Words of Worth

Which Fork Do I Use?...Last night, my wife and I served as table hosts to six delightful students at our local university. It was their annual Etiquette Dinner Event.The university understands that we have a generation of young adults that have no idea about table manners.The...

Do you call people back?...One of my all-time pet peeves is the lack of follow-up. Now if you are someone who chooses to not return phone calls or emails, just stop reading right here because you will not like what I have to say.I recently received an insurance renewal notice...

Have you ever self destructed?...Look, I’m a die hard Black and Yellow, all sports Pittsburgh fan. Pirates, Penguins and the Steelers, so watching the Chiefs beat the Ravens on Sunday brought me great satisfaction. HOWEVER, I don’t the think the Chiefs beat them…….I think the...

Are You Getting Noticed By All the Right People?...You undoubtedly know that building a business is about how you market yourself and the business you are trying hard to create.When you are trying to establish yourself or promote your business, you want to make people aware of...

Do you believe in coaching?...Anyone who is in leadership should always want to strive for growth and improvement, it’s only natural. We all should seek to enhance our skills, make better decisions, and inspire our teams to succeed. The only question is, do you think you’re...

Are You Living Free?...Today, as we commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I find myself reflecting on his profound words and the enduring impact they have had on society. Dr. King's vision was not only about fighting for equality and justice; it was also...

How do you view and define success? ...Yesterday, I received an email from a “LinkedIn marketing guru” asking me why I open his emails and don’t respond. He went on to actually use questions like….“Do you not want to elevate your life?” “Do you not want to succeed as an...

Are your goals already shattered?...Today is the 11th day of the New Year. Let me ask you, are your goals still intact?It’s estimated that 23-25% of New Years Resolutions and goals have already been shattered. Where do you stand?Less than two weeks ago, we kickstarted the new...

Are you a connector?...Are you willing to share your network? Do you tend to share others with…..others? Networking has always been an integral part of professional growth forever, but in today's interconnected world, being a connector takes on a whole new level of...

How deep is your bench?...Having the right talent on your team is a game-changer. It's not just about the starters, but also about the strength and resilience of the entire roster, several layers deep.The concept of having a deep bench goes beyond having a backup plan....

What do you do when you come to a fork in the road?...Throughout our journey in life, we will have many crossroads come our way, demanding choices that shape our future.In business, these crossroads can manifest as critical strategic decisions, career transitions, or even...

Do you always act your best?...Have you ever heard the saying, "Always act as if someone is watching?" I’m willing to bet you have. And if not, well now you have.Go read the words on the sign in the photo then come back here to read the rest of the post….I will be...

How do you react to negative people?...Face it, not everyone you encounter is like you, full of sunshine and rainbows. We all find ourselves dealing with negative people at some point in our day. How we react is important. We should try to maintain a calm and composed...

What’s something you’re really excited about for 2024?...Day three of the new year and there’s so much to be excited about! I hope you're all doing well and staying motivated as we dive into another year of endless possibilities.My journey this year is to...

How do you deal with unexpected news?...A little over a month ago, during a routine blood test, my doctor noticed an increase in my white blood count and referred me to a hematologist. During the initial meeting, I was told that they believed I had something called CLL,...

When is the rule, "the customer is always right," wrong?...As long as I can remember, we have been told:Rule #1 The customer is ALWAYS right.Rule #2 If the customer is ever WRONG re-read Rule #1.While the customer is undoubtedly important and their satisfaction is...

How do you deal with a self-proclaimed know-it-all?...We all have that one friend right? No matter what you say or do, they have done it better, faster, more efficient. It seems like they have an answer for everything. So today, I have a question for you that I believe many of...

How do you handle that one challenging co-worker?...While working with a client the other day, this very question came up. Everything at work for them seems to be going well… except this one annoying distraction.So let's talk about this extremely common workplace...

What does leadership mean to you?...Leadership is a word that carries power and responsibility. But what does it truly mean to be a leader?To me, leadership is more than having your ducks in a row. It’s not about holding a position of authority or making high-level decisions....

Are Your Blind Spots Keeping You In The Dark?...Let's face it, we've all got blind spots. It's a funny thing, really. We're like eagles when it comes to spotting the flaws in others, but when it comes to ourselves? We might as well be blind as a bat....

Do you truly hear when you listen?...In the businesses of life, it seems that people are only listening to respond but not to truly hear or understand.This is dangerous people!Put down your phones when someone is talking to you. Look up from your iPad or computer. In fact,...

Have you ever felt like, “Enough is Enough?”...I’d be lying if I said I never have. Now be real, have you?When you have taken all you can and feel like you are about to burst, is that the time?For some, knowing when enough is enough is a personal decision. It’s never a one...

How should an employee handle leadership bias when it’s detrimental to the team?...Yesterday, in my post on leadership bias, todays question was asked by one of the respondents. I felt that it needed a bit more explanation than what I provided yesterday.Handling leadership...

How do you deal with bias?...Everyone has biases, and leaders are no exception.It’s something that happens to everyone whether we like it or not. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with bias, even when a leader displays them.Face it, we all have inclinations towards certain...

...As I talk with #business leaders, one question keeps coming up. “Are other clients of yours noticing a change in consumers?”The simple answer, YES!Now let’s dig a little deeper for the cause.This new era of consumer behavior has a lot to do with two things. Changes in...

Still remote?...There are some companies where remote work has become an integral part of how they operate. But this type of work is not without its challenges.When I talk with leaders who are still operating remotely or even hybrid, two questions come to mind. 1. What are the...

