As you begin to plan for 2013, take time to reflect on the previous year and the many accomplishments you’ve had. Oftentimes, we get consumed by our to do list, or tasks we didn’t accomplish, and forget to celebrate the wonderful things we’ve done. Pausing for reflection helps us to remember that the destination is [...]

Napoleon Hill’s book, Think and Grow Rich, is a wonderful text about how positive human thought can manifest itself into physical things. The book is worthwhile because it helps to remind us that there are certain things in life that will continue to go unexplained because they’re not tangible. Although not tangible, they are somehow [...]

I just wrapped up a long weekend spent with friends who truly understand the importance of human character. It seems that so many people have replaced honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness with a focus on the personality ethic. To me, the personality ethic is a focus on the accumulation of iStuff (i.e. iPhones, McMansions, brand name [...]

“What information consumes is rather obvious. It consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention. “ – Herbert Simon, 1970 I love this quote because Simon said it decades before the introduction and explosion of the World Wide Web and the various devices we use to access [...]

Late one night last week, I was browsing available movies on Netflix when I came across The Corporation, a film by Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott, and Joel Bakan. The story begins with a retelling of how the corporation became a legal entity and eventually emerged as a legal “person”. Even at that point in time, [...]

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” – Harold Wilson I’ve talked to a couple of people recently about the change process and why they struggle with it so much. One said, “I wish someone could have warned me about the financial collapse [...]

While spending time at a friend’s house yesterday, I couldn’t help but to hear the cheers coming from the television in the living room. A few people were huddled watching the NCAA basketball tournament and after watching the end of one game and the beginning of another, I couldn’t help but wonder, how many Americans [...]

I have talked at length about the development of community and a sincere focus on the triple bottom line. Our world seems to be lacking a bit in both. So what can you do daily to focus on developing meaningful connections in your community that will respect the planet, people, and profit? Think about your [...]

Greg Smith, former Goldman Sachs employee, wrote a scathing letter about the cultural change that had occurred at his former employer. In it he stated that the culture of the firm switched from being customer-centric to money-centric. He described meetings where no time was spent brainstorming about how to help clients, rather the entire meeting [...]

Globalization, changes in technology, and short-term, shareholder focused mindset has made work-life balance nearly obsolete. As much as you say you want to use your PTO, I know you end up working most of your day off and then telling your administrative assistant not to charge you for the PTO. How do I know? I [...]

How many times have you been in, what seems like, a never-ending discussion with a colleague or spouse? I’m sure you can think of a few examples, even from the last few days. How many times do you let the words that are being said become a distraction from the real purpose or goal of [...]

I spent much of last Saturday painting a Habitat for Humanity home in the northwest part of metro Phoenix. We’ve all donated our time, talent, and treasure at various times to one cause or another. Some give to their chosen religious institution, to get tax write-offs, and others for the sheer intrinsic joy of being [...]

Relativity Media recently released a movie entitled Act of Valor, a motion picture starring active duty Navy Seals. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie because it told succinct and impactful stories about the lives of America’s servicemen and women. I won’t go into details, but do encourage you to watch it. A very defining moment for [...]

How many times have you said to yourself; “I wish I knew then what I know now”? A handful? Or, so many times that you have lost count? I certainly fall into the latter category. I have been blessed to have many wonderful experiences in my life. Many of them have taught me very valuable [...]

I just received a text message from a good friend that recently completed a lengthy job interview process. Very simply, it said, “Got the job. I’m on cloud 9.” I was, of course, incredibly excited for her. I immediately started to think back to the conversations that she and I had about her process for [...]

A quick look through the websites of your favorite charitable organizations will reveal numerous volunteer opportunities. For those of you who volunteer regularly, why do you do it? Is it because you enjoy helping the community, it makes you feel good intrinsically, you make new friends, you can add it to your resume, or because [...]

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” –Alvin Toffler What a powerful statement. With the advent of the World Wide Web, we have access to seemingly infinite amounts of information. You can learn how to read and write from [...]

Every relationship, personal or professional, requires significant investment. The investment includes our time, money, and talent. Those of you who are already great at building relationships know that the process doesn’t stop after you’ve collected the business card. In fact, the process never ends. It requires constant attention. For those of you who are still [...]

I am a “learner” by nature. Regardless of where I am, I believe that there is some nugget of wisdom that I am meant to pick up and parlay into future use. Of course, I then feel an obligation to share that morsel with others, hence my chosen line of work. Life is amazing because [...]

In the midst of a hectic holiday season, we often find time to give to others. It is more than common to take time to buy a gift for the local angel tree, serve food for the less fortunate at a shelter, or buy the iPhone for the relative that has been talking about getting [...]