By Robert Stevenson
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1
2
3
4
5
Success is Never Final
Finding the Time to Become Better
Limited Supply of Marbles
The Power of Commitment
Getting the Most Out of Life
# 6
# 7
# 8
# 9
# 10
The Power of the Female Buyers
The Power of Our Thoughts
Never Use Two Words When One Will Do
The Power of Asking Questions
How to View Difficult Customers
# 11
# 12
# 13
# 14
# 15
Feeling Stupid – You’ve Got Company
The Most Powerful Form of Advertising
Do You Annoy People
Mean People
Guaranteed Formula for Success
# 16
# 17
# 18
# 19
# 20
The Meaning of “Final”
Change You First
People Who Really Make a Difference
Look For The Bigger Picture
Why, Why Not, Why Don’t We Try
# 21
# 22
# 23
# 24
# 25
Oh How Things Change
Chill
Developing Talent
It’s All About a Better You
Eliminating Bad Habits
# 26
# 27
# 28
# 29
# 30
I Shall Find a Way or Make One
Life is What You Make of It
Making Sense of Nonsense
Success Is A Result of Achievement Not Good Intentions
Give More – Get More
# 31
# 32
# 33
# 34
# 35
Act as if the Whole World is Watching
Just How Badly Do You Want Success
Smile – It’s Good For You and Those Around You
Capsule Course in Human Relations
Your Choices Will Determine Your Success
# 36
# 37
# 38
# 39
# 40
The Latest and Greatest Sometimes Isn't
Things We Take for Granted
Subtraction is the Exercise of Genius
Be Careful What You Pass Along
It's Time "IZE" Get On With It
# 41
# 42
# 43
# 44
# 45
Show Excitement in Your Greetings
Got Your Back
High Self Esteem - Your Success Depends On It
N.I.C.E.
Some Management Ideas for Surviving a Recession
# 46
# 47
# 48
# 49
# 50
Walk The Talk
The Challenge
Sometimes You Must Lose a Fight to Win a War
If You Want to Succeed – Then Start Focusing
The Destructive Effects of Arrogance
# 51
# 52
# 53
# 54
# 55
How’s That Working for You
1% Better Every Day
When in Doubt Spell it Out
I Just Need One Person
Corporate Culture Counts
# 56
# 57
# 58
# 59
# 60
No Consequence to Me – Oh, Really?
XVXRY KXY MUST WORK
The Power of Appreciation
Powerful Thoughts to Live By
Your Future is Created in the Present
# 61
# 62
# 63
# 64
J.M. Smucker’s Rules for Success
What Twitter and Thomas Jefferson Have In Common
The Contrarian
Humble Beginnings
#1 – Success is Never Final
230 of the Fortune 500 companies that existed in 1980 are gone. Go back 10 more
years and that number jumps to 74%. The simple point to understand is if you do
what you’ve always done, you’ll be gone.
Loyal clients in America are hard to find. Your competition is just waiting for you
to drop the ball so they can scoop it right up and run with it. As I say in my
programs; “don’t tell what you did for me yesterday, tell me what you are going
to do for me tomorrow.”
One of the big problems I see with companies today is that they don’t really know
what differentiates them from their competition. If I was conducting a Strategic
Planning Session for your organization today, the first thing I would ask you is
what does it take to be great in your industry. I would then ask, where are you
excelling … where are you meeting the standard … where are you the weakest?
You’ve got to understand your strengths, especially those that differentiate you
from you competitors. But you better fully understand where you need work. The
Harvard business review stated, 1 in 24 customers complain, the other 23 just go
somewhere else. When your clients leave they are a great deal harder to get back
than they ever were to get in the first place.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#2 – Finding the Time to Become Better
According to the Nielsen Company, a firm who specializes in recording how many
people watch television, the average person watches 6.5 hours of TV per day.
I find that really hard to believe, but if they are right, that means in an average life
span we would spend about 11 years of our life watching television. If we quit
watching commercials we would save about 3 years.
If you just reduced the time you spend watching TV by 1 hour, you would have an
additional 365 hours per year to make yourself better. On a 40 hour work week,
you just added an additional 9 weeks per year for perfecting your trade.
I don’t know how much time you spend watching television, but I do know this. If
you really want to rise to the top, invest 1 hour per day to learn more about your
industry.
Developing this single habit can make you an expert in your field within 5 years.
It’s up to you to find the time, so make it happen.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#3 – Limited Supply of Marbles
I once read about a man who, when he was 55 years old, came up with a simple
way to remind him to focus on the important things in life. He had read that the
average life span for a man was 75 years. Now that might seem like a long time
when you are 10, 20 or 30 years old, but at 55, I would think you may have a
different perspective. He determined that with 52 weeks in a year, he had
approximately 1,000 weeks left in his life, according to the experts.
So, he went out and bought a large jar and 1,000 marbles and filled the jar with the
marbles. He then placed the jar in a very visible location in his home. Every week
that passed he took a marble out. He found that by watching the marbles diminish
it caused him to focus on the important things in life.
None of us know how long we have on this earth, but we all need to be reminded
once in a while, it is a finite amount of time. Too many times I find myself wishing
for a future date to be here rather than truly appreciating the day that I have.
In 2 weeks I’m on vacation …
just two more months until Christmas …
when our son graduates we will have time to …
Don’t be wishing your life away for tomorrow.
We all have a limited supply of marbles left,
so enjoy today and get the most out of it.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#4 – The Power of Commitment
Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always
ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one
elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:
that the moment one definitely commits oneself then Providence moves too. All
sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A
whole stream of events issues from the decision raising in one’s favor all manner
of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could
have dreamt would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can,
begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.
By – Goethe
They don’t write about people who are saying …“I would’ve done that … I
could’ve done that … I should’ve done that.” They write about the people who are
doing it. Five hundred millionaires were asked what really caused them to be so
successful. Most said, “I finally decided to get serious.” Many of those millionaires
also said that they had faced their biggest adversity right before becoming
successful … in other words … they hit rock bottom right before they hit their
peak.
You don’t want to be a person with
PERMANENT POTENTIAL.
Bring the magic you have in you out where we all can see it.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#5 – Getting the Most Out of Life
A professor stood before her Philosophy class and had some items in front of her.
She picked up a very large and empty jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
She then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the
professor picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. She shook the
jar slightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. She then
asked if the jar was full. The students agreed it was. The professor picked up a box
of sand and poured it into the jar and the sand trickled into the even smaller open
gaps. She then asked if the jar was full and the students responded with a
unanimous, “Yes!” The professor then produces two cans of liquid chocolate from
under the table and pours the entire contents into the jar effectively filling any
empty space remaining.
“Now”, said the professor, “I want you to recognize that the jar represents your
life. The golf balls are the important things – your family, your spouse, your
health, your children, your friends, your favorite passions – things that if
everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The
pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The
sand is everything else – the small stuff. If you put the sand in the jar first, there is
no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for your life. If you spend
all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things
that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your
happiness. Take care of the golf balls first – the things that really matter. Set your
priorities. The rest is just sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the chocolate represented.
The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter
how full your life may seem, there’s always room for chocolate!”
- Author
Unknown
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#6 – The Power of the Female Buyers
In 1970 only 1 percent of the American business traveler was female. They now
account for roughly 50 percent. From 1970 to 1998 men’s median income rose 0.6
percent, while women’s median income rose by 63 percent. Six out of every ten
new web users are women. Women-owned businesses in America employ over
27.5 million workers, which is more workers than the fabled Fortune 500 employs
worldwide. Women-owned companies last year account for $3.5 trillion in
revenue, which exceeds the GDP of Germany.
The American’s female economy now accounts for more than half the U.S. GDP;
around five trillion dollars. Women are also the chief decision makers in just about
every kind of purchase; commercial or consumer. Just how powerful is the female
decision maker?
All consumer purchases
Vacations
“Do It Yourself” home projects
Healthcare
83%
92%
80%
80%
Home furnishings
New homes
Consumer electronics
Back Accounts
94%
91%
51%
89%
If your company, organization, association is not addressing the female market,
speaking in female terms, researching female needs … you are making a huge
mistake.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#7 – The Power of Our Thoughts
“The secret of living a life of excellence is merely a matter
of thinking thoughts of excellence.”
Charles Swindell
“If you change your way of thinking, you change your life.”
Brian Tracy
“All that we are arises with our thoughts.”
Buddha
“Daily we must train our thoughts to see only what we wish to experience;
and since we are growing into what we are mentally dwelling upon,
we should put all small and insignificant thoughts and ideals out of our thinking
and see things in a larger way.”
Ernest Holmes
The starting point for bettering yourself all begins with your thoughts. You then
turn your thoughts into a plan and your plan into action. Don’t tell me how bad it
is, how wrong it was, how unfair they are; tell me what you are going to do about
it.
The first day of the rest of your life is today, so make it a great one.
Think it, plan it, do it.
What are you waiting for?
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#8 – Never Use Two Words When One Will Do
When promulgating your esoteric cogitations or articulating your superficial
sentimentalities and amicable philosophical and psychological observations,
beware of platitudinous ponderosity. Let your verbal evaporations have lucidity,
intelligibility and vivacity without thespian bombast. Sedulously avoid all
polysyllabic profundity, pompous propensity and sophomoric vacuity.
The simple version of what you just read is, “don’t use big words.” Since time is a
commodity you can never replace, you need to use it as wisely as possible. A good
place to start is in your letter / memo / email writing. Cut out every word that you
really don’t need. Don’t try to impress the reader with your knowledge of the
English language. Change every inflated word to a simple equivalent (i.e. change
utilize to use).
The Ten Commandments required less than 300 words, and Abraham Lincoln’s
Gettysburg Address was a mere 10 sentences with only 271 words. It was Thomas
Jefferson who said, “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two
words when one will do.”
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#9 – The Power of Asking Questions
I guess I am one of the fortunate ones that have finally learned the power of asking
questions. It is amazing what can be accomplished or learned by just asking
questions. You can become a better boss, manager, salesperson, friend, and spouse
by just asking questions. If you are the one doing all the talking, you are not giving
yourself the opportunity to learn anything. If you want to learn something, why not
ask a question and then “shut-up” and listen. Let their answers lead you to other
questions.