Are you finding the right employees?...It's a question that weighs heavily on the minds of business leaders and HR professionals everywhere. In today’s job market, finding the right employee is a challenge that just about every organization faces.Hiring the right person...

Do you have communication challenges at work?...Being able to communicate at work is the lifeblood of any successful organization. But let's face it, from time to time we all encounter challenges with communication.The question is: Do you have communication challenges at...

Have You Adapted Your Business Strategies to Combat Inflation and Rising Interest Rates?...Inflation, coupled with the increase in interest rates has left an impact on the global economic landscape. As a business leader, it's crucial that you address these challenges...

Are You a Lonely Entrepreneur?...Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s lonely at the top?”Why do you think that is?As an entrepreneur, the business is yours, therefore the weight of all the decision-making, the responsibility of leading your people, and the constant drive for...

Do You Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone?...Look, we all fail. Failure is a part of being an entrepreneur. Heck - failure is a part of just being alive!The reality is, it's not a matter of "if" you are going to fail but "when" you are going to...

Are the right people on your side?...As an entrepreneur, one of the major obstacles you will face is building the right team. In fact, talking with other leaders, I found that building the right team is a monumental concern for most of them.Your success hinges not only on the...

Do you struggle with the challenge of balancing work and life?...When you are an entrepreneur, the lines between work and your personal life can often be blurred.On one hand, your relentless pursuit for success can lead to burnout and strained relationships. While ignoring...

Do you worry about Financial Uncertainty?...Being an entrepreneur often means walking a tightrope with your finances.It's a world where every decision you make can impact your bottom line.Things like securing your funding, managing cash flow, and ensuring profitability...

Are you the light at work?...I started the week off by addressing the cloud of negativity at work. All week I provided tips on how to deal with negative people, bullies, unethical requests and how to handle your mistakes in a positive way. Today, I want to show you how that...

Do you own your mistakes?...I really hate to burst your bubble but…..NOBODY IS PERFECT!Mistakes happen to the best of us, and how we handle them can make all the difference in both our personal and professional growth. 🌱I have made lots of mistakes over the years and, it is...

Have you ever been bullied at work?...I am not talking about the playground when you were a kid. I am talking about adulthood, on the job, maybe your professional career.Workplace bullies can create a toxic environment that affects everyone's well-being. But we all have...

What do you do if your boss asks you to do something illegal or against your values?...Ethical dilemmas can be tough, especially when they involve your boss's instructions. 🤔 But remember, your values are your guiding light!I experienced this first-hand. I was told that...

Does a cloud of negativity surround your workplace?...Negativity can spread like wildfire in the workplace, affecting not only productivity but also our mental well-being.But here's the good news - we have the power to combat it!Here are some things you can do today if...

What are some Practical Steps to Bring Your Faith to Work?...Over the past few days, I have been focusing on the question, “If you are a believer, should you bring Jesus to work?”I started by describing the intersection between faith and work. They we looked at the benefits of...

What are the challenges to bringing Jesus to work?...This week I have been focusing on the question, “If you are a believer, should you bring Jesus to work?” The discussion around this has been a very beautiful thing. If you have interacted with the previous posts, thank you....

What are the benefits of bringing Jesus to work?...Yesterday, I asked the question, “If you are a believer, should you bring Jesus to work?” Many of the comments quickly went to religion and other faiths. Believe me, we are all entitled to our own beliefs, but I cannot speak...

If you are a believer, should you bring Jesus to work?...For many of us, work takes up a significant portion of our lives. We spend a substantial amount of our waking hours in the workplace.We are taught that striving for success, financial security, and personal fulfillment...

How often do you share your failures?...We all love to talk about our success. The deals we close, the number of clients we serve, the degrees we have, but what about the times we failed.Many suppress these times and would rather have a root canal than acknowledge them, let...

Are you a victim of Imposter Syndrome? (part two)...In my post yesterday, I talked about imposter syndrome, what it is and signs that you may be experiencing it. https://lnkd.in/gEzyiuKUSo today, I want to share with you some ways that if you do have impostor syndrome, you can...

Are you a victim of Imposter Syndrome? (part one)...Have you ever felt like you don't deserve the success or recognition you have achieved? Do you constantly doubt your abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud? If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.Imposter...

What defines your character?...Yesterday, I talked about integrity and a comment was made that linked integrity to character. This gave me a reason to write about character today.Have you ever heard the phrase, “oh, he’s a character”? Normally that means someone is...

Has your integrity ever been challenged?...Has someone ever questioned your motives? Has a client said things about you that were not true?This can happen to all of us at some point in our lives. You feel that you are doing everything right then BOOM, your integrity is...

Do you suffer from F.O.M.O. (Fear of Missing Out)?...Yes, this is real. It’s a common feeling experienced by many individuals in this age of social media and constant connectivity. Seeing images of what everyone else has sparks thoughts of jealousy and greed.So what do you do...

Have you ever been afraid of not having enough?...I ask this today because of a conversation I recently had with a client. By far it was the worst case of a scarcity mindset I have ever seen.The thought of not having enough crosses all of our minds at various times in our...

Can you tell if someone is being truthful?...Determining if someone is truthful can be challenging. Mainly because we all have different ways of expressing ourselves.Let me share a few indicators that can help you gage someone's truthfulness:👉 Consistency:Pay attention to...

What are your thoughts on a four-day work week?...The idea of a four-day work week has gained massive popularity in recent years.Those that are proponents share the following benefits.👉 Increased employee satisfaction👉 Improved work-life balance👉 Decreased stress levels👉...

