How to Create a Path to Promotion: A true Story
The story I’m about to tell about a path to promotion is one I've told but not written. It’s a story I often shared when completing new hire orientation. I used it as an example of creating a position. The story begins during a call-center employment interview. How to Create a Path to Promotion The [...]
Don’t Omit this Training with New Hires
Don't omit this training with new hires. When training new hires, share challenging expectations, and offer the training needed to achieve them. Several years ago, I was asked to take over the new hire basic sales training for one of America's top 50 (by net volume) home remodeling companies. Although the company had a competent [...]
Is It Time to Quit Smoking?
Is it time to quit smoking? I quit smoking in 1997. It's been 25 years since I last took a drag on a Newport. At my peak, I smoked three packs a day. I survived, but there are lingering effects from my 25-plus years of tobacco use. I'm luckier than many. My lungs haven't been [...]
I Failed My New Year’s Resolution and So Can You! (Originally published in 2012)
December 2012: It’s that time ‘o year again — New Year's resolution time. I know many of us have made resolutions we didn't follow through with; I’m certain I’m not alone. Last year, I made a very public resolution posted on my blog. Not only did I make one, but I outlined the milestones I [...]
Why Do We Make New Year’s Resolutions?
So, why do we make New Year's resolutions? Interesting question. More than 2,000 years ago, the Babylonians observed a New Year's tradition of returning items borrowed from neighbors, which I believe were usually farming tools and mystery novels. In the early 18th century, Jonathan Edwards published a list of 70 resolutions. For Edwards, the resolutions were a guideline to [...]