The Destruction of Being Right
We need to be right. It feels good, and validates our self-worth. We’ll knowingly suffer the negative consequences of broken relationships in order to satisfy our burning need to win the smallest argument. However, this need of ours breeds mistrust and conflict. We alienate ourselves from others and destroy relationships when we insist on always being right. There are circumstances that require us to stand for what is right, and in those situations, we should never falter. Bu
From Anger to Passion
In my book Living for the Weekday, I share my thoughts on how employees can contribute to a culture of engagement in travel around the country speaking about the topic, I discuss the need to find contentment in five areas of life … including spirituality. I’m amazed how often people squirm in their seats when I get to this point in a presentation. Perhaps some people squirm because spirituality is a word with many meanings. It’s not my desire to change anyone’s definition of
Lesson from an Airport Greeting
My career as a professional speaker requires me to spend a great deal of time in airports. Most days I can report numerous bizarre sightings from airports around the country, but on one occasion I had the opportunity to witness something pretty spectacular. I had just arrived into San Antonio on a flight home and was racing through the airport headed for the parking garage. As I approached the escalator to baggage claim, I noticed a dozen or so people standing on the other si
Do You Know Where You Really Fall?
A couple weeks ago I wrote about the ongoing challenge of employee disengagement. In that blog (Which You is Going to Show Up?), I mentioned that The Gallup Organization poll continues to show employee engagement around 30 percent. Disengaged employees make up 55 percent, and actively disengaged employees make up the remaining 15 percent. These numbers change a little year-over-year and month-over-month, but in the end we have 7 out of 10 employees who are disengaged on the j
Anybody Need a Ride?
Several years ago I had the opportunity to speak on a cruise ship. This was my first cruise and I had a great time with my client. In addition to the work, I had the opportunity to enjoy some rest and relaxation with my wife before we got off the ship. Although I enjoyed the cruise, my aggressive personality was ready to get off the boat after five days at sea. Since this was our first cruise we had no idea what time we’d actually get off the boat the morning we were schedule
