Why is nobody listening? I have had countless conversations where I know the other party could care less. I have had people look down at their phone or even engage in another conversation as I was speaking. I chalk it up to rude behavior and a general attention span epidemic. But before blaming something else, I may want to look in the mirror.
I look at my kids sometimes and wonder what their futures hold. I get concerned with what contribution they will make in this seemingly chaotic, noisy and chilly world, and I’m not naive in that just about every parent out there has similar angst.
I have talked to countless B2B organizations over the years and one of the most common things I’m asked is where to find the best
If we attempt to sift through all the noise created by the unrelenting barrage of messaging, we can see there has been a remarkable amount of disruption over the last decade. We have seen Netflix destroy Blockbuster and become a widely embraced platform for entertainment. We have seen Amazon disrupt Walmart and become a part of our daily commerce. And we have seen Uber build a new trusted mode of transportation.
I was recently told to “hone” my marketing pitch on custom publishing. To be specific, the person said it seemed like I had a vision in my head but that I really needed it to be more concise. I thanked him for the feedback and then took some time to think about the suggestion.
Oftentimes, we confuse strategy and tactics. A strategy is a plan for achieving your objectives. It’s all about the big picture, mapping the path and setting the tone for your journey.
I have met guys who have told a joke at a party and I knew it was “like” at first sight. Others bond over a football game or the fact that their wives spend endless hours trying on clothes at the department store. Whatever the circumstance, guys know pretty quickly if they can hang out with one another.
Sometimes we have to receive and accept criticism. Whether it’s a performance review from a parent or a coach, feedback can sting. I recall a coach who provided some negative feedback about my kid. I was struck by the way the delivery resonated more than the message.
Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” And, as it turns out, there is a bunch of empirical evidence to back that sentiment up. When we compare ourselves to others, we lose focus on what’s important and fail to give ourselves proper credit. Certainly, social comparison is an innate human tendency, and whether it’s the wisest move or not, it’s a big part of the way we determine our own level of happiness.
We won’t allow failure, yet we are failing them. You see, I figure there are countless parents who could not bear the idea of their children getting a poor grade. They sit at the kitchen table and make sure the kid gets all the answers correct or that their project looks professionally done.
