Ross Reck and Associates

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Setbacks Enable You Look At The World Through A New Set Of Eyes- Setbacks--those unfortunate events that impede our progress toward our goals--can be frustrating, as well as stressful and painful.
The Rougher The Road, The Quicker The Journey To Success- It's the roughest road that usually leads to success. Why? Because it's loaded with new challenges and experiences that enable you to learn, grow and expand your comfort zone.
Sage Advice For Achieving Your Dream: Hang In There- The road to achieving your dream is usually long and difficult with numerous obsatcles and setbacks along the way.
You Can't Soar With The Eagles Unless You're Willing To Take Risks- Letting go of things that are familiar, comfortable and secure is one of the hardest things for many people to do--it's called taking a risk.
Great Leaders Are Humble, Not Arrogant- Author, Jim Collins, conducted research on leaders who were able to take there respective companies from being "good" to being "great."
When You Stop Growing, You Stop Being Happy- Some of the happiest people I know are the ones who never stop learning and never stop trying new things.
You Must Have Loyal Employees Before You Can Have Loyal Customers- Most companies have the goal of building a loyal base of customers who come back again and again and enthusiastically refer new customers to them.
Acts Of Kindness Can Cancel Out Anger- When someone does something to make you angry, the last thing on your mind is to be kind to that person.
Always Behave As If Your Mother Were Watching- I had just boarded my connecting flight and was headed home. As I settled into my seat, I looked up and saw a famous business author/guru and his wife board the plane.
How To Turn A Boss Around--A Subscriber's Advice- Last week I asked you to share your advice concerning how to turn a boss around. The response below is full of excellent advice:
How To Turn A Boss Around- Recently I've received a number of emails that go something like this: "I work hard, but my boss doesn't ever seem to notice all that I do."
An Example Of A Great Reminder System- Saying "thank you" to someone for a job well done or paying them a compliment energizes that person which, in turn, makes you a more effective team leader, supervisor or manager.
Don't Let A "Garbage Truck" Ruin Your Day- Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around accumulating garbage in the form of frustration, anger, resentment and disappointment.
Life Is About Giving; Not Taking- Over the years, I've had a number of people tell me that life is a game of "give and take."
You Might As Well Embrace Change Because It's Going To Happen Anyway- It's truly amazing how many people resent even the smallest of changes.
An Example Of An Effective Manager- I have been reading the manuscript of your new book Instant Turnaround. The concept is so simple, yet it's amazing how most people do not understand it or have time for it.
Happiness Is A Journey, Not A Destination- The biggest lie on the planet is: When I get what I want, I'll be happy.
Many People Have Forgotten What It Takes To Have Fun- A number of studies have shown that many people are happier and more fulfilled in their offices than they are in their own homes.
Carrying A Grudge Is A Very Costly Activity- People who carry grudges don't seem to understand the high personal costs they suffer as a result.
Stop Thinking And Start Doing- Many of us tend to over-think things rather than do them.
Turn Your Customers Into Your Sales Force- Now available as a PDF Instant download for only $10 using any major credit card or your paypal account.
Every Day Is Special, So Make Sure You Treat It That way- For over seven years Regina Brett was a columnist for the Beacon Journal in Akron, Ohio. During that time she was diagnosed and successfully treated for breast cancer.
It's Never Too Late To Change- Early in 2007, Tom Coughlin, head coach of the New York Giants of the National Football League, was in danger of losing his job.
What Do I Do When I Get There? by Rod Collins- This book is an excellent guide for first time managers land supervisors.
Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey- Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey
A Lesson In Happiness From The Happiest Places In The World- A recent issue of "The Wall Street Journal" reviewed a book titled "The Geography of Happiness."
Negative People Are A Luxury That Most Businesses Can't Afford- Negative people who make nasty comments to belittle or supress those around them are a tremendous drain on the productivity of a business.
The High Cost Of Poorly Trained Supervisors- In their book, The Invisible Employee, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton estimate the cost of employee turnover in America to be 1.7 trillion dollars annualy.
We Are Born To Be Kind- Recently I read a book titled The Power of Kindness by a world renownd transpersonal psychologist named Piero Ferrucci.
