(we’re taking a Thanksgiving break at The Happy Burro;
our management series resumes Monday, November 26th. – Joe)

A few thoughts to reflect on during this Thanksgiving holiday in America:

Fall In Love With Something

E. Paul Torrance
(reference here)

• Don’t be afraid to fall in love with something and pursue it with intensity.

• Know, understand, take pride in, practice, develop, exploit and enjoy your greatest strengths.

• Learn to free yourself from the expectations of others and to walk away from the games they impose on you.

• Free yourself to play your own game.

• Find a great teacher or mentor who will help you.

• Learn the skills of interdependence.

• Don’t waste energy trying to be well-rounded.

• Do what you love and can do well.

Be Remarkable #8

#8 – Not everyone appreciates your efforts to be remarkable. In fact, most people don’t. So what? Most people are ostriches, heads in the sand, unable to help you anyway. Your goal isn’t to please everyone. Your goal is to please those that actually speak up, spread the word, buy new things or hire the talented.
(reference here)

Look Around You

Does ‘thank you’ feel contrived to you? Of course you’ll thank your customers, your parents, your family, your co-workers, etc. etc. They were major parts of your successes and support during your shortcomings. Try thanking one of these people in your life (just in case you haven’t yet…):

1. Postal carrier
2. Newspaper carrier
3. People that clean your office
4. People that clean your office bathroom
5. Garbage hauler
6. Cashier at the grocery store
7. Appointment scheduler at the doctor’s office
8. Sandwich maker at the deli
9. Bus/train driver

A bonus point if you know the names of any of these people. Extra bonus points if you know anything about their lives or families!

Thank You!

Thank you to the thousands of you that have voted with your time this past year and stopped here to read for a moment.
Thank you to those of you that joined and furthered the conversations here. We’re all enriched by this exchange.
Thank you to fellow writers. Your words of encouragement, leadership by example, and friendship are priceless.
_____

Who are you going to thank this year that has never heard those words from you?

Joe Raasch :: Nov.22.2007 :: Employee Engagement, Life, Personal :: No Comments »