Archive for January, 2009

Talking out of both sides of Microsoft’s Mouth

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

Microsoft’s new ad campaign, People Ready, is now trumpeting what most of us have known for years – the old mantra…’It’s not personal, it’s just business’…. is a bunch of malarkey.  In what first appears to be an editorial filled with typical CEO mumbo jumbo, Microsoft uses a red highlighter to cut through the BS leaving just a few words that emphasize Microsoft’s new marketing message…’Because it’s everybody’s business’.

Interesting that this marketing campaign coincides with Microsoft’s announcement they are laying off 1400 people today and 5000 over the next 18 months.  Now that’s what I call personal.

Guess it’s only ‘everybody’s business’ at Microsoft when sales are strong.

Posted in Decision-Making, Uncategorized, Work Life | No Comments »

Paying to Unplug… and the Sad Future of Lettuce

Friday, January 16th, 2009

I love to read AdAge.  For me, it’s like a match that ignites that “What if…” place in my brain.  For instance, in Lenore Skenazy’s January 12th article, Extinction, Innovation and the Sad Future of Iceberg Lettuce, futurist Richard Watson, author of Future Files: The Five Trends That Will Shape the Next 50 Years, discusses what’s new and what’s quickly becoming extinct – like paternity cases, careers and iceberg lettuce.

One emerging trend is the desire to drop out of the wired world.  Watson predicts that more and more people are going to seek out places where they can unplug, enjoy the quiet and rekindle personal relationships without technological props.  Skenazy writes, “Dropping out from the technological world may become the ultimate luxury.”  My friends at the International Spa Assocation are smiling.  Cell phone free properties and quiet rooms have long been a hallmark of the best destination spas.

Here’s my prediction…. It’s actually going to become cool to close your door, turn off your Blackberry, put your phone on voice mail and get some uninterrupted work done.  I can feel it.  Brain shrinking multi-tasking is going to fall from grace like the socially unacceptable iceberg lettuce.  And not a minute too soon…  Imagine what kind of real work we could done….

Posted in Meaningful Work, Multi-tasking, Positive Living, Work Life, future trends | No Comments »

It’s a Great Time to Up the Talent of Your Team

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

Just this week I’ve talked with three highly talented professionals that find themselves unexpectedly searching for a job due to the economic crunch.  For those companies that want to raise the talent level of their team, don’t be shy.  Now is an excellent time to do it.

Posted in Decision-Making, Hiring, Uncategorized, Work Teams | No Comments »

7 Commandments for a Happy 2009

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Bailouts.  Bankruptcies.  Lay-offs.  Financial scandals.  Wars raging.  Who in the world could stir up positive attitude in all of this mess?

I recently appeared on the radio show, Skin Health Today, with the amazing, Celeste Hilling, CEO of SkinAuthority.  The topic was New Year, New You, New Attitude.  Want to listen?  Click here.

With the media bombarding us with doom and gloom, it’s easy to understand why so many of us feel the need for an attitude lift.  We want to be happier.  We need to be happier.

Okay, be honest.  Have you ever told yourself, “If I just had more money… or a better job… or a hotter love life… or a thinner body, then I would be happy.”  Guess what?  You are looking in the wrong places for happiness.  Happiness comes from within you.   Want more happiness?  Get your own copy of The 7 Commandments for a Happy 2009.  There’s no charge.

Happiness is a state of mind… it’s a choice you make regardless of how much money you have or how good your job is.  And, best of all, it’s free!  Now that’s something to be happy about in 2009.

P.S.  Many of my clients, colleagues and friends have asked me how I managed to keep such a positive attitude over the past 3 years as my mother was dying, my life partner was fighting for her life and I was serving as the President of the International Coach Federation.  My secret?  The 7 Commandments.    As Paul Harvey says, “Now you know the rest of the story.”

Posted in Happiness, Positive Attitude, Positive Living | No Comments »