Let’s Solve this Problem Together!
Can you imagine having a job where your entire role revolves around dealing with stressed out, and often, very irritated customers? Where basically everyone complains about all that is wrong, and expects you to fix the issue? This is the everyday reality of most airline gate agents. As I witnessed recently, they often get to […]
Why don’t you fly business class?
It was the last leg of a very long day flying home from Asia. All that was left was a “fast” 4.5 hour flight from San Francisco to Chicago. I could smell home. “Does your company let you fly business class?” Asked the guy sitting next to me. “No, we don’t fly business class for […]
Can You Be Trusted?
I recently had lunch with a friend of mine and they shared a story about something that happened within their organization. As the primary leader, they were sort of venting, and sort of looking for reassurance that they had handled the situation well. Not only did I think they handled it well, and in fact, […]
The Arc
I have been captivated by Ron Chernow’s extensive biography of Ulysses S. Grant. Grant’s rise from irrelevance to the White House was sudden, and rather remarkable in hindsight. Post Presidency, Grant became the first 19th-century American President to tour the world for over two years. After a brief political comeback went up in flames, he […]
On the Necessity of Listening to Those You Don’t Agree With…
The other night I decided to do something that was uncomfortable by listening to a political figure I disagree with on mostly everything. This person’s identity is irrelevant; what is relevant is whether or not we – leaders – are willing to listen to those we disagree with? In business, livelihoods depend on people of […]
Will you help me?
A few weeks ago, I felt completely over-committed. Between an International trip, a minor speaking engagement, business booming, and family life, I did not have margin for much else. And yet, I had to prepare for one of the bigger speaking engagements of my life at the end of the month. Reviewing my outline, I […]
Observations from Korea
I write these words on the last leg of my journey home from Korea. I normally don’t use the blog to comment on business trips, but given the hoopla regarding the political climate in Korea, I feel this trip to be different. Fear Many people were surprised that I was going to Korea. “Are you […]
Creating a Wide Enough Net
I received another rejection notice the other day for a potential speaking engagement. I was somewhat relieved. A few observations… First, I was relieved because I have thrown my name in the hat for several speaking engagements. So a few “you have not been chosen” messages are actually relieving. Second, I take rejection as a […]
Who is the hero?
Many sales people “show up and throw up.” In attempting to overcome every anticipated objection, they describe all the features and benefits of their service or company. “Our quality is impeccable, our on-time delivery is 99.9%, our pricing is competitive, and our customer service is second to none.” Have you ever heard a pitch where […]