Showing initiative means that you begin to master your work environment and need less direction from others. You know what needs to be done and start on making those things happens. People sometimes feel that taking initiative means you should take on as many projects as possible but this isn't true. It means completing your job duties to their maximum without prompting from your boss and then moving onto new duties that indicate your quality to the workplace.
A few ways to show initiative are as follows:
Ask Questions: Ask questions about the projects you are completing.
Fulfill Your Duties Well: Make sure you complete all of your duties well.
Go Beyond Your Requirements: Fulfill your duties and go beyond the requirements to show your skill.
Help Others: When possible help others when they are behind.
Volunteer for Important Projects: When important projects arise that will showcase your abilities volunteer for them.
The blog discusses current affairs and development of national economic and social health through unique idea generation. Consider the blog a type of thought experiment where ideas are generated to be pondered but should never be considered definitive as a final conclusion. It is just a pathway to understanding and one may equally reject as accept ideas as theoretical dribble. New perspectives, new opportunities, for a new generation. “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”—Thomas Jefferson
Friday, December 30, 2016
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Passive vs. Active Ethics
Passive ethics teaches us what not to do through prohibitions while active ethics tells us what we should do. Ethics is a trust factor in society and without it the social relationships embedded in society begin to break down. Understanding the difference between the two helps us to understand when ethical behavior is above standards or part of standards.
When we are prohibited and we adhere to that prohibition we are passive. We must only NOT act on something to be ethical. We simply don't engage and show a level of self-control.
We may see this example with a group of people harassing another person. If you do not engage in such behavior you have fulfilled your ethical requirements in that situation.
While not acting is helpful it doesn't stop, thwart or change the behavior of others and is therefore passive and of a weaker form than the more aggressive active ethics.
Active ethics can create risk and harm to those seek to thwart wrongdoing and therefore requires a level of sacrifice. One must act beyond their personal well being for a greater good.
We may find this in an example of corruption or institutional wrongdoing where doing nothing and turning a blind eye means one did not participate but was aware such acts occurred. Once someone is aware than to fight against such corruption or stop it with one's own hand is a more risky proposition.
That risk puts the ethical act at a higher form than that which is seen by simply not engaging.
This problem can be compounded if both the institutions and the people who believe in those institutions have come to accept immoral and unethical behavior as part of their daily life and try and defend that life.
It is the first of such people who speak out that usually are inflicted with societal anger and punishment. Changing minds is a dangerous and difficult proposition.
When faced with an ethical dilemma a person must decide to engage in the immoral act, abstain or fight against it. The moral character and personal strength will determine which route someone will take.
When we are prohibited and we adhere to that prohibition we are passive. We must only NOT act on something to be ethical. We simply don't engage and show a level of self-control.
We may see this example with a group of people harassing another person. If you do not engage in such behavior you have fulfilled your ethical requirements in that situation.
While not acting is helpful it doesn't stop, thwart or change the behavior of others and is therefore passive and of a weaker form than the more aggressive active ethics.
Active ethics can create risk and harm to those seek to thwart wrongdoing and therefore requires a level of sacrifice. One must act beyond their personal well being for a greater good.
We may find this in an example of corruption or institutional wrongdoing where doing nothing and turning a blind eye means one did not participate but was aware such acts occurred. Once someone is aware than to fight against such corruption or stop it with one's own hand is a more risky proposition.
That risk puts the ethical act at a higher form than that which is seen by simply not engaging.
This problem can be compounded if both the institutions and the people who believe in those institutions have come to accept immoral and unethical behavior as part of their daily life and try and defend that life.
It is the first of such people who speak out that usually are inflicted with societal anger and punishment. Changing minds is a dangerous and difficult proposition.
When faced with an ethical dilemma a person must decide to engage in the immoral act, abstain or fight against it. The moral character and personal strength will determine which route someone will take.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Strong Negotiation Skills Lead to Organizational Health
Negotiation is part of life and becomes part of the very way in which we interact in the world. Whether we are negotiating for a raise, a new car, or even in relationships it is a strong skill to develop. According to a study published in the International Journal of Management there is a relationship between negotiation skills and organizational health (Jalilvand, 2015).
Organizational health can be assessed through a seven interaction model.
Institutional Level
-Institutional Integrity: Integrity of design and programing.
Administration Level
-Managers Reach: The ability to influence others up, down, and laterally.
-Considerate: Positive and friendly interactions
-Inducing Culture: Task orientation with appropriate standards.
-Resource Support: The organization has the resources needed to complete the work.
Technical Level
-Spirit: Employees have motivation and positive spirit towards work.
-Scientific: A logical and scientific approach to issues.
The study of 100 managers found that negotiation skills were associated with organizational health. When managers can negotiate they navigate their environment better to fulfill objectives and obtain needed resources. As an active social hive organizations that communicate well were also likely to be more effective and profitable than ones that were not.
Jalilvand, H. (2015). The relationship between negotation skills of managers and organizational health. International Journal of Management, Accounding & Economics, 2 (11).
Organizational health can be assessed through a seven interaction model.
Institutional Level
-Institutional Integrity: Integrity of design and programing.
Administration Level
-Managers Reach: The ability to influence others up, down, and laterally.
-Considerate: Positive and friendly interactions
-Inducing Culture: Task orientation with appropriate standards.
-Resource Support: The organization has the resources needed to complete the work.
Technical Level
-Spirit: Employees have motivation and positive spirit towards work.
-Scientific: A logical and scientific approach to issues.
The study of 100 managers found that negotiation skills were associated with organizational health. When managers can negotiate they navigate their environment better to fulfill objectives and obtain needed resources. As an active social hive organizations that communicate well were also likely to be more effective and profitable than ones that were not.
Jalilvand, H. (2015). The relationship between negotation skills of managers and organizational health. International Journal of Management, Accounding & Economics, 2 (11).
Friday, December 23, 2016
Fitness Routines that Integrate into the Workplace
It can be hard to keep up with your fitness routine when you work from an office and don't have time to go to the gym. Some people live extremely busy lives and between work and family the hours zoom bye. The last thing they have time to do is exercise. However, there is a way to work out and enhance your work enjoyment.
Getting out of your chair every hour or so can do a lot for getting your blood moving. To put in a little workout for 5 to 10 minutes helps you improve your health. By the end of the work day you can have 30 to 60 minutes of good cardio exercise.
The additional benefit is that you can opt to use up a few of your breaks and walk the stairs, jumping jacks, push ups, sit-ups and even use a single weight to complete biceps, triceps, and chest strength training.
The additional advantage is that you learn to integrate fitness into your life and throughout your day. Like lots of other things it can be easier to take a few minutes out then take a lot of time out. Ten minutes at a time is way the heck easier than an hour of working out and 30 minutes of prep or drive time.
Exercise doesn't need to be difficult or tedious if you make it part of your life. Finding ways to encourage your routine through integration can be helpful in developing a healthy lifestyle. While some days will be excellent and some will be poor, at the end of the day you will feel better about yourself.
Getting out of your chair every hour or so can do a lot for getting your blood moving. To put in a little workout for 5 to 10 minutes helps you improve your health. By the end of the work day you can have 30 to 60 minutes of good cardio exercise.
The additional benefit is that you can opt to use up a few of your breaks and walk the stairs, jumping jacks, push ups, sit-ups and even use a single weight to complete biceps, triceps, and chest strength training.
The additional advantage is that you learn to integrate fitness into your life and throughout your day. Like lots of other things it can be easier to take a few minutes out then take a lot of time out. Ten minutes at a time is way the heck easier than an hour of working out and 30 minutes of prep or drive time.
Exercise doesn't need to be difficult or tedious if you make it part of your life. Finding ways to encourage your routine through integration can be helpful in developing a healthy lifestyle. While some days will be excellent and some will be poor, at the end of the day you will feel better about yourself.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
When Freedom of Speech Doesn't Apply to Facebook
Facebook can be hazardous to your career. I met up with some friends and all the drama was buzzing about public complainer. Multiple people were talking about privately and replying to a person's highly cynical comments. The message stated was, "I am tired of working at this job and not making any money...its getting old!" Even the owner of the business chimed in by the end of the night adding to the overall drama.
