My name is Eben, Eben Miser. Eben is short for Ebenezer. The name is Hebrew origin, meaning "stone of help." Eben Miser, that's me, and this is my Christmas story. To begin with, you must understand Carl was dead. He died seven years ago this very eve. Christmas Eve, 2034. Without this information, the story [...]
Should you manage people or lead them? Years ago, while working in marketing for a retail fashion corporation I watched as the corporate staff asked store managers to conduct specific programs with all store personnel. Every employee was treated exactly the same. There were no variations in the format. Tailoring training to meet the needs [...]
Is social media making us antisocial? I'm not the first to ask this question. Most of what I read answers this question with a resounding yes, social media makes us antisocial. I don't see it this way but give me a minute to explain. Is Social Media Making Us Antisocial? Human Nature Hasn't Changed—Much I [...]
Now more than ever, retaining key employees is critical to any organization's success, growth, and profit. Replacing valuable employees is time-consuming, risky, and expensive. The first step in retaining key employees is knowing what your employees do for you. The second is knowing what they want. Do you know? A friend resigned from her position [...]
If you're considering going from an employee to owning business, good for you. I don't want to talk you out of it. What I hope to do is help you be a little more prepared for what may await you. I grew up working in my parent’s mom & pop convenience store. It was open [...]
A SWOT audit (strength, weakness, opportunities, threats) is a tool used to recognize growth options for an organization while helping to define the culture, mission, and vision. You can also use it to focus a team on critical issues. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you guide your team in the most productive ways. [...]
This is the story of my one and only kayak adventure. In the summer of 2021, I drove to Florida to spend time with both of my daughters and their families. My first visit was with my eldest daughter Dawna, Dr. O’Brien. She and her husband are empty nesters and have become avid RVers. (Is [...]
Do you believe in Karma, in retributive justice? Do you subscribe to the belief that what goes around comes around? I do. There's not always a direct link. In other words, just because you share an act of kindness with another human being doesn't mean they'll return the favor. People are people. Some are kind [...]
This is a true story about falling leaves, a fire pit, and a fireman. Our backyard is at the bottom of a wooded hill. When autumn arrives, the leaves fall, covering our yard. I don't mind. It's beautiful. The wooded hill attracted us to the home. So, I mow and rake and mow and rake [...]
So, how can you manage your boss, someone who manages you and why should you? I was thinking about this the other day when I recalled looking at recliner lift chairs while visiting a furniture store. The chair was for my father. He was 88-years-old at the time and sometimes had trouble getting out of [...]
