With less than half of Americans happy at work, and millions more wishing they had a similar problem because they lack a job to complain about, it's easier than ever to be surrounded by grumps. Just because others grouse does not mean that we … [Read more...]
Why People Procrastinate
This past Saturday afternoon I took my visiting nephew to the stables at our local race track to see my two horses. My trainer is a 64-year-old cowboy, a crusty hardboot, and was a bit gruff when we stopped and said hello. I didn’t think much of it; … [Read more...]
Monday’s Lighter Side of the News
As the new week dawns, here's a sampling of who we're competing against: British tennis pro Robert Dee, feeling humiliated at being called the "world's worst tennis pro" by London's Daily Telegraph (and other news organizations) sued the newspaper … [Read more...]
The Daily Dozen
I received an electronic note yesterday from a fellow I worked with more than a decade ago. Ours is a professional relationship rather than a personal one, so what he wrote really hit home. He recalled something I taught in a seminar perhaps fifteen … [Read more...]
How to Impress A Stranger at a Cocktail Party
Fake intellect is fun, especially at a social mixer. Whenever you want to make a great impression, matter-of-factly rattle off the history behind the name of each weekday and explain the origin of months. Close with an obtuse segue to the reason four … [Read more...]
Why Rudeness is Increasing
I got a note this morning from Serbia, authored by a friend I used to work with. As with many notes these days, it was short and to the point. She wrote, "Everything in instant lately – we live instant lives – don’t like it." Her message made me … [Read more...]