“No company ever shrank to greatness.” (1) That quote caught my eye as I scanned the shelves of my local used bookstore. As I thumbed through the book’s first chapter discussion of the diminishing value of downsizing, I wondered, “Since this is such a relevant topic for 2003, why haven’t I seen this book promoted at Barnes...

There is a Texaco convenience store near my house that has not changed its gas price in eight weeks. While other stations around town change prices almost daily, the storeowner stays at $1.49 per gallon, even when the 7-11 down the street is higher or lower. Why doesn’t the storeowner change prices? I came up...

When flying to Europe I experience jet lag… fatigue, insomnia, disorientation, irregularity and headaches. If you’re experiencing those symptoms without taking a jet trip, welcome to the “New Normal”. Have you heard the phrase “New Normal”? If not, chances are good you will be read about it more frequently in coming months. What is “New Normal”? Here...

Alan Vercio, strategic cost manager for Bank of America, recently asked me, “If you’re a Christian, would you ever join a church that has a pastor who does not read the Bible?” “Absolutely not.” “Then why would you ever work for a manager who does not read Peter Drucker?” “If leaders don’t refer to their instruction...

“We have taller buildings but shorter tempers; we spend more but have less; we buy more but enjoy it less; we have bigger houses but smaller families; more conveniences, yet less time; we have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems. These are the days of two...

It’s popular to eat fat free foods. But when I thought to read the label on my Fat Free Fig Newtons, I was surprised to learn that saving 3 grams of fat costs me double the calories of the tastier, regular newtons. “The problem with popular thinking is that it doesn’t require you to think at all.” (1) Popular...

I’ve watched television with shock and awe this week as courageous men and women confront their fears, their mortality and their enemy. The courage I see and read about was not created during the war for Iraqi freedom. Instead, their courage is being exhibited in this war. While the battles that you and I are...

Surrender is a step to success. “Do I have to do this assignment?” asked a strong-willed student with a reputation for being a troublemaker. Her eyes flashed an unmistakable challenge: Just try and make me. The teacher responded, “No, you don’t have to do it.” Surprised, the student asked, “You mean I get an ‘A’...

“Almost 80% of couples who were ‘very unhappy’ in their marriages and agreed not to divorce described themselves as ‘happy’ five years later, a new study finds. Of those who divorced, only half were ‘happy’ five years later.” (1) The preceding research published in The Wall Street Journal is a timely reminder that marriages which work...

in·dif·fer·ent: adj. (1) having or showing no interest, concern or feeling; (2) uninterested, apathetic, or unmoved; (3) detached; (4) lacking emotional involvement. Indifference. We are all indifferent about one thing or another. I enjoy going to Barnes & Noble every chance I get to check out the latest books and CD’s. My wife Sue is indifferent to...