A woman named Ashley Hoffman suggested four traits that would cause you to be “loved” on the job. Generosity – Would your colleagues describe you as generous?  Are you free with words of encouragement?  Do you readily help someone who is struggling in some fashion?  Are you quick with a smile or laugh?  Will you go out of your way?  Are your teammates glad to see you coming?  That’s what generosity in the workplace looks […]

I heard this on a podcast. Successful marathon runners have a “narrow” focus. They pick a target. Run to the target. Pick another. Over and over again. Until completed. No 26.2-mile targets. More like 200-yard targets. On repeat. Last week I heard the Selma plant has had more than 500 days without a recordable injury. I’m guessing when they started the run, nobody said anything about 500 days. The target was simple. “We had a […]

“The world needs competent people with the heart to keep showing up, day in and day out, and often on the night shift, to do the hard work. This inner work of embracing both passion and vulnerability is essential to cultivating a heart that can withstand all the pain and complexity and still show up to help make a difference.” — Shelley L. Francis, Author, The Courage Way: Leading & Living with Integrity I have […]

“If you’re juiceless, you’re useless.” – Chad Scott, University of South Florida football coach “Having juice” is a term used around athletic teams. “Having juice” raises the level of a team’s performance. Where does “juice” come from?  Can you develop it? I believe having “juice” is a skill.  You can get better at it. It starts by knowing that “juice” is evident when you have an impact on others. People with “juice” care about others.  […]

“We don’t have to be superstars or win championships.  All we have to do is learn to rise to every occasion, give our best effort, and make those around us better as we do it.” – John Wooden This is a statement of impact. Rise to every occasion – means engage.  Don’t be passive.  Pay attention.  See what’s needed.  Summon your energy. Give your best effort – means contribute.  If you are in the game, be […]

What’s an all-star performance to you? Would the folks you encounter – inside and outside the organization – refer to you as an all-star? I had an appointment with the eye doctor yesterday. In the examination room was a 3 x 5 card where the leaders of the practice invited anyone to write down an “all-star” performance when they saw it. They listed four criteria: CONSISTENTLY HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY – Helpful and friendly is an […]

I love this story. John F. Kennedy was the president who set the goal for America to be the first to place a man on the moon. You know the rest of the story. Inspired by the vision and fully resourced by our country, the USA won the race to the moon. The technological developments that came from that effort propelled our quality of life. We still benefit from it in countless ways. The story […]

There was an article in the newspaper this weekend describing an explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania. At least seven have died. There are still a few people missing. Another ten are at the hospital. One building collapsed. Another is badly damaged. The officials are still investigating to determine how this occurred. One thing is certain: Things won’t be the same. The newspaper was asking questions too. They uncovered several employees who said they […]

“The team that plays the hardest, longest wins! The team that plays the hardest, longest wins!” – Tom Izzo, Michigan State basketball coach In 2015, I was doing horribly in the March Madness contest at PalletOne. I have a college degree from Michigan State, but I anticipated they would get knocked out early because it just wasn’t their year. I should have known better. Under Coach Izzo’s leadership, his team is ready at tournament time […]

When I think back on the things I was part of that give me a sense of satisfaction, I realize none of them were “easy.” For instance, the economy’s collapse in 2008-2009 introduced the most challenging period in our company’s history. For us to survive, every person had to buy in. We cut costs. Cut benefits. Had to look at every penny we spent. We learned to adapt to the challenge. Work hard every day. […]