What lengths are you willing to go just to be right?...I know I have been guilty of feeling the need to prove myself right. How about you?In the pursuit of being right, we can often find ourselves entangled in a web of stubbornness, ego, and sometimes even deception.In our...

Are you focused on your purpose?...Does everything you do line up with your goals? Is there a reason for you actions?Being focused on your purpose means having a clear understanding of your goals and values.You will consistently direct your time, energy, and attention on...

Do you have passion or purpose?...This question comes up when people start to reflect on their life choices and career paths.While these two words seem interchangeable, they actually represent distinctly different concepts that can greatly impact your overall satisfaction and...

What does it mean to build rapport? (Part two)...Last week, I shared with you the need to build rapport in the sales process and the importance of it.If you missed it here is the link: https://lnkd.in/gCw5rut3Today, I want to share the steps you can take to build rapport.👉...

What Does It Mean to Build Rapport?...Building rapport is a crucial skill for both personal and professional relationships. In my next book, “The Marriage Steps of Selling,” I liken rapport to the often overlooked courtship phase of dating.This is the process of establishing a...

Can you tell the difference between no and know?...The English language is full of words called homophones. Words that sound the same when spoken but have different meanings and spellings.Words like:Baring and BearingCite, sight and siteHole and WholeNew and Knew as well as my...

Is money your motivation?...As we navigate our careers and strive for success, many people ponder this very question.Money is undoubtedly an important factor in our lives. But is it the sole driving force behind your actions and aspirations?There is no denying that financial...

Are you someone that others can trust?...Whether personal or professional, trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. It is like the glue that holds people together, allowing them to rely on each other and work towards a common goal. Although the rewards are...

Have you ever taken a cleanse from social media?...Last week, the United States celebrated its independence. In honor of that event, I chose to declare my independence by taking a social media cleanse.I know that social media has become an integral part of our lives, allowing...

What Does Your Face Say About You?...They say that the face is the window to the soul.Throughout history, people have been intrigued by the messages conveyed through facial expressions, especially during conversations.Yesterday I wrote about a phrase people use that often...

Do you ever say, “let me be honest with you.”...Let me be honest with you and say, “I hate this phrase!”I can tell you these words are commonly spoken in conversations as a way of establishing trust and sincerity, but for me, they do the exact opposite. I mean, seriously, why...

Are you merely alive or are you living life?...Life is a precious gift given to us by God Himself. We are all designed in unique ways, all gifted with a different purpose and destiny.But in the hustle and bustle of our daily routine, we often forget the true essence of life.We...

What’s your go-to excuse?...We all have them.We all use them.Excuses are just a part of our everyday lives. We use them to get out of situations we don't want to be in, to avoid taking responsibility for our actions, and to dodge uncomfortable conversations.For some...

How often do you change your voicemail?...I was having lunch last week with my friend John Knotts and we started talking about our “why” and routines we have.I mentioned that I change my voicemail six days a week. (Saturday and Sunday are a weekend message)His jaw about hit...

How famous are you?...When do you know that YOU made it? I mean are you so famous that the one and only Jennifer Aniston follows you on Instagram?My heart lept with joy yesterday as I opened up my new followers and saw this one. I quickly closed it and opened up again to make...

Are you living your purpose or someone else’s?...In my post yesterday I responded to a comment with this statement.“Unfortunately many people look to work just for the money to accumulate stuff that they put in storage and never use.”After saying that, John Knotts asked “Why...

Is your mindset that of an employee or an owner?...There have been a lot of posts the past few days relating to employees and work ethics. Several of us agree that the difference in workers boils down to their mindset.Do they have an employee mindset or an owner mindset?Let’s...

What do you do when your gut says to run?...Some call it intuition, some call it fear, some call it your built in safety feature. Whatever you call it, what do you do when your gut tells you to run?We all get this feeling. The area of town we are in, the words we are being...

Are Real Life Friends Better Than Those on Social Media?...Social media has become an integral part of our lives, giving us the ability to connect with people from all around the world.Many of us are on several platforms. Some for business, and some for fun. We keep track of...

“Is Life All About You?”...With all its complexities and mysteries, life is a journey. We have a choice to go through it alone or band together with others. Have you ever heard of the concept of self-centeredness? It’s the notion of a solely self-oriented existence. Like the...

Are you happy or satisfied?...Talking with a client the other day, the question of their being happy with their work life came up.They felt they had done all the could where they are but just didn’t feel happy.After further questioning and discussion we came to the conclusion...

Is your workplace a hotbed of negativity?...It seems that people from all walks of life are just not happy. They spread negativity like peanut butter on toast wherever they go. In other words, it’s easy for them to do. Our workplaces are not immune, in fact, they very well...

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗲, “𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿?”...I’m willing to bet we all have at one time or another. Especially if it’s something we really don’t want to do.While helping a client work through a bout of procrastination, I took a few notes and came up with some reasons...

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂?...The issue of trust has come up in several conversations lately. Ranging anywhere from trusting spouses and children to business partners and the government.It is becoming evident that our society is becoming less trusting of each other.So what...

What would you rather have, knowledge or wisdom?...This discussion came up in a coaching conversation so I wanted to take a moment and consider the differences and similarities.Many people seek to obtain all the knowledge they can. Degree after degree, certification after...

Do you ever feel lonely as an entrepreneur?...Many of us who are self-employed, or entrepreneurs, are constantly pushing ourselves to achieve our goals and build our businesses.We find that it's easy to feel lonely and isolated along the journey, even if we have a team of...

Do the words you use matter?...Words are a very tricky thing. They can lift someone up and they can tear someone down.We have all heard the old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”Tell that to the person who has been called ugly or fat...