Social Media like Facebook and Snapchat are not free of risks. We can't simply post whatever we want, when we want it. There are social and financial consequences to freedom of speech. While we may be able to speak freely we are not free from the consequences of what we say.
In the case of our workplace complainer, people are wondering if he will still have a job in a few weeks. The owner and him are likely to have some disagreements now that his true sentiments are stated publically. Only time will tell if he will still have his job.
Freedom of speech is a powerful tool and should be used when there is a purpose beyond oneself. For example, helping people to learn, fighting against wrongdoing, public debate, and support for others are just a few of the reasons. Misdirecting ones anger and life choices onto another is wrong and a misuse of that freedom.
Lesson:
1. Freedom of Speech comes with responsibilities.
2. Social media is not a free for all to say anything.
3. People who chronically complain have low emotional intelligence and are toxic by nature.
4. We socially frown on people who complain all the time.
Social Media like Facebook and Snapchat are not free of risks. We can't simply post whatever we want, when we want it. There are social and financial consequences to freedom of speech. While we may be able to speak freely we are not free from the consequences of what we say.
In the case of our workplace complainer, people are wondering if he will still have a job in a few weeks. The owner and him are likely to have some disagreements now that his true sentiments are stated publically. Only time will tell if he will still have his job.
Freedom of speech is a powerful tool and should be used when there is a purpose beyond oneself. For example, helping people to learn, fighting against wrongdoing, public debate, and support for others are just a few of the reasons. Misdirecting ones anger and life choices onto another is wrong and a misuse of that freedom.
Lesson:
1. Freedom of Speech comes with responsibilities.
2. Social media is not a free for all to say anything.
3. People who chronically complain have low emotional intelligence and are toxic by nature.
4. We socially frown on people who complain all the time.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
The Sound of Water and Nature's Rich Beauty
Hiking through the woods you will soon come across different rivers and pools. In the winter these can be particularly beautiful with ice crystal formation as the water solidifies. You will also notice an abundance of wild game tracks and the calming solitude of running water.
Part of the beauty of being in the woods is that you are connected back to your beginning in a real way. Some places in the world, like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you can see the world in much the same way it was 100s of years ago when settlers cut their farms from the thousands of acres of untapped land.
The Power of Emotions for Ethics and Action
Feelings are a perception of the world and help us see the world in new ways. According to a theorist Jean Paul Sartre, an Existentialist, emotions are an attempt to change our perception of the world. Understanding our emotional nature also helps use understand how we perceive the world around us. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize and use emotions to enhance our perception.
When we are faced with a difficult situation our emotions kick in and adjust our perception of the problem. Emotions become part of a process of learning and create motivation to act on a particular problem. We may flea, fight, or begin to think about the issue until it is resolved.
We may not completely understand a situation until we experience and feel emotions in a way that allows our perspective to change and see new solutions to current problems. The same process can occur in business or in our personal lives if we are open to seeing the problem from a new perspective.
It is also possible to argue that emotions are a deeply rooted ethical value system. When we care about a topic we will feel emotions which give us new paths to ponder. When we don't care at all we won't fell anything and will often lack insight. Emotions used effectively can help us determine our emotional stance and the appropriate way to act toward a situation in a constructive way.
Emotions are our friend when we have the intelligence to understand where they come from, how they impact us as and in turn how they can enhance our perception if we use them appropriately. Emotions should not be ignored but encouraged and felt to determine what course of action is most appropriate given the ethical and personal dilemmas we may face.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Why We Share and Collaborate for Business Profit
As a human species we have learned that it is beneficial to share ideas and resources in order to get more of what we need out of life. Our survival rate increased and our lifestyle increased compared to our ancestors and this may be due in part to collaboration. Business also can improve their health through sharing and collaborating. Hedging resources can be a good thing when both companies can succeed together.
If collaboration is in our blood as a species why don't all businesses collaborate? In many cases this occurs because these businesses compete with each other. Sharing information and resources can lead to advantages that may help one business over another.
The other option is to collaborate on businesses that are not in the same markets. For example, a technology company and auto supplier can provide updated smart products that are more efficient than what is currently on the market. They are not natural competitors and can gain more then they lose.
Two businesses working together typically is on beta test through the use of a collaborative team with supportive resources. The team focuses on specific projects and works to achieve some objective such as a new product line or solution to a long-standing problem. If the project is successful they can work on more complex tasks.
To be innovative companies should explore the possibilities of hedging current competencies and resources in order to develop new products and services. Collaboration can lead to a win-win outcome for both businesses if a trusting relationships arises. Industry knowledge is an additive process and the more we put into it the more it returns.
If collaboration is in our blood as a species why don't all businesses collaborate? In many cases this occurs because these businesses compete with each other. Sharing information and resources can lead to advantages that may help one business over another.
The other option is to collaborate on businesses that are not in the same markets. For example, a technology company and auto supplier can provide updated smart products that are more efficient than what is currently on the market. They are not natural competitors and can gain more then they lose.
Two businesses working together typically is on beta test through the use of a collaborative team with supportive resources. The team focuses on specific projects and works to achieve some objective such as a new product line or solution to a long-standing problem. If the project is successful they can work on more complex tasks.
To be innovative companies should explore the possibilities of hedging current competencies and resources in order to develop new products and services. Collaboration can lead to a win-win outcome for both businesses if a trusting relationships arises. Industry knowledge is an additive process and the more we put into it the more it returns.
Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen States Higher Education is Needed in Global Economy
Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen states that higher education will increasingly be important in a global economy. As the world changes and the borders become more permeable and new skills will be needed to maintain a reasonable lifestyle. The changes are coming and education offers the hope of personal development that meets these global needs.
The world is complex and will continue to change quickly. Human beings must continue to adapt and adjust to those changes or they will slowly decline in financial healthy. Higher education helps people be more adaptable to coming technology changes.
Technology will continue to put pressure on worker skills. “While globalization will likely continue and technology will continue to advance, we don’t know how fast the economy will grow, what new technologies will be developed, or how quickly and consistently employment will expand," she told graduating students at the University of Baltimore.
As workers we sometimes become lethargic in our learning process. We rely on our employers to keep us up-to-date on necessary skills. While this may be adequate in terms of our ability to maintain employment with that employer it is not wise to wait for companies to tell us to update our skills because their actions are focused on their current needs.
To stay ahead of changes means updating our skills. It doesn't necessarily need to be higher education but it does need to be a constant engagement with personal development, training and other learning. To be effective one must learn to be a life-long learner that can accumulate and integrate new knowledge. Higher education provides a conduit for personal development for many people.
The world is complex and will continue to change quickly. Human beings must continue to adapt and adjust to those changes or they will slowly decline in financial healthy. Higher education helps people be more adaptable to coming technology changes.
Technology will continue to put pressure on worker skills. “While globalization will likely continue and technology will continue to advance, we don’t know how fast the economy will grow, what new technologies will be developed, or how quickly and consistently employment will expand," she told graduating students at the University of Baltimore.
As workers we sometimes become lethargic in our learning process. We rely on our employers to keep us up-to-date on necessary skills. While this may be adequate in terms of our ability to maintain employment with that employer it is not wise to wait for companies to tell us to update our skills because their actions are focused on their current needs.
To stay ahead of changes means updating our skills. It doesn't necessarily need to be higher education but it does need to be a constant engagement with personal development, training and other learning. To be effective one must learn to be a life-long learner that can accumulate and integrate new knowledge. Higher education provides a conduit for personal development for many people.
Holding Students Accountable for Learning
Student learning is one of the essential requirements of obtaining a degree. That learning starts with the personal standards the professor maintains. This requires day-in and day-out dedication to the needs of students and holding the line even when students grumble. At the end of the day the university wins and the students win.
One thing professors dislike hearing is, "no other professor graded me down for this". Sometimes it may be true while at other times it may not be true. However, the total learning experience is the different grading requirements by different professors.
