Bodybuilding is the most narcissistic, self-absorbed ‘sport’ ever conceived. I can offer that critique as a former competitor, promoter of numerous state bodybuilding championships, emcee of the Mr. & Ms. Universe competition, and color analyst for ESPN’s bodybuilding coverage. (All of these things took place before Bill Clinton was sworn in, but my opinion has…
How strong is your voice? How convincing is your argument? When your words aren’t scripted for you — when your notes have blown away — when you’re in the spotlight and all eyes are on you — when the pressure is on and it’s do or die — …can you deliver? Can you lead, inspire,…
It’s 7:14 a.m. The breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 and, so far, I don’t see any of the meeting attendees milling around. Before heading into the ballroom to meet with the AV technician who’s there to help me set up for my 8:30 keynote, I decide to grab a cup of coffee and a light…
Last weekend, my wife and I had our 5-yr-old granddaughter over for dinner. The TV in the great room was on providing background ambiance so that I could watch the big game as I helped Brooklyn do some creative arts and crafts at the kitchen table nearby. Midway through the first quarter, Brooky looked up…
Every company that employs teens and young adults wrestles with the boundaries of professionalism. How do you get the emerging workforce to set aside, if only temporarily, the supposed “personal right of individual expression” in favor of representing you and your organization without completely zapping them of their enthusiasm, creativity, and energy? Sometimes their personal…
It should come as no great surprise to any business owner or manager that employees tend to stay where they feel appreciated and they are prone to leave when they don’t. Following that same logic, smart employers also realize that people will perform better when they feel that their efforts are recognized and appreciated and…
This headline makes absolutely no sense, but please don’t shoot the messenger just yet. If you’re confused about what’s really going in with regards to Generation Y/Millennials in the workforce, turn off the news and stop reading the papers. The media is more confused than you are. Either that, or they’re purposely trying to confuse…
Since my new book launched in January, I’ve sent out 273 complimentary copies. I know for a fact that at least four of those books were delivered. These books were not sent out unsolicited to a random list of people I was hoping to engage, but rather to clients, prospective clients, major media contacts, and…
Last Thursday while vacationing with my family in a small Colorado mountain town, I suffered a personal crisis when one of my highly visible dental crowns split in two and fell out. I had Crystal, the receptionist at my dentist for the past 15 years, on the phone in minutes and explained to her the…
When you think back on your days as a high school student, you’ll recall that the majority of the faculty and staff who interacted with you did so in an authoritative and controlling manner. If there was a disagreement or a point of contention, you were quickly reminded that they were the adult and you…