One of the most exciting things I get to do is assist startups. From time to time, I get to talk with energetic young people who have ideas for a new company. If they approach me in the right way, I will make time for them and impart whatever wisdom is appropriate. But sometimes, the […]
Monthly Archives: February 2018
Want to be Remembered? Exceed Expectations
In the fall of 2017, I attended the 40th class reunion of Bishop Moore High School in Orlando, Florida. I did not attend Bishop Moore, but my wife did, and we had a great time reminiscing with all of her classmates. What I can tell you is that this reunion was by far the greatest […]
Making a List, Checking it Twice
As a speaking coach, I consistently remind my students that their performance from the platform is only a small part of what it takes to be a great professional speaker. One of the elements I stress is a checklist of details they must carefully address right before their talk. These include checking in with the […]
How Many Bad Ideas Are You Generating?
“There are no bad ideas.” As a strategic planning facilitator, I say something similar to this at every brainstorming session. Every facilitator does—even though we all know that there are in fact bad ideas. But that label “bad idea” is a misnomer. For example, an idea may not be “bad” per se, just not right […]
To React is Human, To Respond Divine
Our natural human instinct is to react to external stimuli—what would it take for you to convert your reactions into responses? There is a huge difference between a reaction and a response. Suppose someone walks up and punches you in the arm; your reaction is to punch them back. But if you pause, even for […]
Distracted Driving? How about Distracted Stopping?
I was speaking at a conference in Orlando, Florida, and while there, I set up a meeting with a young millennial with whom I am consulting on a new startup idea. He flew down to Orlando so we could use the time around when I would be speaking to collaborate on his startup. After I […]
How to Use the Special Silver Pen
Last fall, I was facilitating strategic planning for an Atlanta-area nonprofit, and, as usual, there were hotel-provided pens and scratch paper at each seat. I didn’t pay much attention to them, though, as I was busy with my own preparation. About halfway through the first session, however, I needed to write a note, and I […]