It is the total educational experience that counts.
Students who deal with different expectations also learn to be adaptable and adjust their learning process to the expectations of the professor. If the professor gives an easy A the students learn to do less work and expect more.
Professors who maintain their standards do the students, the university and other professors a favor. The students learn more by putting forward more effort, the quality of the university rises as the educational standard rises, and other professors obtain the benefit of a more competent student who have high expectations of their own work.
One thing professors dislike hearing is, "no other professor graded me down for this". Sometimes it may be true while at other times it may not be true. However, the total learning experience is the different grading requirements by different professors.
It is the total educational experience that counts.
Students who deal with different expectations also learn to be adaptable and adjust their learning process to the expectations of the professor. If the professor gives an easy A the students learn to do less work and expect more.
Professors who maintain their standards do the students, the university and other professors a favor. The students learn more by putting forward more effort, the quality of the university rises as the educational standard rises, and other professors obtain the benefit of a more competent student who have high expectations of their own work.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Wetlands as a Place for Birds to Habitate
Birds flock toward habitats that offer lots of cover, food, water, and nesting areas. Birds also love to socialize so they desire having many places to sit near each other engage in their communal activities. Even in the cold of winter some of these birds hang around for the season when they can find what they need for survival.
Wetlands offer adequate cover to protect them from the natural elements and predators. A source of water is also vitally important. During the hunting season wetlands offer excellent bird hunting areas. Because wetlands are rich with wildlife it is important to ensure they are not protected areas.
Wetlands offer adequate cover to protect them from the natural elements and predators. A source of water is also vitally important. During the hunting season wetlands offer excellent bird hunting areas. Because wetlands are rich with wildlife it is important to ensure they are not protected areas.
Black-Capped Chickadee |
Matching Customer Needs and Improving Sales
Customers are needy creatures that are willing to pay for those needs if the right items or services are available. When companies have better focus on meeting those needs they are able to increase sales and improve marketing performance. At the end of the day, performance is about discovering needs, fulfilling those needs and converting those needs into sales.
One of the first things to assessing customer needs is understanding your core customer demographics. Once you have a grasp of your customer's spending habits, income, location, and interests you can find those products generate significant market appeal.
Beyond finding marketing driven products you will need to poll and question your customers to determine which specific features, brands, services and products appeal to them the most. Obtaining your general customer demographics and specific needs will help you develop offerings that serve those needs.
Finding your customer needs is one thing but getting them to make a purchase is another. This will require tapping into their motivational interests. In many cases this is based in their self-esteem needs while in other cases it is more related to to their specific utility.
The marketing campaigns you create should tap those interests and provide specific information on how to make a purchase. Making this process as easy as possible lowers the annoyance factor associated with buying. Conversion is related to the ability of making purchases easy as possible.
One of the first things to assessing customer needs is understanding your core customer demographics. Once you have a grasp of your customer's spending habits, income, location, and interests you can find those products generate significant market appeal.
Beyond finding marketing driven products you will need to poll and question your customers to determine which specific features, brands, services and products appeal to them the most. Obtaining your general customer demographics and specific needs will help you develop offerings that serve those needs.
Finding your customer needs is one thing but getting them to make a purchase is another. This will require tapping into their motivational interests. In many cases this is based in their self-esteem needs while in other cases it is more related to to their specific utility.
The marketing campaigns you create should tap those interests and provide specific information on how to make a purchase. Making this process as easy as possible lowers the annoyance factor associated with buying. Conversion is related to the ability of making purchases easy as possible.
Revitalizing Small Farms
Small farms were once the backbone of the country from the first day settlers got off the boat. These small farms started with almost nothing. Families cut out new land, built houses, and created a life where many would have perished. Life wasn't always easy but the did create a culture of individualism and self-reliance. Changes in work situations may allow younger generations to move back to farming as an occupation.
Today's online employment opportunities offers chances for younger people to start their own farms and still keep their jobs. This is an amazing advancement that could be used to repopulate small towns and rural countryside.
The problem with many of these areas is that people can't' find good paying jobs, don't have the capital to start farms, and have few options. Younger people are forced off of their family land and then into larger cities where the lifestyle changes.
To keep people on their farms and starting new farms means giving them employment opportunities. They need a chance to not only make money on their farm activities but also somewhere that provides a reasonable income and medical benefits.
Micro farms can start small and then make their way into something larger as they progress and find new markets. It is just like running any other business. However, with a solid job to support the family the process becomes much easier. Some may stay small micro-farms for personal use while others could grow into something bigger. The trend can be reversed.
Today's online employment opportunities offers chances for younger people to start their own farms and still keep their jobs. This is an amazing advancement that could be used to repopulate small towns and rural countryside.
The problem with many of these areas is that people can't' find good paying jobs, don't have the capital to start farms, and have few options. Younger people are forced off of their family land and then into larger cities where the lifestyle changes.
To keep people on their farms and starting new farms means giving them employment opportunities. They need a chance to not only make money on their farm activities but also somewhere that provides a reasonable income and medical benefits.
Micro farms can start small and then make their way into something larger as they progress and find new markets. It is just like running any other business. However, with a solid job to support the family the process becomes much easier. Some may stay small micro-farms for personal use while others could grow into something bigger. The trend can be reversed.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Keeping Up with Your Yoga Routine
When your busy and working a lot you will naturally lose track of time and shift around your daily agenda. Naturally we start putting our fitness and health routines to the side for more pressing "to do" issues. The problem is that these "to do" items will be never ending and they will never truly be done Set aside a time each day and keep up with your yoga practice.
Good health is built on daily choices that add up over time. We fall into the rut of putting aside those things that don't have immediate consequence for us and we may find that these problems arise over time. All is going well and one day we have an heart-attack, stroke or other medical issue that damages our life in some way..
Thinking ahead is helpful because it allows you to avoid those issues in the long-run while still improving lifestyle now. Set aside some time each day and complete your yoga routine. It doesn't matter if it is morning, middle of the day or night. Get started and you will continue through.
Cardio benefits improve upon your awareness, health and mood in the short run and your heart in the long-run. Resistance postures maintain your muscle strength while stretching ensures you have flexibility. Yoga is seen as total body fitness program that covers the physical, cardio, balance, flexibility and meditative aspects of health.
The excuses will creep in and you will feel like you should put your program aside for a while and then you run out of time. Find a solid hour to engage in fitness and then don't allow anything to get in the way. Make sure your home and ready to do this practice just like you were going to work. The consistency of your routine will be a big part of improving your health.
Good health is built on daily choices that add up over time. We fall into the rut of putting aside those things that don't have immediate consequence for us and we may find that these problems arise over time. All is going well and one day we have an heart-attack, stroke or other medical issue that damages our life in some way..
Thinking ahead is helpful because it allows you to avoid those issues in the long-run while still improving lifestyle now. Set aside some time each day and complete your yoga routine. It doesn't matter if it is morning, middle of the day or night. Get started and you will continue through.
Cardio benefits improve upon your awareness, health and mood in the short run and your heart in the long-run. Resistance postures maintain your muscle strength while stretching ensures you have flexibility. Yoga is seen as total body fitness program that covers the physical, cardio, balance, flexibility and meditative aspects of health.
The excuses will creep in and you will feel like you should put your program aside for a while and then you run out of time. Find a solid hour to engage in fitness and then don't allow anything to get in the way. Make sure your home and ready to do this practice just like you were going to work. The consistency of your routine will be a big part of improving your health.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Downhill Skiing and the Power of Fresh Powdered Snow
Downhill skiing isn't for the faint of heart and requires a little practice to master. Some of us have grown up on ski hills while others learned over time. Whether you enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding you gain a new level of respect for outdoor sports and the accommodations of a warm lodge. Local ski hills attract locals and tourists and provide a good opportunity for outdoor recreation.
