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We Eat Our Own Young
March 16, 2009
Chester Elton and I met with some leaders of a great healthcare organization last week. The executives we spoke with were first rate, their company is profitable (even in this economy) and their patient care is exceptional. But they have a problem: Employee turnover.
President’s Gift is an Oops—Proving Power of Symbolism
March 09, 2009
We see symbols every day: the flag of our country, corporate logos, wedding bands, sports team logos, Olympic rings. Symbols evoke emotion. In fact, symbols are so powerful that thoughtful gift-givers use them in their expressions of thanks. Here’s a great example: On Thursday British Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave President Obama and his children several unique historical gifts.
The Answer to the Employee Free Choice Act
March 02, 2009
We’ve had several companies contact us recently with concerns about the pending Employee Free Choice Act. Organized labor is championing this legislation, and it has the early support of President Obama and Democratic leaders.
Garrett the Carrot on CNN
February 25, 2009
In our speaking engagements, we hand out stuffed carrot toys to those who participate by answering questions, making a comment, or occasionally saying something flattering to us. People have sent us pictures of these Garrett the Carrots in many historic places around the world such as the Coliseum…
Efficiency Experts Say No More Smooching
February 17, 2009
Having grown up in the British Isles, I understand a little of the prim thinking behind this recent AP story: A no-kissing rule has just been enacted at Quay railway station in Warrington, England. Apparently departing passengers were taking too much time giving their loved ones a peck goodbye before they headed off into London each morning. The station managers stated that passengers who want a kiss should pay to park.
Wells Fargo CEO responds to so-called boondoggle recognition
February 09, 2009
A full-page letter from Wells Fargo President and CEO John Stumpf appeared in the Sunday editions of the New York Times and the Washington Post and today’s editions of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. In the letter, Stumpf explains why team member recognition is so important to the company’s success, thanks team members for their work and tells all stakeholders how much the company values all its team members. The letter says:
Power of a Great Workplace
February 06, 2009
A powerful reminder of the impact of a great work place. Culture is more important than cash. Watch this story from CNN.
Super Bowl Proves a Point
February 03, 2009
A great Super Bowl on Sunday. Congrats to the Steelers. And yet once again, around the water cooler on Monday, it was the commercials that were generating the buzz (actually, does anyone still have a water cooler?).
My Interview on Fox
January 28, 2009
I was on Fox News today discussing how to get a raise in the current economic environment.
Take a look:
Anyone can be funnier ... seriously
January 19, 2009
Being fun is a serious part of business. The best bosses we’ve studied over the years have great senses of humor and use them to great advantage in sales situations, employee meetings, negotiations, and so on. But I often hear people say, “I can’t be funny because I’m … too dry/too busy/a woman/the boss/from Connecticut/a radish.