Direction, or directions?

The best executive is the one who has the sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. Theodore Roosevelt 1858 – 1919 Do you want to be a better manager, parent or relationship partner? If your relationships with your employees, co-workers, friends or relatives aren’t what you’d like, here’s a good way to improve: ask yourself this question: “Do I give direction, or directions?” That question may sound too simple or too subtle, but the answer could lead to a huge change in …
Continue reading…

Controlling foul moods

Things themselves don’t hurt or hinder us. It is our attitudes and reactions that give us trouble. Epictetus 55 – 135 A.D. Have you ever had one of those days when it seems like anyone or anything can get under your skin and put you in a foul mood? Recently, I was talking with a regular client. As soon as he got on the phone, I knew something was wrong, so I asked what had him upset. He explained that his adult (but still very dependent) son had made an unreasonable request: the son wanted him to buy a new, …
Continue reading…

The danger of ‘should’

Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be. Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803 – 1852 A few years ago, I went to my primary care physician for an annual check-up. My doctor is part of a group from a teaching hospital, so he has access to my records from other specialists in the group. As he was reviewing my medical history, he said, “It’s been 14 months since your last eye exam.” I braced myself for a lecture, but he simply …
Continue reading…