I recently read a very interesting article that focused on a possible motive for many of the major challenges we’re facing today. Chaotic examples of disruptive scenarios were shared from the area of politics, sports, the economy, today’s workplace, entertainment, employment, health care concerns, immigration, education, war, and family structure to name a few. It suddenly became quite apparent that there’s a growing communication problem within our society today, and it’s impacting just about everything we do.

The importance of good communication skills has long been acknowledged as a necessary skill for anyone striving for success. Our society has recognized, taught, debated and focused on this skill set for as long as I can remember. Then why the sudden epidemic leading to chaos in so many situations? The author suggested that it might be more than just communication skills. He suggests that it might very well be based on more of a “generational” clash than on a lack of communication skills. True, the ability to converse with one another is critical today more than ever as global cultures clash, technology advances at a tremendous speed, and the world becomes “flatter” by the minute.

However, is our lack of ability to converse successfully a result of declining communication skills or simply a more vivid example of our society existing of so many living generations who simply don’t make the time or effort to understand one another? And yet we’re forced to live and work together, making critical decisions impacting those around us who may very well have no idea as to what may have influenced our decision-making process.

This is a listing of recent generations for individuals born in the United States. Dates are approximate, as recognized by demographers. As you review the list, try to visualize someone you may know from each of the generations.

2001-Present – New Silent Generation or Generation Z
1980-2000 – Millennials or Generation Y
1965-1979 – Generation X
1946-1964 – Baby Boom
1925-1945 – Silent Generation
1900-1924 – G.I. Generation

As you review the list of those you visualized, think about the many vast differences in each generation. Consider their childhoods, parents, education, technology, politics, religious influences, work ethics, global exposure, etc. Obviously, there are tremendous differences in each generation, and yet today we’re forced to interact in a number of various scenarios. For instance, my grandchildren were exposed to computer operation and speaking Spanish in kindergarten. At that same age, I majored in sliding my nap rug across the classroom floor on my stomach, and the highlight of my day was devouring graham crackers and milk every afternoon.

Maybe this author has struck a critical chord here that demands closer scrutiny. As a society, we’ve acknowledged generation gaps, written books about them extensively and even discuss them in the classroom. However, have we really taken these studies seriously and made an effort to understand how we differ in so many ways from one generation to the next? Do we seriously realize the negative consequences that might result if these gaps continue to widen? If, after reading the following information, you realize the need to broaden your perspective on this critical issue, seek out the numerous studies and books available on the subject by going to Google and/or Amazon.com for further references.

Just in case you weren’t feeling old enough today, just read this. Each year the staff at Beloit College in Wisconsin puts together a list to try to give the faculty a sense of the mindset of this year’s incoming freshman. Here are a few points from this year’s list.

• They never “rolled down” a car window.
• They have grown up with bottled water.
• Pete Rose has never played baseball.
• Rap music has always been mainstream.
• They were born the year Harvard Law Review Editor Barack Obama announced he might run for office some day.
• Wal-Mart has always been a larger retailer than Sears and has always employed more workers than GM.
• Al Gore has always been running for president or thinking about it.
• They grew up in Wayne’s World.
• Stadiums, rock tours and sporting events have always had corporate names.
• MTV has never featured music videos.
• The space program has never really caught their attention except in disasters.
• They never saw Johnny Carson live on television.
• The World Wide Web has been an online tool since they were born.
• Dilbert has always been ridiculing cubicle culture.
• There has never been a Berlin Wall.

It’s a wonder we can even speak to each other. And, interestingly enough, no one generation is more correct or incorrect than another. They’re all just enormously different from one another, and we’d best take immediate action to close those major gaps. What are you going to do?

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.

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Over the years I’ve heard many people complain about professional speakers sharing stories, anecdotes, allegories, parables, metaphors, etc. that have been around forever. Apparently, they’re tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. I can understand that.

In fact, I’ve felt that way myself from time to time as a speaker while I’m creating keynote or seminar content. I can remember thinking maybe I should skip that particular material this time as so many people have heard it before. However, whenever that thought enters my mind, two major facts soon follow.

First, these traditional favorites have been repeated so many times by so many speakers for good reason. They educate, they entertain, they make a point, they’re memorable, they’re passed on to future generations because they have been proven time and time again to add value to those who hear them. When they stop proving to be valuable, they’ll be forgotten and cease to exist.

