Ordinary. Average. No one wants to be that. But a lot of organizations are.  Studies show that, in our experiences, what gets prominence in our memories is the high emotional point and/or the low emotional point.  Think about it. When you follow a sport, you remember the good games …and… the bad games.  If you … Continue reading Ordinary sucks. Go for extraordinary.

Matthew Tenney is a speaker, writer, and teacher who works with organizations to develop more effective leaders who serve. He has an interesting background that includes military service, a prison sentence for his involvement in a fraud scheme, and time in a monastery. Through all of this, Tenney’s life has evolved from value extraction to … Continue reading Book review: Inspire Greatness by Matt Tenney

Corporate Social Responsibility. It’s a buzzword these days.  But what is it? It’s the degree of responsibility a corporation has for how its actions benefit society, the environment, and its community.  In action, it usually amounts to what companies do for charity and good causes that, for example, cure diseases, clean up our air and … Continue reading There is no corporate social responsibility. You’re right…but also wrong.

WARNING: Rant ahead. Our education system has failed us. It’s not set up for learning, it’s set up as a means to get compliance. Put children in their seats in nice straight lines like a factory. Ensure everyone follows the rules and is prepared for workplaces that operate the same way. Memorize dates, places, and … Continue reading Want better employees? We need better learning.

Being an artist at work is harder for some (actually most) than others.  “I don’t know what to do. I don’t have any ideas. I’ve been phoning it in and staying in line for so long, I just don’t know how to go for extraordinary.” My tip: Observe. Go to a restaurant or a basketball … Continue reading Observation. The idea machine.

Many people have your last name. Your parents, siblings, grandparents, kids, grandchildren, etc. have the same last name. But your first name, that’s different. And the combination of your first and last name, that’s unique. This is a great analogue to how what you do might not be original but how you put things together … Continue reading Think about your name

When a business is making a sale, the customer is made to feel important as are their problems and needs. They are listened to. Their fears are quelled and confidence bolstered. Yet, when an issue comes up after the sale, the business treats it like it’s not important. Listening stops. Caveat emptor. Similarly, when a … Continue reading People matter … or they don’t. Decide.

Your customers can make choices. They can choose what businesses they do business with. This leads companies to make all kinds of accommodations and provide perks and amenities to entice their loyalty.  Additionally, customers have a voice. They can announce to the world how well they are treated. They can be a business’ best friend … Continue reading Customer choice & voice vs. employee choice & voice … hmmm.

No, it’s not a word from some far-off land. It refers to two of the best things a manager can do to be a leader. It stands for Leading By Wandering Around & Working Alongside.  Full disclosure. The first part (leading by wandering around) is a variation of Tom Peters’ Managing by Wandering Around (MBWA). … Continue reading LBWAWA

July 4 is a celebration of freedom. But it should also serve as a reminder as to what freedom means.  Contrary to the belief of many, freedom does not mean being allowed to do whatever you please come what may. What it does mean is the ability to make choices and pursue interests.  However, those … Continue reading Freedom’s responsibility