As a writer and speaker, I look for the deeper meaning in the words I choose. It doesn’t matter how long the words are or how difficult to spell or pronounce or how familiar they are to my audiences. ... more
Once upon a time, there was a little dog who was unhappy with his life. As he lay in his backyard, he spotted a cat on top of a wall. “I wish I could climb walls like that cat!” he thought.... more
I recently came across this wonderful poem by Nancye Sims, “A Creed to Live By.” It captures life’s challenges in a very inspirational fashion, and I hope you learn as much from it as I have.... more
I recently came across this wonderful poem by Nancye Sims, “A Creed to Live By.” It captures life’s challenges in a very inspirational fashion, and I hope you learn as much from it as I have.... more
Comedy writer Robert Orben had an interesting take on customer service: “You go to a coin-operated store and wash and dry your clothes. Then you go to a filling station where you pump your own gas. An... more
Two sons worked for their father on the family's farm. The younger brother had for some years been given more responsibilities and rewards, and one day the older brother asked his father to explain wh... more
Watching a kids’ ballgame can provide a mini life lesson for observers. The takeaway also applies to business. Astute observers can learn a lot by watching kids play.... more
When someone cautions you to mind your Ps and Qs, they’re using an age-old expression to mind your manners, be on your best behavior and watch what you are doing. The precise origin is debatable, but ... more
I love to study creative and successful people, and who better than Warren Buffett, the multibillionaire from Omaha, Nebraska, and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.... more
A woman who lived far beyond eight decades had been in the habit of having a birthday party every year. Her friends and relatives always remembered her with little gifts, usually knickknacks for her h... more
The village blacksmith pumped the bellows to prepare his furnace fire, and placed a piece of iron into the intense heat until it reached an almost transparent state. He then removed the now pliable ir... more
Once, in a village, there were two friends who spent most of their time resting under a tree and thinking about what they should do with their lives.... more
You’re watching a professional golf tournament, and a player sinks a seemingly impossible shot. The announcer might attribute it to luck, but I beg to differ. That golfer has probably worked thousands... more
With the job market gradually coming back after a difficult pandemic, smart hiring is at the forefront. As a manager, you can’t do everything yourself, and you shouldn’t try. Managers must be able to ... more