Second, I think of the many valuable tips, tools, strategies and lessons I’ve learned over the years from professional speakers and trainers that continued to share those very valuable traditional favorites. If they had decided to discontinue sharing for fear of being accused of repetition, I never would have had the pleasure and privilege of learning this material myself. As I think back over my career, I can remember hearing and reading a lot of repetition from such notable speakers and authors as Tom Peters, Zig Ziglar, Denis Waitley, Jim Rohn, Peter Drucker, John Maxwell, Stephen Covey, Ken Blanchard, Norman Vincent, Brian Tracy, Napoleon Hill, and Tony Robbins. I’m so thankful they were persistent in their messages.

I’m also concerned about this valuable material not reaching the ears, hearts and minds of future generations. How will they learn these lessons if we don’t continue to share them? In reviewing today’s current business environment, it’s quite obvious that many of today’s leaders have missed some very important lessons during their careers, and the results have taken their toll. I urge you to join me in making certain we pass on these wonderful lessons to our future leaders.

For example, a client recently sent me the following old favorite. Although she had heard it many years ago, she enjoyed and appreciated hearing it again. After reviewing it myself, I certainly have to agree with her. I also thought of many people I’ve met who hold a variety of leadership roles who obviously missed this “oldie but goodie” the first time around. It’s one of many we should all remember and pass on to emerging leaders in every organization. Enjoy.

During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one:

“What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, red-haired and in her early 40s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

“Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say ‘hello’.”

I’ve never forgotten that lesson.

I’ve also never forgotten her name was Dorothy.

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.

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AchieveMax® speakers, trainers and staff have been affiliated with the Credit Union Movement for 15 years now, and it’s been a very rewarding experience for us. We’ve had the privilege and opportunity to work with very small credit unions with as few as ten employees as well as very large credit unions that have 50 times that many employees. In fact, I’m preparing now to spend the day on the west coast with an organization boasting 20 branches in 12 cities serving 149,000 members.

That’s one of the interesting aspects of the Credit Union Movement. Regardless of size or location, credit unions share strong, traditional values and commonalities that focus forthrightly on supporting their valued members. However, they also offer unique products and services as they focus on members who share a common but sometimes unique bond from other credit unions. This openness and ability to adapt offers a tremendous advantage to everyone involved.

A credit union is a cooperative organization owned entirely by its members and operated for the benefit of all who belong. Credit unions provide a full spectrum of financial services — just like other financial institutions. The difference is that credit unions are not-for-profit financial organizations whose earnings are passed onto members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and added or improved services.

Over the years, as our relationship with this growing movement has strengthened, we have been asked to work not only with management and front-line employees but also with credit union leagues and credit union associations in a large number of states. We’ve played a key role in annual conferences across the nation and worked closely with a large variety of chapters, boards of directors, and management teams.

Having worked at so many levels of this movement, it has been very gratifying to watch the focus on member service become more intensified than ever before. Of course, as in any enterprise, some have advanced their efforts more rapidly and to a greater degree than others. For the past year, we have been tracking the efforts of a great number of very successful credit unions to create a profile of winning strategies that are necessary to make the claim that you are doing everything possible to focus on the member. We coined the word MEMBERIZED a number of years ago to denote those organizations that excel in their efforts to offer superior member service on a continuous basis.

Main Entry: mem-ber-ize
Pronunciation: ‘mem-b&r-“Iz
Function: transitive verb

1. the ability to become more responsive to your members;
2. to enhance your ability to attract new members;
3. to consistently apply the principles of constant and never-ending improvement to create a service strategy, systems and staff that supports members in every way.

Synonym: see MEMBER SERVICE

As a team, discuss each of the following statements and agree on the most truthful answer.

1. Do you have as many members as you want?
   Yes___ No___
2. Are your members as loyal as you would like?
   Yes___ No___
3. Do you generate as much business from each member as you would like?
   Yes___ No___
4. Does your entire organization know what your members want and need?
   Yes___ No___
5. Is your service strategy focused on hearing what members are trying to tell you?
   Yes___ No___
6. Can your credit union respond quickly to what members and markets are telling you?
   Yes___ No___
7. Does your service strategy enable you to proactively service your members?
   Yes___ No___
8. Are the full capabilities of your credit union accessible to your members?
   Yes___ No___
9. Does your service strategy reflect the bottom-line importance of member service?
   Yes___ No___
10. As an organization, do you strive for continuous and never-ending improvement in your quest for incomparable member service?
    Yes___ No___

The Bottom Line
If you answered NO to any of these questions, you’re not yet fully memberized. However, you must agree that this simple test suggests the enormous advantages and tremendous potential in becoming memberized.

