I loved cartoons when I was a child. Still do. Have you ever noticed how simple communication appears in an animated world? I suppose that’s part of the make-believe magic. The Jetsons were as much a Saturday morning staple in my house as Malt-O-Meal. I loved watching George walk Astro on the moving sidewalk or […]
Please Spit Out Your “Um”! — Pauses Pack a Punch!
The proverb “silence is golden” makes me ponder, what is gold worth today? Well, at the time of writing this post, gold was priced at $1,659.54 per ounce (see above image). Ergo, a moment of silence – but a pause – can have great value. Much happens within a few-seconds’ pause – The rich audible […]
The NERVE of Some Words! (Communication Derailed – Part 2)
Tony Jeary has said, “Life is a series of presentations.” Indeed, we spend most waking hours attempting to influence or persuade our friends, children, spouses, bosses, coworkers, clients, opponents, even strangers. In our quest, we quickly learn that not any old communication will suffice. Persuasion hinges on credibility. Butchering the English language will gut our […]
Communication Derailed — Usage of Incorrect Words / Phrases
Annoying distractions derail communication. One of the most abrupt communication stoppers in my view is a misused word or phrase. Such sends my mind into joke-writing mode every time. Obviously, I am then no longer listening to the speaker’s intended message. Here are a few true examples, which I have experienced: EXAMPLE 1: One of […]
Knock It Off (the Purchases)! Knockoff Products Hurt YOU, the Consumer!
Have you ever bought a fake consumer product — Gucci, Coach, Rolex, Dooney and Bourke? Let me guess. You just couldn’t pass up “the bargain.” No one can tell the difference in yours and the legitimate high-dollar brand. Besides, those corporate giants still net millions every year, despite the knockoffs out there. You’re not alone. I know many good people who rationalize […]
Third Way to Get Galvanized — Lead Yourself to Action!
We need galvanized leaders, not lemmings! Most of us well know the myth of lemmings purposely plunging off of cliffs. Sadly, the myth is often perpetuated by so-called “leaders” who are more akin to lemmings. The moral – We must carefully choose leaders. The best choice might be in the mirror. Yes, I’m suggesting that […]
Second Way to Get Galvanized — Smile Insatiably!
Smiles are action-packed! For instance, do you know someone who has a “million-dollar smile”? I am talking about the kind of smile that lights up an entire room! – A smile that automatically makes you smile, too! Former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith has one. In fact, I have never seen Emmitt when he wasn’t sporting […]
First Way to Get Galvanized — Become a Lifelong Learner!
One vital catalyst to action is learning new information. Lifelong learners are galvanized more often than those who think they’ve “seen it all.” Children have unparalleled curiosity; discovery is at the core of their being. During our youth, we often experience that “rush” inside when the metaphoric light bulb comes on. We feel more alive […]
Motivation is not Enough — Get Galvanized!
We universally agree that motivation is good. Yet far too few of us act on that motivation. Thousands have eagerly attended one popular seminar billed as “Get Motivated.” I have witnessed firsthand the passion that this event evokes. With speakers such as Rudolph Guiliani, Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw and others, who could help but get excited? […]
Do You Actually Own Your Copyright? — Maybe, Maybe NOT!
Business owners often just assume that they own all intellectual property rights (e.g., copyright, trademark, etc.) in and to materials created by their employees and independent contractors. This assumption may be only partially correct. The law indeed presumes that employers own all materials created by their employees within the scope of their employment. The burden […]