A Proven Formula For Success- While nearly everyone has an opinion on what it takes to achieve success, there are very few proven formulas. Thomas J. Watson, the founder of IBM offers us this one:
We Need To Give Failure More Respect: Success Can't Be Achieved Without It- One of life's more interesting paradoxes is this: Almost everyone wants to be a success while almost no one wants to fail. At the same time, it's the lessons we learn from our failures that pave the way to our successes.
As A Boss, You Can't Say Thank You Too Often- Some managers can be downright stingy when it comes to doling out "thank you's" to their employees for a job well done.
Planning for Positive Results - Anticipate What the Customer Wants from You- In order to give a customer those things that are going to motivate him to give you what you want in return, you have to know what his wants and needs are. Unfortunately, research shows that anticipating another person's wants and needs is not something most of us do well.
Planning for Positive Results - Know What You Want from the Customer- Again, this step might seem obvious, but it's one of those things that many people in selling do not do well.
Planning for Positive Results - Identify the People Who Stand Between You and Success- Those who stand between you and success (or failure) are the people you need to take through all four steps of the PRAM Model.
Planning for Positive Results - Clarify the Results to be Achieved- As trite as it might sound, it is this activity that focuses and crystallizes the rest of the planning process.
Planning for Positive Results - Introduction- Several years ago, I had the opportunity to listen to a speech given by the vice-president of marketing for a large food manufacturing and distribution company.
PRAM: The Universal Formula - Applying the PRAM Model to Selling- The next four chapters focus on the how-to's of each of the four steps of the PRAM Model as they relate to successful selling.
PRAM: The Universal Formula - Maintenance- Once an agreement has been formed and both parties part company with a solid commitment to follow through, there is still much that needs to be done.
PRAM: The Universal Formula - Agreements- Once the relationship is in place, the next step in the process is forming a Win-Win Agreement.
PRAM: The Universal Formula - Relationships- Once you've established your Win-Win Plan, you come to a step in the Win-Win Negotiation process that is often ignored: the development of Win-Win personal relationships.
PRAM: The Universal Formula - Plans- The first step in the Win-Win Negotiation process is the development of a Win-Win Plan.
PRAM: The Universal Formula - Introduction- This chapter introduces a model of the Win-Win Negotiation process.
Win-Win Negotiating: The Win-Lose Philosophy- The Win-Lose Philosophy of getting what you want from other people is simply, “I get what I want from you at your expense."
Win-Win Negotiating: The Win-Win Philosophy- The idea behind the Win-Win Philosophy is that I get what I want by helping others get what they want and vice versa.
Win-Win Negotiating - Introduction- Whenever I mention that the ability to negotiate is critical to success as a salesperson, I am almost always met with raised eyebrows.
Positioning Yourself for Success- When I speak of highly successful people, I'm not referring to people who inherited their wealth or people whose lottery ticket happened to hit.
Turning Your Customers Into A Sales Force - Introduction- Like it or not, every one of us is a salesperson. It's a fact of life. We're all selling something whether it be our friendship, an idea, a point of view, a product, or a professional service. The people to whom we try to sell these things are our customers. This means that our success is directly related to our ability to get our customers to buy whatever we are selling.
A New Year's Resolution We Can All Keep- While many New Year's resulutions such as losing weight, getting organized or expanding your horizons can be difficult to follow through on, here's one that isn't: be kind.
Why Not Make 2008 The Happiest Year Of Your Life?- If you want to make 2008 the happiest year of your life, all you need to do is to follow the advice of Og Mandino.
The Best Holiday Memories Are Created By The Things You Do, Not The Things You Buy- For a number of years, my wife conducted gift making workshops during early December. During these workships, she would poll the participants as to their most cherished holiday memories.
The Holiday Season Is A Great Time To Repair A Strained Relationship- With all the good will that gets passed around during the holiday season, it's the perfect time to repair any strained relationships you might have.
The Holidays Are The Perfect Time To Repair Strained Relationships-
Managing By Wandering Around Sends All The Right Messages- Managing By Wandering Around, or MBWA, is the practice of putting a smile on your face and casually circulating among your employees for the sole purpose of visitng with them.
The Secret To Being An Effective Boss- The secret to being an effective boss is to recognize that people intentionally regulate the amount of effort they put into their jobs based upon how they feel they're being treated.
All Of Us Need To Count Our Blessings- Life comes at us fast and hard and can have its share of negative experiences such as losses, setbacks disappointments and unfulfilled dreams.