The AchieveMax® team is prepared to work with your staff in creating the necessary strategies to reach that coveted level of memberization. Please call 1-800-886-2MAX or contact us via our web site for more information.

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.

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Something odd happened to me today. It wasn’t earth-shattering. Certainly not news-worthy. However, it was well-timed, and it brought a smile to my face. That’s important in this day and age. The older I get, the more I believe that things happen for a reason. I’ve stopped questioning the reason and transferred that energy to appreciation.

Today I received an e-mail from an old friend I haven’t heard from in a long time. It was short, to the point and included an attachment. I was told I was missed, my friendship was appreciated, and it was hoped that I would enjoy the attachment. I usually don’t read these kind of “cutsey” attachments that folks tend to send on a regular basis. However, the note was so thoughtful I felt an obligation. I read this one. It produced a great smile, made me pause to think and made my day. I’m passing it along to you in hopes you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. I owe this to my friend.

Click here to find the entire list of “101 Ways to Make You Smile.” You’ll find each entry very short, very basic, and very obvious. Nothing new here. However, as I read through the list, I experienced several revelations:

1. I couldn’t help but notice that I was already smiling as I imagined doing some of these things.
2. I couldn’t get over the simplicity of each suggestion.
3. I realized there were a good number of them that I had never actually attempted.
4. I immediately felt better just thinking about doing some of them.
5. I couldn’t help but think about how much I would appreciate it if someone did some of these things for me.
6. I pledged to myself that I would do at least 10 of these suggestions by
   the end of the year.

I want to give you just a couple of examples, hoping you’ll be tempted to want to see the rest.

• Let someone cut in front of you during rush hour traffic.
• Call your parents.
• Visit a retirement center.
• Leave a “thank you” note for the cleaning staff at work.
• Write a letter to a distant relative.
• Recommend a good book to someone.
• Dance with someone who hasn’t been asked.
• Tell someone you mentioned them in your prayers.
• Figure out someone’s half-birthday by adding 182 days and surprise them with a cake.
• Ask someone about their children.
• Brush the snow off of the car next to yours.
• Tell someone which quality you like most about them.
• Pay for a stranger’s cup of coffee without them knowing it.
• Ask to see a store’s manager and comment on the great service.
• Wave to a child in the car next to you.
• Fill up the copier machine with paper after you’re done using it.
• Tell someone you believe in them.
• Ask an elderly person to tell you about the “good ole days.”
• Wave to someone looking for a parking place when you’re about to leave a shopping center.
• Compliment a coworker on their role in a successful project.
• Tell a child you’re proud of them.
• E-mail a friend some information about a topic they are especially interested in.
• Bake some cookies for your local fire or police department.
• Stop and buy a drink from a child’s lemonade stand.

Don’t forget — there are 101 suggestions. I’ll have you know that I’ve already accomplished three of the ten I pledged to complete by the end of the year. It’s quick and easy, and it really does put a smile on your face! Check it out!

Have a nice day!   

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.

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Odds are great that you’ve seen the movie or read the book. However, if you’ve never seen or heard of The Wizard of Oz, you may want to save some time here and simply bypass this particular article. However, you may want to pick up a copy of this classic at your local video store or just view your local TV listing as you can pretty much find it on television on some channel on any given night.

This time-honored masterpiece has been a favorite of mine since I first saw it as a very young child in 1955. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it with friends, later with children, and even later with my grandchildren. I discovered something new every time I saw it, and it’s never grown old for me and the millions of others who have seen it.

There are so many lessons to be learned from this paragon of cinema excellence, and we can easily apply them to our families, our personal lives and/or our careers. On the other hand, I’ve lost count of those I’ve spoken to who never really never “got it” even though they loved the storyline, the characters, and the music.

I know of clients who have discussed the lessons of “Oz” as they relate to the workplace, and I’ve read about therapists who have guided families through major challenges using the many valuable messages lurking in the storyline. I even have a long-time friend and associate who built a thriving consulting business on this popular theme. For those of you with children and/or grandchildren, “Oz” affords you a fantastic opportunity to not only enjoy a very entertaining movie but to share some very precious “life lessons.”

