“OK, let’s get him on the phone.” That’s radio talk show host Kane. It’s the 99.5 FM radio segment “War of the Roses,” it plays around 8 a.m. on weekdays, and it’s really fun to listen to him and Intern John catch cheaters in the act. In the script, Kane plays a guy who ownsRead… Read more »
Oakland has a new School Superintendent. I like him, partly because of the following statement he dropped at a meeting of the Youth Ventures Joint Powers Authority recently. All the city and county heavy-hitters were there, discussing the possibility of hiring an out-of-state firm to do a data report on Oakland. There was much debateRead… Read more »
There are few things in life more painful than a job interview. Except, perhaps, dating. There are also few things more shameful. Right? It’s not something you want to talk about. The screw-ups, the flubs, the asinine mistakes that everyone makes but which feel totally unique to your sorry ass. In a nod to theRead… Read more »
I’ve been doing branding for a very long time. And one thing sets my best clients apart from the losers: Their ability to take sound advice. One client flat-out refused to pay. Another threw a shit fit at my boss. A third became enraged at me directly. The things I say aren’t rocket science, really.Read… Read more »
Stocks were up again last week, helped by a strong rally on Friday which was triggered by a drop in interest rates in China, of all things. The reason for the drop in rates was because of some bleak economic data so it may turn out to be an emotional response to something that shouldRead… Read more »
Innovation means doing something different to get a better result. But doing something different requires change – something people generally resist. Resistance to change is well known and its reasons well documented. Trust. Security. Fear of failure. Stress related to learning new knowledge or skills. Managers spend many hours thinking about and experimenting with push-me/pull-youRead… Read more »
I spent the majority of my federal career sitting in a cubicle, and these last few years I have ventured out on local travel as well as trips across the county. I have an accounting background, and most of my reviews pertain to financial issues. Since I work for the US Department of Housing andRead… Read more »
Be Prepared Showing up with a clear mind and a solid strategy is key to performing at your best. In Texas Hold’em this consisted of reviewing previous play, determining what your general strategy will be and making sure your mind is clear and ready to play. This is also important in leadership. Reviewing what hasRead… Read more »
I realize it is easy at this time of the year to focus on our families, but giving is an integral part of our own People Gardening skills. By that I mean that often times when we focus on others who have less than we do then we can start realizing and appreciating what we… Read more »
Envision for a moment that Germany won World War II. They in turn created a holiday that celebrated this feat and ignored the Holocaust and Anti-Semitism. This holiday would be centered around families giving thanks for one of the biggest human rights travesties in world history. Businesses would close during this national observance. Schools wouldRead… Read more »