A Management Lesson From A Professional Football Coach- USA Today recently ran a feature article on the New York Giants professional team. During the past three years, the team had been characterized by in-fighting, bickering and losing. This year the team has come together and turned its fortunes completely around.
Choosing To Succeed In Business- Outline of Success by Ross Reck.
Surprise! Surprise! The Better Your Treat Employees, The Harder They'll Work- Research studies have shown over and over that when employees feel they're being treated well, all sorts of business success indicators improve.
Character Counts- Recently, I received an email with a list of quick and easy ways to show good character and make your corner of the planet a better place to be.
Sometimes You Have To Fake It Till You Feel It- We've all heard how happy people are healthier, live longer, do better in relationships and have a greater sense of well being.
Being Optimistic Will Add Years To Your Life- A recent article in Prevention magazine cited research conducted at Yale University which found that being optimistic in middle age increases your life span by 7.5 years.
Being Thankful Will Make You Happier And Healthier- A Recent issue of USA TODAY reviewed a book titled Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You.
No One Likes To Be Micromanaged- No one likes to be micromanaged--even the people doing the micromanaging.
The Power Of Kindness- When it comes to impacting people's lives, nothing is more powerful than kindness.
What Is It That Enables Some People To Persist?- Helen Gurley Brown once said, "The only thing that separates successful people from those that aren't is the willingness to work very, very hard."
The Power Of A Personal Letter- If your looking for a way to cheer someone up or brighten their day, try writing them a personal letter.
The Happiness Paradox- The interesting thing about happiness is that the harder you pursue it, the more it eludes you.
Executives And Managers Can Be Very Slow Learners- In 1927, three Harvard professors conducted research at a Western Electric plant in an attempt to find out what caused employee productivity.
Why Are Good Listeners So Popular?- It's because they care about the people they're listening to.
Are You Persistent Or Are You Stubborn?- Being persistent means to coninue steadfastly in some state, purpose or course of action, especially in spite of opposition or difficulty. Being stubborn is to be unreasonably obstinate; obstinately unmoving; often perversely unyielding; bullheaded.
People Who Work With Friends Are More Productive- According to a recent issue of USA Today, more and more research is showing that people who have friends at work are far more productive.
Our Dreams Come True When We Have The Courage To Pursue Them- Why does it take courage to follow your dream? Because following your dream often requires that you stop following the crowd and chart your own direction.
Growing Your Base Of Influence- Some people attempt to gain influence by calling attention to themselves--things they've accomplished, places they've been, things they own, people they know and so forth.
Avoid Putting Down Another Person's Idea- Always keep in mind that when someone puts forth an idea, their ego is connected to it.
A Problem Solving Lesson From Successful Athletic Coaches- On thing that highly successful athletic coaches have in common is that they are able to keep people and problems separate.
Taking People For Granted Will Erode Your Base Of Influence- One habit that's all too easy to fall into is to treat people like light switches--turn them on or pay attention to them when you want thier help and then ignore them until you want their help again.
Taking Good Care Of Your Employees Is Good Business- One of the things that high performing companies have in common is they care about their employees--big time!
How To Turn Things Around In A Hurry- Do you manage a department, team or sales force where employees routinely underachieve?
Acts Of Kindness Are Never Wasted- Some people look at performing acts of kindness as the expenditure of time and effort to benefit someone else. In reality, the big winner for being kind is you.
We Can All Be An Inspiration To Others- Recently, USA Today celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding. As part of the celebration, it published a list of the 25 people that the USA Today staff determined had inspired us the most during that same time period.
Take The Time To Brighten Someone's Day--You'll Be Glad You Did- If someone appears to be down, take the time to build them back up.
How You Treat Others Reveals Your True Character- The way in which you treat others is how you put the real you on display for the whole world to see--and people will be watching and making judgements.
Which Kind Of Leader Are You?- Recently I received an email from a subscriber containing the following quote: "There are two types of leaders: those interested in the flock and those interested the fleece."
Hard Work, Not Talent Is The Stuff That Heros Are Made Of- While reading some of the hype that preceded the recent NFL draft, the comment that I kept seeing over and over was about how many talented players weren't willing to do the work necessary to take advantage of their talent.