If you think “Oz” hasn’t impacted us as a society, simply consider the number of words and phrases you hear regularly that immediately produces images of that mystical land “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”…. Kansas, tornado, Dorothy, Auntie Em, Toto, Munchkins, Wicked Witch of the West, The Wizard, ruby slippers, Glinda The Good Witch, yellow brick road, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Brain–Heart–Courage, Emerald City, Angry Apple Trees, Deadly Poppy Fields, Flying Monkeys, “DingDong The Witch Is Dead” and the list goes on and on.

This American musical fantasy film, based on the 1900 children’s fable by L. Frank Baum, was first released in 1939. It’s hard to believe it’s still so relevant today. Although the many captivating characters are loved by everyone who sees them, the actual “stars” are known by very few. Judy Garland was, of course, a superstar who brought Dorothy to life as no other actress could have done. Ray Bolger, famed dancer, was perfect for the part of the ever-nimble Scarecrow, Jack Haley replaced Buddy Ebson as the Tin Man after the future Beverly Hillbilly almost died from a poor reaction to the silver paint, which transformed him into the loveable metal woodsman, and Bert Lahr, comedian extraordinaire, made you love rather than fear the Cowardly Lion. Frank Morgan, although relatively unknown to viewers, made you believe he was the Wizard. What few “Oz” fans ever realized was the fact that Frank also played the roles of Professor Marvel, a carnival sharkster, the doorman to Emerald City, the cabby driving “the horse of a different color,” and the guard at the gate to the Wizard’s sanctuary, for a total of five different roles in the film. This group of very talented actors joined forces with a couple of unique witches and a community of Munchkins to dance and sing their way into our hearts forever.

Decades after the movie premier, the English band America attempted to explain one of the many morals of the story in their rendition of a song called “Tin Man.” They summarized the entire movie with the line: “Oz didn’t give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn’t already have.” That line was one of two that should be shared with our children while they’re still young. The other is summarized by Dorothy’s cherished observation that “There’s no place like home!”

These messages have touched the hearts and souls of millions over the decades as demonstrated by the longevity of the music and the messages. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was recently featured as a final performance by an American Idol for millions of devoted fans. In 2003, New York City welcomed the debut of the box office smash “WICKED.” This Broadway favorite is the story of two girls who meet in the Land of Oz long before Dorothy dropped in. These two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. This spellbinding new musical was nominated for nine Tony Awards … winning three of those. There are currently five productions running — on Broadway, on a U.S. National tour, in Chicago, in L.A. and in London’s West End.

While this entertaining epic will live on forever and entertain legions of both old and new fans, it will also be a very valuable learning tool for anyone who truly examines the many treasures offered throughout the cherished storyline. Discuss them with your children and encourage them to apply them regularly as they face the challenges of growth and success. Apply them consistently within your work culture to realize the true value they offer to everyone involved.

For instance:
“Oz didn’t give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn’t already have.”
Seek, discover, and utilize the tremendous potential we possess within our current staff members. Close the “Knowing-Doing Gap” to increase productivity without adding a single dollar to your payroll.

“There’s no place like home!”
Spotlight and share the many assets within our organization that we so often take for granted. Create an appreciation for resources and benefits we often overlook.

Like the loveable Lion, muster the courage to see and acknowledge the reality we must deal with in today’s competitive and challenging environment.
You’ll have to do it sooner or later. The sooner the better.

Emulate the tireless Tin Man by finding the heart to own your circumstances, no matter how difficult that may prove to be.
It’s not what happens to you in life … it’s how you react to it that makes the difference.

Mimic the Scarecrow, obtain the wisdom to solve any problem or overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.
Never stop learning. When you’re green, you’re growing. When you’re ripe, you’re rotting. Examples of each appear daily in news headlines. The choice is yours.

And, finally, imitate Dorothy and exercise the means to make things happen, allowing you to get the results you want.
Take action. Become a mono-maniac with a mission.

Do these things regularly and you’ll find the happiness and contentment you’re searching for!

And, every now and then, take the time to take in a good movie with a friend or loved one. In fact, consider The Wizard of Oz. With any luck, maybe we’ll meet someday, and we can talk about our thoughts on “Oz” … “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

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.