I have found that in most cases, people love to talk. So, by asking questions and
letting them answer, you are allowing them to do what they like, thus making them
comfortable, resulting in their seeing you in a more favorable light. You can also
steer the conversation in the direction you want it to go by merely asking the right
questions, allowing them to tell you what you need to know.
It has been said that you can gain and hold someone's attention better with a
question than a statement. As long as you ask questions in a manner that invites a
response rather than putting them on the defensive, you will learn more about the
person, situation, problem, condition, etc.
If you want to be more successful, become more intelligent, and also be known as
a great conversationalist, then start asking questions and listen intently.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#10 – How to View Difficult Customers
In my first “Consider This” article ( #1 - Success Is Never Final ) I stated that The
Harvard Business Review once wrote 1 out of 25 customers complain, the other
24 go somewhere else. Those are extremely scary numbers. It doesn’t matter if you
do or don’t agree with their findings. What matters is how you, your associates,
your organization perceives an unhappy customer. Are they perceived as a
complainer, bellyacher, griper, villain, and/or jerk? If they are perceived that way,
you are going to need to do a major paradigm shift in this costly perception.
You need to label your outspoken unhappy customers as customer service
consultants. They are unhappy customers who haven’t walked away, YET. They
are actually giving you the opportunity to correct a situation. Their complaint can
help to serve as a contribution to the future success of your organization.
It is time to start viewing these difficult customers as allies. They can help your
organization prosper by identifying areas of discontent. Thank them for their
feedback. If you can, figure out ways you can reward them for their feedback.
Celebrate in the fact that you have been given a second chance; a chance to fix,
adjust, tweak a problem you weren’t aware of. You can’t fix what you don’t
know about. Be grateful they came forward, rather than deciding to say nothing
and just go somewhere else.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#11 – Feeling Stupid – You’ve Got Company
Have you ever said something that really made you look stupid? Have you ever
done something and wished you hadn’t. Well don’t feel alone. Your past, present
and future will be riddled with people doing the same thing. Customers have called
computer manufacturer help desks and …
…said they could not locate the “Any” key on their keyboard to comply with the
instructions of “Press Any Key.”
…actually opened a window in their home when the tech told them to click on the icon and
open the window.
…said their cup holder was broken on their computer. The computer phone tech finally
figured out they were referring to the disc holder that pops out.
Past Presidents and Vice Presidents of our great country are not exempt from an
occasional brush with stupid statements. Some great examples would be;
“When more and more people are thrown out of work, unemployment results.”
“I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don’t always agree with them.”
“I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix.”
If you are really feeling stupid just remember that in a survey conducted by The
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation on historical knowledge, 55 percent of the
people surveyed identified Obi-Wan Kenobi as the person who said, “May the
force be with you” in Star Wars. Only 9 percent knew George Washington was a
general in the Revolutionary War. The actor James Caan turned down the starring
roles in a string of box office hits, including MASH, Love Story, One Flew Over
the Cuckoo’s Nest, Superman and Kramer vs. Kramer.
So when you are feeling a little down on yourself because of something you have
said / done, or a bad decision you have made, don’t feel alone; learn from it, get
over it and move on. Remember the words of Jonathan Swift – “A man should
never be ashamed to own that he has been in the wrong, which is but saying, in
other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.”
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#12 – The Most Powerful Form of Advertising
Last week I had the opportunity to present two programs to one of the leading
property casualty insurance companies in the country. They have been in business
sense 1950 and now have over 2,900 associates working at corporate and over
1,000 working in the field as Field Claims Representatives. From their humble
beginnings they have grown to a $3 billion corporation earning 11 cents on every
dollar taken in. I find that to be a pretty amazing number considering the amount of
hurricanes we have had in the last year-and-a-half.
After I had presented my programs, one of their senior executives asked me what I
found to be the most interesting fact I had discovered about their company while I
was doing my research to prepare for the engagements. I replied, “That’s easy …
you don’t advertise. You’re doing over $3 billion in sales with no advertising.”
He responded, “Our claims department is our advertising; that is where we shine.
Our Field Claims Representatives are our Promise Keepers. An insurance policy is
only as good as how well the Promise is backed-up. We believe that if you deliver
exceptional service, you don’t need to advertise; people will hear about you.”
The most powerful and trusted advertising in the world is
“Word of Mouth.”
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#13 – Do You Annoy People
Do you annoy people? Do you have a certain habit that really bothers the heck out of family,
friends, and associates? I have one relative who blows their nose at the dinner table every time
they come over. Right in the middle of eating, out comes the handkerchief, and BAM, you know
what’s coming next. Every Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, no matter what the
occasion, you can count on the big blow. There are people who follow almost every sentence
with the phrase, “you know” or “you know what I mean.” You might know that person who uses
the term “like” in almost every sentence; “Like, you know what I mean … Like, they really bother
me … Like, get over it.” Do you smack your food when you eat? I’m not real fond of the person
who chews their gum so you get to see it quite often. The list can go on and on; talking loud on
your cell-phone, wearing too much cologne or perfume, twirling your hair, biting your nails,
always late.
I had a terrible habit of always stealing the punch line when my wife was telling a funny story.
One day she finally said, “do you always have to interrupt me and tell the ending.” I remember
saying, “but I thought you had finished.” Her reply was, “no, I just took a breath.” I hadn’t
realized that I was doing it. I just got wrapped up in her story and was helping her finish. Now
that’s annoying. Having a fourteen year old son will also help to identify any annoying habits
you may have. One day my son said, “hey Dad, you enjoying those peanuts?” I said, “yeah, why
do you ask?” He said, “because I can hear you eating them all the way over here.” I can’t stand
people who eat loud … but there I was … eating loud.
Being a professional speaker there are many times my program is videotaped. Each one of those
tapes is a great learning experience for me when I review them. Tapes don’t lie; they show you
everything you are doing right and anything you may be doing wrong. The audience might not
pick up on it, but I do. In fact, if I catch myself over-using a particular phrase, I will write that
phrase out in large print on a 3 X 5 card and place it close by me when I speak for the next
several weeks, to remind myself to not over-use that phrase.
It is most likely that you won’t be videotaping yourself to help catch you doing those annoying
things. You may not have that teenager who will help you change your ways. But it might
behoove you to ask a few close friends or relatives if you do have any annoying habits. Don’t
take umbrage with what they say. Remember, you asked. Now, you may think you don’t have
any annoying habits … and my response to you would be … think again !
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#14 – Mean People
I just don’t understand why some people in positions of authority think that being mean,
condescending, and/or cruel are effective ways to get the most out of people. I have
unfortunately, run across numerous bosses, managers and teachers who are just plain mean. I
guess some folks feel that when they are given a position of authority, or the title of Supervisor,
Vice President, District Manager, etc., that they are now entitled to say and do whatever they
want because they have “the authority” … they have “the title.” Their associates, employees, or
students are now below them and they can treat them as such.
Depending on what industry you are in, it costs somewhere between $5,000 to $75,000 to
properly train an employee. I have had several clients tell me they have spent a great deal more.
So why in the world would you spend all this time, effort and money to then have some manager
rip into an employee and start to drive them away from your organization. You also might want
to heed the old wise tale, “As you treat your employees, they will in turn treat your customers.”
I believe words like respect, fair, concern, help, assist, facilitate, teach, show, lead, and care are
far more effective than push, yell, scream, force, scare, intimidate, bully, threaten, harass, and
drive. I have always tried to follow the simple rule of “Praise in Public, Criticize in Private.” I
would also suggest that if you have to criticize them, try and find something they are doing right,
and talk about that for a few moments before sending them out to deal with fellow employees or
customers.
My son’s history teacher last year was tough. He was an African-American teacher, retired
military, a couple of years away from retirement, who had total control of his class. He
demanded a lot of his students and my son had to work hard in his class, but my son still liked
him. I asked him one time why he was his favorite teacher. He said, “Well Dad, he’s fair. He
told us he wouldn’t try and trick us on tests. If we listened in class, took good notes and then
studied the notes we would do well.” He then added, “And then after a test, if there was any
time left in class, we would do some fun things. He likes to laugh and make others laugh.” Let’s
see what we have here: a tough, demanding, old school, of a different race, teacher being
respected and liked by a teenage student. Who would have ever thought that possible?
I don’t like mean people; never have, and never will. I don’t want to be associated with them,
work for them, or be taught by them. And if I have a choice, I will go somewhere else.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#15 – Guaranteed Formula for Success
Successful people do what unsuccessful people won’t. Successful people don’t just arrive at the
top of the heap. They had a personal discipline coupled with boundless energy and decided to
make things happen. We are all creatures of habit. The problem is, some of those habits could be
greatly improved upon. It’s your daily habits that will determine your future. I’m not going to get
into helping you identify your bad and good habits today, though that is an excellent exercise for
improving yourself. Today, I am going to share with you just one short story that could have a
profound, positive effect on your future.
A man approached the late JP Morgan, held up an envelope and said, “Sir, in my hand I hold a
guaranteed formula for success, which I will gladly sell you for $25,000.” JP Morgan replied,
“Sir, I do not know what is in the envelope, however if you show me, and I like it, I give you my
word as a gentleman that I will pay you what you ask.” The man agreed to the terms and handed
over the envelope. JP Morgan opened it and took out a single sheet of paper. He gave it one look,
just a mere glance, and then handed the single sheet of paper back to the man. JP Morgan then
paid the gentleman $25,000.
Here is what was written on the paper.
1. Every morning, write a list of the things that need to be done that day.
2. Do
Them !
Would you pay someone $25,000 for that advice; most people wouldn’t. The problem is, by not
following the advice, it will cost you a great deal more.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#16 – The Meaning of “Final”
On January 2nd, 2006 my father passed away. The response I received from friends, family, and
associates was overwhelming. So many people shared stories, poems and articles to lift my
spirits and help me cope with my grief. I don’t want to be sad or depressing. On the contrary, I
want it to be uplifting and hopefully a bit insightful.
My wife Ann had lost both her parents when she was in her early 30’s and it is not until now that
I have any idea what she really went through. Probably the most profound thing I now realize is
the meaning of “final.” Webster’s dictionary gives the definition of final as – of or coming to an
end. Leaving no further chance for action; conclusive. Webster got that right. There will be no
more conversations, hugs, kisses, or laughs. I can pick up the phone and call his phone number,
but he will never answer again. So, don’t leave anything unsaid because someday the word
“final” will have a new meaning to you, too; if it doesn’t already.