Taking Risks Has Many Rewards- Television Commentator, Charles Kuralt, once said, "Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fades and popular opinion."
The Importance Of Taking A Day Off- A recent CareerBuilder survey found that more than half of all workers say they are under a great deal of stress and nearly 80 percent say they are burned out on the job.
People Remember Your Successes; They Don't Remember Your Failures- Legendary baseball player, Babe Ruth, struck out 1,330 times during his Major League career, but he's not remembered for that.
Loving Those Around You Makes You A More Effective Person- Eddie Robinson, the lengendary coach at Grambling State University, died recently. During his 57 year career he won 408 games (only one coach has won more) and more than 200 of his players went on to play professional football.
A Lesson From Kindergarten Students: Laugh More- The benefits from laughter are far too numerous to ignore.
Enthusiasm: The Real Difference-Maker In Your Life- Your level of enthusiasm plays a vital role in your success.
Success Is Something You Can't Achieve By Yourself- Dale Carnegie once said, "If you expect to achieve anything during your lifetime that is worthy of note, you have to remember one thing: You can't do it by yourself; you need all the help you can get."
The Hard Truth About Customer Sevice For Senior Managers- Recently, Business Week published its first ever ranking of the top 25 providers of customer service.
Being Nice Is Good For Your Health- Kory Floyd, a researcher at Arizona State University, has found that being nice--letting people know that you care about them--has some important health benefits associated with it.
Persistence Sets Successful People Apart- If there is one charactesristic that sets successful people apart, it's persistence--the willingness to hang in there when it comes to persuing and idea or dream.
An Important Managerial Lesson From The 2007 Super Bowl Head Coaches- What do Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianopolis Colts and Lovie Smith, head coach of the Chicago Bears, have in common besides the fact that they're both African-American and they both coached in the 2007 Super Bowl?
The Quickest Way To Get Back Up When You're Down- All of us have experienced times when we're feeling down, depressed and unhappy.
It Pays To Validate The Worth Of Others- Not long ago, I attended a meeting where I had to park in a public parking structure.
Giving Your Best Is The Foundation Of Happiness- We've all heard phrases like, "Always give your best", "Be all that you can be" or "Never tolerate mediocre efforts in yourself."
Getting The Most Out Of Being Nice- Being nice generally involves doing things like smiling and saying something positive to those around you.
The Next Time Opportunity Knocks, Open The Door- Often times, people choose to pass on many of the opportunities that life sends their way out of fear--they don't know where the opportunity is going to take them.
Finding Your Calling Is Not A Spectator Sport- Over the years, a number of people have asked me, "How do I find my calling--something that gives my life purpose and meaning?"
The Easiest Of All New Year's Resolutions: Be Nice- While many New Year's resulutions such as losing weight, getting organized or expanding your horizons can be difficult to follow through on, here's one that isn't: be nice.
The Holidays Are The Perfect Time To Repair Strained Relationships- With all the good will that gets passed around during the holiday season, it's the perfect time to repair any strained relationships you might have.
The Best Holiday Memories Are Created By The Things You Do, Not The Things You Buy- For a number of years, my wife conducted gift making workshops during early December. During these workships, she would poll the participants as to their most cherished holiday memories.
Worrying Is Unhealthy And It Solves Nothing- Human beings are prone to worry--we worry about our jobs, the welfare of our loved ones and about our future.
Putting Employees First--The Killer Management Philosophy- Why do Toyota, Southwest Airlines, Costco and Starbuck's lead their respective industries in terms of profitability?
People Will Give Their Best As Long As It's Appreciated- It's a fact to life, people prefer to engage in those activities that make them feel good.
Negative Comments Are Costly- Negative comments are hurtful. Whether delivered in person or by email, they almost always ruin people's days.
Guarantee Your Success As A Manager By Getting Out Of Your Office- One of the defining characteristics of great managers is that they spend time outside their office visiting with the people who work for them.
Excessive Pride Usually Leads To A Downfall- We've all heard the expression, "Pride goes before the fall," but what exactly does that mean?
Leo Durocher Really Meant That Nice People Finish First- Probably the most commonly used phrase to put down the act of being nice is, "Nice guys finish last."
Being Nice Is The Hallmark Of A Winner- How many times have you heard people say something like, "If you're nice, people will take advantage of you?"
