Author Archives: Harry K. Jones

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Organizational/Product Origins Continue

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We recently introduced another category, Where Did That Come From?, to our growing blog content. Thus far, we’ve shared some interesting data on the origin of organization and product names such as 7-11, Adidas, Caterpillar, Pepsi, Skype, Coca-Cola, Cadillac, Haagen-Dazs and Apple Computer.

Today, we continue that journey by exploring the origins of the following companies: Arby’s, Lego, Starbucks, Toyota, and REO.

Arby’s

Arby’s is a fast food restaurant chain in the U.S. and Canada that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Wendy’s/Arby’s Group. It is primarily known for selling roast beef sandwiches and curly fries. There are currently 3,688 Arby’s restaurants … 1,106 stores-owned by corporate and 2,582 Arby’s restaurants owned by 462 franchisees. T.J. Cinnamons and Pasta Connections are also part of this subsidiary.

Arby’s evolved from the enunciation of the initials of its founders, the Raffel Brothers. The partners wanted to use the name Big Tex but were unsuccessful in negotiating with the Akron businessman who was already using the name. So they came up with Arby’s, which stands for R.B., the initials of Raffel Brothers, although many customers think the initials stand for roast beef.

Lego

Lego is a line of construction toys manufactured by the Lego Group based in Billund, Denmark. The company’s flagship product, Lego, consists of colorful interlocking plastic bricks and an accompanying array of gears, mini-figures and various other parts. The toys were originally designed in the 1940s in Europe and have achieved an international appeal, which has led to the development of an extensive subculture that supports Lego movies, games, competitions, and four Lego-themed amusement parks around the world.

The word “Lego” comes from the Danish “leg godt”, which means to “play well.” Lego also means “I put together” in Latin, but Lego Group claims this is only a coincidence. Years before the little plastic brick was invented, Lego manufactured wooden toys.

Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks Corporation is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world with 16,635 stores in 49 countries. Starbucks also sells snacks, and items such as mugs and coffee beans and also markets books, music, and film. Starbucks-brand ice cream and coffee are also offered at grocery stores.

Starbucks was named after Starbuck, a character in Herman Melville’s novel Moby-Dick.

Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Motor Corporation commonly known simply as Toyota, is a multinational corporation headquartered in Japan and the world’s largest automaker by sales. Toyota employs approximately 320,808 people worldwide.

The company was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937 as a spinoff from his father’s company Toyota Industries to create automobiles. The company includes 522 subsidiaries. In addition to manufacturing automobiles, Toyota provides financial services and also builds robots and is one of the largest conglomerates in the world.

Toyota was initially called Toyeda but was changed after a contest for a better-sounding name. The new name was written in katakana with eight strokes, a number that is considered lucky in Japan.

REO Motor Car Company

The REO Motor Car Company, initiated by Ransom E. Olds, was a Lansing, Michigan, based company that produced automobiles and trucks from 1905 to 1975. At one point the company also manufactured buses on its truck platforms.

Originally, the company was to be called “R. E. Olds Motor Car Company but later was shortened to REO and was pronounced “rio.” (Note: The band REO Speedwagon took its name from the REO manufactured REO Speed Wagon light delivery truck, an ancestor of pickup trucks.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Should Holiday Savings Be on Your Christmas List?

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Everyone is getting a jump on the holidays this year. While most people once waited for Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving and the busiest shopping day of the year), this year is noticeably different. Most retailers have decided to offer those bargain prices much earlier this year. They’re obviously concerned about the depressed economy and projected shortfall as we approach the end of this year. Even car dealerships are jumping on this band wagon which provides a strong indication of poor sales expectations in this unprecedented economy. I’ve seen “Black Saturday” promotions and even a “Every day is Black Friday” promotion appearing on TV and in newspapers. Look for that to continue.

We’ve experienced the same challenges ourselves this year. Yes, it seems as though we’re being programmed to shop earlier and earlier every year for fear that we may forfeit value, price or selection by hesitating too long to plan. We’ve recognized that same phenomenon over the past few years as our clients are shopping early for their holiday banquets and parties, award ceremonies, annual recognition programs and Christmas parties.