Have you ever been rejected?...Sure you have, in one way, shape, or form. Rejection happens to all of us at one time or another.So what do we do when we feel rejected? Here are some things you can try to combat this feeling.👉 Don’t discount your emotions: Feeling hurt,...

What advice would you give a high school graduate?...I have twin nieces that are graduating High School in just a few weeks. I couldn’t be more proud of the young ladies they have become. Both will go off to college with their first two years already completed. Wow!So I was...

Do you have a daily Mantra?...A few weeks ago, I was asked by John P. Krause to share with him something that I have been saying daily for well over 40 years. It’s just something I first heard when I was 18 and have adopted into my daily routine.It’s called the “Believer’s...

Is your focus on growth and accumulation?...Some say that it is human nature to seek security, comfort, and success.When we have great wealth, knowledge, and more “stuff” we are perceived to have achieved these goals.Society, places such a high value on these things, we seemed...

How do you handle loss?...“The only thing certain in life are death and taxes.”⁃ Benjamin FranklinWith that statement, we should all be prepared for death, to handle death, and to accept death as being certain. But why is it still tough?I spent the weekend with a special...

Have you ever felt you were spinning out of control?...I know there have been times in my life where I have.Times when I felt exhausted and drained.I lost interest in work.I felt overwhelmed and I found myself getting stressed.I had trouble concentrating and making decisions.I...

Have the crippling effects of fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs kept you from leaving the bed?...If you say no, good for you and I would love to meet in person. You would be the first one I’ve ever met that never dealt with at least one of these things.Now for the rest of...

How do you deal with fear?...Fear comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and anxieties. Some are afraid to speak in public, while others are afraid of clowns.Whatever your fears are, there are ways to combat them and take control of the situation. It may not happen overnight but...

What is blocking you from success?...Today is “National Walk Around Things” day. (Really, I don’t make this stuff up.) So I thought I would talk about obstacles, real or perceived, that are blocking you and holding you back.In sales, these obstacles are know as objections....

How do you respond to injustice in the market place?...When you see people being taken advantage of what do you do?Far to many times, greed and corruption become common place, and many just look the other way when they see it.Price gouging in times of crisis.Different pricing...

Have you ever been stood up?...Don’t you just hate it when you schedule a client or prospect meeting and they don’t show?What is it that causes people to no longer show common courtesy and just call.I saw a sign at the doctors office once that said “if you are more than 15...

Are you a knower or a doer?...I have always believed in life long learning. Finding new things, new ideas, new passions. There are many that believe this way as well.But I want to point out that this learning, that provides us with “head knowledge,” is one thing. Actually...

What kind of attitude do you portray?...In a world submerged in negativity, having a positive mental attitude (PMA) is deeply needed. Napoleon Hill, the author of P.M.A. said “A Positive mental attitude is the right attitude in any given situation.”PMA is one of the most...

How do you know when it’s time to walk away?...Walking away from a situation can be a tough decision to make, especially when you have invested time and effort into it.Whether it is a job, a relationship, or any other aspect of your life, there comes a point when you have to...

Are you a 75%’er?...I know, it depends, 75% of what?75% of the population that have a fear of public speaking.Communication is an essential part of our daily lives, and learning to speak effectively is a critical part of all communication.Not to mention the significant...

How do you raise rates to your clients?...At some point, those of us in a service business, find it necessary to raise the rates we charge.When our costs go up and our margins get slimmer, we may find the increase is needed to maintain the level of service we provide.So how do...

Have you ever heard the term, “Don’t take life to seriously, you never get out alive?”...I was reminded yesterday to “lighten up, chill out, don’t be so serious.” So what did I do? Well I got serous into thinking about that saying. Here’s what I came up with.Life is a...

“What do you do when you are misunderstood?”...Misunderstandings happen all the time in life.Family, friends, work, there is no area of your life that is immune.Frustration is one of the most common emotions we feel when this happens.When you feel like you've explained...

What is your purpose in life and where does work fit in?...Work is a big part of our lives, and it can be hard to know how it fits into our overall purpose.Do you remember the old Dunkin’ Donuts commercial? The bakers alarm goes off at 4:00 a.m., he rolls out of bed and says...

Is your story really yours?...Yesterday, my friend Val asked the question “What is your back story?” You can read the post here: https://lnkd.in/dNiRncCdAfter reading her post, it made me think about my own story and how important it is to only share ours.There’s no doubt...

Do you believe in giving back?...Most all of us thrive on connection and community, after all, we’re human and we weren’t made to be alone.We all have a desire to feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Giving back to your community is one way to achieve that.I personally think...

Are you worth what you get paid?...We all have a tendency to equate our worth with our income. We believe that the higher our salary, the more valuable we are. But the truth is, our worth is not determined by our paycheck.We all know the person in the corner office who shows...

Do you believe that details can determine your destiny?...We have all heard the phrase "details determine destiny" or another version of it that says “the devil is in the details.”Both are powerful and thought-provoking statements that hold true in almost every...

Do you listen or are you present?...If you’re a man, you have probably heard the question, “are you even listening to me?”, at least a few million times. Am I right?Normally we answer “yes, I was”, and then blurt out something they said like ten minutes ago.Now truth be told,...

Have you ever been put on the spot?...How did you react? Did you get through it or did it take you down?It happens to all of us at one time or another. A surprise visit, an unexpected question, a phone call you weren’t expecting. Whatever it may be it can and will happen to...

Do you have a hard time making decisions?...You are not alone. Indecision happens to be a very common trait. The problem however is most of us don’t weigh the costs of indecision.Now before we start splitting hairs, let me point out that not deciding is making a decision, I...

