Following the Second World War, the allies determined that if the enemy nations were going to be able to make meaningful contribution the world’s economies, then they would have to receive some assistance in rebuilding their manufacturing infrastructure. A particular challenge was to get the Japanese up to a point where they could actually compete…
DetailsA few weeks ago I was speaking at a conference in the brand new Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado. At the luncheon the manager of the hotel welcomed everyone to this new flagship property, which is creating a lot of buzz in the hotel industry for its breakthrough technology. They are using easy…
DetailsWe all face challenging personalities on a daily basis. It could be that customer who has great expectations, maybe it’s the channel partner who takes but does not give, and sometimes our greatest challengers are on our team. Some call them “problem children”, but I do not recognize that label. Leaders Beacon is the Holy…
DetailsYield – (verb), to give forth or produce by a natural process or in return for cultivation. – Random House Dictionary In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster…
DetailsFor every minute you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness – Ralph Waldo Emerson A story is told of Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, and how he was angered by an army officer who accused him of favoritism. Stanton complained to Lincoln, who suggested that Stanton write the officer a sharp…
DetailsThe endless assortment of messages, feelings, and attitudes we bring from our past into our present influences how we see ourselves. It also directly impacts our ability to relate to others. While growing up, we learned to judge ourselves and our capabilities based on how others saw us. Whether their judgments were complimentary or condemning…
DetailsWe have all been there – sent an email you regret. How do you handle the aftermath? This happened about a year ago….. I call it “Sorry, dialed the wrong number! ”
DetailsDifficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. – William E. Channing French novelist and playwright Alexandre Dumas once had a heated quarrel with a rising young politician. The argument became so intense that a duel was inevitable. Since both men were superb shots they decided…
DetailsStrength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle – Napoleon Hill If you are like me you have heard this statement a thousand times over. And like me, you may have had your struggle with it. The statement has always been presented with good motives usually coupled with a strong dose of motivation.…
DetailsA leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. – John Maxwell An old woodsman gives this advice about catching a porcupine: “Watch for the slapping tail as you dash in and drop a large washtub over him. The washtub will give you something to sit on while you…
DetailsCourage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill A story is told of Leonidas, King of Sparta, who was preparing to make a stand with his Greek troops against the Persian army in 480 B.C. when a Persian envoy…
DetailsGo confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. – Henry David Thoreau The year was 1947 and to date no one had broken the sound barrier. Most believed that it could not be done. Some argued that the sound barrier was a literal wall that once hit at 760…
DetailsIf you are a meeting planner, event manager or charged with organizing your company’s annual conference, you likely hire speakers to give keynotes. Their fees can range from a few thousand to six figures, mostly depending on their celebrity or business profile. Since the last recession, speakers have had to fight for every piece of…
DetailsIn the book Straight Talk: Turning Communication Upside Down for Strategic Results, Eric Douglas describes four different communication styles: the director, expresser, thinker and harmonizer. Each different style is based on a unique set of assumptions. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Be kind to people on the way up- you’ll meet them again on your way down. – Jimmy Durante It was recently reported in USA Today that 48 percent of employees believe that being courteous leads to advancement at work. And in a recent AOL article, business writer David Schepp writes, “with five applicants for…
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