Professional Speaker for Your Holiday Banquet, Award Ceremony, Recognition Program, Holiday Party, or Christmas Party
If you desire to educate, enlighten and entertain your staff while enhancing your festivities, don’t hesitate to contact us early this year. AchieveMax® professional speakers will provide humor, insight, and information that will certainly enhance your personal and business life in a very positive fashion.

We’re now offering a variety of price specials for any program booked prior to the end of the year. You’ll enjoy these special prices even if your event doesn’t take place until some time in 2010 as long as you book your seminar or keynote by the end of the year. Give us a call at 1-800-886-2629 for further information. Dr. Jeffrey Drake will be more than happy to explain your many options.

We recommend the following custom-designed keynote presentations for your holiday season event:

Holiday Creativity Keynote Presentations

If you want to generate great ideas and strategies for 2010, you may want to consider:

Holiday Leadership Keynote Presentations

If you want to manage rapid change and develop your leaders and teams, options to think about are:

Holiday Customer Service Keynote Presentations

If you want to grow your customer base and retain the customers you already have, please consider:

Holiday Professional Development Keynote Presentations

If you want to get more things accomplished in 2010, think about these options:

To reserve your chosen holiday date, please call us at 800-886-2629 or fill out our form. Remember, each holiday keynote presentation or seminar will be custom-designed to fit your organizational needs!

Happy Holidays!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Change Your Life in These Crucial Times

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There are so many reality shows on television today that most of us don’t even notice when new ones emerge almost every week. However, let’s imagine for a moment, that YOU were the focus of a reality show scheduled for prime time on the nation’s most popular network.

Let’s say the premise was this: You were asked to develop a list of life goals and then given 100 days to pursue them. In addition, a full camera crew would follow you 24 hours a day, every day for every one of the 100 days.

I’m sure, if you’re honest with yourself, you can easily imagine exactly what would happen. Not even knowing you at all, I can safely predict three things that would definitely occur:

  1. You would START doing the things you really need to do in order to reach those goals.
  2. You would STOP doing the things you know you shouldn’t be doing because they’re preventing you from reaching those goals.
  3. You would MAKE monumental performance gains and change your life within a mere 100 days … just a little over three months!

Why do we both know these three things would happen? It’s actually quite simple. They would happen as a result of the discipline of ACCOUNTABILITY.

Accountability serves and protects your character, credibility and commitments. It ensures that what you want to accomplish gets accomplished. Throughout every area of your life it’s important to understand that ALL unfinished goals, projects and relationships are the result of broken promises, unfulfilled commitments, and lack of accountability … to yourself as well as others.

If we all know that #3 listed above would actually happen, why in the world don’t we just pretend that we’re being followed around by a camera crew? I can’t think of a more opportune time to put forth such a simplistic and powerful effort.

Gary Ryan Blair, otherwise know as “The Goals Guy”, has inspired millions of people to learn more about the tremendous power of goal setting. Gary offers handbooks, e-learning, training, teleseminars, keynote speeches, coaching and a free weekly newsletter.

Go to Gary’s website today ( http://www.goalsguy.com/home.html ) and take a look at the wealth of information he offers to assist you in your journey to personal and professional success. Share the power of goal setting with your co-workers, family and friends. You can and will make a difference in this country at a time when we need it more than ever before.

Note: Looking for a great Christmas present for your children and/or grandchildren? Introduce them to the powerful strategy of goal setting. It will impact them for the rest of their lives in a most positive way!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Are You Listening?

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Isn’t it interesting that we hear so much about the key role of “listening” in successful marriages, business mergers, negotiations, etc.? And yet, ironically, how many of us have had the opportunity to receive any kind of formal training in the fine art of “listening”?

In high school, we were offered the chance to learn to debate but that focused on speaking to present your position on any given subject. Most schools also offered speech classes which taught us the fine art of verbal delivery.

Throughout its history, Toastmasters has served more than four million people, and today the organization serves more than 250,000 members in 106 countries through its more than 12,500 member clubs. Its purpose: “helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills.”

Across this country, there are many Associations for Professional Speakers who boast membership in the tens of thousands of those who have made speaking a career.