What is your greatest asset?...We all have unique talents, qualities, and experiences that make us who we are. These can be considered our “greatest assets.” However, determining what “YOUR” greatest assets are can be a challenging task.Some areas that we consider as being our...

Have you heard of Psychological Coaching?...While doing research the other day for a totally unrelated topic, I had a squirrel moment and ran across an article about this relatively new form of therapy that takes a different approach to coaching and helping people....

What leadership style are you?...Being a leader is not an easy task. With all the different personalities in the workplace a leader needs to be ready for whatever may come their way.Sometimes they are faced with difficult situations that require a deep understanding of human...

How do you react to negative people?...Negative people are everywhere. The grocery store, the bank, church, there are even some that look back at you from the mirror. So how do you react to them, even if one of them is you?Face it, negative people can be draining and difficult...

Do you share what you know?...From a young age, we are taught that knowledge is power. The more knowledge we have, the more power we could obtain. But the truth is, we all have something to learn from each other, and it’s important to share what we know in order to help...

Are you living for now or to be remembered?...I had no intention of writhing this today but I read a post from John Knotts that asked the question, “What role are you playing in your company, career, industry, or hobby?” (You can read it here https://lnkd.in/gfEJw5WB)In this...

Can you spot a leader who has issues?...Leadership problems can arise in any organization, regardless of the size. Spotting a leader that has issues can be easy if you know what to look for.Some of the most common issues leaders have:👉 Poor communicationThis could be a result...

What should a leader do to recharge?...It’s the weekend and I started thinking about ways a leader can recharge and refocus their energies. Here are a few quick tips as to what you can do.👉 Take a break:Taking a break from work and everyday stress can help you recharge and...

Are you good or are you great?...Leaders come in all shapes and sizes but there really are only three types of leaders, bad, good, and great.Let’s look at the qualities of a leader first. A leader is someone who has the capability to guide and motivate a group of people to...

Why is being resilient critical for being a leader?...Yesterday, I asked the question, “Do you have the mind of a leader”https://lnkd.in/gm4WxdgKAlthough I didn’t use the word “resilience,” Scott Newton was quick to point out that resilience was important to a leaders long...

Do you have the mind of a leader?...It's a question many of us have asked ourselves, especially in moments when we're feeling uncertain or unsure of which path to take.The answer isn't straightforward, but there are qualities associated with being a successful...

What are the biggest fears of a leader?...Fear is an emotion that we all experience. It’s a part of life and a part of leadership. As leaders, we experience fear in different ways, and for some , it can often be paralyzing.We constantly make decisions and when managing people,...

What is your biggest challenge?...It's a difficult question to answer, as your biggest challenge can vary depending on the situation. It could be anything from finding the right career path to dealing with a difficult relationship. Even the simple things that can seem...

How do you view honesty?...In today’s world, we all scream that others need to be honest. Be honest in our dealings, be honest in our work, be honest in out speech.There are even people that when the talk they say, “let me be honest with you.”Really, you have to ask to be...

Are you a servant leader?...A few days ago I asked what kind of a leader you were. Do you lead by the worldview or are you a servant leader?Let me dig a little deeper today on servant leadership.Servant leadership is a philosophy and practice that focuses on serving others and...

How do you deal with the bear?...We have all had our run in with the bear, aka “difficult people.” You know stubborn, obstante, always needing to be right. In fact, if you have yet to meet one of these people….consider looking in the mirror, it just might be you.In todays...

What does your leadership look like?...Are you blind to the needs of others?Are you preoccupied with yourself and your own agenda?Or…..have you bought into the model of Servant Leadership?Interestingly, Servant Leadership isn’t something new, it’s not a buzz word, it’s been...

Who’s in your “circle of trust?”...In the movie “Meet the Parents,” there was a character that talked to his future son-in-law about his inner circle of people that he called his circle of trust.These are group of people that you can trust with all of your thoughts, dreams and...

Why are you here?...George Washington Carver said, “No individual has any right to come into the world, and go out of it, without leaving behind him, distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.“This means you were designed for a purpose. Some, multiple...

When does power become abusive and can you recognize it?...As a leader, one of the worst things we can do is abuse the power that has been granted to us.Unfortunately, this abuse can and will take place if we are not careful. It doesn’t happen overnight though, there is a...

What is your favorite fruit?...Peaches, bananas, cherries, plums? It really doesn’t matter, I’m not talking about that kind of fruit.Yesterday, Ray Trevino talked about the word kindness, which is one of the fruits that I am referring to. Reading his post made me think about...

Have you lost your motivation?...Today is the last day of the first month of a new year. 1/12th of the year is gone. Your goals, your plans, your ideas….are you 1/12 completed? Have you kept your motivation?Many find that motivation wanes after the initial excitement wears...

Are you easily distracted?...Have you seen those Taco Bell commercials where people are involved with each other and then they hear the gong go off? They stop and then act like zombies and walk off to Taco Bell almost like Pavlov’s dog.Has that ever happened to you? You are...

Are you prone to forgive?...I ask this question in light of a study done by Johns Hopkins Institute.It listed all the medical reasons why we should forgive.👉 Lower risk of heart attack👉 Lower cholesterol levels👉 Better sleep👉 Reduces pain and blood pressure👉 Lowers anxiety,...

Do you choose your words wisely?...Did you ever played baseball or softball growing up? Do you remember those helmets that you wore, the ones that covered your ears and had those tiny little holes so you could still “hear?” (see the picture below)When I was little, my dad was...

f money were no object, what would you do?...Some will seek fame and fortune, others will envision life at the beach or in the mountains. While others will consider doing what they are passionate about.But how about you? What would you do?Got it figured out? Good! So now, my...

