Ski Brule A Little Place with a First Opener

Ski Brule is a ski resort in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is one of the very first places to open for the season. Others resorts in the area typically open up a few weeks later. They are also known for being one of the last places to close up for the season. This year the hill is already packed with skiers who are enjoying the new made snow.

Lodge: The lodge is warm and offers food and drink for those who enjoy warming up. You can order in the bar or the restaurant.

Ski Shop: If you forgot something the ski shop will have it.

Pricing: The pricing is a little less than most of the other ski resorts at $49 or $39 if you get advanced tickets at local locations.

The day I went it was a little warm but the hill was open and the trails well manicured. There was a race that day so one of the runs was closed. Easy parking and friendly staff this is a place I expect to come back often.

What Managers can Learn from the Philosopher Nagel on Objective Performance Management

Managers have a responsibility of objectivity when it comes to management of employees and the daily functioning of their departments. Being emotionally wrapped into the the daily conversations of employees or taking wildly emotional stances not based in sound business logic does not help in growing a successful business. Learning to objective means stepping back from the daily bustle and learn to observe and see the big picture.

Erwin Schrodinger restates some of Nagel's beliefs in What is Life? (1944) stating "moderately satisfying picture of the world has only been reached at the high price of taking ourselves out the picture, stepping back into the role of the non-concerned observer." According to Erwin one comes to higher knowledge and general satisfaction by not being dipped head first into the daily bustle.

We learn from our senses but we interpret from our impressions and mental constructions. Knowing that one's immediate beliefs are not the truest interpretation opens up the possibility to see the world from a new perspective. Philosophy teaches us that by stepping back and taking a bigger view we gain performance perspectives.

Stepping Back: Stepping back means not engaging in the employee gripes, fights, and arguments. The daily politics should not come to sway the managers opinions and thoughts based on personal loyalties and self-seeking behaviors. The manager who can step out of the fray learns to see his/her department from a more objective standpoint which leads to better decisions.

The Big View: When one becomes an observer and pays attention to understanding versus judging they can eventually come to understand the mechanics of their department and the bigger picture with greater clarity. The big view will allow the manager to put the daily fires in perspective and work toward larger goals needed to advance the company.

Sneaking in Your Workout Throughout the Day

Working out throughout the day is important part of staying healthy. If you live a busy life it can be very difficult. Sometimes we work all day and into the evening and can't find time. The problem is that without this workout we don't get the full benefit of a healthy life and may find that our mental performance also suffers.

It is possible to find a little time if you consider breaking your workout up to 20 minute home or workouts.

1.) Watch Youtube cardio programs or read a book on weightless work outs.
2.) Use your lunch break to climb stairs or go for a walk.
3.) Use your office space to do yoga, squats, sit ups and other methods.
4.) Develop an evening routine that includes fitness between household chores.

The Benefits of Bottom Up Management

Bottom up management occurs when decisions are made from the lowest positions possible within the workplace. There are numerous benefits when organizations change from a top-down approach to a bottom-up approach which includes better vetted decisions, employee empowerment, better skills, lower turnover, and generally better performance.

Vetted Decisions: This occurs when more people look at a problem and then seek to find solutions from a diverse set of eyes. Employees typically come from different backgrounds with different experiences and can open up new pathways of thinking or see problems before they rise.

Employee Empowerment: When employees have an opportunity to make decisions that impact them they feel empowered to take ownership over problems. As each employees success is tied to the business they feel a greater sense of ownership over the organization.

Better Skills: Making decisions also means we understand the context of those decisions. Employees know that their skills are not in isolation and have a better sense of how all the different types of skills work together. They will soon seek to diversify their talents.

Lower Turnover: Having input on decisions also leads to more loyalty to the company. Employees gain a sense of connection with the organization that values their opinions and beliefs.

Better Performance: Performance improves over time as employees tie their own success to the organization. They self-police and create expectations toward other employees as they build their community

What does Wal-Mart's change to Walmart Signify about Future Strategies?

January 1st Wal-Mart will be rename Walmart in order to accept its move into e-commerce. The company has been beat out by Amazon and the desire of people to price compare and purchase online. Walmart has been seeking ways of ensuring its low cost dominance over the past few years. Walmart has a few things going for it that many other companies don't.

1.) Its distribution system is one of the best in the world. If it decided to it could purchase a fleet of smaller trucks at each of its stores and start delivering. This doesn't seem to be in their plans but moving to more distribution focus makes sense considering it is one of their greatest advantages.

2.) Its purchasing power allows it to buy products at a cheaper price than anyone else. Amazon is made up of smaller providers and use the system as a marketspace. However, Amazon is starting to purchase hot selling items on its own. Walmart will need to compete in this arena.

3.) It has acquisitioned Jet.com and improvements in that system are likely. Not sure if they will be hosting sales of non Walmart items but improving its eCommerce strategy includes reaching more customers through the Amazon competitor.

4.) Physical locations offer an opportunity for people to return products and see them first hand. Amazon doesn't already have a physical presence so Walmart can use its Click-n-Mortar hybrid approach to gain customers online and offline. Many of us still grocery shop and need items today which makes it more convenient. Few like shipping items back on Amazon.