I grew up on a ski hill and enjoyed the beauty of taking off from my father's yard into the side of the hill. It wasn't a big hill but it provided lots of childhood fun. At one point I considered getting on a team and skiing competitively. Never happened, but I have always enjoyed the sport and the life around skiing.
This morning I took off to Pine Mountain Resort for the $12 all you can eat buffet and the fresh blizzard snow. Puffy white powder is what you want before it is packed by the rush of skiers and snowboarders who create slick spots. In this case I was within the first wave of sportsmen to hit the hill.
I enjoy the fitness activities that improve leg strength as well as the cardio benefits of slaloms. Of course who doesn't enjoy the great outdoors or the lodgings? Sitting by the fireplace after a few hours of extreme weather and more extreme sporting and you get why people come here.
Small establishments like Pine Mountain Golf and Ski Resort encourage new local tourism. People come from 100s of miles around to ski, golf, lodge, and dine in the area; something the local economy really needs. While the ski resort may be seasonal the golf resort offers opportunities for year round recreation. Put on your warmest gloves and ski pants and head for the lift.
I grew up on a ski hill and enjoyed the beauty of taking off from my father's yard into the side of the hill. It wasn't a big hill but it provided lots of childhood fun. At one point I considered getting on a team and skiing competitively. Never happened, but I have always enjoyed the sport and the life around skiing.
This morning I took off to Pine Mountain Resort for the $12 all you can eat buffet and the fresh blizzard snow. Puffy white powder is what you want before it is packed by the rush of skiers and snowboarders who create slick spots. In this case I was within the first wave of sportsmen to hit the hill.
I enjoy the fitness activities that improve leg strength as well as the cardio benefits of slaloms. Of course who doesn't enjoy the great outdoors or the lodgings? Sitting by the fireplace after a few hours of extreme weather and more extreme sporting and you get why people come here.
Small establishments like Pine Mountain Golf and Ski Resort encourage new local tourism. People come from 100s of miles around to ski, golf, lodge, and dine in the area; something the local economy really needs. While the ski resort may be seasonal the golf resort offers opportunities for year round recreation. Put on your warmest gloves and ski pants and head for the lift.
Following Up for Business Reputation
Businesses often succeed and fail based on their market reputation. When that reputation is strong the business will continue growing on word-of-mouth marketing, strong brand image and repeat customers. However, when its reputation is poor it looses customer and fails to gain new ones as competitors brand image wins out.
Once I hired a contractor that nearly finished the job and was paid appropriately. He said he would drop off the elbows to the downspouts on a building in a few days. He didn't show up. Thinking he forgot, I inquired again and he apologized. Again he didn't show up! After a three more tries I gave up.
Darn contractors!!!!
What impression did the contractor give me? I had more work for him to do but now he will likely never see that additional work because he gave the impression he is not trustworthy. If he cannot spend the few minutes to drop off a couple of pieces worth a whopping $40 out of the $700 I paid him then he cannot be trusted to do more expensive work.
Particularly, he is teaching customers that he should not be paid until he puts the last bolt in because he won't show up again to finish the job. No care, no concern, he made selfish choices that will follow him. His future reputation and income will suffer because he has lost additional work and will have fewer future referrals.
It is important to remember that reputation is one of the most important assets a business can develop. Small towns and small businesses are even more subject to the overall the powerful impact of reputation. The contractor could follow up and ensure all of the work is completed and therefore save his reputation...yet he chose an approach which will lose a future potential customer and tarnish his image.
Once I hired a contractor that nearly finished the job and was paid appropriately. He said he would drop off the elbows to the downspouts on a building in a few days. He didn't show up. Thinking he forgot, I inquired again and he apologized. Again he didn't show up! After a three more tries I gave up.
Darn contractors!!!!
What impression did the contractor give me? I had more work for him to do but now he will likely never see that additional work because he gave the impression he is not trustworthy. If he cannot spend the few minutes to drop off a couple of pieces worth a whopping $40 out of the $700 I paid him then he cannot be trusted to do more expensive work.
Particularly, he is teaching customers that he should not be paid until he puts the last bolt in because he won't show up again to finish the job. No care, no concern, he made selfish choices that will follow him. His future reputation and income will suffer because he has lost additional work and will have fewer future referrals.
It is important to remember that reputation is one of the most important assets a business can develop. Small towns and small businesses are even more subject to the overall the powerful impact of reputation. The contractor could follow up and ensure all of the work is completed and therefore save his reputation...yet he chose an approach which will lose a future potential customer and tarnish his image.
Friday, December 16, 2016
The Rugged Cold-Hiking in the Tundra
Ok maybe its not really the "tundra" where tree growth is hindered but you can get the feeling when it is 2 degrees with a -20 windchill factor. Whether you engage in hunting, hiking, photography or just like to be out in nature realize there are places in this world that are relatively untouched by human hands. You get that eerie feeling when your cell phone no longer works, you haven't seen cottages in a long while and no more cars pass you on the snow covered road.
Out there is there is a truth to life. A place we all began in the nature. Not a soul around and the only sounds are the trees cracking in the wind or that of a wood pecker or other creature of the forest. Your breath pushes puffs steam and your mustache accumulates ice. No matter how many layers of deep cold gloves you wear your fingers are still cold.
Despite its downside and the nipping air you can also feel as though you can clear your mind and enjoy just the state of being in nature. If you are a hunter you can track your next catch and if you enjoy photography you can get a few pics off the beaten paths. You are free to just live and walk much like your ancestors did before modern cities and conveniences.
Out there is there is a truth to life. A place we all began in the nature. Not a soul around and the only sounds are the trees cracking in the wind or that of a wood pecker or other creature of the forest. Your breath pushes puffs steam and your mustache accumulates ice. No matter how many layers of deep cold gloves you wear your fingers are still cold.
Despite its downside and the nipping air you can also feel as though you can clear your mind and enjoy just the state of being in nature. If you are a hunter you can track your next catch and if you enjoy photography you can get a few pics off the beaten paths. You are free to just live and walk much like your ancestors did before modern cities and conveniences.
Making it Through Chaotic Times-One Step at a Time
We all run into those times when we have so much to do, so many different things going on, that we have to adjust our normal patterns to get the things done. Before you get too excited it is beneficial to stop for a moment and get your bearings by putting things in perspective. After that, you can move forward by putting one foot in front of the other.
Much of our life is subjective and what we feel is important today may not be important a few months or years from now. Therefore, it is beneficial to evaluate what is truly important now and then prioritize that work. When you prioritize the work you will find that much of the lesser important things will not matter and they will put put in proper perspective and not clutter your mind.
Once you have your bearings then you can move toward figuring out how you will get those critical things done that are necessary. You may wish to combine projects, ask others for help, or pay someone to help you do some of the work. Putting together a plan that is efficient without wasted steps will help you save time.
Then you will want to put one foot in front of the other. Don't get bogged down in worry because the frustrating time will soon be over. Just move from necessary action to the next and by the end of the day, week, or month you will find out that you accomplish what you needed. Keeping your cool and taking a few extra moments to prioritize, plan and then act will make a big difference and save you aggravation.
Much of our life is subjective and what we feel is important today may not be important a few months or years from now. Therefore, it is beneficial to evaluate what is truly important now and then prioritize that work. When you prioritize the work you will find that much of the lesser important things will not matter and they will put put in proper perspective and not clutter your mind.
Once you have your bearings then you can move toward figuring out how you will get those critical things done that are necessary. You may wish to combine projects, ask others for help, or pay someone to help you do some of the work. Putting together a plan that is efficient without wasted steps will help you save time.
Then you will want to put one foot in front of the other. Don't get bogged down in worry because the frustrating time will soon be over. Just move from necessary action to the next and by the end of the day, week, or month you will find out that you accomplish what you needed. Keeping your cool and taking a few extra moments to prioritize, plan and then act will make a big difference and save you aggravation.
Should Business Take a Specialized or Diverse Approach to the Market
Businesses have opportunities to provide a narrow range of products through specialization or to offer a broader range of products through diversity. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand when it is beneficial for them to take one approach over the other. This can be determined by current revenue as well as the market itself.