In a world of sameness do you stand out?...With a society that is constantly trying to make us all equal, how do you stand out? How do you differentiate yourself from others?Do you know what real differences there are between you and let’s call it a competitor?For me, I often...

What is your but because?...I was listening to a podcast yesterday and the host was talking about paper walls. He described them as barriers we put up to stop us from moving forward but they in fact are not real, they are just excuses we disguise as reasons.Let me show you...

What makes you tick?...Or in other words, what motivates you?Are you one that chases fame or fortune? Is money and success your motivator?There was a time in my life that money and success was all I could think of. I felt that this is what I needed to be happy.Well, I achieved...

Do you despise sales?...I’ve talked with thousands of people over my lifetime, and if I had a dollar for every time someone said “I am not a salesperson, no way I could do that,” I would be able to pay off the National Debt.Seriously though, we are ALL sales people in a way....

When is enough, enough?...We used to have something in America called civility. A time when we agreed to disagree and still broke bread with each other.Today, many seek to point out our differences and use those to ridicule, shame and control.We lash out on social media,...

Do you have a problem checking off your to-do-list?...Let’s see if this is you. You wake up, look at your day and just know it’s going to be super productive. You’re excited, ready to set the world on fire. And then, life happens. Before you go to bed you glance at your list...

Do you have a hard time kicking it in gear?...Newton's Law of Inertia states;An object in motion, tends to stay in motion. An object at rest tends to stay at rest.Funny thing is, this goes for people too.So, as we start the second week of a brand new year, let me share...

When’s the last time you took a siesta?...If you are like most, you wouldn’t think about taking a nap in the middle of the day. Well, you might think of it but your boss would probably fire you.Breaks do not promote the laziness we think they do, in fact science has shown that...

What are your three greatest challenges?...For most, it’s electronics! You know, your computer, your phone and your T.V..Spending the time we do on all three of these will make your head swim and leave you wondering where the time went.Apple products even give you a weekly...

Are you tired of not getting things done?...If you’re like most, there’s a pretty good chance you have ten’s if not hundreds of uncompleted projects. And it gets annoying to look around and see your unfinished work.  Have you ever asked yourself why? What happened to the...

Are you willing to risk your life for your job?...Most of us would say no. That would be silly, nothing is worth that.Most likely, Damar Hamlin felt that way as well. The game he plays is for our “entertainment” is a career choice for him.An athlete pushes their bodies to...

How do you know when to fish to cut bait?...Do you fish? I’m not talking about going to the river bank or the lake, casting a line and sitting there waiting for something to happen. I’m talking about going out to sea, the ocean, the gulf, what’s referred to as deep sea...

What are you focusing on in 2023?...New opportunities, greater success, a fresh start?My focus for 2023 is to live a life with more intentionality.Being intentional in what we do helps bring us more success in achieving our goals, both personal and professional. Here are some...

What can we learn from a football legend?...I woke up this morning to the news of the passing of the Steelers football great and Hall of Fame member Franco Harris.Harris was one of the most prolific runners of his time. His ability to see a hole before it was there helped him...

Are you a light on a hill?...Much of the world, followers of Jesus and not, are familiar with the scripture that says “You are the light of the world, a town built on a hill cannot be hidden”Matthew 5:14The premise of this verse is when one has the light of Jesus in them, they...

What can we learn from the passing of a coach?...Last week, we lost one of the brightest minds in college football. At the age of 61, Mike Leach left this world after suffering a major cardiac arrest.Coach Leach was one of this guys who always had something to say. Sometimes,...

Are you really ready?...Some of you will say,”for what” or “it depends.” Which I would say your answer is no.It’s that time of the year when almost everyone is telling you to start planning for next year. It’s literally everywhere.I myself have started some preliminary...

What are your thoughts on sales automation?...You know, the automatic email, text message or phone call?You share your information because you are interested in something and then you find yourself spiraling out of control in the sales funnel.❓Do you use them in your business?...

When does no mean know?...If you have ever sold anything your life I’m sure you have heard the word no.Are you ready to proceed? No!How about delivery next week? No!Is this the right one? No!Most salespeople hear the no and then do one of two things🛑 They stop the process and...

Do you want to make a difference?...Sure you do, everyone does in one way or another. Unfortunately, some just can’t get off center.They live in the fantasy of firsts.➡️ First a big idea no one else has➡️ First make enough money➡️ First be old enough➡️ First be made partner➡️...

What does your brain focus on?...Science has proven that what we focus on can in fact become our reality.Self- Affirmation, self-talk, self-perception, whatever you choose to call it, it’s real.Over forty years ago, I discovered a self-affirmation that I have used everyday...

What can we learn from the day that would live in infamy?...I wasn’t born yet but I do remember what I was taught about this tragic day.Eighty-one years ago today, over 2400 people lost their lives during the bombing of Pearl Harbor.What isn’t always taught is that the...

How important is integrity to you?...Are you familiar with Toastmasters International? Last night I attended a virtual meeting as a guest. There were many others there like Jane Lehman, John Knotts and Robyn Tresnak. One of the positions for the meeting is the word master.This...

Are you continually getting bigger and growing?...I’m not talking about your waistline! I’m talking about your knowledge, your learning, your sharing, your intentionality in living.Do you take action, expecting results or do you just desire a good outcome?Is your purpose...

