"WHY?"
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Turning data into information, information into knowledge, knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into our ability to make better, more consistent decisions requires a transformational bridge at each juncture.
Read MoreLET'S MAKE A DEAL
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In the 1960s to 1980s television game show, Let’s Make a Deal, hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant would be asked to choose between three doors – Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind the other two doors would be…
Read MoreWHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT...TODAY
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Hello Everyone,
Take a moment from your busy, busy schedule to reflect on what is truly important ... today.
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Today, you probably have a great deal to accomplish:
At home - shopping for that anniversary present, fixing the closet door, dropping the kids off at school, watching that much anticipated television program, reviewing your budget, spending time with the family, calling a friend, returning some mail, reading the newspaper, checking e-mail, and getting ready for (or getting rid of) company.
THE "DO NOT" LIST
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Sometimes it is helpful to focus on what not to do...
Do not forget...
Do not forget to dream
Do not forget to laugh
Do not forget to cry
Do not forget what summer vacation feels like
Do not forget the child in you
...don't forget what makes us human.
WHAT DOES LOVE HAVE TO DO WITH IT?
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Each day, we hear the word “love” spoken in many different forms and in many different contexts. Southwest Airlines speaks of “Luv” with airline vouchers, customer service and their NYSE stock symbol, “LUV.” For Subaru, “love” means being more than a car company. “The Subaru Love Promise” is their vision to “show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru.”
Read MoreOPEN YOUR DOOR
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Over three years ago, I sent the following anonymous story to my colleagues with mixed results.
Many people cried; some people said nothing; a few wrote to relate how this story gave them a new perspective on life, and one person vowed never to take any chance meeting for granted.
Read MoreWHILE DRIVING A CAB
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Over three years ago, I sent the following anonymous story to my colleagues with mixed results.
Many people cried; some people said nothing; a few wrote to relate how this story gave them a new perspective on life, and one person vowed never to take any chance meeting for granted.
Read MoreTHE RIGHT WORDS MATTER MORE
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Recently in a rather upscale restaurant having dinner with my wife, I asked for some bread for the table. The waiter without hesitation responded, “No worries” and left to retrieve a fresh loaf of bread. Or, so I thought.
Read MorePLEASE ENTER YOUR NEXT DESTINATION
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When I type my next destination into my GPS, the navigation guidance system speaks a familiar content and tone through the car speakers:
Read MoreMILESTONE MOMENTS
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There are many moments in our lives that we want to hold on and never let go. These “milestone moments” are often recalled in our daydreams as our minds wander, much like a CD or DVD looking for what track number to play. We try to relive the feeling, visualize certain peoples’ faces, strive to hear every single sound, and breathe in all the surrounding aromas. For the moment, we are back at high school opening up our locker, or on vacation, walking down the beach searching for seashells.
Read MoreGRADUATION DAY
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While waiting for his name to be called to the stage to receive his diploma, Tim recalled some key events from the past four years. He thought back to Freshman Orientation, back when the campus seemed so big and course selection was so confusing; the introduction to so many new experiences from food plans, dorm rooms, and the campus bookstore was so overwhelming.
Read MoreTHE 10-5 RULE
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In the hospitality industry, there is a common rule of guest interaction called “The 10-5 Rule.” Within 10 feet, the employee visually greets the guest by making eye contact accompanied by a slight head nod and smile. These visible actions demonstrate to guests that they are acknowledged. As the employee and guest draw closer, the employee provides a warm, positive and upbeat greeting within 5 feet of the guest.
Read MoreOKAY IS NOT OKAY
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There is an enemy among us. It compromises our relationships, results in lost business, and produces poor quality results. This enemy leaves customers confused, angry, and wanting more.
The enemy’s name? “Okay.”
THE WAVE
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With my left blinker on and my speed approaching that of the adjacent traffic lane, I look for some sign of “permission” to merge. The BMW driver in the adjacent lane is just slightly behind me, and I adjust my speed up as the merge lane is quickly coming to an end.
“Come ‘on, please let me in.”
Read MoreRESTLESS
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I am restless, and I really don’t understand why.
Is it because tragic world events disrupt and disturb an otherwise peaceful day?
Is it because news of global warming and the environmental consequences dim my outlook?
Is it because many of the world leaders’ words hurt, divide and confuse?
MR. ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD
/At 2:00 pm on August 31, 2001, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) aired the final original showing of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. After more than 30 years of greeting youngsters each day on television with his trademark "Hi, Neighbor," Fred Rogers, host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, put away his cardigan and sneakers for the last time.
This week, the world took pause to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which first aired on February 19th, 1968.
Read MoreTHE UNWRAPPED PRESENT
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At this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.
Read MoreTHE THANKSGIVING STORY
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It is nearly dusk as the sun greets the orange and blue horizon over Boston Harbor. Judy and her daughter, Michelle, are cuddled together on the living room couch. Michelle, just three years old, draws her baby doll closely to her chest, and holds her mother's hand tightly.
With their Thanksgiving feast now complete, family and friends gathered to listen to the traditional reading of "The Thanksgiving Letter."
Read MoreTELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW
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"You are wrong again!"
[ no response ]
"I told you yesterday and last week that this is not what I expect!" raising my voice even louder.
[ still no response ]
"Look, I thought we had an understanding. You are really disappointing me, and we may need to make a change. And, it's not going to be pretty!"
[ silence ]
Suddenly, I hear my wife's voice from the adjacent room.
"Are you yelling at the bathroom scale again?"
Read MoreRUNNING OUT OF TIME
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It has been another long week. Your job, overall, is going well. The job pays the bills, provides benefits for the family and allows you to save something for the future. But at times, the job takes its toll on life outside of work. Yes, there are times when you have missed your child's sporting events, or it's been over a month since you have been out with your friends. And there was that time the you almost scheduled a business trip on your wedding anniversary or missed wishing your mom a "Happy Birthday." But overall, you feel you have managed well over the years to achieve a good work/family balance.
However, this is not the case for Steve and his son Billy. It's 8:30 PM as Steve finally arrives home. Eight-year-old Billy, Steve's "best buddy," is in his pajamas and ready for bed. Upon hearing the door open, Billy runs to see his Dad.
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