Don't Ignore A Bad Mood, Turn It Into A Good One- Recent research has shown that people who come to work in a good mood tend to stay that way all day.
Your Comfort Zone: Is It A Sanctuary Or A Prison?- Most of us, if left to our druthers, would prefer to live our lives within the friendly confines of our "comfort zone."
Failure: The World's Most Effective Learning Experience- Far too many people have bought into the myth that failure is somehow fatal and is something that should be avoided.
Taking Your Effectiveness As A Manager To The Next Level- Recent research has shown that what people want most in a boss is a nice person who says "thank you" a lot.
Moodiness Can Be A Career Killer- Most of us have experienced people who don't control their emotions very well.
The Shortest Route To Forgiveness Is An Apology- Everyone of us, at one time or another, has done something that has either hurt or disappointed someone thereby damaging your relationship.
Surprise! Emotions Rule When It Comes To Decision-Making- While many of us would like to believe that the decisions we make are based on rational calculation rather than emotion, a recent study reported in USA Today showed the exact opposite is true.
Your Attitude Makes All The Difference- Over the centuries, numerous philosophers have stated that a person's attitude has far more to do with his or her success than ability.
If You Treat People Well, You'll Be A Very Successful Manager- A research study that recently appeared in U.S. News & World Report addressed the issue of whether productivity came only at the expense of employee happiness or if you could boost productivity by offering employees more perks.
High Achievers Are Not Afraid To Try- The biggest single difference between high achievers and everyone else is they are not afraid to try--they view failure as their friend and teacher.
Frowning Can Be Very Bad For Your Mental Health- When we frown, we come across as forbidding to others, so they tend to avoid having contact with us which contributes toward depression.
Courage Is A Necessary Ingredient For Success- While following the crowd is easy, it never leads to success.
A Sense Of Humor Is The Key To A Balanced Life- Having a sense of humor is what enables us to smooth out the bumps in the road we call life.
"Real People" Can Achieve Amazing Results- When he was CEO of the Chrysler Group, Dieter Zetsche was credited with turning a "stumbling Detroit automaker" completely around.
Keeping Your Hands "Dirty" Sustains Your Success As A Manager- Many people, once they get promoted to the managerial ranks, mistakenly assume that they're all done getting their hands dirty--doing the nitty-gritty day-to-day menial jobs on the front line.
Growth Experiences Are What Make A Glass Appear Half-Full Instead Of Half-Empty- Growth experiences--those forays into the difficult and unfamiliar--are often challenging and sometimes painful.
If You Blow Your Own Horn, Make Sure You Use The Word "They"- Over the years, I've heard a number of people--business leaders, gurus and the like--say, "Sometimes you have to blow your own horn in order to get noticed."
If You Are Waiting For Someone To Rescue You, Forget It!- All too many people go through life waiting to be rescued—waiting for something really good to happen to them.
Giving Of Yourself Always Comes Back- You’ve all heard the saying, “What goes around, comes around.” It’s usually intended to mean that if you take action with the intent of hurting someone, negative consequence will some day come back to haunt you.
True Happiness Lies Within You- I recently came across a quote from Og Mandino that says it all when it comes to being truly happy.
Ultimatums Do Not Solve Problems- Ultimatums are threats of serious consequences to others who choose not to agree with you—we all remember the kid on the playground who, if he didn’t get his way, took his bat and ball and went home.
One Person With A Positive Attitude Can Work Wonders- I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying that, “It takes only one rotten apple to spoil the whole barrel.” Just the opposite is true when it comes to people—one person with a positive attitude can turn around an entire toxic work situation.
Being Able To Admit Your Mistakes Is A Hallmark Of Success- I’ve come across several people recently who simply can’t admit it when they’ve made a mistake. Instead of admitting their mistake and taking responsibility for it, they blame others.
Focusing On Others Is The Key To Your Success- Focusing on yourself will not take you where you want to go, but focusing on others will.
The World Belongs To Optimists- The world belongs to optimists--people with positive attitudes who expect favorable outcomes.
Being Flexible Makes You More Likeable- Have you ever gone on a vacation with someone who was inflexible--where everything had to be done his or her way?
The Waiter Rule: A Fail-Safe Character Test- USA Today recently ran an article the Waiter Rule--You can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she treats the waiter.
