If you’ve read much of my work at all, you know the idea of “me first” is typically anathema to me. However, there is a place for it. When I am working on a talk or workshop, my thoughts are on satisfying my customer for sure. But there is someone else I must satisfy first, … Continue reading “Me first” as service.

“Your price is too high.” A cry heard a lot. Maybe the product broke soon after purchase. Maybe it didn’t do what was promised. Maybe the learning curve for using it was just too steep.  Or… maybe it wasn’t the product at all. Maybe it’s your business and your people. Maybe working with you is … Continue reading If your price is too high, something is too low.

Read any business news and you’ll find stories of entrepreneurs who are out to change the world. They have some great product that will help a lot of people. They create inclusive, empowered, human-centric workplaces. Their employees are innovative and focused on customer success. They’re on a roll. But after some initial accomplishments, something happens. … Continue reading Character slide. Are you in danger?

In the 1980s, AIDS arrived on the world stage. It was new. It was frightening. There was no cure and no effective treatment. To get this disease was largely seen as a death sentence. To make matters worse, it was a common belief that you could catch the disease from touching someone who had it, … Continue reading The most (and least) effective leadership strategy.

There are two ways to define your life: one is with your resume, while the other is with your tombstone. A resume contains our competencies, technical accomplishments, education, and recognitions. We take pride in it. It is definite, provable, and can be measured. You did it, or you didn’t. It shines like a marquee at … Continue reading How do you define your life?

In the 18th century and prior, we used our hands to do work. We became skilled at making chairs, tables, bowls, wagons, whatever was needed. We built roads, bridges, and buildings in teams of humans working by hand using skills garnered over a lifetime. Then, in the 19th century, along came the industrial revolution where … Continue reading Why liberal arts may (will) soon be invaluable.

Short-termism is at epidemic proportions in our world, and it’s hurting us. Why? Because there are an enormous number of things that take time. Learning just about anything takes time. Attention to detail takes time. Relationships take time. Most great work takes time. But we live in a world of instant gratification and short attention … Continue reading Short-termism? We can (must) do better.

Language is a driver of culture. The words we use set the tone for how people see things and how they behave.  When I was young, there were words that could not be uttered. They were wash-your-mouth-out-with-soap words. In my house, the N word was one of those as were innumerable curse words.  The outside … Continue reading Do people matter? Our language tells the story.

“An old-timer I knew used to tell his students: ‘Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’” -Arthur Szathmary This is a nice sentiment, but, quite frankly, impractical. Think about it. If everyone did what they loved, everyone would be a quarterback in the NFL or … Continue reading If you can’t do the work you love, then love the work you do.

Self-checkout. It was supposed to be easy. It’s not.  I clicked on the picture of zucchini but I wanted cucumber. Oh no, I have a bottle of wine. Now I have to wait for an employee to verify that my gray hairs are old enough. Hmmm, it says to place my item in the bagging … Continue reading Is it self-service or self-serving?