If the market is saturated and future growth of sales is likely to be limited then it makes more sense to diversify your offerings into more lucrative markets. The business will need to explore these new options or they will slowly be squeezed by competition into a declining market.
The other option is to diversify and do something better than anyone else. This should occur if your business is too small to be all to everyone or if you are a large business offering something unique. For example, a patented product might lead to similar patented products that are unique and have market appeal.
It isn't always easy to know when to diversify and when to specialize. Much of it depends on the competition in the market. If your competitors cannot offer something as unique as your business and not at the same quality level then it makes sense to get better at it because you build your own market.
However, if the prospects for growth are low and your company doesn't have superior strength in one area they may need to diversify to ensure they have multiple revenue streams. Large companies invest in other areas because they have the capacity to manage multiple product lines at once and the resources to move to the top of the market through economies of scale.
If the market is saturated and future growth of sales is likely to be limited then it makes more sense to diversify your offerings into more lucrative markets. The business will need to explore these new options or they will slowly be squeezed by competition into a declining market.
The other option is to diversify and do something better than anyone else. This should occur if your business is too small to be all to everyone or if you are a large business offering something unique. For example, a patented product might lead to similar patented products that are unique and have market appeal.
It isn't always easy to know when to diversify and when to specialize. Much of it depends on the competition in the market. If your competitors cannot offer something as unique as your business and not at the same quality level then it makes sense to get better at it because you build your own market.
However, if the prospects for growth are low and your company doesn't have superior strength in one area they may need to diversify to ensure they have multiple revenue streams. Large companies invest in other areas because they have the capacity to manage multiple product lines at once and the resources to move to the top of the market through economies of scale.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Cost of Business Transactions
Cost of transactions internally and externally have a determined impact on corporate profits through lowering general internal and external operating costs. When organizations improve upon their internal transactions by updating of processes and procedures, as well as the technology they use to conduct such transactions, they can improve overall performance. It is important to consider the benefits of internal transactions cost and external cluster costs when encouraging business growth.
All activities within an organization have transaction costs. Whether these are phone calls, emails, documents, movement of information, energy transfers, product movement, etc... it makes no difference. Each of these transactions can cost the company money and slow their productivity.
A common internal infrastructure improvement that lowers transaction costs and improves upon internal activity is IT systems. A large amount of money has been poured into this approach over the past few decades with great success. This include hiring, training, and updating technology infrastructure (Banerjee & Kumar, 2002).
Companies also exist within geographic infrastructure that exists both as a cluster and part of a larger regional hub. When regional infrastructure is weak then it will cost more to make transactions across companies. In turn, it will be more expensive to run a business in one city over another.
It is important to determine the internal costs of completing transactions as well as the external cost of completing business in that particular region. Businesses that develop their internal infrastructure should also consider pushing for external infrastructure changes in order to improve the region as well. Viewing transaction costs from internal and external vantage points can help improve positive adjustments.
Banerjee, S. & Kumar, R. (2002). Managing electronic interchange of business documents. Communications of the ACM, 45 (7).
All activities within an organization have transaction costs. Whether these are phone calls, emails, documents, movement of information, energy transfers, product movement, etc... it makes no difference. Each of these transactions can cost the company money and slow their productivity.
A common internal infrastructure improvement that lowers transaction costs and improves upon internal activity is IT systems. A large amount of money has been poured into this approach over the past few decades with great success. This include hiring, training, and updating technology infrastructure (Banerjee & Kumar, 2002).
Companies also exist within geographic infrastructure that exists both as a cluster and part of a larger regional hub. When regional infrastructure is weak then it will cost more to make transactions across companies. In turn, it will be more expensive to run a business in one city over another.
It is important to determine the internal costs of completing transactions as well as the external cost of completing business in that particular region. Businesses that develop their internal infrastructure should also consider pushing for external infrastructure changes in order to improve the region as well. Viewing transaction costs from internal and external vantage points can help improve positive adjustments.
Banerjee, S. & Kumar, R. (2002). Managing electronic interchange of business documents. Communications of the ACM, 45 (7).
Justify Your Numbers When Creating Budgets
Budgets are not something to be created in jest or in the last minute. Sketchy numbers and quick fix cramming is not the way to go when it comes to putting forward a financial plan. I have seen managers fail to justify their budgets and this leads to embarrassment and/or lay offs. Start your budgeting project early and come up with itemized numbers that can be supported.
I once worked with someone in training and they asked me how they could justify their department. My answer was they would have to show how they are contributing value and that their budget was justified in order to continue to bring that value.
The person was not well schooled in common business practices and wasn't able to use metrics to support the value of her department and wasn't able to justify her budget. At the end of the day, she and her employees were laid off to allocate resources to other pressing areas.
Likewise, I have seen managers put forward budgets with sketchy numbers that are not supported. When they were probed, as most certainly will happen, they were hard pressed to find justification for their numbers making them look less than professional.
The best advice I can offer on budgets is to start early, justify the numbers, make sure that your budget actually supports your goals. They should be in alignment with your strategic plan and take into consideration the necessary research needed to create a sound and supported position that can be discussed in detail. Don't wait until the last minute to complete your work because someone will go over it with a fine tooth comb.
I once worked with someone in training and they asked me how they could justify their department. My answer was they would have to show how they are contributing value and that their budget was justified in order to continue to bring that value.
The person was not well schooled in common business practices and wasn't able to use metrics to support the value of her department and wasn't able to justify her budget. At the end of the day, she and her employees were laid off to allocate resources to other pressing areas.
Likewise, I have seen managers put forward budgets with sketchy numbers that are not supported. When they were probed, as most certainly will happen, they were hard pressed to find justification for their numbers making them look less than professional.
The best advice I can offer on budgets is to start early, justify the numbers, make sure that your budget actually supports your goals. They should be in alignment with your strategic plan and take into consideration the necessary research needed to create a sound and supported position that can be discussed in detail. Don't wait until the last minute to complete your work because someone will go over it with a fine tooth comb.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Reaching Beyond the Stars
There are a few individuals in the world that do much more than accumulate money and wealth. They reach beyond the stars to enact a vision. They are characters that are driving beyond something related to self-gain and into personal challenges. They seek to create a better world and develop something few other people dared to do.
I've always been impressed by people who have climbed Mount Everest, discovered new plant species in the Rain Forest, or explored the North Pole in wooden boats. They are people who have a drive beyond what most of us would ever experience.
Many people give up at the first sign of difficulty and hardship. Instead, visionaries go forward and break new ground despite all odds. They are will creators that are more stubborn than the world around them.
They engross themselves in their pursuits and live, eat, breath, and dream about their passions. They become obsessed to the point that it is nearly all consuming. Their practice moves them to a level of performance others can't find.
Reaching for the stars is a passion for people who are doing it. It doesn't matter if it is starting a business, sailing around the world, or completing some other difficult task. The goal takes on a life of its own and sets and example that other people will have difficulty following.
I've always been impressed by people who have climbed Mount Everest, discovered new plant species in the Rain Forest, or explored the North Pole in wooden boats. They are people who have a drive beyond what most of us would ever experience.
Many people give up at the first sign of difficulty and hardship. Instead, visionaries go forward and break new ground despite all odds. They are will creators that are more stubborn than the world around them.
They engross themselves in their pursuits and live, eat, breath, and dream about their passions. They become obsessed to the point that it is nearly all consuming. Their practice moves them to a level of performance others can't find.
Reaching for the stars is a passion for people who are doing it. It doesn't matter if it is starting a business, sailing around the world, or completing some other difficult task. The goal takes on a life of its own and sets and example that other people will have difficulty following.
Get SMART with Your Goals
Attaining of goals is a defined process that helps to increase outcomes. It isn't about shooting in the dark in hopes of blindly tripping over your goals. A little planning can go a long way in fostering positive outcomes. The SMART goal setting technique can help you define what you want to do and in the time frame you want.
Specific: Be specific and write down exactly what you want. Don't be too broad.
Measurable: Your goals should be measurable.
