Master or Slave: Which do you choose to be?
The wonderful poem, Invictus, by the British, Victorian-era poet, William Ernest Henley, is said to have been Nelson Mandela’s favorite poem, because it gave him strength during his 27 years in prison in apartheid South… read more
“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” Japanese Proverb
This is one of those quotes that qualifies as an “Ahaa” moment—I am at a loss for any words that could further clarify it or place it in a more meaningful context.
Till… read more
“The two most important moments in life are when you are born and when you figure out why.” Mark Twain
Mark Twain was a master of expressing complicated thoughts in a down-to-earth, common-sense fashion. And, what an interesting juxtaposition here: one moment you have no… read more
"When the facts change, I change my mind." John Maynard Keynes
Could this be an insight into the difference between being committed, but open-minded and being bull-headed? I think so. We often hear about someone who just wouldn’t give up on something—an idea, a new… read more
One kind word can warm three winter months
This wonderful quote speaks to one of the most common things I encounter with the leaders with whom I work: They don’t realize the impact on others of the smallest gesture they make, or a particular word they use. Like it or not… read more
"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile" Roger Staubach
Why aren’t there any traffic jams along the extra mile? Because the people in the extra mile are the ones who left the losers behind where the real traffic jam is—one mile back. How’s the traffic where you… read more
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt
I remember hearing this quote as a young man. I had just left an association meeting of my peers and felt that the others were so much smarter and more successful than I was. I felt like an… read more
"There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." Aristotle
This little gem of wisdom is as true today as it was more than two millennia ago when it was first spoken. It is an especially comforting and grounding thought to remember when… read more
"I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions." Stephen Covey
This affirmation of personal responsibility may just be the single most important thing to realize on one’s journey of growth and personal development. All the seminars, the… read more
“What is the difference between a politician and a statesman? A politician cares about the next election and a statesman cares about the next generation.” Benjamin Disraeli
Little did Disraeli know that this quote would have relevance to the corporate world of the 21st… read more
