Out-of-the-Food-Truck Thinking
I recently watched a sly little movie on DVD called Chef (2014), starring writer/director/actor John Favreau, that really brings home the perils of sacrificing engagement for practicality, and which demonstrates how things can begin turning around when you start following your heart. For you movie buffs, you’ll remember Favreau from his debut in Swingers (1996), […]
The Six Basic Needs
There’s a lot of talk in the management world these days about boosting “employee engagement”, and for good reason. People are what matter most in an organization – not capital reserves, not resources, not even products and services. Engaged, inspired, motivated employees are what drive the success of an organization… so why, then, is so […]
You’re Driving Me Sane
Ask most any Canadian and they’ll confirm that Montreal hosts some of the most aggressive drivers in the world. But let me tell you, my Uncle Stan has them all beat.
From Couch Potato to Trail Runner in 6 Months
[Disclaimer: although I AM Dr. Clue, I must confess I am not a medical doctor. As a result, please consult with your physician before attempting to follow any of the advice I put forth below about exercise and diet. The opinions expressed are those of an ordinary guy, much like many of you, who found […]
Oakland Zoo Teambuilding Scavenger Hunt
A great Teambuilding Scavenger Hunt at the Oakland Zoo Tucked away in the Oakland Hills, the Zoo is a great little place for a teambuilding scavenger hunt. The admission isn’t exorbitant, the distance to cover isn’t outrageous (or overly exhausting). It’s a sweet little zoo that never seems too swamped with school kids, and […]
Emotional Intelligence in Relationships, part 2
In my last article, I talked about boosting one’s emotional intelligence. To do this, you need to concentrate on three specific disciplines: Awareness of Emotions Expression of Emotions Managing/Controlling Your Emotions Let’s break these categories down a bit further. Awareness of Emotions: Have you ever asked a teenager, “What are you feeling right now?” only […]
Emotional Intelligence in Relationships
How many times have you been sitting at a café or restaurant and overhead a couple at the next table in deep, intimate discussion about their relationship? It’s not that uncommon, right? Couples have disagreements sometimes – it’s natural. Why not in a café – a nice, safe, neutral environment? The question, I think, isn’t […]
Energetic Leadership
In spite of anything you’ve heard to the contrary, you ARE a “leader” in your “organization”. There’s just no denying it. “But wait just a second,” you say. “I’m only an admin…or a mid-level manager…or a soccer mom. I’m no leader.” This is an understandable reaction, to be sure – and yet completely inaccurate. Leadership […]
Patience
Yoda: Luke! You must complete the training. Luke Skywalker: I can’t keep the vision out of my head. They’re my friends. I’ve gotta help them. Yoda: You must not go! … Obi-Wan: Patience! Luke: And sacrifice Han and Leia? Yoda: If you honor what they fight for, yes! Obi-Wan: If you choose to face Vader, […]
Running One’s Stories
My girlfriend and I are running through the park yesterday on a warm, sunny, California afternoon when my partner — observing my relatively-slow jogging rate — suggests, “Ready to step up the pace?” Nonplussed, I respond: “Give me a break! Can’t you see I’m struggling to keep up?” Silence ensues, followed by a hurt: “I […]