Attainable: Your goals should be reasonable and realistic.
Time Bound: Make sure that you have a specific time-frame to complete your goals or they will go on forever and not be achieved.
Specific: Be specific and write down exactly what you want. Don't be too broad.
Measurable: Your goals should be measurable.
Attainable: Your goals should be reasonable and realistic.
Time Bound: Make sure that you have a specific time-frame to complete your goals or they will go on forever and not be achieved.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Everyone Should Appreciate the National Forests
As a business lover and nature lover I find that protecting our natural resources is important for our survival as a species. We spend a good amount of the country's early days conquering nature and now we must move on to living in harmony with nature. Protecting national forests for recreation and our species health is important.
If you ever walked in the forest after a snow storm, or live in a rural area, you are likely more connected to nature than many city dwellers. It becomes a part of your life and who you are. If you enjoy it then you may spend a considerable time in nature oriented activities and reaping its many benefits. I encourage everyone to spend a little time in nature to appreciate it.
Study Says People Dying Younger-Maintain Your Health Routine
Life expectancy in the U.S. declined over the past year and people are now dying younger than over a decade ago. According to a study by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the biggest increases are related to drug overdoses, car crashes, and gun shots but most revolve around health related issues. The study helps us highlight the importance of staying healthy and fit.
We have only one life to live but our health is a series of small decisions that relate to our health. The study highlighted that heart disease, injury, respiratory, stroke, diabetes, suicide, and Alzheimer's are some of the main causes of death. While some of this is genetic, is also related to lifestyle choice.
Each day we make many choices that lead to our health or illness. The obvious big ones are smoking and heavy drugs. However, there are many small choices such as exercise and eating. For most of us is the later that eventually leads to illness.
Eating is based on habit and culture but can be changed to create a more healthy lifestyle. As a french fry addict I have to learn to replace those artery clogging goodies with something else like sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. These small choices add up over our lives and lead to a particular health outcome.
It is also important to keep a strong work out regiment. This can be anything like running, jogging, yoga, boxing, hiking, stair stepper, or anything else that interests us. We only must find a way to incorporate this into our lives in order to avoid the sudden decline in Americans health. Getting involved in fitness can help you enjoy your life more and be more active.
We have only one life to live but our health is a series of small decisions that relate to our health. The study highlighted that heart disease, injury, respiratory, stroke, diabetes, suicide, and Alzheimer's are some of the main causes of death. While some of this is genetic, is also related to lifestyle choice.
Each day we make many choices that lead to our health or illness. The obvious big ones are smoking and heavy drugs. However, there are many small choices such as exercise and eating. For most of us is the later that eventually leads to illness.
Eating is based on habit and culture but can be changed to create a more healthy lifestyle. As a french fry addict I have to learn to replace those artery clogging goodies with something else like sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. These small choices add up over our lives and lead to a particular health outcome.
It is also important to keep a strong work out regiment. This can be anything like running, jogging, yoga, boxing, hiking, stair stepper, or anything else that interests us. We only must find a way to incorporate this into our lives in order to avoid the sudden decline in Americans health. Getting involved in fitness can help you enjoy your life more and be more active.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Building a Reputation of Quality
There is at least one thing the U.S. did well and that was build cars. We can learn from our past dominance, decline, and reemergence. Almost all cars once came from the U.S. until our quality and innovation suffered. We are coming back as a nation in manufacturing abilities but it is important to remember the values of quality and how that can influence long-term sales performance.
When given an option people are willing to spend a little more on a product that has higher quality than one that doesn't. Of course that is dependent on the purpose and use of the product. While someone wouldn't spend much on a screwdriver they are going to use once they will spend more on one they plan on using for a long-time.
"Big ticket" items like cars, appliances, and houses should be of high quality because they can last many years. These "big ticket" items have price flexibility and can work quality in their value proposition. However, when items continually adapt every other year then product life-cycle might be a better approach ensuring the product lasts as long as its intended relevance.
Quality builds a reputation. People who perceive a product as having high quality will find more value in it and this turns into increased sales. More specifically it turns into a value proposition that leads to word of mouth marketing and repeat sales. When the product builds wide market reputation based on quality it increases its overall sales potential.
When given an option people are willing to spend a little more on a product that has higher quality than one that doesn't. Of course that is dependent on the purpose and use of the product. While someone wouldn't spend much on a screwdriver they are going to use once they will spend more on one they plan on using for a long-time.
"Big ticket" items like cars, appliances, and houses should be of high quality because they can last many years. These "big ticket" items have price flexibility and can work quality in their value proposition. However, when items continually adapt every other year then product life-cycle might be a better approach ensuring the product lasts as long as its intended relevance.
Quality builds a reputation. People who perceive a product as having high quality will find more value in it and this turns into increased sales. More specifically it turns into a value proposition that leads to word of mouth marketing and repeat sales. When the product builds wide market reputation based on quality it increases its overall sales potential.
Fostering Performance Based or Developmental Based Training Programs
Developing the workforce takes time and effort matched with strong planning. Plans are crafted in a way that help strengthen the overall business model and ensure that qualified workers are available to fill needed skill sets. As the labor market continues to change and adjust it becomes even more important to ensure that training programs are effective in their expected outcomes. Taking the performance based or developmental based approach to training will determine the the results.
Performance based approaches seek short-term return on training dollars spent in an effort to spark greater applied skills. The strategy is effective for justifying budgets and calculating returns. It is also beneficial for finding immediate actions that lead to improve performance in the short-run.
The only problem with the approach is that the skills are specific and limited in their ability to transfer to other activities. Learning the use of a new tool leads to greater specific performance but doesn't necessarily develop the overall personal and professional functioning of the person.
To develop the whole person and improve specific skill sets through broad learning training should be focused on creating awareness of the "big picture". These skills are core development and might include training in conflict management, critical thinking, and human motivation. They will apply across a broad range of different scenarios.
Sometimes it is best to develop training that is based on short and long-term performance results. Training in general human motivation could be included with specific techniques the manager can use right away to motivate their employees. They gain broad skills and specific actions all in the same training session.
Once the performance and developmental training sessions are enacted it is important to use metrics to determine general performance. Short-term metrics will study specific techniques while departmental or trend oriented data can measure general improvement of the entire entity. The choice of training program will determine the training philosophy of the organization.
Performance based approaches seek short-term return on training dollars spent in an effort to spark greater applied skills. The strategy is effective for justifying budgets and calculating returns. It is also beneficial for finding immediate actions that lead to improve performance in the short-run.
The only problem with the approach is that the skills are specific and limited in their ability to transfer to other activities. Learning the use of a new tool leads to greater specific performance but doesn't necessarily develop the overall personal and professional functioning of the person.
To develop the whole person and improve specific skill sets through broad learning training should be focused on creating awareness of the "big picture". These skills are core development and might include training in conflict management, critical thinking, and human motivation. They will apply across a broad range of different scenarios.
Sometimes it is best to develop training that is based on short and long-term performance results. Training in general human motivation could be included with specific techniques the manager can use right away to motivate their employees. They gain broad skills and specific actions all in the same training session.
Once the performance and developmental training sessions are enacted it is important to use metrics to determine general performance. Short-term metrics will study specific techniques while departmental or trend oriented data can measure general improvement of the entire entity. The choice of training program will determine the training philosophy of the organization.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Create Your Own World of Happiness
Much of our world is subjective by nature and our thoughts lead to actions and outcomes that have a significant impact on our personal level of happiness. One could theoretically argue that happiness is truly based in our thoughts and for the most part is not dependent on money or circumstance. Others might take issue with this idea but if we think of how interpretation creates our own realities then we might be surprised by their outcome.
Consider an event that could potentially be seen as negative such as a difficult project or a personal set back. While these events do produce short-term stress much of it is based on how we view and interpret these issues. That stress can quickly reside if we understand the situation completely.