The Key To Happiness: Be Yourself- One of the difinitions of happiness is: "To be especially well-adjusted." This means that before you can be happy, you have to first be comfortable with who you are.
Lesson For Managers: You Can't Say "Thank You" Too Often- A research study recently reported in the Harvard Business Review found that the vast majority of employees are quite excited when they start a new job, but the situation deteriorates quickly after six months.
People Who Carry Grudges Wind Up Being Big-Time Losers- People who carry grudges don't seem to realize that nothing good comes from such behavior.
Don't Follow A Path--Blaze A Trail- Many people choose to follow the crowd by taking the well-worn path through life
Age Is A State Of Mind- I have always wondered what the phrase, Age is a state of mind," meant. Recently I came across a quotation that told me the answer.
Obstacles Are Excuses For Doing Nothing - How ofter have you heard people say something like, "I would pursue my dream if only I were better at math." Or, "If only I were a few years younger." Or, "If only I had the money to pay for it."
The Secrets For Making Dreams Come True- Everyone has dreams, but not everyone's dreams come true. The question is, why?
A Positive Attitude Guarantees A Better Life- Research conducted by Dr. Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania shows that a person's attitude is a better predictor of his or her success than I.Q., education and a host of other factors.
Celebrate Your Successes- When you achieve something that's important to you, don't let the moment pass without celebrating.
The Importance of Taking That First Step- In life, one step leads to another, but you have to take that first step before it can lead to another.
Turn Unexpected Delays Into Opportunities- In today's fast paced world, unexpected delays and interruptions are anything but welcome--in fact, they can be downright stressful.
Hallmarks Of A Great Leader- Author, Jim Collins, conducted research on leaders who were able to take their respective companies from being good to being great. As a result, he was able to identify some of the characteristics these leaders had in common.
Being Nice Will Take You Far- A growing body of research is showing that the old adage "nice guys finish last" is simply not true.
The Fear Of Failure Is Grossly Exaggerated- Many people fear failure worse than they fear dying. This makes the fear of failure a very powerful obstacle to success because is discourages people from taking the necessary risks to follow their dreams.
Why Not Make 2006 The Happiest Year Of Your Life?- If you want to make 2006 the happiest year of your life, all you need to do is to follow the advice of Og Mandino.
Finding Your Passion- Recently, I've had a number of people ask me, "How do I find my passion--something I can truly get excited about?"
Finding Your Passion-
The Holidays Are The Perfect Time To Repair Strained Relationships- With all the good will that gets passed around during the holiday season, it's the perfect time to repair any strained relationships you might have.
Holiday Memories Are Created By Things You Do, Not Things You Buy- For a number of years, my wife conducted gift making workshops during early December. During these workships, she would poll the participants as to their most cherished holiday memories.
Setbacks: Those Dark Clouds With Silver Linings- Setbacks--those unfortunate events that impede our progress toward our goals--can be frustrating, as well as stressful and painful.
If You Keep Hustling, Something Good Will Happen- In sports, the people who hustle are the ones who get noticed and create opportunities for themselves. The same holds true in other aspects of life.
Nothing Good Ever Comes From Getting Even- When someone wrongs us, our natural inclination is to get even.
Relationships: The Girl Scouts Have Had It Right All Along- When most people think of Girl Scouts, they visualize smiling young ladies in green uniforms trying to sell them those delicious cookies.
Don't Second Guess Yourself In A Nursing Home--Then It Is Too Late!- It's not uncommon to hear people making excuses about why they didn't take advantage of the opportunities that life sent their way.
You Can't Soar With The Eagles If You Insist On Clinging To The Nest- Letting go of things that are familiar, comfortable and secure is one of the hardest things for many people to do--it's called taking a risk.
If You're Thinking About Giving Up On Your Dream--Think Again!- The road to achieving your dream is usually long and difficult with numerous obsatcles and setbacks along the way.
Life's A Lot More Fun When You Swing The Bat- If you want your life to be richer and more exciting, take the bat off your shoulder and start swinging at the many opportunities that life throws your way.
Never Confuse Critics With Mentors- On the road to success, all of us are going to encounter two groups of people: critics and mentors
Be Careful Who You Listen To- There's no shortage of people who like to give out advice--in fact, many people thrive on it.
