I'm not referring to the caustic ones spoken (or received) tainted with sarcasm, irritation, anger or frustration, carrying an emotional punch. ... read more

3/25/13  Valuing Time

"I don't like to be kept waiting," he responded when asked by the travel-study professor why he delayed the entire group for a third straight day. "Next time," the professor warned, "we won't hold the bus. ... read more

2/13/13  What Do You Expect?

I like teaching workshops. On one hand, I'm humbled by the knowledge, insights, and challenges of those attending. I'm invigorated by the persistence and passion woven into the stories that unfold. And I'm grateful for the real-world perspectives of people who are focused on doing a great job and making a difference at work. ... read more

1/10/13  Two Kinds of People

Twelve minutes before I was to speak to a large group gathering in a downtown hotel ballroom, I was still struggling with A/V equipment. With hundreds of presentations under my belt, I'm accustomed to handling last minute glitches. ... read more

11/18/12  Someone Else

"I'm sorry, but I have to vent. It was a horrible day at work," began my friend on our monthly catch-up call. "We've all been there," I offered. "Yeah, but not like this."

As a substitute instructional aid, she'd been asked to assist teachers on a field trip for 275 fifth graders to celebrate the successful completion of a testing week. ... read more

10/4/12  The "No Problem" Problem

I've lost track of the times I've been told in someone's positive or naïve thinking mode, "No problem," only to have the non problem become one. At the time they said it, there might not have been a problem, but they didn't factor in workplace potholes, speed bumps, detours, or traffic stops. ... read more

8/22/12  Using Your Whine Factor

Brian's work was exceptional. Still, as his boss, I rarely offered him additional responsibilities, never thought of promoting him, or selecting him for a critical project. Why? His whine factor got in the way. ... read more

7/9/12  Which Half Are You?

When more than half of Americans were identified as overweight, people took notice. Major news outlets began educating on how to stay out, or get out, of that statistic. I wish the same attention had been paid when a new survey was released confirming more than half of Americans are dissatisfied with their job. ... read more

6/19/12  Jumping Work-Hurdles

It feels great at the end of a workday to know you've made progress on a mounting to-do list, resolved a persistent problem, dealt with a difficult challenge, or accomplished an important objective ... read more

5/23/12  It Takes Time

The story goes that after one of Ludwig van Beethoven's performances, several people were offering him their congratulations, when one woman commented, "I wish God had bestowed me with such genius."

"It isn't genius, madam, nor is it magic. ... read more

4/11/12  Deliberate Black Hole Tactics

After a mutually beneficial business connection, he spontaneously offered, "if you need anything in the future don't hesitate to contact me." He went so far as to name some of the things he'd be happy to be involved in, or help me with, and I made a mental note for future reference. ... read more

3/7/12  What Basics?

The cyclical and now ubiquitously appearing phrase, back to basics, ignites supporters. The reasonableness of returning to previously successful principles, ethics, systems, accountability, approaches, or you-name-it, appears a tantalizing remedy for our individual or collective woes. ... read more