One note I received from a dear friend ended with two sentences that really struck a chord with
me; I think they will with you as well.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
My Dad got that one right.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#17 ─ Change You First
The other day I was correcting my son about something annoying he was doing. I was trying to
explain to him why he shouldn’t do it and that other people might also find it annoying. Tyler
and I have a pretty open relationship and I try to encourage him to speak freely to me on any
subject. So, after I corrected him, he asked me what he should do if I did something that annoyed
him. I said that he should let me know. Tyler then proceeded to mimic a couple of things I do
that annoy him. My wife happened to be in the room and I thought she was going to break a rib,
because she was laughing so hard at Tyler’s depiction of a couple of my annoying habits. He
kept going and Annie kept laughing.
There I sat in all my glory, receiving a mirror image of a couple of my annoying habits from my
son. What should I say now … how should I react to this telling depiction of myself? Do I take
umbrage because my 15-year-old son is correcting me? And don’t forget, my wife is not coming
to my defense; she is just about on the floor, she is laughing so hard. So what did I do? I started
laughing, too. Tyler really wasn’t trying to be mean. He had hit the nail right on the head and the
nail was me. Annie was probably thrilled with what Tyler had done. Maybe I would actually try
and change as I was suggesting he do.
I make the statement in my programs, “Before asking others to change, change you first.”
Maybe I should take my own advice. So, the next time the “Tyler” in your life makes a
suggestion about something you could improve upon, change, or quit doing … before taking
offense … give it some thought. It may make you better …and that’s good.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#18 ─ People Who Really Make a Difference
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You
don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get
the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate
achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies, awards tarnish, and
achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here's
another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most
credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. Pass this on
to those people who have made a difference in your life.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#19 ─ Look for the Bigger Picture
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the fine details that we never move forward. Sometimes all
we see is what is wrong with a new idea rather than what might possibly be right with it, even if
only a portion of the idea will work. Maybe we should take a lesson from our own mind (brain).
Aoccdrnig to a rsechearer at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in what oredr the
ltteers in a word apaepr, the only iprmoetnt thing is that the frist and lsat ltteer be at the
rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. This is
bcuseae the human mind deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe.
I remember doing a program once where a lady came up to me afterwards with a hand written
note pointing out the one misspelled word in my program. I had over 150 slides in my program
that day, with several thousand words and she found one typo. I wonder how long she sat there
thinking about my typo, excited she found my typo, relishing in the fact that she found a mistake
I made … rather than trying to get something out of my message.
My message to you today is get past the little things. Look for the bigger picture. It is safe to say
that most great discoveries came out of countless attempts, errors and mistakes. If you are going
to …
►
►
►
►
base a person’s creative intelligence on their ability to spell every word perfectly
shoot down an idea because it has never been done before
not promote someone because they are not as detailed as you
fire or not hire someone because they don’t conform to your fashion beliefs
than do yourself a favor and don’t pursue a career that has anything to do with managing a
company, leading people, or creating new and better ways to succeed.
Yes, soemtmies it is tugoh to see the big pcitrue wehn all you are dniog is fdinnig falut.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#20 ─ Why, Why Not, Why Don’t We Try
Nobel Laureate and physicist Richard Feynman said that it was no coincidence that virtually all
major discoveries in physics were made by those under the age of 25. When he was asked
why he concluded, … “you don’t know what you don’t know.” I guess another way you could put
it is, when you are unaware of something that supposedly can’t be done … you go at it with a
blind determination to see if it CAN be done.
Any time I do a strategic planning session for a company, I always ask them to make sure they
have some of their younger talents in the room. If you want fresh, new ideas, I think it is only
appropriate to have fresh, new, young employees in the room sharing their ideas. You won’t hear
statements from them like, “that’s the way we’ve always done it,” because they’ve never done it.
What you will hear are challenging statements like, “Why,” … or … “Why not,” … or … “Why
don’t we try …”.
I am not saying that the veterans in a company should be “put out to pasture” when it comes to
coming up with ideas that will improve it. I think experience is an incredibly powerful resource.
Intellectual capital is one of the most valuable assets of any company. What I am saying is don’t
discount an idea from a young associate by saying … “What could they know … they are too
young to know anything … they haven’t been here long enough to know how we do it at our
company.”
In the mid 1800’s the head of the Patent Office in Washington recommended that the Patent
Office be closed, because everything that could have been invented had already been invented.
That same Patent Office rejected the patent applied for by the Wright Brothers for their flying
machine … stating they believed machines that were heavier than air could not fly. Someone
forgot to tell the Wright Brothers. They just kept asking themselves … “Why” … “Why not,” …
“ Why don’t we try …”, and aren’t we glad they did.
Our young ones have grown up in a world of speed, multi-tasking, constantly changing
technology where virtually anything is accessible through the Internet. I don’t care what
they don’t know … I want to hear what they want to change, don’t like, think is stupid or is a
waste of time. If you want to say young … then stay curious and keep asking WHY, WHY
NOT, WHY DON’T WE TRY.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#21 ─ Oh How Things Change
I recently received an email that had some interesting statistics I wanted to share with you.
THE YEAR IS 1907
One hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes! Here are some of the U.S. Statistics
for the Year 1907.
The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years old. Only 14 percent of the homes in the
U.S. had a bathtub. Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. A three-minute call from
Denver to New York City Cost eleven dollars. There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S and only
144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. Alabama,
Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California. There were
a mere 1.4 million people in California, which was only the 21st most populous state in the
Union. The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents per hour. The average U.S. worker made between
$200 and $400 per year. A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist
made $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 per year, and a mechanical engineer about
$5,000 per year. More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at home. Ninety
percent of all U.S. doctors had no college education. Instead, they attended so-called medical
schools, many of which were condemned in the press and the government as "substandard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a
pound. Most women only washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks for
shampoo. Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for
any reason.
The five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. pneumonia and influenza 2. tuberculosis 3. diarrhea 4. heart disease 5. stroke.
The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't
been admitted to the Union yet. The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30! Crossword
puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet. There was no Mother's Day or
Father's Day. Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all
Americans had graduated from high school.
Now I have forwarded this message to you and others all over the United States and abroad in a
matter of just seconds with just one click on a computer! Just try to imagine what it may be like
in another 100 years! IT STAGGERS THE MIND! Oh, how things change.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#22 ─ Chill
The other day my son Tyler and I were driving around running a few errands and to our
misfortune we encounter a jerk. Now jerks can come in all shapes, sizes, ages, genders, and
calibers. I use the word caliber in context to the degree of jerk they are; inconsiderate jerk,
pestering jerk, annoying jerk, or off-the-chart jerk. The one we encountered was an off-thecharter.
I popped off in the car to Tyler about what a jerk this man was, yada, yada, yada, and Tyler can
hear and see that I am noticeably angered by the situation. He looks at me and says, "Dad,
CHILL!" Now if I had ever said that to my father, you probably wouldn't be reading this
today. Tyler and I have a different kind of relationship. He wasn't being a flippant teenager with
a smart mouth. He was actually concerned about my health.
He went on to put the matter in a very proper perspective. He said, "Dad, in the last seven
months we have moved out-of-state into a rental home, then moved into a home we purchased in
that state, then moved back to Florida. What this man is doing that bothers you is nothing
compared to what we have been through." You know what, he was right. I was wound a little too
tight from all that we had been through and was letting something trivial get to me. I decided to
do something with Tyler's so appropriate word CHILL, and make an acronym for the word as a
reminder of his excellent advice:
C H I L L = Calm Helps Individuals Live Longer
So, the next time you get angered, annoyed, or frustrated about something, just remember to
CHILL. It will be better for your health, your attitude and especially those around you who are
witnessing your angered state.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#23 ─ Developing Talent
How much time per year do you think a person should spend perfecting their profession? Should
they work 99% of the time and study 1%? Should they study 2%, 5% or 10% of that time trying
to learn how to become more proficient at their job? According to the American Society for
Training and Development (ASTD) the average number of hours spent in a classroom by
an American worker is 26.3 hours.
If you had 2 weeks vacation per year and added another week for holidays, that would give you
49 workweeks. Based on a 40-hour workweek, you would have 1,960 work hours per year.
According to the ASTD, 26.3 of those hours are spent in the classroom. That would mean the
average American worker spends less than 1.5% of their workday perfecting their profession. To
look at these numbers in simpler terms, on average American workers spend 6.5 minutes per
day developing their talent.
If you are an employee of a company reading this article please don't rely on your company to
make you better at your profession. I suggest if you want to catapult yourself to the top of your
company/profession, you spend a minimum of 30 minutes per day studying / reading / learning
ways to get better at what you do for a living.
If you are a manager or company owner reading this article, I suggest you make the investment
to enhance the talent level of your people. Make sure they have the necessary time allotted to
them so they can study ways to perfect their profession.
Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, spent over 70 percent of his time on
finding and developing talent. During Mr. Welch's tenure as CEO of GE he increased its
market capitalization by $400 billion, making it the world's most valuable corporation.
McKinsey & Company, one of the foremost consulting firms in the world stated; "Mr. Welch
was arguably the Best Talent Developer in the past century to occupy a corner office in America,
or perhaps the world.
Years ago in one of my programs I stated:
"Your only true security in life is your ability to perform."
Never let a day pass that you can't say, "I learned something today that I didn't know yesterday."
Make the investment, spend the time, reap the benefits
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#24 ─ It’s All About a Better You
People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it's between you and your success.
It never was between you and them anyway.
Anon.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#25 ─ Eliminating Bad Habits
The renowned author Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "We all need an education in the
obvious." Our problem is sometimes we fail to see, admit and/or identify what is really obvious
to others; our bad habits. It has been proven time and time again that successful people are
creatures of "good habits." So what could be holding you back from reaching your goals is an
education in the obvious; identifying your bad habits.
