In 1998, a friend and I took an amazing trip to China. One of the most fascinating moments was when we walked out of the airport terminal and saw all the people on cell phones. Cell phones were just taking off in the United States. I don’t think any of us realized just how much they would invade our lives.
Pleasantly surprised
When I went to pick up my car after having the oil changed, it was washed inside and out. (Thank you, Tinker & Larson!) We hired a contractor to paint several rooms in our house; he fit the job in between elk hunting and a busy work and family schedule. Yet, he was there as promised, did excellent work and
Boldness, audacity, chutzpah, sisu
No matter what you call it, it implies a person willing to take risks, try the untried, improve on the unproven. Bold people are open to new ideas, willing to try new things and imagine possibilities. Chutzpah is the quality of audacity, for good or for bad. The Yiddish word has been “Americanized” to describe courage, determination and passion in
Differentiate: Find Your Secret Sauce
When I owned a machine shop, it was a challenge to market the company. There were thousands of small job shops just like mine in Minnesota; to “differentiate” the company was difficult. Buyers knew shops had different capabilities. They machined round parts or square; aluminum or steel; big parts or small. Some shops specialized in government contracts, while others preferred
I am Thankful for…
Today is Thanksgiving; a day to count your blessings and be grateful for: 1. A roof over your head 2. A family that loves you
How Do You React In A Crisis?
Bad things happen to good people. You could be enjoying a concert (Las Vegas), taking an afternoon bike ride (New York), sitting in a college class (Virginia Tech), waiting out a tornado in your basement, fleeing wild fires or driving down the road in your car. When disaster strikes, you have a crisis to deal with.
No Whining Allowed
We all know people who whine. I don’t want to do this. It’s too hard. How come I have to do all the work? Whining wears everyone down. Worse, it does no good! It spreads like wildfire; sending negative energy everywhere. It’s contagious too. Everyone in an office is happy, then the complainer starts; in no time, everyone has caught
Are you blind to possibilities?
Do you occasionally feel stuck? Bored? Frustrated? Do you wonder if there are missed opportunities: a new connection, a more profound sense of purpose, a new adventure? The truth is new possibilities are always within your reach. Every day, the decisions you make can open new possibilities. Some choices may seem inconsequential, some profound. It’s easier to stay in your
Picky, picky, picky
Mark saw his bosses’ reaction to his project and knew he was in trouble. “She’s so picky. Why does everything have to be done exactly her way?” Karen, Mark’s boss had the opposite reaction, “Why can’t he just do exactly what I tell him? Why does e have to improvise?” Bosses are usually good at what they do, that’s why
Will You Do What You Have To Do To Get Results?
Our 50th state is full of people who know how to get things done. I heard the legend of one determined community on our recent vacation. Ferry, Alaska is a remote community, population 32 (11 households). It has the dubious distinction of being located across both banks of the Nenana River. Until recently, only a railroad bridge connected the two