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If you’re an average American today, you know money doesn’t stay in our pockets very long. It’s gone before we know it. Money is also one of those many, many things we take for granted every day. As a result, we actually know very little about it. Let me bring you up to date on what you’ve been missing.

The life span of the average one-dollar bill is only 18 months. Most one-hundred-dollar bills remain in circulation for nine years.

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing makes $696 million a day!

It’s illegal for U.S. currency to have the portrait of a living person.

Between the Fort Worth, Texas, and the Washington D.C. facilities, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing uses about 18 tons of ink per day.

The only woman ever depicted on United States paper currency was first lady Martha Washington, on a silver certificate.

Afraid of ending up with counterfeit money? Fear not! Only 0.01% of the $750 billion in circulation is actually counterfeit.

Currency is printed on cotton, not paper.

If we laid each current U.S. bill printed side by side, they would stretch around the earth’s equator about 24 times.

Contrary to popular belief, pennies contain only 2.5% copper — they are mostly made from zinc.

There are five million millionaires in the U.S.

The ridges on the sides of some coins have a name — reeding or milling.

People used to save their cash in kitchen jars made of a clay called pygg, and people called them pygg jars. Later they became known as piggy banks and were made in the shape of pigs.

There is about 500 billion of U.S. currency in circulation and most of it is held outside of the United States?

There are only nine engravers in the whole U.S. who do all the engraving for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

All engraving plates used by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, have been engraved in reverse.

If your money is mutilated and if you can account for 51% of your bill, the Office of Currency Standards in Washington, D.C. will gladly replace your money.

It only costs 4.1 cents to make a $1 bill. It costs the same thing to make a $100 bill.

In the early 1900s, you could return dirty money to Washington to be cleaned. If the bill was in good shape, they would wash it, iron it, and reissue it.

When bills finally wear out, they are sent back to the Federal Reserve Banks where a machine sorts out the good, the bad, and the counterfeit. The counterfeit bills are sent to the Secret Service. The worn-out bills are pulverized and buried. They used to burn old bills, but because of the lead in the ink, they are now buried.

Prior to using paper money, Americans used buckskins for money. This is where we get the term “bucks.”

There are 4 automobiles and 11 light posts on the back of the $10 bill.

If you use a magnifying glass, you can see Abraham Lincoln sitting at the
Lincoln Memorial on the back of a penny.

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.

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Well, it finally happened! It’s been all over the papers, magazines, radio, TV, and the Internet. Toyota has moved into the sacred role of the World’s Largest Automaker. General Motors is no longer #1—a title they proudly held for over three quarters of a century (76 years to be exact).

First quarter global sales were a shocking revelation of Toyota’s consistent rise and Detroit’s continuing skid in so many different categories. Production projections support the fact that Toyota just may hold that #1 position for the entire year.

I so enjoy listening and watching people react to whatever the current headline may be at any given time. Our country seems to be filled with those who thrive on bad news, jump to conclusions, and react without thought. On the airplane today, three of us were apparently reading the same USA Today article at the same time. The two gentlemen sitting next to me were discussing this startling news and I, as always, was eavesdropping while pretending to read. They both agreed that this was a definite sign that GM was certainly in the tank and would soon be followed by Chrysler and Ford. The “American Automobile Company” would soon become legend … a lost chapter in future history books!

I’ve had the opportunity of working, as a consultant and trainer, with all three of Detroit’s automakers over the last 20 years, and I’ve been very fortunate to have been in the midst of the their greatest achievements and their many, inexcusable blunders. We’re talking about decades of tradition, experience, and pride here, and my predictions differ just a bit from my fellow travelers.

I’m quite certain the leaders of all of the “Big Three” are dismayed, discouraged, and maybe even a little embarrassed. That’s not a bad thing. I’ve always been a firm believer in the old adage that “It’s not what happens to you in life—It’s how you react to it.” The negative reactions I mentioned earlier will serve a purpose. Then they will fade to be replaced with pride, focus, and determination. There is little shame in losing to a phenomenal competitor such as Toyota. Everyone has seen it coming for quite some time. In fact, sliding into 2nd or 3rd place can also be very motivating and liberating after the dust settles and reality sets in.