This is not a pleasurable task, but it is a highly necessary one if you plan to grow, prosper and
succeed. Over the years in training workshops I have conducted, I have collected a plethora of
material on good and bad habits. Let me share with you some of the most common bad habits my
attendees have identified:
► Taking work home with you
► Getting no exercise
► Socializing too much on the phone
► Wasting time surfing the Internet
► Allowing bills to go unpaid
► Having your cell phone on all the time
► Not paying off your credit card monthly
► Shuffling papers on your desk
► Not following through on promises
► Not having a "Things To Do list"
► Not following your "Things To Do List"
► Lack of defined goals
► Watching too much television
► Associating yourself with losers
► Wasting time gossiping
I don't have enough time right now to go into all of the possible bad habits we all can have.
That's your job. If you don't like where you are in life, get honest with yourself and start
eliminating the things that are holding you back. The only person who can fix you, is you.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#26 ─ I Shall Find a Way or Make One
Admiral Robert Peary had a dream. He was committed to be the first to find the exact location of
the North Pole and be the first to stand upon it; the first to stand on top of the world. He had
failed seven times trying to reach the North Pole. 756 other men before him had attempted the
quest only to lose their lives. Admiral Peary had encountered enormous hardships, broken bones
and lost several toes to frostbite in his attempts, but at least he was still alive.
On April 6, 1909, on his eighth attempt, he finally reached his goal. At his gravesite in Arlington
National Cemetery you will find written on his tombstone his personal credo:
Inveniam viam aut facium, “I shall find a way or make one.”
I once heard the statement that the difference between a “Big Shot” and a “Little Shot” was that
the “Big Shot” was a “Little Shot” who just kept on shooting. Right now things might not look
so bright for you. You may have been passed over for a promotion, had a terrible sales year, lost
money in a business deal or the stock market, been fired, feeling old / tired / out-of-shape, or just
seem to be in a really bad rut. You may be wondering how you are ever going to possibly turn
things around.
The first thing to understand is that many extremely successful people have lost their direction,
made wrong decisions or just failed miserably. The difference is that their failure was for the
moment. To them, it was just a setback. There is an old Japanese proverb for success: “Fall
seven times, stand up eight.” The only person you need to believe in you, IS YOU. Ted Turner,
Donald Trump, Walt Disney, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Lance Armstrong, Oprah
Winfrey, and Christopher Reeve, to name just a few, all overcame some major setback in their
lives.
There is nothing you can do about your past; what is done is done. It is what you are going to do
now that counts. Failure is just an experience that didn’t work out. Learn from it, reorganize, reenergize, redefine your focus, redirect your efforts, and move on.
In other words … to Find A Way or Make One … you must Keep Shooting.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#27 ─ Life Is What You Make of It
How old would you be if we didn't keep track of time?
How pretty would you think you were if there was no such thing as a picture or reflection?
How smart would you think you were if you didn't know your IQ or you were never compared to
anyone else?
How rich would you feel if worldly possessions had no value?
How important would you feel if there was no such thing as socioeconomic status?
If you want to have a better life, then quit counting birthdays, wrinkles and gray hairs.
Remember a smiling face is an appealing one. Hold yourself in a higher opinion and people will
start asking your opinion. When the question was asked, "How much money did billionaire
Howard Hughes leave behind", one person responded, "All of it."
Start putting your value on friends and family, because your legacy will live on through them.
Remember, success at the expense of your family is not true success. Headlines fade from
memory, movie stars are replaced by new movie stars, and fame is a fleeting thing.
Your importance lies with your family; everything else is merely commentary.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#28 ─ Making Sense of Nonsense
The English language is a discombobulation of suffixes, prefixes and root words from many
different languages. This being the case, we have endless combinations of words with
contradictory meanings. Why do we call them apartments, when they are all stuck together? Why
do we drive on a parkway, but park on a driveway? Why don't shelled peanuts have shells? If
you're clothed, then you are wearing clothes, so if you are shelled, then you should have shells. I
would think you would call peanuts that don't have shells, "unshelled" peanuts.
It gets even worse. We call them pitted prunes, which should mean that they have pits, but they
don't. We call it "boned chicken" which again should mean it still has bones; but no, there are no
bones. Wouldn't it be simpler to call it "de-boned chicken? Some of my other favorite
confusions of contradictory grouped words would be; plastic glass, uninvited guest, new
tradition, original copy, and authentic reproduction.
The plural of tooth is teeth, but the plural of booth is not beeth. The plural of mouse is mice, but
the plural of noose is not nice. Button and unbutton are totally opposite, but ravel and unravel
mean the same thing. You can tell somebody they have a slim chance or a fat chance to do
something, and there is no difference in what you just said. How can slim and fat mean the same
thing? The same way flammable and inflammable do. I guess because "someone" said they mean
the same thing.
A painter will paint, a skater will skate, a teacher will teach, but a violinist will not violin. Why,
you ask, because "someone" said so. There is always going to be "someone" out there who really
knows how to complicate things. So, when you are communicating with people, make sure you
aren't confusing them like "someone" else can.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#29 ─ Success Is a Result of Achievement
Not Good Intentions
At the beginning of every year many people make a New Year's Resolution List: lose weight,
stop smoking, exercise more, learn a second language, lower their cholesterol, spend more time
with their family, etc., etc., etc. Making a list is a great idea because "How do you know you got
there, if you don't know where you are going?" Unfortunately most people never accomplish
anything on their list. Why?
There can be many reasons why people fail at achieving their New Year's Resolutions: lack of
commitment and resolve, poor planning, poor organization, lack of time or poor time
management, letting trivial things interfere, choosing too many, depending on others to help,
family demands. With all the surprises and demands that pop-up in our daily lives, "New
Resolutions" start getting pushed further and further back until they just disappear.
This year I have decided to simplify this process in hopes of helping to ensure my success. I have
decided to chose only "One" goal in each of "Four" important areas of my life. Areas you may
want to consider are family, health, business, leisure, financial and personal. The key here is to
limit your areas, because the more you pick, the greater your chance for failure. It is better to
pick one and achieve it, than it is to choose five and fail.
When you concentrate your focus on just one goal, many other positive things can occur. A
simple example would be to decide you are going to exercise more. Exercise will improve your
health and your appearance, give you more energy, slow the aging process, cause you to sleep
better, and reduce illness. (One goal - many results)
My suggestion for you this year is to Simplify (1 goal), Decide (4 areas) and Abide (Do).
Success is a result of achievement, not good intentions.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#30 ─ Give More Get More
Sometimes you can end up getting more by giving more than is necessary. I think the following
old story gives a great example of what I mean.
Years ago a city man bought a farm. After taking ownership of his new farm the city man found
out the previous owner had been quarreling for years with his neighbor over the location of a
fence.
The neighboring farmer immediately tried to quarrel with the new owner, telling him that the
fence was a full foot over on his side of the property. The new owner did not get upset, defensive
or confrontational with his neighbor. He simply stated, "Very well, I will set the fence two feet
over on my side."
His surprised neighbor said, "Oh, but that is more than I claim." The city man then said, "Never
mind about that. I would much rather have peace with my neighbor than two feet of earth."
Completely taken back by what the city man had offered to do and his reasoning for doing it, the
neighboring farmer replied, "That's surely fine of you sir, but I couldn't let you do a thing like
that."
The fence was never moved.
So many times in life we have the opportunity to diffuse a situation by merely considering the
other person's point of view. We should all try to be reasonable and fair in everything we do.
But if you throw in a little generosity, you'll find you have fewer problems, leading to less
stress and an added bonus; have more friends.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#31 ─ Act as if The Whole World is Watching
Thomas Jefferson said,
"Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself
how you would act were the world looking at you, and act accordingly."
Even though that was said over 200 years ago, it is still great advice for today; especially in this
technological world with people carrying mini video-recorders in their cell phones. The next
thing you know, your actions are being shown on national TV or on the internet, for all the world
to see.
So, behave as if there is a camera on you at all times and act accordingly.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#32 ─ Just How Badly Do You Want Success
Socrates was once asked by a young man how he could gain wisdom. Socrates asked the young
man to accompany him while he took a stroll around a lake and he would discuss the matter with
him. Socrates then asked the lad to follow him into the lake where they were standing in water
that was chest deep. This seemed odd to the young man, but who was he to question Socrates.
Then all of a sudden, Socrates grabbed the young man and pushed him down until his head was
fully submerged under the water and held him there. At first, the young man thought this was
just a joke, so he didn't fight back. Socrates held him longer and longer until the lad panicked
and started struggling to free himself from Socrates grasp. He was running out of air, his lungs
were aching for oxygen, his heart was pounding and his adrenalin was sky-high.
Socrates finally released his grasp so the young man could emerge. Grasping for air, panicstricken from the ordeal, the young man screamed out in a barely audible voice, "What are you
doing?" Socrates calmly replied,
"When you desire wisdom with the same intensity that you desired to breathe,
then nothing will stop you from getting it."
I can share with you the wisdom I have learned from the many clients I work with. I can put the
information in a format that is simple to understand. But, until you have the burning desire to
learn, change, adapt, and internalize the information, so it will help to make you more successful,
nothing I share will help. To paraphrase Socrates,
"When you have the desire to become successful
with the same intensity that you have to breathe,
then nothing will stop you from getting it."
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#33 ─ Smile … It's Good For You and Those Around You
To be successful in dealing with people you need to create trust, confidence and rapport. It is a
proven fact that the simple physical response of a smile will help to create all three. If you want
to be more successful, have less stress, more friends and better health, then smile more.
Smiling is good for you and it's good for the people around you.
Make it a habit to smile when you answer the phone, shake someone's hand, or greeting anyone.
When you are asking someone for help, smile. It's tough to turn down a smile. If you want to
change your negative state of mind, smile. People want to be around people who are in good
moods and being in a good mood all starts with a smile. Smiling displays your frame of mind
and warmth without having to say a word and it puts you in a positive mood; this is all good.
Again, it's your choice.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#34 ─ Capsule Course in Human Relations
The five most important words in the English language:
"I am proud of you."
The four most important words:
"What is your opinion?"
The three most important words:
"If you please."
The two most important words:
"Thank you."
The least important word:
"I."
