When you’re looking for information, are you seeking affirmation or education? The sources for each are very different. Affirmation sources If you’re seeking affirmation, you’re looking for sources that share your beliefs and values. You may end up feeling better … Continued
A rarity in today’s world: integrity, admission of a mistake and acceptance of consequences. In a refreshing example of seemingly long, lost values, the Joe Gibbs Racing Team admitted that they had failed to get approval for a minor change … Continued
Who among us hasn’t wondered why life has to be so complicated? The reality is that it isn’t complicated; we make it so. I’m certain that’s not what you want to hear, but allow me cite examples of how we … Continued
In one of the episodes of the Jesse Stone television series, a young woman tells Jesse “There’s no education in the second kick of a mule.” I laughed as I heard this metaphor and wondered “How often has it taken … Continued
Who among us would consider pressure a privilege? Yet, that is precisely what one of the announcers said in the closing holes of a golf tournament. Background The announcers were discussing the pressure that professional golfers experience in a closely-contested … Continued
It isn’t the divergence of ideas that leads to conflict; it’s the insistence upon the rightness of an idea. It doesn’t matter whether the conflict is between family members, friends or on a global scale, the common element is that … Continued
Each of us has had experiences that have left indelible marks upon us…that have shaped us in ways that have had a lasting effect. The question is “Are these marks really indelible? Or are we able to change the seemingly … Continued
One of the most effective ways to help others build confidence is through expectation and belief. There is no more powerful demonstration of the accuracy of this statement than that given in the 60-Minutes piece entitled The Monroe Doctrine (opens … Continued
Our one-sided idea of fairness is the source of many of the problems we face. Here are some examples to illustrate this point. Management Many well-intentioned managers in the corporate environment work diligently to help those who are underperforming become … Continued
If you want to boost someone’s confidence, help them develop problem-solving skills. Background I just finished reading Thomas Sowell’s book, The Vision of the Anointed (opens in a new link). Mr. Sowell does an excellent job of offering insights into … Continued