For instance, I just read that GM Vice President Bob Lutz, a true tested veteran of the car wars, is encouraging an immediate conversion to ethanol and warning that our country cannot be satisfied with incremental change in this area. He strongly suggests that we make it a leading priority to replace fossil fuel with renewable energy in what he calls “huge chunks.” Where do you think this sudden sense of urgency came from?

GM has been preparing a comeback strategy for some time now. They trimmed their workforce, closed plants, reduced incentives, and decreased fleet sales (high volume sales to rental car companies, corporate customers, and government agencies that so often cut into the profit picture).

The “Big Three” have had a set-back. That can’t be argued. However, a swift kick in the shin, a bloodied nose, or public humiliation could be just the right stimulus to ignite that “competitive edge,” that “fire-in-the belly,” that “come-back determination” that inspires leaders to rally their troops around a common cause that’s dear to the hearts of everyone involved. Come on, they’ve all seen the “ROCKY” movies! I wouldn’t count Detroit out just yet!  In fact, I think they’ll be back with a vengeance.

Recently, I read that Toyota enjoyed the role as the underdog challenging the “Big Three.” That same article shared the fact that Toyota is now just a little bit nervous with their role as #1. They’re smart enough to know that their people could possibly become complacent with this new found success.

Here’s still another interesting scenario which, regardless of the outcome, can teach us all so much while revealing options that everyone should consider. Some of us have to “SEE it to believe it!” … SEE being the operable word here:

Significant
Emotional
Event

Those more seasoned observers will learn from the “Significant Emotional Event” of others. Let’s watch and learn as this story unfolds. I think it’s only just begun.

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.

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I think feedback is a wonderful thing. The very definition of the word reflects its potential impact: “Feedback is information about performance that leads to action, to change, or to maintain performance.” However, I often wonder if that definition shouldn’t sometimes include a caveat. Isn’t it more appropriate to say: “CORRECT feedback is information about performance …”?

Constructive and/or developmental feedback is priceless and has so often been the decisive factor in many a success story. On the other hand, improper or misguided feedback can be terribly destructive. It’s entirely possible to receive feedback that influences us to change course or even give up on a chosen direction. In short, like everything else in life, feedback should be taken in moderation. It should be weighed carefully and evaluated often before allowing it to influence one’s thinking.

As we review our rich heritage and recount historical events, we find many valuable examples of when it may have been more advantageous to ignore feedback. Review the following examples and consider what may or may not have occurred had those involved paid heed to their ill-advised feedback.

• In 1958, CBS television producer Don Hewitt told Barbara Walters: “With your voice, nobody is going to allow you on the air.” She then signed with NBC and has been broadcasting and producing for nearly five decades!
• In the early 70s, a famed literary agent told Danielle Steel that she’d better learn to cook because her book would never sell. She found another agent and has since sold close to 400 million books!
• Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy in 1941, said: “No matter what happens, the U.S. Navy will never be caught napping.” Three days later, on December 4th, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, catching the U.S. Navy fleet totally unaware!
• In 1908, Orville Wright claimed: “No flying machine will ever fly from New York to Paris!”
• In 1848, Daniel Webster, senator of Massachusetts, said: “I cannot conceive of anything more ridiculous, more absurd, and more affrontive to all sober judgment than the cry that we are profiting by the acquisition of New Mexico and California. I hold that they are not worth a dollar!”
• During a 1963 audition, a BBC radio producer said: “The band’s okay but, if I were you, I’d get rid of the singer with the tire-tread lips!” Of course, he was talking about The Rolling Stones and their lead singer, Mick Jagger. Nearly 45 years later, the Stones are still touring to screaming audiences all over the world!
• In 1959, a Universal Pictures executive said: “You have a chip in your tooth, your Adam’s apple sticks out way too far, you squint your eyes, and you talk too slow! You’ll never make it in Hollywood.” He was talking to Clint Eastwood.
• In 1911, Marechal Foch, French military strategist, said: “Airplanes are interesting toys but of absolutely no military value!”
• In 1969, Margaret Thatcher said: “No woman will in my lifetime be Prime Minister.” That was 10 years before SHE was elected Prime Minister!

I guess “THEY” don’t always know best!

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.

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I knew it would happen sooner or later.

I guess I’m just disappointed that I didn’t come up with it myself. I should have. I average visiting at least two airports a week. Sometimes I manage to waltz through six to eight airports in a week’s time. Do you have any idea what that means as far as boarding passes, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, lost bags, turnstiles, delayed flights, newspapers, and security bins? Mind boggling. However, it’s often easy to start taking all of these things for granted, which makes it very difficult for even the most creative person to recognize the potential that surrounds us every day.