Robert W. Woodruff
Retired Chairman
The Coca-Cola Company
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#35 ─ Your Choices Will Determine Your Success
Choose to
not live a life of mediocrity
Choose to
not argue about trivial things
Choose to
not worry, fret or cry about small injustices
Choose to
not let others control your destiny
Choose to
never give up
Choose to
guard you integrity
Choose to
be punctual, orderly and diligent
Choose to
believe in yourself
Choose to
live a life of action not words
Choose to
practice, drill and rehearse
Choose to
be a positive person
Choose to
never quit learning
And by making these choices,
you have now chosen to be successful.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#36 ─ The Latest and Greatest Sometimes Isn't
I recently made it down to the final cut to speak for a Fortune 500 company. Then I received the
call they had chosen another speaker over me because of a word I used in my video demo tape. It
wasn't a curse word, a crude remark, a sexist term, an ethnic, racist, or religious slur. In the
opinion of this meeting planner, the word I had spoken was an out dated term. I guess by using
this out dated word I was showing that I wasn't with it, cool, or on the cutting edge of the latest
and greatest "fad" in management.
The term I used was "paradigm". She was right, the word does have a little age on it. Paradigm
first appeared in English in the 15th century, coming from the late Latin word paradīgma, and
from the Greek word paradeigma; meaning "an example or pattern," and it still bears this
meaning today. Since the 1960s, paradigm has also been used in science to refer to a theoretical
framework, as when Nobel Laureate David Baltimore cited the work of two colleagues stating
they had "really established a new paradigm for our understanding of the causation of cancer."
Dictionary.com also gives the definition as, "a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and
practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially
in an intellectual discipline."
In our quest to stay up with the latest and greatest technology, when just as soon as we pull it out
of the box the "techno gadget" is out of date, I feel we are losing sight to some really important
concepts, values, and principles in making a company successful. The latest "management
fad" isn't going to make your company successful. Old words like service, trust, respect,
loyalty, diligence, fairness, and integrity should never be overlooked in our quest for the
latest and greatest technological business tool or management book.
This meeting planner would probably have said of Plato, Socrates, Confucius, Franklin,
Mandino, and Carnegie - "Yeah they're good, but what have they written lately." In between the
business transitions from Total Quality Management to Business Process Reengineering (BPR),
to Six Sigma to Lean Sigma, don't lose sight of some good old out dated words. Service, trust,
respect, loyalty, diligence, fairness, and integrity have served me well in my career even though I
am still trying to break away from old paradigms which could be holding me back. Oops, I said it
again.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#37 ─ Things We Take for Granted
When I am in town, I try to go to a local gym and work out as often as I can. It's a great way to
start off the day and I find by going in the morning rather than putting it off until the afternoon, I
seem to be able to go more often. I like going at the same time everyday when the gym has as
few people in it as possible. That way I can get my workout in without having to make it a social
hour.
I share the "same time every day" information with you because of what happens after I leave
the gym. As I am driving home, I see the same man taking his dog out for a walk. His dog looks
excited to be out, pulling hard on the leash with his tail wagging. We have all seen people
countless times taking their dog out for a walk. There is nothing unusual or really special about
that, unless you add that the man is in a motorized wheelchair.
We all take so many things for granted until we lose them. A simple walk around the park with
your dog becomes an extremely difficult task when you have to do it in a motorized wheel chair.
When my son Tyler tore his ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in his right knee, a simple
shower became a major ordeal. Every once in a while we need to step back and reassess our
attitude, look at our lives in a different perspective and start appreciating what we have.
When I look at the man in the wheelchair, he becomes my inspiration for having a great day. I
am certain he would give anything to be able to simply go to the gym as I had. I never gave it
much thought until I saw him. Sometimes life sends us a little signal and we are just too busy to
see it. Start appreciating what you have because you will never know when it can be gone in an
instant. Life just sent you a little signal; are you paying attention?
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#38 ─ Subtraction is the Exercise of Genius
I was in my garage this weekend wondering where all the "stuff" came from. It is amazing how
much "stuff" we can collect over the years that we really don't need to keep. The same is true in
business. Companies collect “stuff,” add programs, create policies and procedures, layering new
things on top of old things. Our government has done the same thing with our tax code; the total
number of pages of our tax code, including all tax regulations and IRS rulings, is now over
70,000. The Department of Energy was created during the Carter administration to lessen
our dependence on foreign oil.
Thirty-two years later it has a budget of $24.2 billion per year with over 16,000 federal
employees, 100,000 contract employees, and we are still dependent on foreign oil.
I think we all need to take a lesson from Wal-Mart when it comes to running a business, our
government and our own personal lives. Years ago they introduced a contest, complete with
awards and prizes of all sorts, trying to get everyone in the company to identify the "Stupidest
Thing" they do at Wal-Mart. The contest was designed to help eliminate all unnecessary,
wasteful and/or costly policies, procedures, rules, regulations, products, supplies, (etc.) which
were not helping the overall profitability of the company. The idea was to focus on subtraction.
Wal-Mart feels that ...
Addition is the exercise of fools ... Subtraction is the exercise of genius.
I agree with Wal-Mart. In this time of economic turmoil and uncertainty, it will be the companies
who focus on their core business, eliminating all "unnecessary stuff", who will survive. I am
currently doing the same thing in my business. It is good to always be looking ahead, creating
new ideas, products, policies and procedures that will help your company prosper. Just don't
forget to get rid of the unnecessary stuff along the way. I made several trips to the Goodwill
Recycling Drop-off Truck this weekend taking lots of "unnecessary stuff." Goodwill is happy,
the garage looks better and now I have room to collect more “stuff.”
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#39 ─ Be Careful What You Pass Along
It is amazing how many e-mails I have gotten from people who are passing along some
interesting fact, article or story they just read, believing it to be true. Many times I look at the email, saying to myself, "I didn't know that." The problem is, the fact, article or story they were
passing along wasn't true. It sure did sound good and make for some interesting reading, but it
wasn't true.
When you pass along an e-mail to someone else, a lot of times the person receiving it will
give credibility to the supposed fact, article or story because you sent it. They are thinking,
Well, (Bill, Mary, Jane or Sue) sent this to me, so it must be true. Unfortunately, Bill, Mary,
Jane or Sue didn't do their homework and you could be the one who ends up looking stupid.
I could tell you that ... ocean water flows in the Panama Canal, Galileo invented the telescope,
Cleopatra was Egyptian, Henry Ford introduced the assembly line to automobile production,
Adolf Hitler created the swastika, the Morse code signal for distress "S.O.S." stands for Save
Our Ship, The Great Wall of China is visible from the moon, the world's largest pyramid is in
Egypt, and Benjamin Franklin founded the Saturday Evening Post ... and you just might believe
me. The problem is, every one of those statements are false.
So, the next time someone sends something your way, check it out before you pass it on to
someone else. You might want to go to snopes.com, TruthOrFiction.com, Urbanlegends.com,
or purportal.com and see what they have on the interesting fact, article or story. You probably
wouldn't want to waste your time on the seemingly obvious stuff. Why waste your time checking
out the fact that oranges have more Vitamin C in them than broccoli? Why? Because if you are
going to attach your name to something, you want to be right. Broccoli does have more Vitamin
C in it than oranges, so do brussels sprouts, papaya, Guava, kiwifruit and strawberries. Now,
that's a fact.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#40 ─ It's Time "IZE" Get On With It
Realize, Rationalize, Economize, Capitalize, Formulize, Actualize
In our current economic environment it isn't hard to have a "Pity Party" and gather up a whole
bunch of people who would love to attend and share their stories of how bad things are going for
them, how unfair, and how it wasn't really their fault. For most of us the obvious has set in;
we've lost a lot of money in our 401-Ks and stock portfolio, the housing market is terrible, the
economy is weak and it's going to take some time to just get back to where we were (hopefully).
We could spend hours and hours talking about who or what caused this terrible economy. For a
lot of folks out there, that seems to be their number one choice; to talk about it. Talking about it
might make you feel better (misery does love company) but unfortunately, I don't think talking
about it is going to make it any better. So, here is what I am doing about it.
First off, I needed to "Realize" exactly where I was. I needed to clearly understand just how
much money was gone and how much was left. The second thing I did was "Rationalize" my
current situation. I track my finances pretty closely, so I was able to identify at what point in my
past my net worth was equal to what my current net worth is. At that point in my life, things
were fine, I felt secure and was totally comfortable with my situation. The third thing to do is
"Economize"; simply be frugal, reduce expenditures and avoid all waste and extravagance. I
then needed to remind myself that it was time to "Capitalize" on all the opportunities that were
available in a down market. So many things right now are less expensive (cars, homes,
electronics, clothes, etc.) and if your credit is still good, you can even refinance your home at an
incredible rate. I then had to "Formalize" a new plan of attack. I knew I was going to have to
work smarter if I was going to survive, maintain or succeed in this down marketplace. I took a
look at everything I had been doing and decided to utilize some extra time to finish my new book
and spend money to upgrade my website, collateral material and all forms of contact I have with
my clients.
Now I am approaching the point to "Actualize", to bring forth, to accomplish, to produce results
from all the "IZE's". I had a mentor years ago who once said to me, "Robert, don't complain to
me about working harder. Show me that you are working smarter. A person digging a ditch is
working hard, but they are not making much money. If you will combine your harder with
smarter, then will I be satisfied.”
So, Realize, Rationalize, Economize, Capitalize, Formulize, and Actualize.
That is what "IZE" be doing.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#41 ─ Show Excitement in Your Greetings
I have never seen a dog, when its master walks in the door, turn its head and say “Yoo. I had a
bad day. Not enough water, not enough dog food, you didn’t leave the air conditioner on 72º,
and the cat has got to go.” A dog is always happy to see its master. The tail is wagging, it’s
jumping around acting like it hasn’t seen its master in months. A dog doesn’t do it some of the
time, it does it all the time. What a great feeling the dog gives to its master.
The simple expression of I am really happy to see you makes anyone feel good. I am not telling
you to jump around and look foolish every time you see someone. But I am suggesting you get
up, make eye contact, give them a smile and show a genuine interest in them. You will find that
people will love to be around you, look forward to seeing you, and include you in their plans,
parties and get-togethers. People love dogs because dogs love people and they show it. The
key words are, “they show it” every time.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#42 ─ Got Your Back
I ran across this poem the other day by Autumn Parker. I thought it was extremely appropriate
for this 4th of July weekend in which we celebrate our freedom. It's entitled Got Your Back ...
I am a small and precious child, my Daddy's been sent to fight.
The only place I will see his face, is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days, for my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud, my Daddy's got your back.
I am a caring mother, my son has gone to war.