However, I have yet to see an “HearMasters” Association, an Association of Professional Listeners, or any organized group which professed to enhance our ability to be better listeners.

This is certainly an area in which most everyone would benefit from being able to master this delicate and much-needed skill. We see examples almost every single day in all walks of life. Here’s a prime example:

Pause – Listen – Understand!

A man walked into a doctor’s office. “What do you have?” the receptionist asked him.

“Shingles,” he replied.

She told him to sit down.

Soon a nurse called him and asked, “What do you have?”

“Shingles,” he replied.

She took his blood pressure, weight, and complete medical history. Then she took him to a room, told him to remove all of his clothes, and left.

After a few minutes the doctor came in and asked, “What do you have?”

“Shingles,” the man told him.

The doctor looked him up and down and asked, “Where? I don’t see them.”

“Out on the truck. Where do you want me to unload them?”

Sometimes, a simple pause, good listening skills, and a few well-thought questions can solve a lot of problems which would otherwise easily escalate to a critical state. Why do you think the Good Lord gave us two ears and just one mouth? Maybe we should be listening twice as much as we’re talking!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Albert and Mr. Harry

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As I grow older, I find myself tearing up more often than ever before. The reasons are numerous and varied and, in most cases, very cathartic for me. I don’t mind at all. It might be a song, a movie, a TV show, a memory, a realization or simply something that happened during my busy day.

I firmly believe these various circumstances have always presented themselves to me. I’m just more aware of them at this point in my life.

One of those moments materialized for me recently during a very hectic week in a major city. I was involved in a frenzied week of training which ran until 9 p.m. every night. I repeated the same program several times every day in order to accommodate the hundreds of employees our client had scheduled to attend.

Leadership and front-line employees alike arrived from all over the city to attend the three-hour sessions, day after day. Due to the size of each session, the programs were held in one of the largest and most historic churches in the city.

After the last session of my last night, I was alone in the enormous auditorium packing up my materials and props. I had turned off most of the lights, and it was extremely quiet at this point. I was suddenly startled to see someone just three feet in front of me … almost as though he had instantly materialized out of nowhere.

There, standing quietly with a warm smile on his thinly bearded face, was a short, middle-aged man who, extending his hand, said in heavily broken English, “Hello, Mr. Harry. My name is Albert.”

I smiled, shook his hand, and returned the greeting. He apologized for bothering me after a long week but said he wanted to thank me for everything he had learned this week. I thought that it was odd that he had referred to a three-hour session as “all week.”

He went on, in broken English, to explain that he wasn’t an official attendee of the training. He was an employee of the church where the sessions were being held. He was walking by the auditorium on the first night of the week after getting off work. He listened at the door to see why people were laughing. After a few minutes of listening, he casually made his way to the back of the room, picked up one of our booklets, found a seat and became an “unofficial attendee.” He sat through the entire program taking notes!

As if that weren’t unusual enough, Albert returned after work every night for the rest of the week and sat through the program again and again. I thanked him for doing so but couldn’t help but to inquire why he kept coming back.

Albert explained that he was from Albania and struggles to understand and translate the English language. Each night after the class ended at 9 p.m., he took his notes home, sat around his kitchen table with his wife, two sisters, one brother, and three high school aged children, and they all discussed and translated his notes. He told me that his entire family had learned so much by the end of the week and how much they all enjoyed the lessons they had learned. He wanted to stop by and thank me for the gift I had provided for his family.

I accepted his out-stretched hand once again and told him that it was I who wanted to thank him for reminding me that there were still good people in this world who wanted to learn and grow. I told him that it was an honor for me to be a part of his family’s growth. At that point, with what appeared to be glistening eyes, he hugged me and simply said, “Thank you, Mr. Harry, and God bless you.” Albert then turned and walked away into the darkness.

What I didn’t tell Albert was that many who shared that auditorium with him all week didn’t want to be there, others felt they were being forced to attend, many didn’t listen much less take notes, and some weren’t focused on learning or personal growth. That was certainly not the fault of our client. These behaviors are evident in most all groups who attend this type of session today. It doesn’t matter where they work or what part of the country they live in. It’s simply human nature.

