There is a wonderful Japanese word, “nemawashi,” whose rough translation is to “prepare the roots.” Although the word was borrowed from famously patient Japanese gardeners, every Japanese businesspers... more
One of the things I’ve missed most during the pandemic is getting together and networking. Networking is part of my DNA. No cocktail parties, fundraisers, association meetings and so on for the last c... more
A Russian poet who was visiting a wealthy American in his home noticed a huge, magnificent moose head mounted on the wall. He asked his host how he could shoot such an impressive animal.... more
When Paulo Coelho’s novel “The Alchemist” was first published in 1988, it went unnoticed. It sold only one copy the first week. Unperturbed, Coelho confidently waited for more sales to come in, but he... more
A giant ship’s engine failed, and the vessel’s owners consulted one expert after another, but none of them could fix it. They finally brought in an old man who had been repairing ship engines since he... more
John Cleese, the English actor of Monty Python fame, is known for his expertise in business communications. He said: "If I can get you to laugh with me, you like me better, which makes you more open t... more
There is a great scene in “Alice in Wonderland” where Alice asks the Cheshire Cat, “Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?”... more
Years ago, I was on a flight from Minneapolis to New York, when a businessman sitting next to me reached in his briefcase and pulled out my first book, “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.... more
As I watched the athletes perform at the recent Winter Olympic Games, I could only imagine their tremendous desire, determination and dedication, not to mention commitment, enthusiasm and mental tough... more
On the outskirts of a big city stood an old temple, where young boys would come to live and learn from an old monk. One day, the monk gathered his students and told them: “I am growing old and slow. I... more
An eccentric philosophy professor gave a one-question final exam after a semester dealing with a broad array of topics. The class was already seated and ready to go when the professor picked up his ch... more
A young prince, deposed when an enemy overran his kingdom, fled to a neighboring realm where a friend ruled as king. He hoped his friend would grant him a new kingdom. Instead, the king gave him 100 s... more