Today in this time of information overload, as multiple media sources and their sponsors compete for our attention, we hear much more emphasis placed on engagement. But what exactly does that word mean? According to Merriam-Webster, which of course offers many definitions, the one that applies to our plight is…
You know, people with great connections don’t have them by accident. Indeed, when you come across another person who has lots of connections in different places, that asset of “human capital” was built at a price. Someone had to work to build that asset. This perspective is shared with me…
When building a business, charting a new career path or any other worthy endeavor, you must be firmly committed and have the support–and belief–of the people closest to you. Which begs the question: what if you don’t have this support?
What does it mean to be totally committed? And when you personally are committed to a worthy goal, what are your chances of achieving it without the support–and an equal commitment–of those who are with you? I think a strong illustration of this dynamic is found in Scouting. I know…
Ten years ago, there was an independent movie released called The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. A blend of romantic dark comedy and science fiction, it’s a story about a couple who, when their relationship becomes strained and unbearable, undergo a process to erase each other–and their history–from their…
Last time I introduced you to Steve Mariotti, a new math teacher charged with bringing a class of unruly inner-city youth up to passing standards for their math exams. An overwhelming problem, and yet Steve decided to aim much higher: he knew that unless these could make a fundamental change…
Ask yourself: “What is problem solving?” It’s about making something go away. The “problem” with problem-solving is that if that’s all you care about, then another problem will simply take its place.
The year was 1783. The Revolutionary War was finally over. The American Continental Army, led to victory by General George Washington, was quickly growing restless and resentful over the lack of pay and support from a financially strapped American government. Talk spread of the Army marching on Congress. Many of…
Back in 2012 I joined a local referral group, part of Gold Star Referral Clubs. If you aren’t familiar with how referral groups often work, typically it is a group of business professionals who get together on a regular basis, and support one another through referrals and cross promotion. For…
A close friend once told me that the biggest challenge to beginning any business or career endeavor is most often “surviving the drip.” It’s having just what you need to get by for TODAY, so you can make it to the next.