These reactions make it difficult for those of us addressing these audiences. It’s so easy to get frustrated as you wonder just how many will benefit from your efforts. You sometimes feel as though you want to consider throwing in the towel. You never do, of course, for the sake of the few who truly want to learn and grow—but you sometimes feel like reaching for that towel.

That night, Albert from Albania, unbeknownst to him, actually encouraged me to reach for that towel. However, it wasn’t to throw it in … it was to wipe my brow, appreciate those like Albert, and refocus my efforts to always search every audience for my next “Albert.”

I finished packing up my things for the walk back to my hotel through the quiet, dark streets of late-night city … a bit of an appreciative tear in my eyes and a glowing warmth in my heart. Thank you Albert!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

We So Often Create Our Own Destiny

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This article marks our 60th offering of Generational Gems, demonstrating just how many wonderful stories are available to guide us and our Future Leaders today. This Gem can be traced back to our Native American ancestry and, while very simplistic, speaks volumes as to the impact we can have on our own destiny.

Two Wolves.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all.

“One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

“The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The wise old Cherokee grandfather simply replied, “The one you feed!”

This tale is as true today as it was when shared with the young Indian brave. Pause to contemplate the actions of those around you. Can you tell who is feeding which wolf? It’s actually pretty easy to detect. If asked, could others easily detect which wolf you’re feeding? Now that’s food for thought! The choice is yours!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

A Heartfelt Plea On Veterans Day

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I take great pride in being a military Veteran.

I’m also proud to be father of a United States Marine.

I’ve had the unique privilege of visiting Arlington Cemetery where the site of more than 300,000 white crosses, marking the graves of brave soldiers who gave their lives for this country, takes your breath away.

I’ve stood atop the hill overlooking our nation’s capitol as I witnessed the traditional Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

I’ve spent hours standing at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in D.C. paying my respects and watching thousands of others crying, praying, and conducting a traditional rubbing of the name of their loved ones. 58,195 names appear on that highly polished monument and countless tears have been shed in the silence and reverence in the shadow of that wall.

Having done these things makes it unusually effortless for me to know and feel the true meaning of Veterans Day. However, for many others, it’s nothing more than another day that the banks are closed and the mail isn’t delivered.

If you’re too busy to pause for a few minutes today in honor of Veterans, I suggest you examine closely what you’re doing that’s so important at this moment. I would also suggest you reflect on the fact that you’re only doing whatever it is because of our Veterans. It’s their training, dedication, effort, patriotism, and love of country that provide us with the freedom we so often take for granted.

Take just a moment or two out of your very busy schedule to view this video as a reminder of why we put this day aside to honor our Veterans. Upon completion of the video, I think you might want to seek out a Veteran or the family of a Veteran and provide a simple but heartfelt “Thank You” for the freedoms you enjoy every day of your life.

Personally, I don’t believe there should be a Veterans Day. A single day is a very small price to pay for the enormous sacrifice made by so many hundreds of thousands of American men and women to guarantee the freedom for so many others. I think every day should be Veterans Day.

In fact, for many people it is. Check the following link to see what goes on every day at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as our soldiers return home from all over the world. This too should bring a tear to your eye and maybe an incentive to treat this day as the hallowed day that it is.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

People Are Funny

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Just when I feel I’ve seen it all, someone comes along to prove me wrong. I seem to find the strangest situations in larger cities like L.A., Dallas, Chicago, and New York City. My last visit to the Big Apple was certainly no exception. As I reflect on this very unusual incident, I still can’t understand or begin to explain it. However, I won’t soon forget it.

On my last evening in town, after a long week of facilitation, I decided to have dinner in a picturesque little restaurant near the East River not far from my hotel.

I was sitting alone in the rear of the restaurant enjoying my dinner when I noticed an enthusiastic young man, in his mid-30s, walking rapidly toward me with a big grin on his face. I knew he was coming to me as I was the only one in that area of the restaurant and I was sitting by the window overlooking the river.

As he arrived at my table, he reached out, grabbed my hand and starting pumping it as though I were a long lost friend he hadn’t seen in years. In heavily broken English, he gave me his name and told me how thrilled he was to meet me. He called me Sam as he explained that he never misses an episode of my show.