For instance, I mentioned security bins. In all seriousness, I can’t even begin to imagine how many times I’ve grabbed one of those extraordinarily durable, dull grey or white 12-inch by 17-inch plastic bins that have, over the years, held just about everything man’s mind can conceive.

However, I never once visualized the monumental financial potential sitting there right in front of me as I filled it with my laptop, shoes, coat, belt, watch, wallet, change, cell phone, and anything else that my favorite TSA (Transportation Security Administration) shadow might detect should I not declare it. Moments later, after passing through the secret tunnel of darkness and technology, I would proceed to retrieve my personal property from that plastic monstrosity as I rushed off to another flight. Again, I missed the obvious. Sadly, someone else recognized it and acted upon it.

Someone must have been thinking billboards when they came up with the idea of selling ads printed on durable paper to be glued inside every one of those millions of security bins scattered across the nation. In fact, I’m sure it won’t be long before they can be found world wide.

The TSA has agreed to authorize this new method of advertising and is expecting to share the wealth with competing advertising companies. Of course, the TSA plans to benefit greatly as it requires vendors to stock airport checkpoints with new bins, carts, and stainless steel tables.

A pilot ad program began in July of last year at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). They began with Rolodex ads, but you can soon expect to see anything from peanut butter to luxury cars. Research reveals that these bin ads can be sold for $250,000 to $500,000 per year! Think about the number of airports across the country that would be interested in additional income at the expense of the vendors wanting to advertise. The potential is unlimited and will obviously give us passengers something else to read as we await the always late flight from wherever.

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.

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I’m very fortunate that my work takes me from one end of the country to the other on a regular basis. It can sometimes be a real culture shock to be working with a client in the desert culture of Arizona one week and be looking out the window of your hotel room in the heart of Times Square watching tens of thousands of New Yorkers busily maneuvering the masses the following week. I’ve gained such a wonderful education via my travels and developed a true love of studying people everywhere.

Over the years, I’ve grown to know the cities of New York and New Orleans intimately. As a result, the devastation of 9-11 and Katrina affected me in a very personal way, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever fully recover from either of those tragedies. I’ve been in a unique position that has enabled me to personally observe the constant annual face lift of Las Vegas as it battles the inevitability of constant change. I watched it evolve from “Sin City” to “A Family Destination” and its recent return to “Sin City.” It’s getting to the point that a landmark hotel and casino falls almost monthly to make room for a much larger, much more modern and even more unique structure. Las Vegas is now the 11th fastest growing city in the nation, and Nevada is the 2nd fastest growing state in the nation.

An obvious benefit of constant travel presents itself in the form of being able to learn something new almost every day. When I’m not learning something new through direct observation, I find myself drawn to reading or “Googling” something unique almost daily. What continues to mystify me is the vast amount of information that I continue to discover. In fact, much of it deals with subject matter that I’ve never been exposed to. These discoveries are exciting, informative and almost always inspire me to continue my quest for learning.

On my recent return flight from Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, I exchanged magazines with a fellow traveler and discovered a number of startling facts about the Amazon. I’m not certain whether I’ll ever find a use for this information, but I did find it very interesting indeed. What do you think?

The Amazon contains half of the world’s tropical forests, spread over an area the size of the continental United States.

More than 100 types of plants and 1,700 kinds of insects can be found in the branches of a single mature tropical tree.

The Amazon has more than a million interdependent—and exotic—species of plant and animal life, such as:

• trees with 6-foot long leaves
• flowers with 3-foot long petals
• plants that can cradle 10 gallons of water in reservoirs formed by their leaves
• rodents that weigh up to 100 lbs.
• butterflies the size of dinner plates
• bees the size of birds
• tarantulas so big they eat birds
• catfish so big they’ve been known to eat children

I don’t remember learning of these facts in school. On the other hand, it might well have been because I wasn’t listening nor had I developed my current thirst for knowledge. For this reason, I encourage my grandchildren to read and strive to learn something new each and every day. It can do nothing but help them grow and develop in hopes of dealing with the many challenges that await them in a very competitive world. I truly believe it’s one of the best legacies we can leave for them.

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.

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