gratitude, the parent of all virtues
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - JFKMany words of wisdom will be written and shared about gratitude and giving thanks today.  I'm certainly grateful.  I could make a list.  I could make a long list.  But first and foremost, I'm grateful for so many wonderful, amazing people in my life.  My friends, family, clients, people who encourage me daily, the people I haven't even met but who teach me. Gratitude has been called the parent of all virtues, and it's definite

what bill belichick can teach us about decision-making
Alright, alright.  So Bill Belichick didn't punt against the Colts and it lost the Patriots the game.   Scott Anthony wrote about this over at Harvard Business today, and for those who missed the game, here's his recap:The New England Patriots led the Indianapolis Colts by

why you should care about carrots & sticks (your talent is getting restless)
On Monday, I posted Dan Pink's TED talk on motivation.  I'm looking forward to the release of Dan's next book, Drive.  And here's why.  He's right.  But there are a great many businesses out there determined to continue utilizing out-dated methods of motivation and engagement that science tells us don't work.

where's your sweet spot?
The sweet spot on a tennis racquet is the spot where the ball strikes and creates almost no force on the player's hand.  To the player, hitting the sweet spot feels effortless.  It's easy.  In sound engineering, the sweet spot is where the listener hears the most favorable balance of all the sound elements.  The sweet spot is where it all comes together with ease, and achieves an optimum result.For me, it happens when I'm facilitating a session, talented, smart people are engaged, and suddenly lightbulbs start going off.  These people start seeing things in a new way.  They become enthusiastic, and we all start c

what i know for sure (a birthday post)
Things always happen to me on the 17th.  Married on the 17th, divorced on the 17th.  Got jobs on the 17th.  Moved on the 17th.  Closed on my first house on the 17th. Sold that house for quite the nice little profit on the 17th.  Lost a great love on the 17th.  Started my business on the 17th.  But this particular 17th, in November, happens to be my birthday.  I know that yesterday, I posted a video and said we'd talk about that -- but we'll get to that tomorrow.  Today is my birthday and there's something bigger I want you to know.I've been around a few years now.  And here's the thing. Sometimes