It’s a pretty straight forward relationship: If people are not recognized for their hard work, they stop working hard. This begs the question: what is the best way to recognize someone for a job well done? A survey recently published in USA Today found that the most preferred way people want to be recognized is…
Last Wednesday I attended my daughter Nancy’s graduation ceremony at Arizona State University. President Obama was the commencement speaker and his address mesmerized an entire football stadium full of people for 27 minutes. In essence, he told the graduates that chasing after the traditional brass rings—big money, material possessions and status—would probably not give most…
Far too many American business executives are using the state of the economy as an excuse for doing nothing to get us out of this recession. They’re sitting back and waiting for something to happen rather than taking the initiative to make something happen—they’re waiting for the economy to get better, for economic stimulus money…
In This Issue -My Weekly Reminder–I Continue to Need Your Help–I Want Your Success Stories-Pass it on My Weekly Reminder Most of us grew up being told that saying “thank you” and counting our blessings were the right things to do. Recent scientific research, however, has found that being grateful can have a profound impact…
Chrysler and GM will emerge from bankruptcy with completely new looks. The logic is that the new Chrysler and the new GM will be in a much better position to compete companies like Toyota. As GM vice chairman Bob Lutz put it, “We will be smaller, leaner and we’re going to be a powerhouse.” Unfortunately,…
People have an insatiable need to be appreciated. If you can satisfy this need, you will have them eating out the palm of your hand. One very easy way to do this is to complement people, in a sincere way, for any number of reasons: things they have accomplished, the outfit they are wearing, how…
In This Issue -My Weekly Reminder–I Need Your Help Promoting My New Book–The Little Teal Book of Trust-I Want to Hear Your Success Stories My Weekly Reminder Many people have a strong aversion to taking risks because they’re afraid they might fail. What they don’t realize is that failure is the most direct pathway to…
A smile has such a profound positive impact on those around you that it is the one thing that is used more often than sex in advertising. So, if you want your life to change dramatically for the better, try this: Tomorrow morning, before you get out of bed, make the decision that you are…
In This Issue -My Weekly Reminder–Instant Turnaround!-I Want Your Success Stories-Pass it on My Weekly Reminder If you want to make 2009 the happiest year of your life, all you need to do is to follow the advice of Og Mandino: “Remember there is no happiness in having or getting, but only in giving. Reach…
In This Issue -My Weekly Reminder–Instant Turnaround!-I Want Your Success Stories-Pass it on My Weekly Reminder For a number of years, my wife conducted gift making workshops during early December. During these workshops, she would ask the participants to share their most cherished holiday memories. Not once did anyone recall a specific gift. It was always about something…