Do you have a dog?...As I sit here, wondering what tidbits of wisdom I could share, I look down and see my dogs sprawled out on the floor without a care in the world.Then it hits me, we have a lot in common with dogs.Let me share my thoughts.👉 Some dogs have a great life,...

Is your time valuable?...I know it’s a rhetorical question but stay with me.A few years ago I had some tests run and the doctor scheduled an appointment with me to go over the results. My wife and I showed up on time for the appointment and waited to be called back.During our...

Have you ever wondered, why?...Like most kids, “why” was one of my favorite words growing up. I would be told do to something and immediately ask why. The typical response from my father was something like, “because I said so, that’s why!”Immediately, he would take my question...

Can you spot opportunity?...Do you see it when it is right in front of you?Many people miss opportunities because they are focused on themselves and not those standing right in front of them.We need to be “looking for opportunities” wherever we are so when it comes knocking,...

Are you ready?...Thursday starts the last month of 2022. The last push of the year, the last chance to “hit your goals”, the last chance to make it.It’s not just business though, the holiday season has been proven to be more stressful for people than any other time of the...

When’s the last time you let loose?...I’m not talking about getting drunk and being stupid, I’m talking about doing something out of the norm for you. You know, relax, have fun, let your hair down stuff.In today’s world, we all seem so focused on business and success we forget...

Have you ever been called out?...In a recent article I wrote, my intention was to enlighten the reader to be original with their stories, don’t just copy someone else’s and post it as your own. You can read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gF-2vvpZI had not thought about the...

What’s your story?...Is it filled with humor or is your story nothing but drama? Is it filled with wins or riddled with losses?Chances are, your story, is similar to everyone else’s, a conglomeration of it all.So what can you do to ensure that your story stands out from the...

What lessons have I learned from being Santa Clause?...It’s that magical time of the year again. Christmas trees, Christmas, lights, decorations galore, and of course, Santa Claus!I am truly blessed that for the past 15 years or so, I have been honored to portray this Magical...

Do you have vision ADD?...While driving yesterday I listened to the most recent Maxwell Leadership Podcast, “Transferring The Vision To The Heart And The Head.” You can find it here:https://lnkd.in/gEM953UaThe hosts, Mark Cole and TRACI MORROW were dissecting John’s talk on...

Ever been run over by a truck?...I hardly ever get sick. Something hit me Tuesday that took me down for the count. I was hoping it was just a 24 hour bug, I could live with that.I woke up Wednesday morning and I felt great. Got up, went into the office, yahoo, all better....

What’s your why?...We all have one, so what’s yours?Many on this LinkedIn share their why each and every day.👉 Take for instance, Jane Lehman. Her “why” is helping people understand how affordable legal representation can be and the reason you should have it.👉 Fred Diamond is...

Are you called to be different?...Being different is a given, we are all different. Science has proven that even identical twins have some differences.That’s why I didn’t ask if you ARE different, I asked if you are CALLED to be different. So what does that mean? Called to be...

Have you ever wanted to quit?...I mean it. Walk away, don’t look back, leave it all behind….that kind of quit?I have. If you can be honest with yourself, you have too.We all make mistakes, mess up, fall flat on our face, get embarrassed or emotional and can’t take it anymore....

What’s your take on original content?...Just yesterday I was asked by a friend to search for something on LinkedIn. I was blown away by what I found. Before I share that with you though let me share this.A few weeks back, I had just cleared security at the airport and needed...

How do I know if I’m a leader?...I get asked that question a lot and my answer is pretty much the same….if you have to ask you probably aren’t.I don’t say this to be mean but even if a leader doesn’t recognize they are a leader, they feel it and wouldn’t ask that question.👉...

What does this day mean to you?...Here in the United States, this is election day. At the end of this day there will be winners, losers, happiness and tears.As a nation we have become more divided then any previous time in our history excluding the Civil War. A dark time in...

How old is too old?...50, 60, 70, 80?Saturday night, after a 55 year career in Major League Baseball, 73 year old, Dusty Baker won the World Series as the manager for the Houston Astros.This was the cherry on top of an incredible career as both a player and a manager.As...

Why should someone hire you?...In a world where there are so many people doing relatively the same thing, what do you do that sets you apart? What makes you different?Here are three ideas that I believe are critical in helping you win more business.👉 Don’t be a generalist....

What’s your story of redemption and revival?...We moved from Pittsburgh in the early 70’s to Phoenix. It seemed like every summer we would dive back and visit family. These road-trips would be filled with days of driving, sleeping in the car, and stopping at a two roadside...

Who’s an impact player that you admire?...Liz Wiseman, author of several books, published one in 2021 called “Impact Players” In a recent podcast , she talked with Mark Cole, CEO of The John Maxwell Team about the book. Listen to the podcast here. https://lnkd.in/gjQnmDcXIn...

What keeps you up at night?...That’s always one of the first few questions I ask new prospects. Most, always answer, “nothing at all.”Now we all know that’s probably not true but I allow it, at first. Face it, in todays world almost everybody has something that keeps them...

What kind of legacy will you leave?...Yesterday, I attended the memorial service of a friend. She was a talented actress and an incredible human being.Sitting in the theater, her second home, listening to the stories that people shared about her, watching the slide...

What are you willing to change?...Most will answer this question with an enthusiastic NOTHING!For some reason, most people are afraid of change while change is the only constant that is always happening around us.Here are some ideas on how you, as a leader, can help your team...

Have you ever jumped on the bandwagon?...You know, where somebody else comes up with a topic and then someone else writes about it, then another and another and another until you yourself do it?Today is a day of celebration 🎊 🎉I’m throwing my two cents in on all the pitch...