A Life Lesson From Babies: They Have No Fear Of Failure- Human beings start out in life with absolutely no fear of failure.
It's The Roughest Road That Usually Leads To The Top- It's the roughest road that usually leads to the top. Why? Because it's loaded with new challenges and experiences that enable you to learn, grow and expand your comfort zone.
A Life Lesson From Golf- A professional golfer once informed me that the biggest reason most golfers' scores don't improve much is that they tend to play with other golfers whose skill levels are roughly the same as their own.
Want To Increase Your Self-Confidence? Expand Your Comfort Zone- Study after study has shown that highly successful people posess high levels of self-confidence--a solid belief in their abilities.
Don't Let A 10 Second Encounter Ruin Your Day- The last thing you want to do when someone cuts you off in traffic, doesn't say thank you or doesn't hold a door open for you, is to take it personally.
Nice Managers Get The Best Results- A number of years ago, a group of reseachers studied studied 16,000 coporate executives. They found that the "high achievers" in the group tended to be every bit as concerned with people as they were with profits.
The Secret To True Happiness- I came across an interesting quote made by a psychologist named Theodore Reik nearly 50 years ago. It went, "In order to be happy oneself, it is necessary to make at least on other person happy."
Don't Let Others Rain On Your Parade--Listen To Your Inner Voice- When you share with those around you that you're getting ready to follow your dream--change careers, start your own business, go back to school--expect the response to be negative.
Life Is Short, So Lighten Up!- Maya Angelou appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show recently and said, "I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights."
Failure Is Something We Should Embrace, Not Fear- Few people will argue with the old adage that, "Experience is the best teacher."
Advice On Giving Advice: Give It Only When It's Asked For- Every now and then, you'll come across someone who is struggling while trying to solve a problem that you already know how to solve.
Keep People And Problems Separate- The process of solving a problem goes much quicker and far more effective if you are able to keep people and problems separate.
Avoid Saying The Wrong Thing At The Tempting Moment- Part of our interpersonal success is tied to our saying the right thing at the right time.
Improving Your Effectiveness In Dealing With People- Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, said many times, "Everyone has an invisible sign hanging around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important!'"
Avoid Competitive Behavior- Competitive behavior--making yourself look good at the expense of those around you--is poor preparation if you expect to move up in an organization.
The Quickest Way To Earn Respect- Many people go through life thinking they're entitled to be respected by those around them and then they whine when the don't receive it.
The Surest Way To Gain Influence- Many people attempt to gain influence by calling attention to themselves.
Take The Time To Brighten Someone's Gloomy Day--You'll Be Glad You Did- If someone appears to be down, take the time to build them back up.
Talking About Yourself: How NOT To Win Friends And Influence People- It's hard for most of us to fathom, but those around us really don't want to hear us talk about ourselves.
The Real Meaning Of Touchy-Feely- Touchy-feely is a condescending term used to put down mangement tools that openly focus on people and meeting their needs.
Turning A Bad Day Into A Good One- A friend once told me, "If you don't like the play, step off the stage and rewrite the script.
Doing The Right Thing- Doing the right thing makes you look good and it energizes those around you.
One Of Life's Most Difficult Lessons- One of life's most difficult lessons is to come to grips with the fact that the tools that have taken you to where you are, are not the tools that are going to take you to the next level.
There's A Reason Why It's Called The "Golden" Rule- Treating others the way you want to be treated is often referred to as the Golden Rule. The reason it's called the "Golden" Rule is that it has such a high "Payoff" associated with it.
You Can Go to the Well As Often As You Want- I'm sure you've all heard the old adage, "You can go to the well once to often." This is true only if you fail to maintain your relationships.
Be Yourself And Be Proud Of It!- The original of just about anything is always more highly prized than a copy or reproduction. The same thing holds true for people.
Taking The Easy Way Out Will Cost You- Many people try to avoid difficult situations by taking the easy way out. They don't realize that doing so has some very costly consequences.
The Return On Investment From Making Mistakes- Some people are so afraid of making a mistake, that they let this fear paralyze them into inaction.
Catch People Doing Something Right- Nothing is more frustrating or demoralizing than to go the extra mile and have nobody notice.
The Care And Feeding Of Relationships- Personal relationships don't maintain themselves. Like any other living thing, they need to be fed and cared for if you expect them to thrive.
