Timing is Everything

Life can be very frustrating when we know we possess talents and gifts, but they seem to do us little good. The fact is, we may not have found the right time and place yet. A great example was Former President Ulysses S. Grant. Most of us know that Ulysses Grant was also the victorious general of the civil war. But few might know that at the outset of the civil war he was not even in the Army. General/President Grant entered the military originally only because his father enrolled him in West Point. After becoming a student, he aspired to one day be a mathematics teacher.

Is 100% Really an Issue?

We all have given our best efforts to task at one time or another. And the effort of giving 100+% is often demanding and fatiguing. Would it be fair to settle for 99.9% on occasion? It seems like that is still a great effort. But, think of it this way, if 99.9% was an acceptable standard:

• In the next hour 22,000 checks would be deducted from the wrong bank account!
• And tomorrow…12 babies would be given to the wrong parents!

Employees (and friends) Behaving Badly!

We have all experienced those situations where negative habits of employees and friends seem to never die. We try to be patient or polite, until our head begins to throb and we feel an ultimate volcano that risks either a lost friendship or human resource issue. If I might dare to suggest, be free from that volcano before you explode (or implode).

More than A Cup of Joe

The old cliche is when life hands us a lemon, will we make lemonade. This story takes it to a new level. I found it in an archive and thought it a good read to start the week:

Once upon a time a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it.

Coaching at it’s Best: It’s the socks

The Donkey That Wouldn’t Die

Everyone faces adversity sometime. I guess that is why it is a topic everyone can relate to. When thumbing through some old files, I found this story. It put a smile on my face, so I thought I would share.

Fact Free Planning and Other Great Ideas

I recently attended a workshop where I heard a phrase that I am now billing as one of my favorites. Fact Free Planning.

Ignorance is Bliss: The Argument for Change

There will always be segments of society and organizations that are resistant to changes, and slow to accept innovation. By contrast, some are so excited by every new thing that they hastily run down every rabbit trail. The sad result is the waste that can occur by either action.

I find the following a sad example of how tragic reluctance to accept new ideas can be. It is historical account of refusal to embrace change, and how it affected a whole nation.

As the New Year Approaches, It’s Time for New Goals

It’s time for new goals. Let’s talk about it.

It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over and Other Great Cliches