Service has never been so important. “Self-isolation” and “social distancing” are the new norm. Doors everywhere are being shut. People are hoarding supplies and preparing for the worst. It’s in times like these that our true nature is revealed. For some it’s an excuse to withdraw, to do less, to focus on self and ignore … Continue reading See the Need
Of Turtles and Trains
Japan has a turtle problem. Specifically, the West Japan Railway Company has a problem with turtles in the Nara Prefecture. Here, the track runs close to the ocean and turtles periodically fall between the rails at switch points as they try to reach the water. They become trapped and are killed when the track switch … Continue reading Of Turtles and Trains
Seamless
This weekend I had the opportunity to see “1917,” the new film by director Sam Mendes. It’s an intriguing story about a couple of young soldiers sent to deliver a crucial message to troops on the front lines of World War I in France. Mendes wrote the story after hearing tales of his grandfather who … Continue reading Seamless
The Continuous Thread
I recently came across an article about Alfred Cheng. He’s an artist from Hong Kong who uses thread to create realistic portraits of celebrities. What’s amazing about Cheng’s art is that he uses a single thread to craft each of his masterpieces; and that thread is 5,000 meters long. That’s 15,000 feet of thread! Cheng … Continue reading The Continuous Thread
The Bar is Low
Last week we had to have a tree removed from our front yard. It had contracted some form of disease and sections were dying off, eliminating the shade it provided and rendering it an eyesore. I hated losing that tree – it anchored one side of the house and the curb appeal has been negatively … Continue reading The Bar is Low
Leading Questions
Leaders ask questions. Leading managers ask questions to help them guide the team to grow. Leading service providers ask questions to help them solve customer problems. Leading salespeople ask questions to help them meet unspoken needs. We should all be asking more (and better) questions, but we don’t. They may enter our mind, but we … Continue reading Leading Questions
Alone
I’m currently binge-watching season five of Alone. This History Channel program follows 10 survival experts as they each survive alone (that’s where the name comes from) in the wilderness. Separated from each other by several miles and with no contact with the outside world, they are left to carve out an existence using limited resources, … Continue reading Alone
At First Blush
While traveling last week, I popped into Dairy Queen for a post-meeting milkshake. As I approached the counter, the cashier looked up and asked “How can I help you?” Before I could answer however, he spoke again. “You know, I can give you the senior discount.” At first I was surprised, then amused, and finally … Continue reading At First Blush
Making Memories
If you are of a certain age, you may be familiar with the name Marilu Henner. A film and television actress, Henner became famous for her role as Elaine Nardo in the sitcom Taxi during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. In the 90’s she went on to host her own talk show and has … Continue reading Making Memories
Say Cheese!
On April 27, 1981, John Eric Hastrick was visiting the Grand Canyon. In an effort to get the perfect picture to commemorate his time there, Hastrick climbed over the rock wall intended to keep tourists from venturing too close to the edge. He turned his back to the canyon and focused on his camera, continued … Continue reading Say Cheese!
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