My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.
Every day I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
I may be sad, but I am proud, my son has got your back.
I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.
There are times I am terrified, in ways most never know.
I bite my lip and force a smile, as I watch my husband pack.
My heart may break, but I am proud, my husband's got your back.
I am a soldier, serving proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine, by answering this call.
I do my job knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I come home, it's me that's got your back.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#43 ─ High Self Esteem …Your Success Depends On It
The other day I was doing some research and ran across a piece by L.S. Barksdale on high selfesteem. Below I have listed statements a person with high self-esteem would make. I thought it
would be helpful for you to see just how good your self-esteem is. So, be real honest with
yourself and see how many you can put a check by, indicating that is what you "really" do.
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I make decisions promptly and am willing to accept the consequences.
I do not let others talk me into things against my better judgment.
I do not deny my own needs, feelings and opinions to please others.
I motivate myself in line with my chosen objectives.
I am my own authority, think for myself, and act accordingly.
I stand up for my own values, opinions and convictions.
I do not let my "feeling good" be dependent on others.
I do not allow personal comparisons to affect my sense of worth.
I do not brag about what I have or what I have done.
I allow myself the freedom to make mistakes, to be wrong, to fail.
I do not procrastinate or drift.
I follow every new undertaking through to a logical conclusion.
I do not blame others for my mistakes, defeats or problems.
I defer to no one on account of their wealth, power or prestige.
I say "NO," even when I know it will displease others.
I am patient, kind and gentle with myself.
I walk erect and face everyone with a friendly and open countenance.
I am frank and open with everyone, free of masks and pretensions.
I analyze and benefit from my mistakes.
I approach all problems and new endeavors free from fear of failure.
Okay, how did you do? Did you have to hesitate on any of them? Would your best friends,
closest associates or family members agree with how you responded? The only way
you can improve is, from time to time, do a little soul searching (grading) of yourself, identify
weaknesses and then decide how you are going to fix them. Now, start working on the ones that
you don't have a check mark by and then go to the ones you hesitated on.
Leaders understand ... Those who stop being better, stop being good !
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#44 ─ N. I. C. E.
The word nice isn’t really a powerful sounding word. On the contrary, it is a
simple term used to express a pleasant experience or encounter. I can’t really say a
person was over-whelmed by what they experienced if they said, “That was nice.”
“The meal was nice.” “I had a nice time on the date.” Then again, I sure do like it
when I encounter a nice person.
I think it is imperative that we put “nice” back into our daily lives both on a
professional and personal level. When you look up the word nice in the dictionary
you see words like courteous, considerate, friendly, gracious, helpful, kind, polite,
and thoughtful when defining the simple word nice. Nice doesn’t seem so simple
now. How many of us would like to do business with or deal with a courteous,
friendly, gracious, helpful, kind, polite, and thoughtful person? No doubt, all of us
would.
N.I.C.E. isn’t supposed to stand for a Negative, Irritable, Cranky and Evil person.
The problem today is we seldom encounter NICE anymore. We all seem to be too
busy, too rushed, or too pre-occupied to extend a nice pleasantry, kind word,
helpful hand, gracious compliment, thoughtful smile, considerate moment to listen,
or friendly greeting. If you want to help put you and/or your business on the road
to success then start incorporating NICE into everything you do. To me, N.I.C.E.
is Necessary, it’s Infectious, it’s your Choice, and it’s Endearing.
You will be amazed how much nicer your day will be when you start being nicer
to everyone around you. Let me ask you this: Who would you rather do business
with or associate with … a nice person or a negative one? I rest my case.
If you are going through life just in it for you,
then you really aren’t living, you’re just passing through.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#45 ─ Some Management Ideas for Surviving a Recession
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Forget the “good ole days,” they’re gone. Start looking for small victories and
recognize them.
Keep smiling no matter what. Always know your people are taking their lead
from you.
Blame nobody. Blame is not an achievement – identifying a problem is.
Come to work earlier and stay later.
Always be asking your people, “What do you think,” and then listen.
The devil is in the details, so go find the devil.
Always be positive – if you have to say something negative – Don’t !
Keep saying “This too will pass,” and then help it pass.
Prospect, prospect, prospect for new clients.
Network, network, network all the time. Out of sight … is out of mind.
Stay visible in your management. Let them see you out and about – working it.
Stay in touch with clients – a lot !
Simplify all procedures and paperwork.
Eliminate excess.
Raise all levels of customer satisfaction.
Stay on top of the mistakes, errors, complaints, miscues and gripes.
Ask young people their opinion. They won’t say …
“That’s the way we’ve always done it.”
Develop strong vendor relationships.
Get familiar with everyone in your company / department. Camaraderie is powerful.
Respect and appreciate your people. Public recognition is extremely motivating.
Receive all customer complaints with thanks and send gifts.
Address failures as a learning experience and move on. “Fail Forward Fast”
Be empathetic. Kindness is free, so share it.
Avoid negative people.
Keep asking your people …
What do we do around here that is stupid, ridiculous, a waste of time or non-productive,
and then quit doing it/them … now!
“Excellence can be obtained if you:
... care more than others think is wise;
... risk more than others think is safe;
... dream more than others think is practical;
... expect more than others think is possible.”
Anon.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#46 ─ WALK the TALK
I told my son the other day to make sure he was driving with his seat belt fastened, ALL THE
TIME. I said, “Tyler, there is no excuse for you to get a ticket, because you didn’t fasten your
seatbelt. What’s so hard … you get in the car, reach down and fasten the seatbelt and then start
the car.” Then I was driving down the road and saw a police car coming my way and noticed my
seat belt wasn’t fastened.
The idiom “Do as I say, not as I do,” first appeared in John Selden's Table-Talk (c. 1654):
simply meaning, don't imitate my behavior, but obey my instructions. Boy, does this seem to be
the norm in the world today; politicians, bosses, teachers, coaches, associates, friends, and family
members all telling us what to do, but not following their own suggestions, advice, directions, or
instructions.
Aristotle’s followers are said to have discussed philosophy while walking about with him. Some
say this is where the expression “walk the talk,” may have originated from. For the rest of us, the
saying is “if you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk”—two modern versions of
the old sayings are “actions speak louder than words” and “practice what you preach.” Another
early form of the expression was “walk it like you talk it.”
However you say it, it doesn’t matter. What matters is doing it. There is a great country song by
Rodney Atkins entitled “Watching You”, I think you ought to listen to. In one of the verses he
sings:
“Well, then my 4 year old said a 4 letter word …
It started with 'S' and I was concerned …
So I said, son, now where’d you learn to talk like that ? …
He said, I’ve been watching you …
Dad ain’t that cool ? ...
I’m your buckaroo …
I want to be like you.”
I feel to be a good manager, effective leader, great teacher, caring parent
or a success at whatever you do … you need to …
“Walk the talk.”
Just remember… someone is watching you !
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#47 – The Challenge
I can’t say I really liked the year 2009. For many of my friends, for many of my
clients, and for myself, things could have been better. I have a suggestion I believe
will help to make this year much better for you. I don’t know what you have
planned for 2010, or what new year’s resolutions you have made with yourself. I
would however, like to add just one more thing to your list; a challenge. By taking
on this challenge, I feel you will not only make yourself more successful but also
enrich your life. I can’t see anything bad with either one of those.
The Challenge
Once per week take the time to tell at least one person
how much you appreciate, like, or admire them.
Take the time to put it in written form.
Show that you put some effort in your acknowledgement.
Keep a written list of each person you told.
The choice is yours.
Remember, an untold compliment is no compliment at all.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#48 – Sometimes You Must Lose a Fight to Win a War
Always remember, if you are trying to win an argument, then you are also trying to
make the other person lose that same argument. Your victory has also caused a
defeat. When you defeat someone, you haven’t endeared yourself to that person.
On the contrary, many times you have alienated yourself from that individual.
Everyone is entitled to their point of view. Sometimes by simply allowing a person
to feel as if they are right, you can still get what you want. Words like “I can see
your point” don’t put the other person on the defensive. On the contrary, it shows
you are willing to consider other possibilities, remedies, or solutions.
Your objective should not be to win but to influence, help, inform, and enlighten.
If you win, someone else lost, and no one likes losing. Always remember…
A person convinced against their will is a person still not convinced.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#49 – If You Want to Succeed – Then Start Focusing
The great companies today are staying calm, keeping a clear head and then focusing their efforts
on profitability, increasing cash flow and making their customers their number one concern.
Discipline becomes the rule, and simplifying what they do best, the goal. Many companies
lose sight of their core business. They get busy re-organizing or re-restructuring when they
should be busy at under-promising and over-delivering in everything they do. Never confuse
activity with accomplishment. A gerbil on a running wheel is extremely active, but is going no
where.
Align your entire company or organization around a single priority. Please don’t get caught up in
those fancy, smart sounding business phrases of identifying your value-chain, brand
development, image make-over, contrast methodology, or reorganization criteria, just to name
a few. Get down to the simple questions of …
What is it that we do best ? … What made us successful ?
Everyone in your company needs to know what it is that you are striving to deliver to the end
customer. It might be saying, “we will be making the very best sandwich, with the freshest
ingredients, in shortest amount of time, following the best sanitary policies in our industry” or
“we will deliver your freight on time, every time, with no damage.”
If you don’t know where to focus, then start by identifying all customer complaints and look for
the most common cause of those complaints. Years ago I wrote …
The day you forget you are in business for the customer,
is the day you start going out of business.
Focus, direct, fixate … preoccupy your company obsessively on your defined target and make
sure EVERYONE knows what it is and how they are to be held accountable. By the way, the
same holds true for personal improvement.
Focus your efforts on a single priority and see it through.
You will be amazed how many other things you do will also improve.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#50 – The Destructive Effects of Arrogance
I think we would all be hard pressed to find anything good about being arrogant. I do not like
dealing with arrogant people or companies who have the pretentions of superior importance. I
don’t want an arrogant boss, friend, or associate and I sure don’t want to deal with an arrogant
company. You know the type; we’re so big and wonderful … you are lucky we are even talking
to you.
Motorola grew from $5 billion to $27 billion in annual revenues in just one decade. In the early
90’s they were seen as one of the most visionary companies in the world. They were known for
their willingness to experiment and especially for their methods of self-improvement. They are
the folks who pioneered “Six Sigma” quality programs and anticipated future opportunities a
decade away.