Thoughts such as "this sucks I can't do this" or "there isn't enough time and I'm going to fail" will produce more stress and in turn lower your happiness level. On the other hand, thoughts such as, "this frustration will be short-term but the knowledge I gain will be long-term" or "I can beat this and master new skills" will lead to feelings of empowerment.
Thinking positively doesn't mean we should be dishonest with ourselves. It means we recognize the problem and challenge and make positive steps to change it constructively. If it is a pattern of problems then we might consider making long-term pattern changes in our lives. A positive outlook is about believing in yourself and your ability to overcome challenges.
Consider an event that could potentially be seen as negative such as a difficult project or a personal set back. While these events do produce short-term stress much of it is based on how we view and interpret these issues. That stress can quickly reside if we understand the situation completely.
Thoughts such as "this sucks I can't do this" or "there isn't enough time and I'm going to fail" will produce more stress and in turn lower your happiness level. On the other hand, thoughts such as, "this frustration will be short-term but the knowledge I gain will be long-term" or "I can beat this and master new skills" will lead to feelings of empowerment.
Thinking positively doesn't mean we should be dishonest with ourselves. It means we recognize the problem and challenge and make positive steps to change it constructively. If it is a pattern of problems then we might consider making long-term pattern changes in our lives. A positive outlook is about believing in yourself and your ability to overcome challenges.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Avoiding Creating Your Own Work Chaos
It can be hard to get out of your own way but when we don't we often find we create our own chaos. This leads to confusion, sloppy work, and much more stress than is necessary to complete the work. There are a few tips one should consider when trying to avoid chaos. They include:
1. Schedule things in advance.
2. Spend some time thinking about things before you do them.
3. Allow others the freedom to do the work they need to.
4. Slow down and enjoy your work.
5. Don't avoid all the details and skip necessary steps.
6. Have strong communication with others and make sure you give them accurate information.
7. Don't blame others for asking questions or confusing sloppy instructions.
8. Learn to breathe and slow down your mind.
1. Schedule things in advance.
2. Spend some time thinking about things before you do them.
3. Allow others the freedom to do the work they need to.
4. Slow down and enjoy your work.
5. Don't avoid all the details and skip necessary steps.
6. Have strong communication with others and make sure you give them accurate information.
7. Don't blame others for asking questions or confusing sloppy instructions.
8. Learn to breathe and slow down your mind.
The Power of Persistence
Persistence is the stubborn diligence of completing some goal despite almost all resistance or difficulty. Where some people give up right away when things get difficult while others continue to move forward despite the problems they face. Most people who achieved great success have experience difficulty in one way or another.
Life is about setting goals and working on those goals to make meaning. We should try and balance our lives out so that we can enjoy each day to its maximum but at the same point we should have some life work we an claim as our own.
People who succeed find importance in their goals. They don't give up and they don't let small problems get in their way. They continue to push forward despite the problems they face.
Persistence is a type of stubbornness that defies adversity. It is not ignorance of risk or an inability to chance strategy but it is the constant seeking and working toward a goal of worthwhile effort and finding new ways to achieve that goal when it becomes difficult.
Such people seem to have confidence that others don't have. They are in the constant search for achievement to either prove themselves to themselves or to leave a positive mark on the world. The goals they seek have significant meaning to them and this is one of the reasons why they continue to push forward.
Life is about setting goals and working on those goals to make meaning. We should try and balance our lives out so that we can enjoy each day to its maximum but at the same point we should have some life work we an claim as our own.
People who succeed find importance in their goals. They don't give up and they don't let small problems get in their way. They continue to push forward despite the problems they face.
Persistence is a type of stubbornness that defies adversity. It is not ignorance of risk or an inability to chance strategy but it is the constant seeking and working toward a goal of worthwhile effort and finding new ways to achieve that goal when it becomes difficult.
Such people seem to have confidence that others don't have. They are in the constant search for achievement to either prove themselves to themselves or to leave a positive mark on the world. The goals they seek have significant meaning to them and this is one of the reasons why they continue to push forward.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Study Says Intelligent People Spend Time Alone
A study conducted by Singapore Management System and London School of Economics and Political Science explores the "Savannah Theory" that smart people like to spend more time alone than others. The Savannah Theory, also known as evolutionary legacy hypothesis, indicates that much of our adaptation occurred in rural environments and we respond and adapt much like our ancestors did in places like the Savannah.
We are designed to live in groups of around 150 people. When we get into a larger group such as a city we don't feel comfortable and we may feel a little antsy. When groups move above 150 they begin to split and create more groups that are easier to manage. Our social networks seem to follow that pattern as well where our preference for active engagement is for 150 people or less.
The study indicates that highly intelligent people like to spend time alone. The study doesn't affirmatively say that people who like to spend time with others are less intelligent or why intelligent people like to spend more time alone. It also doesn't clarify whether spending time alone is more of a by product of not relating as well to people of lower intelligence or has something more to do with entertainment in one own thoughts.
The study states that intelligent people are more goal driving than others and prefer to work alone to achieve those goals which is an evolutionary outlier. While I find this an important argument it might also depend on what those goals are. People directed at feeling good and connecting with others for their own survival is not necessarily a bad trait. It would seem a healthy balance between being with others and spending time alone would be very high intelligence when you can manage it properly to fulfill more of your goals, needs and wants.
We are designed to live in groups of around 150 people. When we get into a larger group such as a city we don't feel comfortable and we may feel a little antsy. When groups move above 150 they begin to split and create more groups that are easier to manage. Our social networks seem to follow that pattern as well where our preference for active engagement is for 150 people or less.
The study indicates that highly intelligent people like to spend time alone. The study doesn't affirmatively say that people who like to spend time with others are less intelligent or why intelligent people like to spend more time alone. It also doesn't clarify whether spending time alone is more of a by product of not relating as well to people of lower intelligence or has something more to do with entertainment in one own thoughts.
The study states that intelligent people are more goal driving than others and prefer to work alone to achieve those goals which is an evolutionary outlier. While I find this an important argument it might also depend on what those goals are. People directed at feeling good and connecting with others for their own survival is not necessarily a bad trait. It would seem a healthy balance between being with others and spending time alone would be very high intelligence when you can manage it properly to fulfill more of your goals, needs and wants.
Set Your Goals Each Morning for Success
Each morning offers an opportunity to reassess your activities for each day that leads to life success. Goal achievement is about persistence and making the necessary steps to compete each day to move closer to your goals. Sitting down in the mornings with your cup of coffee is one of the best times to figure out the most critical things to ad to your "to do" list.
A few tips :
-Focus on what is necessary for the day.
-Prioritize your activities.
-Find a time for your critical activities.
-Move non-critical activities to others when possible.
-Be realistic about what you can and can't accomplish.
-Make sure your activities fit with your larger goals.
-Build in some down time so you can enjoy your life.
-Give yourself plenty of time.
A few tips :
-Focus on what is necessary for the day.
-Prioritize your activities.
-Find a time for your critical activities.
-Move non-critical activities to others when possible.
-Be realistic about what you can and can't accomplish.
-Make sure your activities fit with your larger goals.
-Build in some down time so you can enjoy your life.
-Give yourself plenty of time.
Monday, December 5, 2016
2017 International Conference on Hospitality, Leisure, Sports, and Tourism-Summer Session (HLST-Summer 2017)
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
August 23-25th, 2017
http://science-techs.org/hlst- summer/
2017 International Conference on Hospitality, Leisure, Sports, and Tourism - Summer Session (HLST-Summer 2017) is to be held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, on August 23-25th, 2017. The aim of this conference is to provide a platform which focuses on important topics of Hospitality, Leisure, Sports, and Tourism. Since more than 20 different countries are typically represented, presenting at this conference is a great way to get feedback from researchers with different perspectives. Detailed information about the conference can be found on the conference website
(http://science-techs.org/ hlst-summer/).
We sincerely invite your participation for this important academic event. Please submit full paper or abstract by April 15, 2017. All submissions will be subject to a double-blind review process. All accepted manuscripts will be published in the conference proceedings, under an ISSN reference, on CD-ROM support.
