There’s an adage that “the customer is always right.” Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sometimes customers are just mean and unreasonable. This year we have seen an unprecedented number of assaults on airlines as tensions seem to skyrocket. Many flight attendants have been cursed and even assaulted for trying to do their jobs, especially their legal requirement to enforce […]

George Washington left his American legacy with a great reputation. Even though the famous story of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree and not lying about it, may not be true, this story speaks to people’s belief about his character. George Washington once said, “Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is […]

My friend, Jim, recently shared with me a new idea they have implemented in his company to encourage generosity. Jim uses a new app called Grateful for Giving. Jim’s company purchases gift cards to give to his employees or customers that entitle them to give to any charity of their choice. These cards direct the recipient to the app to […]

Our personal strengths, when overused, can also become weaknesses. Taking anything to the extremes can end poorly. Over the years, I’ve been told at times that listening and observing is a strength of mine. This strength can have the benefit of others feeling heard. But I also know that when I only listen, and not engage, others find it difficult […]

My son lives in a residential home with five young men who all have some form of special needs. The young men get along great most of the time, but occasionally, the parents are a different story. For a while there was a parent who constantly complained and gossiped about the staff or other parents. It made for an unhealthy […]

Altruism is when we act to promote someone else’s welfare even at a risk or cost to ourselves. According to research conducted by the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2013, altruism in the workplace has many benefits. A Fast Company article highlighted some benefits of altruism. Altruists are more likely to help fellow employees, be more committed to their work, […]

As we remember Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, it’s a great day to remember the importance of doing the right thing, even when unpopular. With half of the nation at war, President Lincoln was very unpopular with most of the nation. Yet, he persevered to abolish slavery and fight secession. Today Lincoln is widely celebrated as one of the most respected Presidents […]

In Tim Elmore’s book, “The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership,” he referenced a study that discovered two different ways of implementing values. The first is to pronounce them and hang them on the wall for everyone to see. This approach takes ten to twelve years to change any culture. The second way is much more effective. For each of your […]

Early in the pandemic my friend, Peter, began to realize that needed supplies for his restaurants were becoming hard to get. He began ordering additional supplies and stockpiling them. The problem, however, kept getting worse. As Peter tried to determine a better solution, he happened to study the story of Joseph in Genesis 41. After God forewarned Joseph of the […]

My wife, Kathy, makes it a habit to stop people in a military or police uniform and thank them for their service. Lately, she has begun doing the same thing with waiters and waitresses. I’ve noticed many restaurant employees seem overwhelmed lately, resulting in more opportunities for Kathy’s gift of encouragement. After she thanks a server for their service, Kathy […]