I quickly explained my name was not Sam and he might have mistaken me for someone else. He apologized and said that he was certain I was Sam Waterston, one of the stars of the long-running television series, Law & Order. He asked if he could have an autograph.

Trying to keep a straight face, I again gave him my name and explained that I was not Sam Waterston. Again in broken English, he said he understood, apologized for bothering me but still wanted my autograph because he thought I looked so much like Sam Waterston.

At this point, I was very embarrassed and couldn’t think of anything to say. He then handed me a pen and a folded newspaper as he explained he wanted the autograph for his wife who loved the show.

I said, “You understand I’m NOT Sam Waterston, right?” He indicated he was aware of that fact but still wanted my autograph as he continued to hold the newspaper in from of me. I really felt stupid at this point as other customers in the restaurant had turned to watch this encounter trying to figure out who I was. I quickly told him I didn’t feel comfortable signing someone else’s name.

He again grinned from ear to ear and said, “No, I want you to sign your own name!” Now I’m almost laughing out loud as I tried to visualize this man explaining this scenario to his wife when he got home. Why would she want the autograph of a total stranger who her husband thought looked like a television actor? He obviously wasn’t going to give an inch so I quickly signed my own name on his newspaper! The man again thanked me, pumped my hand again, and went on his way.

Several customers were still glancing my way. It took me another ten minutes to finish my meal, and I then made my way to the register to pay my bill. As I walked by a man and his wife at a nearby table, the man reached up and tapped my shoulder as he asked, “Are you somebody?” Maintaining a straight face and continuing my journey to the register, I said: “Isn’t everyone? Sam Waterston — Law and Order.”

As I continued walking, I could hear the husband tell his wife, “I thought so!”

People are funny.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Must There Always Be a Cause?

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Today is November 5th—the day after the World Series ended in New York City and the day before the beloved ticker-tape parade to celebrate the Yankees 27th world championship.

From the moment I hit the streets this morning until I returned to my hotel late this evening, I witnessed a New York City seldom ever seen by anyone … residents or tourists. However, this is the second time in my life that I’ve had the privilege to witness this rare occurrence!

To fully understand and appreciate today’s phenomenon, you need to know a few facts about this city:

  • The demographics of NYC are evidence of a uniquely large and ethnically diverse metropolis.
  • NYC is the largest city in the United States with a population uniquely defined by a long history of international immigration.
  • New York City is home to more than 8 million people, accounting for about 40% of the population of New York State and a similar percentage of the New York metropolitan area, home to about 20 million.
  • More than 170 languages are spoken in the city, and 36% of its population is foreign born.

In short, New York City is the greatest melting pot on the face of earth! Rather than describe to you what I saw today, allow me to tell you what I DIDN’T see today!

I saw absolutely no Chinese people. Not one. Nor did I see a single Albanian, Greek, or Romanian! There wasn’t a single Jewish person on the streets. No Japanese, no African American, no Polish or Italian. I saw no Puerto Ricans, Asians, or Irish. Not a single Russian, Greek, or German. I didn’t even see one single American!

No, today the city of New York is home to none of the above! Today, this colossal city is home to no one but Yankees! The city is filled with pride and allegiance to a baseball team! Even Met fans have taken the day off to salute their brother Yankees as they celebrate their 27th World Championship. Everyone in this city is in 27th Heaven!

However, it’s much more than a baseball team which has brought this massive population together as one! It’s the need for a mutual cause … a bond, if you will! Times are bad. Worse than many have ever seen before in their lives. Stress, despair, and loss of hope is rampant. People are searching for answers and hope. It just so happens that one of their local sports teams emerged at this time to offer a glimmer of hope in a very dark world. Today, and probably through the parade and the weekend to follow, people have forsaken all their hopelessness and feelings of loss to become an unofficial Yankee.

People are shaking the hands of strangers, hugging each other, dancing in the streets. There are no arguments, disagreements, or unsmiling faces.

