Leadership by Example
There are three types of people: 1. Those who Can and Do; 2. Those who Can and Don’t; 3. Those who Can and Do, without being asked. Of the three, the first are workers in the world of business. The second category, sadly, tends to decline into the sub-category of those who no longer can, […]
The Eagle Has Landed
Forty-five years ago this month, the lunar module bearing the name “The Eagle” deposited Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon. As Armstrong descended the ladder to the lunar surface, he uttered the words: “One small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind”. I was amazed and mesmerized at what […]
Socks
Hiring a person to join your business is the most important decision you will ever make. The effects are long lasting on co-worker, clients and the business. The value of a superb hire is far greater than the direct cost of employing the person; conversely, the ultimate cost of a poor hiring decision makes the […]
Personal Leadership
As we prepare to celebrate the somber Memorial Day holiday, along with the semi-official start of the summer season, we have an opportunity to show respect and pay our respects to those in uniform who have served this great nation.Thousands have come before us to protect the freedom we all enjoy and serve as a […]
My Brain on Business
I spend lots of time thinking about business; that even includes occasionally dreaming about it. The Art of Business absolutely fascinates me; I’m amazed at the power of what a talented group of people can accomplish by working together in an environment of mutual respect and trust. That’s why I began writing cultivation(s) nearly two years ago, […]
Formal Fridays
Our world has become increasingly casual in recent years, both at and away from work. There’s been a very visible tendency to “dress down” and the pattern has seemingly accelerated since the advent of “Casual Fridays” some years ago. When that day was first introduced, for men who worked in offices it was an opportunity […]
Three-Legged Stool
A three-legged stool relies upon evenness and balance for support. If one leg is slightly short, the stool becomes wobbly. If it becomes even shorter, or weaker, it’s unable to support any weight. It doesn’t take much to knock a three-legged stool off balance and cause it to tip over. Business is like a three-legged […]
The Real Deal
Last week in this space I shared thoughts on what it means to be truly “All-In” and listed 18 observations that describe highly-engaged people. The most essential element of being All-In, however, is being Genuine – perhaps better described as the “Real Deal”. People will quickly spot a fake.With a heart the size of Texas […]
The Greatest Generation
Meet my Uncle Jim, a proud member of The Greatest Generation. Uncle Jim is 93 years old and he requires quite a bit of extra help these days, but he still treasures family and remembers the things that matter most. I have fond memories of being around him as a kid.As my brother and I visited […]
People Power
The fuel that drives business is People: capable, focused, motivated and well-equipped people. I’ve spent the last couple of days with the most remarkable group of people that I’ve ever had the privilege to lead and to serve. Our branch management and business development professionals came together to explore ways to grow our business and […]