Somewhere in all this enormous growth and incredible success their culture shifted from that of
“humility” their founder had instilled in the organization into “arrogance.” They had the
arrogance to dismiss the threat of “Digital Cellular Technology” believing that since they had a
50% market share, they could control the consumer. They had the arrogance to start dictating to
their distributors/retailers that 75% of all phones they offered to the public “must” be Motorola.
In 2001 Motorola had 147,000 employees, by the end of 2003 they had laid off over 60,000 of
them and their stock price had plummeted.
In 1995 Circuit City was touted as one of the best companies in the world having grown more
than 20% per year for a decade. In November of 2008 they filed for bankruptcy. The stories go
on and on; Rubbermaid, Citigroup, Scott Paper and Zenith all let success and their arrogance get
the best of them. There is an ancient saying; “One benefits when being humble with fellows and
loses when being superior.”
Don’t assume because you have been in business for 40 years or you have a 60% market share
that you will keep it, because just when you start thinking you are good, someone will come
along better. Never forget what the great Sam Walton said: "There is only one boss, the
customer, and they can fire everybody in the company ... from the Chairman on down ... simply
by spending their money somewhere else."
All great companies once started from humble beginnings, and if they are not careful, they can
end up there. Arrogance is not a virtue, humility is. Treat everyone special … because the “notso-important-folks of today may someday become important … and they will remember how
you treated them.
Create a culture of humble respect for your success
and be forever mindful that each day you must prove yourself again.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#51 – How’s That Working for You ?
There is a man who comes to the gym where I workout who is at least 50 pounds overweight. He
started coming about a year ago and he looks exactly the same size as he did then. If his goal was
to lose some weight, then he better re-evaluate what he is doing, because it isn’t working. In all
aspects of life and business I think it is important to ask ourselves, “How is that working for me
/ us / the company?” Sometimes you may want to even enlist the advice of a friend / associate/
consultant and ask them how they feel about what you are doing, because asking the question is
the easy part. Answering honestly is where it gets tough.
Rubbermaid set out to invent a new product everyday, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.
Fortune magazine wrote that Rubbermaid was more innovative than 3M, Intel and Apple; now
that is impressive. Then Rubbermaid started choking on over a 1,000 new products in less than
36 months. Innovation became more important than filling orders on time or cost control. They
ended up closing 9 plants and laid-off over 1,100 employees before Newell Corporation came in
to buy (rescue) the company.
I had a mentor who once told me,
“Rob, I don’t care how hard you work … I care how smart you work.
Results are what counts.”
Rubbermaid was working hard, putting in time, money, and effort while at the same time
destroying their own company. How was that working for them? Innovation for the sake of
innovation doesn’t insure success. Hard work, effort, and activity don’t insure success. Those are
all great things to have as long as they help you / me / us / the company reach our goals.
Insanity has been defined as …
Doing the same thing, the same way and expecting a different outcome.
A&P at one point was the largest food retailer in the world (16,000 stores) and just couldn’t
accept that what they were doing wasn’t working anymore. They now have 3% of their stores
still operating. Ames Department Stores had over 700 stores and Circuit City had 567 stores and
both companies are now defunct. Is it time for you to try something else?
If what you are doing right now isn’t working, then
“How’s that working for you?”
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#52 – 1% Better Every Day
The alarm rings and it’s another day. Most of the time we go about it with the same routine; from
working out to when you have breakfast, coffee, paper reading time, and commute to the office
… you get the picture ... SOSDD (Same Old Stuff Different Day). I am not one for messing with
a good routine, but I am one for trying to figure out ways to get better.
The other day I ran across an idea from the CEO of Zappo’s ( The Internet Shoe Store ) who took
his company from $0.00 in sales to $1 billion in less than ten years and then sold it to Amazon
for over $1.2 billion in 2009. He said that they try to make at least one improvement in their
organization every week, but suggests on a personal basis to shoot for some sort of improvement
daily. He went on to say, “wake up every day and say to yourself what is the 1% improvement I
can do to make myself better both personally and professionally.”
Now you’re thinking, “Rob, where in the world am I going to find the time to make this 1%
improvement goal work ?” … well let me help you with that.
Found 5 minutes - Streamline you morning routine time to dress, shave, put on makeup,
drink coffee, read the paper, etc., or just get up 5 minutes earlier.
Found 5 minutes - Avoid idle talkers, gossiping or other distractions.
If your conversation is not a constructive one, get out of it.
Found 10 minutes - Take a shorter lunch or break.
Found 10 minutes - Eliminate the things you do each morning to stall starting your workday.
(You can probably find 20 minutes per day you waste just surfing around on the internet)
You just found thirty minutes per day you can use to make yourself better. Now that doesn’t
sound like much time, so let me put it in a different perspective. By following these 4 simple
suggestions 5 days per week, 50 weeks per year, you just gained 3 forty-hour weeks per year. If
you watch TV just 30 minutes less per day, you will double it to 6 forty-hour weeks; that is a lot
of extra time to work on “you.”
I can think of no better place to put my time than improving myself. Along with helping myself,
it will benefit my family, my company and maybe even rub-off on a few of my friends and
associates.
Success has a great deal to do with discipline,
so make it a habit to work on “you” just a little bit every day.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#53 – When in Doubt Spell it Out
I have been receiving some rather interesting text messages from clients, associates and friends
that sometimes leave me at a loss for what they are trying to say. So, I went on-line and Goggled
Web slang, lingo and acronyms for emails, text and instant messaging. Then I thought it would
be fun to fabricate a business story using what I found on-line. I promise there is nothing made
up in the following paragraph except my definition for CII. Let’s see how up-to-date you are on
all the e-mail / text messaging lingo and acronyms.
TPTB have come out with new software TPS. Now we all realize our current IT DPT is SNAFU,
but the new SOTA customized software doesn’t work. FYI there is RM software off the shelf
that beats it. The CIO should be called the CII. NE1 knows it’s messed up, but the OM thinks
TTTT to get use to and it will work. YR. IDTS. Tell the OF to come down to my office and show
me it works. MGT with their WEGs expects us to MIW. They expect us to B on time, c things
their way, s, g and b k with the new software. I told my supervisor it doesn’t work and she said,
“DEGT.” I am fed up. It’s time to STW for a new job because IOH. This place is like run like our
GVT which is FUBAR. IMO ADN this place is going to collapse. Everyone around here walks
around with FUD on their face. I GGOH before I scream. OBTW I am not the only one leaving.
So, TAFN, I’ll TTYL. BR. HAGD and KIT. 
Which means …
TPTB (the powers to be) have come out with new software TPS (that’s pretty stupid). Now we
all realize our current IT DPT (Information Technology Department) is SNAFU (situation normal,
all fouled up), but the new SOTA (state of the art) customized software doesn’t work. FYI (for
your information) there is RM (ready made) software off the shelf that beats it. The CIO (Chief
Information Officer) should be called the CII (Chief Information Idiot). NE1 (anyone) knows it’s
messed up, but the OM (old man) thinks TTTT (these things take time) to get use to and it will
work. YR (yeah right). IDTS (I don’t think so). Tell the OF (old fart) to come down to my office
and show me it works. MGT (management) with their WEGs (wicked evil grins) expects us to
MIW (make it work). They expect us to B (be) on time, c (see) things their way, S (smile), g (grin)
and b (be) K (ok) with the new software. I told my supervisor it doesn’t work and she said,
“DEGT” (don’t even go there). I am fed up. It’s time to STW (search the web) for a new job
because IOH (I’m out of here). This place is like run like our GVT (government) which is FUBAR
(fouled up beyond all repair). IMO (In my opinion) ADN (any day now) this place is going to
collapse. Everyone around here walks around with FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) on their face.
I GGOH (gotta get outta here) before I scream. OBTW (Oh, by the way) I am not the only one
leaving. So, TAFN (that’s all for now), I’ll TTYL (talk to you later). BR (best regards). HAGD (have
a good day) and KIT (keep in touch)  So much for spell check.
My rule of thumb is …. “when in doubt, spell it out.”
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#54 ̶ I Just Need One Person
You may have … a big company … an incredibly sophisticated website …
hundreds of locations … a huge advertising budget … thousands of employees …
a phenomenal IT department … an impressive Board of Directors …
But do you have … one person I can talk to on the phone, one person who can help me, one
person who speaks my language fluently, one person who has some authority, one person who
listens well, one person who follows up after my call, one person who can help me ?
Or do you have a system that … puts me on hold for an extended length of time, has 2, 3, 4
verbal menus to navigate, never has a human answer the phone, makes it difficult to call your
company, takes days or weeks to respond, frustrates, disappoints, exasperates customers ?
I called Prudential Life Insurance yesterday to get some information on a few annuities I have
with them. Within minutes I was speaking to a highly competent person, who seemed happy to
help me, who spoke excellent English, who listened attentively, never interrupted me, and
answered “ALL” my questions. They even made a suggestion that would help me out later and
instantly sent the form I needed. Let’s just say I was extremely impressed and they didn’t ask me
to take a survey after the call. Just one person made it all happen.
I called my bank yesterday on an issue with one of my accounts. The person I wanted to talk to
was out so I was sent to another person who was on the phone. I had to leave a message on their
voice mail system. Two hours passed with no response. I called again and still couldn’t get
anyone to help. I called a third time hoping I would reach them but they were still busy. I called
another location and did reach someone who figured out what had happened to my account, but
told me it had to be resolved at the branch where I had my accounts. I called a fourth time and
asked for the branch manager, but they were busy too, so I left another message. I even went online on their very fancy website and left a very unflattering e-mail. I started this yesterday at 9:30
am and twenty-eight hours later I have heard nothing. All I wanted was to speak to just one
person who could help me.
By the way, within 100 yards of their location are three other major banks.
If you want to find out how good your company is, call it with a problem. See how long it
takes to get it resolved, how many messages you have to leave, how many menus you have to
navigate to get to the one person who can help. Have your senior management team do it every
week. Get them living the real experiences your customers are living and let your Customer
Service People know that they are being called all the time by people who are checking up on
them. In today’s poor economy, with cut-throat competition, you can’t afford to push your
customers away because they can’t reach just one person.