I mentioned that I felt privileged to have witnessed this very unique situation in NYC twice in my life. The last time was shortly after the historic attack on the World Trade Center right here in the heart of the Financial District. I’ll spare you the grim details as most of us will never forget the pictures of shock, fear and devastation which occurred as a result of that 9-11 tragedy.

The emotions were obviously the opposite of what we see today. There was no joy, elation or celebration! But there was that unspoken, universal bond which brought this city together like never before in its history. Again, there were no nationalities that day, week, or month. At that time, EVERYONE was a NEW YORKER! In fact, that feeling was felt throughout the country and even the world. Everyone was a New Yorker for so many obvious reasons. And for those who witnessed this never-before-seen spectacle … it was not only indescribable but it was heartwarming to the point that defied description!

My question is this: WHY do we wait for a CAUSE? Why must there be a fantastic accomplishment or major disaster before we come together as human beings and treat others as we’d like to be treated, support one another, and care for those we live with day in and day out. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could experience those emotions every day in every way?

While that will never happen to the degree described above, WE could all put forth an effort to make things better than they are today! And if enough of us decided to do that, from coast to coast, this country would experience an obvious joy and healing that we so dearly need in these chaotic times. I’m willing to give it a shot … starting today! How about you?

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Reality Can Be Misleading

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I’m in New York City this week executing one of the busiest schedules I’ve experienced in quite some time. On top of that schedule, just being in the Big Apple is always an enormous challenge. It’s a different world altogether … much like visiting 15 different cities all wrapped up in one. Every visit is an educational experience in so many ways if you simply open your mind to it.

I had an experience tonight that would certainly fit into that unique category of “events that lead to deep thought.” I completed my last training session of the day at 9 p.m., closed the facility and took the elevator down to the street level to hail a cab back to my hotel. Hitting the street, I discovered a beautiful full moon reflecting across the Hudson River and a brisk autumn air to put the finishing touches on a gorgeous night! I decided against the usual cab ride and chose, instead, a nice leisurely stroll through the financial district and on to the historic seaport district where my hotel is situated.

As I casually strolled down Wall Street passing in front of the New York Stock Exchange, I was suddenly confronted with a shocking scene which actually stopped me in my tracks! Directly in my path was a police officer decked out in full swat team regalia including a helmet with plastic visor and a very threatening fully automatic firearm (machine gun to many people) complete with a large capacity magazine. To complete this military image, I couldn’t help but notice the bulky bulletproof vest, and camouflage attire including combat boots.

I couldn’t help but notice that the officer was holding the weapon in such a manner that it was obvious he could fire it in seconds. Suddenly I saw two more officers, similarly dressed and armed to my left, then a few more off to my right and within seconds identified a total of 12 which suddenly appeared as a small army. It seemed immediately obvious to me that there must have been an incident in the area which summoned this intimidating group of militia.

To add to this very unusual scenario was a small group of city service workers resurfacing a sidewalk under the brilliant glare of very bright overhead lights. I couldn’t help but pause and question one of the workers as to why so many heavily armed military personnel were in the area.

He quickly explained that nothing had happened. He said, “These guys are here every day and every night and have been since 9-11 to protect the Stock Exchange from a terrorist attack.” He said locals were used to this scene, and I was only seeing those out in the open. He said there were many, many more in the alleys and on top of the surrounding buildings.

I thanked him and started walking again when it suddenly dawned on me that I was pulling a small roller suitcase filled with the props I used in my training. It was now nearing 10 p.m., and I’m strolling through a heavily armed security area pulling what might very well appear to be a suitcase filled with explosives. I immediately felt the cold, hard stare of dozens of well-trained eyes analyzing my every step.

However, no one questioned me or made any move to approach me. I cautiously picked up my pace and quickly made my way toward my hotel in somewhat of a quick step. Ten minutes later, I could see the friendly twinkling lights of the Brooklyn Bridge reflecting off the water resembling a post card …. and I knew I was just a block from the safe haven of my hotel.

It was an amazing realization that I just moved from the beauty of one river area near the scene of the Twin Towers tragedy to that of an equally beautiful river area complete with the world renowned Brooklyn Bridge while passing through what appeared to be a modern day combat zone in the heart of one of the largest cities on the planet. Whew! Nuff said! Welcome to New York City!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.