May 2005

Seven Secrets to Being the Leader Everyone Wants to Work For

In this changing, challenging, and competitive workplace we can't overestimate the importance of good management. Good managers will consistently motivate you to perform at higher levels of productivity. Bad managers will drive you crazy and eventually out of the organization. Managers with poor skills will frequently produce the following results:

1. Decreased productivity

2. Increased turnover

3. Increased absences

4. Increased human resources mediation situations

5. Increased customer service complaints

The following are seven secrets to being the "perfect" leader everyone want to work for: Read more...

Are You a Millionaire?

May 16th is "Be a Millionaire day!" But why not be a millionaire everyday? Being a millionaire is far more than just having money. It's about developing a positive attitude that embraces opportunities that come your way. Click here to learn how to acquire a million dollar attitude.

Today is International Firefighters' Appreciation Day!

Today is International Firefighters' Appreciation Day! In many ways firefighters have touched our lives. Some of the firefighter images I think of:

• Getting the cat of the tree for grandma

• Taking time to teach us fire safety

• Arriving on time with a respirator to save a life

• Standing firm in the face of a roaring fire to save property

And on 9/11...risking, and in most casing losing their lives in the hope that others would be saved.

Take time not only this day but everyday to think of and show appreciation for your community firefighters. Many times they risk their lives to make a difference.

Thank you for making a difference.

Take Time to Appreciate a Teacher This Week

May 1-7 is Teacher Appreciation Week

That's right, it's Teacher Appreciation Week. Whether you're in school or not, whether you have a child or not, take time to appreciate a teacher who made a difference in your life. Appreciate a teacher for the following:

1. Taking time to develop you sometimes at the expense of their children

2. Taking time to put together innovative lesson plans that inspire you to learn

3. Taking time to listen to you when no one else would

4. Taking time to challenge you to do better even when you didn't know what "better" was

5. Taking the time to teach you what being an responsible human being is all about

6. Taking time to make you laugh when things seem so serious

I had an eight grade math teacher, Mr. Kassner, for whom I would like to appreciate. I was an A student in the early part of his class and then my grades started to fall into the C's and D's. I guess I was distracted with "teenage hormones." Well, Mr. Kassner noticed and talked to me after class. He took the time and asked me what was happening in my life, expressed what he was noticed and that my grades were falling. Then Mr. Kassner went on to explain that there would be many distractions in my life and I would need to be true to my personal goals. But I would always remember he said that I was much better than what I was showing in class and that I was capable of great things in my life. Saying that...made a difference. Not only did I finish with an A in his class but also I continued to master math in college (straight A's in statistics, business math, etc.) but also in business and life.

What teacher is making or made a difference in your life? Whether it is your coach, teacher, guidance counselor, or mentor take the time to write, call, e-mail, or visit them and let them know how you appreciate them.