The conference venue Sapporo is one of the most exciting and visited cities in Japan. As the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city, Sapporo was chosen as the island's administrative center and enlarged according to the advice of foreign specialists. Sapporo became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Nowadays, the city is best known for its beer, ramen and the annual snow festival. We believe that you will enjoy your stay in Sapporo. If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Conference Website: http://science-techs.org/hlst- summer/
Online Submission: http://175.99.76.113/HLST- summer/
Enquiries: ichlst.summer@gmail.com
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2017
August 23-25th, 2017
http://science-techs.org/hlst-
2017 International Conference on Hospitality, Leisure, Sports, and Tourism - Summer Session (HLST-Summer 2017) is to be held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, on August 23-25th, 2017. The aim of this conference is to provide a platform which focuses on important topics of Hospitality, Leisure, Sports, and Tourism. Since more than 20 different countries are typically represented, presenting at this conference is a great way to get feedback from researchers with different perspectives. Detailed information about the conference can be found on the conference website
(http://science-techs.org/
We sincerely invite your participation for this important academic event. Please submit full paper or abstract by April 15, 2017. All submissions will be subject to a double-blind review process. All accepted manuscripts will be published in the conference proceedings, under an ISSN reference, on CD-ROM support.
The conference venue Sapporo is one of the most exciting and visited cities in Japan. As the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city, Sapporo was chosen as the island's administrative center and enlarged according to the advice of foreign specialists. Sapporo became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Nowadays, the city is best known for its beer, ramen and the annual snow festival. We believe that you will enjoy your stay in Sapporo. If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Conference Website: http://science-techs.org/hlst-
Online Submission: http://175.99.76.113/HLST-
Enquiries: ichlst.summer@gmail.com
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2017
Is it Possible to Save the Environment while Enhancing Business?
People sometimes believe that protecting the environment and enhancing business are separate activities but they are interrelated. Business relies heavily on natural resources and protecting those resources. Whether we are discussing tourism, medical care, farming, logging, or even mining our natural resources are part of our lives and should be a concern of the business community.
Politically they also seems to be on two different worlds but both are seeking the very same things. While one is looking for profit the other is looking for quality of life through the protection of the environment. Quality of life leads to greater productivity and output as workers and business understand that we are limited and products of our environment.
In some cases protecting the environment means we must raise costs on business and this could have an impact on jobs. At other times, they work together because the need to protect the environment forces businesses to adapt and become cleaner. Pushing business to adopt limits waste and long-term costs.
Problems arise when adjustments are too quick for companies to handle and then they begin to lose ground against foreign competition. Government should keep this in mind as they create legislation and restrictions to ensure American companies are changing and maintaining their competitiveness. However, government should maintain its responsibilities to both parties and understand the long-term needs of its people.
Protecting the environment moves beyond corporate citizenship to economics. When the environment becomes polluted and damaged it impacts overall production of other businesses that rely on that environment. Damaging the environment damages businesses that rely on the environment and the people who live in that environment and ultimately the businesses themselves as the cyclical mother nature brings karma. Developing environmental policies that help business and the community should be the ultimate goal.
Politically they also seems to be on two different worlds but both are seeking the very same things. While one is looking for profit the other is looking for quality of life through the protection of the environment. Quality of life leads to greater productivity and output as workers and business understand that we are limited and products of our environment.
In some cases protecting the environment means we must raise costs on business and this could have an impact on jobs. At other times, they work together because the need to protect the environment forces businesses to adapt and become cleaner. Pushing business to adopt limits waste and long-term costs.
Problems arise when adjustments are too quick for companies to handle and then they begin to lose ground against foreign competition. Government should keep this in mind as they create legislation and restrictions to ensure American companies are changing and maintaining their competitiveness. However, government should maintain its responsibilities to both parties and understand the long-term needs of its people.
Protecting the environment moves beyond corporate citizenship to economics. When the environment becomes polluted and damaged it impacts overall production of other businesses that rely on that environment. Damaging the environment damages businesses that rely on the environment and the people who live in that environment and ultimately the businesses themselves as the cyclical mother nature brings karma. Developing environmental policies that help business and the community should be the ultimate goal.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Christmas on Small Town Main Street
Small town main streets are more than places to shop but also where Christmas cheer abounds and people get together to meet their community members. During these times children line the street and learn about their community, watch the bright lights and catch candy with the skill of a professional baseball player. Each parade is unique and part of the culture of that town.
For example, I just attended a small town parade that brought most of the town together in one act of holiday spirit. The adults picked their favorite beverage, coffee or brew, and the kids ran around playing and having fun.
Such events do more than simply bring people down town but also expose them to the stores in the area. Parades are great advertisements, and attractions that keep activities centered around the city shopping districts. Each float is sponsored by a business and part of the community.
Contributing to the town and advertising go hand in hand. It shows that businesses care about people and their needs. Each advertisement makes its way all the way down the line across residents eyes and becomes part of a greater effort that contributes to quality of life.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Enjoying Your Work Leads to Greater Peace and Prosperity
Enjoying your work leads to greater peace and prosperity. Not many of us have the opportunity to truly enjoy our work and continue on each day reaching new goals and meeting objectives in a way that fulfills our needs. When one enjoys their work they soon find themselves accomplishing their goals while finding a level of personal fulfillment.
We only have one life so if we are doing work we don't enjoy or don't help us feel as though we are having a meaningful life then we are limiting our possibilities.
When your enjoying your work the time flies and you don't feel as though you are doing work at all. Instead, you are engaging in an activity you feel good about and you are present in the moment. An extra bounce in your step, more motivation, and greater levels of achievement can be discovered through the way they feel.
Many of us have to do what we have to do. We started a career when we went to college and then stuck with that career. Some bounce from career to career. As people get older they sometimes switch careers in order to feel as though they are doing something meaningful. A few of us find a career earlier and engage in that career in a way that enhances our overall peace and prosperity.
We only have one life so if we are doing work we don't enjoy or don't help us feel as though we are having a meaningful life then we are limiting our possibilities.
When your enjoying your work the time flies and you don't feel as though you are doing work at all. Instead, you are engaging in an activity you feel good about and you are present in the moment. An extra bounce in your step, more motivation, and greater levels of achievement can be discovered through the way they feel.
Many of us have to do what we have to do. We started a career when we went to college and then stuck with that career. Some bounce from career to career. As people get older they sometimes switch careers in order to feel as though they are doing something meaningful. A few of us find a career earlier and engage in that career in a way that enhances our overall peace and prosperity.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
When Should a Business Owner Seek Outside Help?
Business is tough with hundreds of different avenues and choices but limited resources of time and money to get the necessary things they need done. As the work piles up, business owners often get dragged into a world of endless choices and possibilities that could make them ineffective. At this point, it is beneficial to seek outside help to find a focal point for their energies and resources to earn the highest Return on Investment.
Business owners are often the expert and it can be tough to ask someone for help to evaluate all of the different different avenues and decisions. For some, this could be a big ego buster as nobody knows the business as well as they do. Because mistakes can be costly it is beneficial to seek an outside perspective and advice to help evaluate possible strategic choices in an impartial way (Plenda, 2016).
One of the important ways in which consultants can help is through processing and capitalizing on the owner's previous experience and then hedging that with their own to create a stronger strategic direction. They can encourage owners to reflect on their own experiences, evaluate the alternatives through an objective lens, and then integrate that knowledge into more lucrative activities (Lansberg & Gersick, 2015).
As an owner, If your unsure of what direction to take or don't have a solid idea of how to formally and impartially select among multiple opportunities then it is time to consider an outside perspective. Business owners are often great at producing the product or service they sell to their customers but can use help in setting an appropriate direction to maximize their return on time and resources. Outside counsel helps them make decisions that help fit within owner's personal perspective and values in a way that reaps the greatest financial and personal rewards.
Lansberg, I. & Gersick, K. (2015). Evaluating family business owners: The fundamental intervention. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 14 (3).
Plenda, M. (2016) Setting goals and plans. Who advises the boss? Business NH Magazine, 33 (11).
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