Under-Promise. Always Deliver.
I heard it twice today, from two different managers as they shared their experiences from the front lines. In the heat of business battle, when forces are pressing from all sides, there is a tendency to make promises that might not be realistic. This response occurs out of a good-hearted desire to “do the right […]
Giving Thanks
The years roll by. I’m amazed to reflect that I joined Austin Outdoor ten years ago this month. I’ve learned so much along the way from my team members, clients, vendors and business associates. I’m thankful daily for the opportunity to participate in this journey with a team that has grown to 900 talented professionals, […]
Civility Enhances Performance
There are various means to an end. Some methods may achieve the desired result, but leave damage along the way. Others get there without producing collateral damage, while contributing to potentially greater results over the long term. The difference is civility. The Oxford English Dictionary defines civility simply as “politeness; act of politeness.” The active […]
Duty, Honor, CountRy
Those three words speak volumes about what it means to be a West Point Cadet and they are seen everywhere at the United States Military Academy. The “Long Gray Line” winds all the way back to the official formation of the Academy in 1802. Its graduates have positively influenced all aspects of military, government, business […]
Just One More…
Just one more… smile when you greet someone. follow-up on a lead. note to remember to handle it. confirmation when it’s done. thank you. kiss before you leave. revision to make it better. chance to see your grandparents. chapter before you go to bed. rep at the gym. ingredient to make your recipe special. moment […]
Flight Rules
Fighter pilots are a special breed. Last fall, a former Navy F/A-18 pilot, who was teaching an Aeronautical Engineering course at the US Naval Academy, shared some personal insights with his class regarding flight school and what it takes to thrive there. My son, who was an exchange cadet there that semester, jotted detailed notes […]
The Big Picture
It’s amazing what a group of talented people can do when they understand their purpose – The Big Picture – and share common core values. Those human forces are as powerful as ever, perhaps even more so, with the enlightened and “always-connected” generation of young people.I just returned from Parents Weekend at the United States Air Force […]
Take It With You
These days, most of us would hate to be caught without our smart phone, especially if it’s an iPhone! Odds are that you always make it a point to take it with you. More important, and even easier to carry around, is a Positive Attitude. Consider these comparative features and benefits: The iPhone sets the […]
What’s In A Name?
When someone sees or hears the name “Austin Outdoor”, what comes to mind? The feeling they get is a direct reflection of their experiences with us and it’s up to us to assure those are excellent. Quite simply, we aspire to be a Great Company and that begins with the culture we share. Great companies […]
Little Matters
People always remember the little things. These memories work both ways – good and bad. The cumulative result of people’s experiences either becomes something excellent or something to be avoided. One of my favorite quotes sums this point up: “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. […]