What does it take to make a relationship last?...Today is a really special day for me. My wife and I are celebrating thirty-five years of marriage.👉 Thirty-five years of ups and downs, good times and bad.👉 Thirty-five years of memories made and challenges tackled.👉 Thirty-five...

Are you better on your own?...I don’t care what context you take this in, work or life, but to me the answer is no.Working alone may be great to reduce interruptions but it’s hard to be fully creative without someone to bounce ideas off of.Working alone my keep your expenses...

Does change affect you?...They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. At least there are songs about that.I had the opportunity to attend my 40th high school reunion over the weekend. This is the first one I have ever gone to. My wife and I drove two days to...

How does your organization show tribute to those that have passed away?...While traveling from Texas to Arizona for my 40th high school reunion, we stopped to spend the night in Las Cruces New Mexico.I asked the front desk clerk where we could find a local restaurant, not a...

Have you ever gone to your high school reunion?...It’s been 40 years since I graduated from high school. I know most of you are thinking “wow, did you graduate when you were twelve?” But no, normal, 18, thanks though.Anyway, I have not been to a single one yet. I’m actually...

How do you recognize that you’re always trying to be right?How do you break the cycle of always being right?...Yesterday, I posted a message and asked the question; How important is it to always be right.https://lnkd.in/gGFmyC3DJohn Knotts asked those questions above and, in a...

How important is it to always be right?...You know who your are. No matter what, you need to “prove” how smart you are, even over trivial things.If it’s not you, you know who it is. That person who will argue about anything.Don’t let this be you!👉 A leader doesn’t have to...

Is profit a dirty word?...My short answer - maybe.I say that because it depends on what you do to achieve it.👉 Are you cutting corners?👉 Are you breaking the law?👉 Are you scamming your clients?👉 Basically are you being moral, ethical, and doing everything with...

Want to have some fun? Google the words “How To Tell Your Life Is On Track.” Surprisingly, you will have over 151 MILLION search results. That’s 151 with six zeros. Everything from “10 signs your life is on track,” “15 signs your life is more on track than you may think,” “How...

Winning by Failing I recently posted a quote that said “Failure is not the opposite of success. It is part of the success.” The dialog and banter that this post created was magical to me. It allowed me to look at how others viewed failure and what it meant to them. It led me...

How Do You Define Success?It’s unfortunate that a majority of people believe money is what definitively defines success. Let me tell you, I have met a lot of wealthy people that were absolutely miserable. Why? Because success is about a lot more than just money.How do you...

Improve Your Focus in Three Easy Steps Unless you live in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, it is almost impossible to live a life without distractions. These distractions can ultimately affect the effectiveness of your work. Technology has proven itself helpful in many areas...

How to Self-Destruct Your Success In Six Easy Steps!Did you watch the Academy Awards? If not, I am willing to bet you at least heard about what is being called “the slap heard around the word”. Will Smith walks on the stage, the crowd goes wild, they absolutely love this guy....

Good Enough To Start You have the dream, you know what to do, everyone around say’s “Do it”! Yet here you sit, stuck, not moving forward, living in the pit of perpetual procrastination. Is this you? How long have you been waiting to begin pursuing your goals or dreams? Oh,...

You Are What You - - - Think!How many times have you heard the phrase, “You are what you eat”? I know this sounds silly but as a young child, I remember being afraid I was going to turn into a Hostess Ding Dong. Now some may say that I have, at least in theory, but what a...

Will Worker Productivity Ever Return?Prayerfully, we are on the tail end of the CoVid Pandemic. Yes, I know there has been a resurgence in some areas and it is still an issue but again, prayerfully we are on the tail end. Looking at what CoVid did to our workforce is proving...

THE END OF FACEBOOK?The title of the article grabbed my attention, “Mark Zuckerberg Issues Dire Economic Warning to Meta Employees”, so I had to read it. Let me save you the agony of reading it yourself. Here are the highlights.Zuckerberg tells the employees that the company...

Self-Motivation and Inspiring Othersby Jeff TalaricoEven during challenging times, inspiration is everywhere, you just might have to look a little harder to spot it.  One of the easiest things to do is to get stuck in a rut and, once you get there, it can be difficult to get...

Morning Mindset Changes EverythingSix Steps to A Successful Entrepreneur Morning by, Jeff TalaricoEvery successful businessperson seems to have a secret to their success. Some are into taking risks, thinking out-side the box while for others, it is staying humble in their...

Can you swim? I know, it sounds like a strange question but there are many people in the world that do not now how. Vicki Harrison said “Greif is like the ocean; it comes in waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do...

This past weekend, my wife Caryn and I were able to get away for a few days and celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary. Thirty-Three years, wow, it’s hard to believe she has put up with me for that long. Some say she deserves Saint Hood while others just shake their head and...

Do you want more out of life, but feel unsure about how to go about getting it? One way to get what you want is to use positive etiquette and manners during your social interactions as much as possible. Opportunities to fulfill some of your own needs are all around you, just...

No one likes to feel jealous, but most of us do feel this emotion at one time or another. However, although jealousy is part of the human experience, it doesn’t have to rule our lives. Let's take a look at what causes this challenging emotion and see what we can do to...

Our perceptions color the way we see the world. That’s true even when we’re in the middle of a conflict that stirs up our emotions.As powerful as our perceptions may be, we sometimes fail to notice that they exist at all. Only by bringing them out into the open can we see them...

All relationships need boundaries to remain healthy. Consider there are certain things you discuss with your best friend that you’d never discuss with your child or your mother. Boundaries help to determine how much you give and receive from a relationship. If any of your...