Mastering The Art Of Conversation- The secret to getting another person to hang on your every word is simple--talk about them. If you do, they will listen to you all day!
Never Let Those Around You Talk You Out Of Your Dreams- Sometimes, when you share a dream that you are excited about with those around you, you'll find their responses to be less than encourging. When this happens, ignore their advice and go for it!
Try Leaving A Trail Of Gratitude On Your Daily Trips- On of the most deep seated needs among human being is the need to be appreciated. This means if you satisfy this need, you can get people to follow you anywhere.
People Skills Start With Being Nice- The key is to be nice because you care, not because you want something.
Getting Others Excited About Going The Extra Mile- There is only one thing that gets people excited about doing anything; it's their self-interest--what's in it for them. So, if you want to get people excited about going the extra mile for you over and over again, all you have to do is figure out their self-interest and connect it with yours.
Getting Others Excited About Going The -
Maintaining Your Relationships Doesn't Have To Be A Burden- I often have people tell me that they're just too busy to maintain their relationships. Hearing this makes me cringe, because we're not talking about a major investment of time here--10-15 minutes a day--max!
Caring: A Truly Win-Win Proposition- Caring costs nothing, it makes you feel good and it makes those around you feel good.
Stay Away From Arguments- Most people look at arguments as contests with a winner and a loser. In truth, there are no winners, only losers.
Winning Over A New Person- The quickest way of winning over a new person is to send them a clear message that you are for real.
Be Sensitive To Other People's Ideas- Always keep in mind that when people present an idea, their ego is embedded in. If you put down their idea, you bruise their ego and make them feel bad.
Look At Your Relationships as Investments- Relationships are investments that have an awesome return.
Sincere Appreciation Gets Results- One of the deepest needs of our human exixtence is the need to be appreciated. Each and everyone of us absolutely loves to be appreciated for who we are and what we do.
Caring Energizes Everyone Around You- When you open up and care about people, you make them feel really good about themselves. This releases the reservoir of positive energy that resides in all of us.
Maintaining Relationships: High-Touch, Not High-Tech- Relationships are between people and people require periodic personal touches from the other person in order for a relationship to remain vibrant.
Capitalize On Your Moments Of Truth- A moment of truth is an opportunity for you to come through when people don't expect you to.
Negative Comments Hurt Everyone- Nothing good ever comes out of negative comments.
Avoid Treating People Like Light Switches- One habit that's all to easy to fall into is to treat people like light switches--turn them on when you need their help, then ignore them until you need their help again.
Don't Be Boring- One of the most boring things in the world is to have to listen to someone talk about themself while you want to talk about yourself.
The Power of Being Nice- Dont be nice to people just because you want something from them. Be nice just to be nice and watch how your life changes for the better.
Self-Interest Is The Only Motivator- All people are motivated by the same thing. It's something called self-interest--what's in it for me.
Negotiation is not a Contest- Negotiation is not a contest to see who wins. Instead it's a cooperative activity designed to make everyone better off.
Caring Pays- Most people look at caring as the expenditure of time and effort to benefit someone else. In reality, caring about others actually benefits you--big time!
The Key to Working Out Successful Agreements- The key to working out successful agreements is to talk to the other person about what they want (their win) and then show them how to get it (your win).
Win-Lose Doesn't Work- Win-Lose makes people feel bad which motivates them to work against you instead of with you.
Compliments Cost Nothing, But They Yield Some Very Tangible Results- Human beings have an insatiable need to be apprecited. If you can satisfy this need, you'll have people eating out of the palm of your hand.
Listening is the Key to Improving Your People Skills- If you want to improve your people skills, take the time to show others that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.
The Power of a Smile- A smile has such a profound positive impact on those around you that it is the one thing that is used more often than sex in advertising.
Maintain Your Relationships- Personal relationships need to be maintained in order to remain healthy. The key is to regularly visit with these same people, either in person or over the phone, when you don't ask for anything.
Simply Saying Thank You Isn't Enough- If you want to get others excited about going the extra mile for you, all you need to do is make them feel speical when they do. Simply saying thank you isn't enough
You Can't Do It By Yourself- If you expect to achieve anything during your lifetime that is worthy of note, you have to remember one thing: you can't do it by yourself, you need all the help you can get.