IMPROV TO IMPROVE!
“FREEZE!” I yelled as I clapped and turned around to take the place of one of my improv troupe members who were already on stage. The premise of “blind freeze…
What’s In A Name?
Growing up, my ol’ man had a nickname for everyone. I don’t know if it was because he couldn’t remember anyone’s name or because he thought it was funny. Whatever…
The World Class Butthole
I was coming up on my first annual performance evaluation as an officer in the Navy and, as the day approached for my debrief, I wasn’t really worried because I…
Mess Creates More Mess
I just saw “The Great Gatsby” with my youngest son, Ben, last night. One of my favorite quotes from the movie (and the book) came from Daisy Buchanan. When asked…
Common Sense Isn’t Common
The ocean swells were so large I thought I was reliving the beginning scene of Gilligan’s Island. I had only been in the Navy for six months and out to…
What’s Luck Got To Do With It!?
As I crossed the bridge on my way from the train station to the college, the comedic irony of the situation made me burst into laughter. At the end of…
Teamwork Is ALL About ME!!
Whenever I teach a class or share my thoughts with an audience on teamwork, I always give the old adage of “There’s no ‘I’ or ‘U’ in the word TEAM.”…
Light a Fire of Motivation!
When I first joined the Navy I, like every young Sailor, went through the required training to learn how to fight and prevent fires. Twenty years later, I still remember…
SHUT UP!
He was trying to be patient. I know he was. I was excited to be at my first duty station and learn my trade. I had just gotten finished with…
Value Leads To Engagement
Recently, I was in a meeting and heard a CEO say, “All units of work have the same value.” I’ve known this and have practiced it but had never heard…