I have been reading a lot about patience lately. In this hyper-connected, 24-hour news cycle world, it seems patience is becoming a virtue rarely practiced. Yet countless business coaches continue to emphasize the importance of time and perseverance. I couldn’t agree more. (more…)
Everyone knows how to talk. In 140 characters, one-page press releases, or 25-page white papers. On countless blogs, talk shows, and around water coolers. To friends, family, the teller at the bank (but apparently not the doctor).
Talking isn’t a problem. Discussion is. Americans seem to have forgotten the fine art of thoughtful discussion and meaningful debate. And that’s not just in Washington D.C. It’s true here in the heartland too. (more…)
With the exception of some screaming chickens and a lame fiddling beaver, it seemed like every commercial during the second half of the Super Bowl focused on white men in their underwear. What demo does this attract, exactly? (more…)
This year, I’m thankful for…
Clients who stayed true to their plans.
Clients who tried something new.
Clients who used the recession as a time to plan for the future.
Prospects who took the time to learn what communications really is.
Artists across the state who wanted to learn more about marketing.
Executive Directors who tried blogging for the first time and had fun with it.
I’m also thankful for… (more…)
My father, Jay Byron Sinex, passed away on Oct. 27, 2001, at the age of 57. He was a complex, loving, intelligent man with a real twinkle to his eye. He always had a joke or a story. My former employer, Bruce Hetrick, captured one of my Dad’s stories shortly after his death. With his permission, I am reprinting it here in honor of my Dad and the giraffe that follows me everywhere.
“Jesus was never Caesar’s political adviser. Neither was Oprah Winfrey.”
I overheard this in Starbuck’s on Saturday. I ignored my desire to ask the speaker if she thought these two would make good advisors for Caesar but the comment stuck with me. (more…)
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the power of praise. I recently read Nuture Shock, and as Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman suggest, all praise is not created equal. They call this the inverse power of praise. It works like this. Praise the child; he doesn’t work as hard the next time. Praise the action; she learns it’s about how hard she works.
To fully understand the subtleties of how undirected praise can backfire, I strongly recommend you read the chapter instead. (Heck, read the whole book. I’ll lend it to you.) In the meantime, here are two other things to think about to determine the value of a compliment: