Listening With Everything You’ve Got
I once attended a leadership class in Washington D.C. taught by Dr. Gerald Bell., noted lecturer and founder of the Bell Leadership Institute. He had printed on our graduation diplomas “To listen or not to listen”. Hmmm. Sounds like that might be the question. To listen, or not to listen? I speak Spanish as a […]
Continue readingThere Is No ‘I’ in Team, but There Is an ‘I’ in Win
There is no ‘I’ in Team, but there is an ‘I’ in win. Is that true? Do you need an ‘I’ to win? I have played on a lot of teams. I’ve played on great teams, and I’ve played on good teams. Only rarely have I ever played on bad teams. The reason I say […]
Continue readingThe #1 Thing You Can Do In A Conflict
When you’re dealing with people, conflict is inevitable. As the father of two sets of twins, I find this topic fascinating. There are usually at least two differing opinions on each topic: “This is mine.” | “No, it’s mine.” “Give it to me.” | No, let go.” Watching young kids in conflict, I often see […]
Continue readingWhat is the Difference Between Integrity and Honesty?
“What are you doing tonight?” “I don’t know, why?” “Well, I thought you could help me with…” “Oh, I forgot I have to bathe the dog tonight, sorry.” What is it about commitment that makes us tense up? Is it the fear of having to actually do what you say you are going to do? […]
Continue readingHard Work + Discipline = Accountability
I used to weigh 293 pounds. It was around the time my second set of twins, Teddy and Anthony, were baptized. I looked at the overweight priest doing the baptism ceremony and thought, “That guy doesn’t look healthy.” But when I reviewed the photos online of him holding Anthony and me holding Teddy, I realized […]
Continue readingSuccess Depends on Defining Your End Goal
Black and white. Substance over form. Just win, baby. As a leader of a commercial cleaning company and father of five children, I struggle with the ‘Winning is the Only Thing’ mentality. While I understand there has to be a reason we’re coming together, what about the journey? Isn’t that another thing to consider? What […]
Continue readingCan You Choose Happiness?
Can we choose happiness? Or is it attained? Is it a destination? Or a state of mind? My thoughts bounce all across the board on this one. Do I fake it until I make it? Or do I just get content with what I have? Is it wrong to want more? Can you be happy […]
Continue readingIn Pursuit of a Healthy Self-Image
I have a healthy self-image. I really do. I know so, because my wife tells me that’s where my arrogant attitude comes across loud and clear. But I am serious. I have worked really hard on this one. I have the same insecurities that others have. I have the same issues balancing hectic work and […]
Continue readingDoes Status Equate to Happiness?
Drinking beer and talking with guys was my career for a while. Seriously, I got paid for this. Well, not the drinking part, but making beer and pizza available to young men in college was my job. I owned 3 bars and a pizza restaurant from when I was 21 until I was 31. It […]
Continue readingMore Money Doesn’t Necessarily Mean More Happiness
“You were broke when I paid you $5 per hour. You are broke now that I pay you $20 per hour. Even if I paid you $100 per hour, it reasons to stand that you would still be broke.” That was a conversation that I had with one of my former employees about seven years […]
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