management team: a candidate I ultimately hired to be their marketing leader stood out in the interview process because of her unbelievable self-confidence and style. First time we met she introduced herself as “Super-Girl” and all of her subsequent correspondence included the term “rock star” after her name. I’ve interviewed lots of people in my career and she ranks as one of the most positive and self-motivated people I ever met: always happy and upbeat (even when having a bad day), never hesitated to pitch in (in spite of all that was on her plate), and believed in herself so much (with enough energy to inspired others). I still get Facebook and Twitter posts from her that make me smile and want to do more each day. She’s a living example of how self-image can set the tone and boundaries of one’s accomplishments. Be proud of who and what you see in the mirror each morning and let that set your course today.

Maxwell Maltz (1889 – 1975): American cosmetic surgeon and author of Psycho-Cybernetics (1960

The things we do reveal who we are....

We recently visited Tecopa, California, an out of the way patch of desert near Death Valley whose therapeutic hot springs attract snowbirds and Las Vegans.  The 150 full time residents there proudly promote a lifestyle committed to health and well-being: a recent addition is the family that runs the baths, a tiny motel and a bistro with food to write home about.  They’re transplants from the east coast seeking a more meaningful life: the son is retired military and the parents gave up their day jobs to follow, and for them it’s turned into a mission. The parents run the bistro and they’re as nice as any favorite aunt and uncle: they make visitors feel special and the experience unique. Whenever we bump into people like this we often ask why they’re there: these folks talked about wanting to do something they could look back on with pride. The quiet beauty of that place and the loving commitment of that couple made what’s billed as 3 stars seem as good as any 5-Star place we’ve seen. Do something you can be proud of today.

Bruce Rauner (1956): American businessman, philanthropist, and politician serving as the 42nd Governor of Illinois 

Remember: every day is a blessing....

According to a new study from Mattress-Inquirer of over 1,000 people, 55% of people oversleep at least once a week and 75% of those have missed work. Wait a minute: I thought people who liked and were really passionate about their work couldn’t wait to get up and go there… does this mean that this same 55% don’t like their work? And if you couple this weird survey with the tight labor market, it stands to reason that this same 55% could, if they wanted, find a more alluring job. If you’re a manager plagued with oversleeping employees and absenteeism, focus on making work exciting, challenging, rewarding, fun, and inspiring enough to motivate your employees to want to get up on time and come to work every day. If you’re not passionate about your work, don’t expect your employees to be any different than you. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you, and then inspire your employees to feel the same today.

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

Count your blessings....

                                                              Happy Thanksgiving!