Prudential gets it ... does your company GET IT ?
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#55 ̶ Corporate Culture Counts
The dictionary defines “Corporate Culture” as the distinctive ethos (the fundamental character or
spirit) of an organization that influences the level of formality, loyalty, and general behavior of
its employees. It includes the philosophy, shared values, traditions, customs, and behavior of a
corporation, that together constitute the unique style and policies of a company.
Wow! That was a mouthful to swallow all at once. A simple way to determine your company’s
corporate culture is to select a random sampling of people within your organization and ask
them to explain what they believe to be your corporate culture.
Get ready; you may want to take a seat when you hear what they have to say. In most cases their
words will astound you. If by chance you hear similar responses from most everyone that mirror
the culture you were hoping to create, then get excited, because you have just hit a home run.
Your training is working, your leadership is working, and your communication channels are
working. BUT, if your people have a glazed look in their eyes, wondering what answer you are
looking for or if their responses are extremely dissimilar, then you have a problem.
A fall 2007 Gallup poll of the American workplace showed that 72 percent of American workers
aren’t engaged in their jobs.
The J.M. Smucker Company has everyone who is hired memorize their printed corporate culture
creed entitled, “Why We Are – Who We Are.” Smucker’s wants their people engaged. The
company started in 1897 making apple butter. They are now a $4.7 billion company who
believes their “culture” is the cornerstone to their success and must be proactively protected by
instilling the creed in each and every employee.
Now fast forward to Zappo’s, a company started a 1998, who, in just ten years grew to over $1
billion in sales, also requires their new hires to memorize their company’s 10 Core Values.
They require everyone they hire, regardless of position, (from customer service reps,
accountants, lawyers, to software developers) to go through the same 4-week training program
in which they study company history, the importance of customer service, the long-term vision
of the company, company philosophy and corporate culture. At the end of each week of training,
they offer anyone $2,000 to quit … which is a standing offer until the end of the fourth week.
They are looking for people who want careers not jobs. Less than 1% of the people take them up
on the offer.
Two companies starting 100 years apart are living by the same values.
Both companies believe the best way to build a brand is long-term.
Both companies believe in fantastic customer service.
Both companies believe in having passionate employees.
Both companies believe that if you get the culture right,
most everything else will fall in place.
How is your “Corporate Culture” doing ?
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#56 ̶ No Consequence to Me – Oh, Really ?
I recently received a story from a friend of mine that I felt would be extremely helpful to you.
I “doctored it up a bit” to help fit the point I wanted to make. I hope you enjoy it.
A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.
"What food might this contain," the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a
mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed this warning : "There is a
mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is of
grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it." The mouse
turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the
house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I
can do about it but pray … Be assured you are in my prayers." The mouse turned to the cow and
said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said,
"Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap,
ALONE. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- the sound of a mousetrap
catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not
see it. It was a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap. The snake bit the farmer's
wife.
The farmer rushed her to the hospital. When she returned home she still had a fever. Everyone
knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup. So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard
for the soup's main ingredient: (The chicken who didn’t care – GONE) But his wife's sickness
continued. Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the
farmer butchered the pig. (The pig who did nothing but sympathize – GONE) But, alas, the
farmer's wife did not get well... she died. So many people came for her funeral that the farmer
had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all who attended the funeral luncheon. (The
“no skin off my nose” cow – GONE)
So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and you ignore it, the next time you see a
mistake or problem and you just let it go, the next time someone in another department or
division reaches out and you come up with some excuse why you can’t help … don’t think it
doesn't concern you, remember WHEN ONE OF YOU IS THREATENED, NEEDS HELP, MESSES UP … YOU ARE ALL AT RISK.
The headlines will read “Your Company is GONE” not your individual name.
You are all involved in this never ending journey of survival and success.
You must keep an eye out for one another, assist anytime you can,
while at the same time making an extra effort to encourage your associates.
AND PLEASE DON’T WORRY ABOUT GETTING CREDIT FOR HELPING
IF IT IS DESERVED - THE CREDIT WILL FIND YOU!
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#57 ̶ XVXRY KXY MUST WORK
So many times when I am asked to present a program, my clients request I include something
that has to do with TEAMWORK. I think the example below is a fantastic visual of how just one
person can really mess things up. In this example, 46 keys are doing their job and one isn’t. You
would think 46 out of 47 (98%) would be a pretty awesome percentage of competency until you
see the damage just one key can cause.
Xvxn though my kxyboard is an old modxl
it doxs work quitx wxll xxcxpt for onx of thx kxys.
I wishxd many timxs that it workxd pxrfxctly.
It is trux that thxrx arx forty-sxvxn kxys that function wxll xnough,
but just onx kxy not working makxs thx diffxrxncx.
Somxtimxs it may sxxm that in an organization,
thx onx or onxs wx arx concxrnxd with,
arx somxwhat likx my kxyboard –
not all thx pxoplx arx working propxrly.
You may say to yoursxlf,
“Wxll, I am only onx pxrson. I won’t makx a diffxrxncx.”
Any program to bx xffxctivx nxxds
thx activx participation of xvxry mxmbxr.
So, thx nxxt timx you think you arx only onx pxrson
and that your xfforts arx not nxxdxd,
rxmxmbxr my kxyboard and say to yoursxlf,
“I am a kxy mxmber of my organization,
and I am nxxdxd vxry much.
Anon.
I don’t care how you look at it,
TEAMWORK MATTERS!
You have two choices,
either fix or replace your non-functioning people
or your customers will be replacing your company.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#58 ̶ The Power of Appreciation
The pioneering psychologist and philosopher William James once said,
“The deepest human need is the need to be appreciated.”
The U.S. Department of Labor stated that 46% of the employees who voluntarily quit their jobs
do so because they didn’t feel appreciated.
We all want to feel appreciated not for just a job well done, but for showing up every day, for
being on time, for being proactive, for lending a helping hand, for having a smile on our face. It
seems most managers today get so caught up in the day-to-day pressures of meeting quotas,
goals and objectives, that they forget to compliment, thank, and appreciate all the folks around
them who make it possible for them to meet all those quotas, goals and objectives.
It doesn’t cost a dime to appreciate an employee - but it costs a great deal of money not to. If a
qualified employee leaves, you now have separation processing costs, hiring costs, training costs,
lost productivity and possibly lost revenue. Keep Employees, Inc. (a leading employee retention
consultancy) puts a dollar amount on the costs of losing a productive employee:
For hourly employees
For middle managers
For top management
0.25 to 0.50 times their annual wages plus benefits
1.00 to 1.50 times their annual salary plus benefits
3.00 to 5.00 times their annual salary plus benefits
A recent Gallup poll of more than 1 million employed U.S. workers concluded that the number
one reason people quit their jobs is a “bad boss” or immediate supervisor. Common “bad boss”
behaviors (in case you need a reminder) are bullying, harassment, discrimination, and lack of
respect. I would assert that a boss who made an effort to appreciate and compliment their
employees would seldom, if ever, be ascribed with any of those oppressive behaviors. To me it is
just plain bad business to lose an employee who is qualified, doing their job, and contributing to
the company’s success, because you neglected to go out of your way to tell them they are doing a
good job.
If you want to increase productivity, morale, efficiency, effectiveness, resourcefulness,
competency, and teamwork then start making the effort of appreciating all those around you. If
corporate and personal success interests you, then start showing some interest and appreciation to
your employees and associates.
When you start showing people you care about them and appreciate their efforts,
you will be amazed at the benefits it will bring.
But understand one important point.
This is no one time affair. Done properly... it is a way of life!
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#59 ̶ Powerful Thoughts To Live By
A dear friend of mine sent me the information below in a much different format. I did some tweaking and came up with what I
believe to be some pretty powerful thoughts. The original author is unknown. I added my own commentary under each thought.
The most useless thing to do ̶ ……………………………………………………....Worry
So, don’t worry about things you have no control over.
The greatest joy ̶ …………………………………………………………………....Giving
So, give not to get … but to make someone else happy.
The greatest loss ̶ ………………………………………………………………..….Loss of self-respect
So, understand you are what you believe yourself to be and you’re a star.
The most satisfying work ̶ ………………………………………………………..…Helping others
So, give of your heart, your wealth or your time … but give.
The ugliest personality trait ̶ ………………………………………………………..Selfishness
So, care about others and they in turn will care about you.
The most endangered species ̶ ……………………………………………………..Dedicated leaders
So, inspire excellence, create opportunities, encourage, and be a role model.
The greatest "shot-in-the-arm" ̶ …………………………………………………….Encouragement
So, praise in public and look for ways to praise often.
The greatest problem to overcome ̶ ………………………………………………..Fear
So, realize fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real … and move on.
The most effective sleeping pill ̶ …………………………………………………..Peace of mind
So, always do your best, be truthful, love and laugh … the rest is commentary.
The most crippling failure disease ̶ ……………………………………………..….Excuses
So, free your mind of self-made limitations.
The most powerful force in life ̶ ………………………………………………..….Love
So, tell them you “love them” and then “show them.”
The most dangerous pariah ̶ ………………………………………………………..A gossiper
So, if what you will say will tarnish someone’s reputation, keep it to yourself.
The world's most incredible computer ̶ ……………………………………………The brain !
So, never stop downloading knowledge- learn something new every day.
The worst thing to be without ̶ …………………………………………………..…Hope
So, understand that all adversity carries seeds of equivalent opportunities.
The deadliest weapon ̶ ……………………………………………………………..The tongue
So, select your words wisely, positively, and according to fact.
The two most power-filled words ̶ ………………………………………………..."I Can"
So, live by this creed – If it is to be, it’s up to me and then Do It!
The greatest asset ̶ ………………………………………………………………..…Faith
So, believe in your prosperity and success and stay focused on your goal.
The most worthless emotion ̶ ……………………………………………………....Self-pity
So, understand it will paralyze your talents and put off future achievements.
The most prized possession ̶ ……………………………………………………..…Integrity
So, guard it dearly, because once given up, it is almost impossible to regain.
The most beautiful attire ̶ …………………………………………………………..A SMILE!
So, if you want to be more successful and enjoy life more, then smile more.
The most contagious spirit ̶ ………………………………………………………...Enthusiasm
So, understand you cannot have success without enthusiasm- they go hand in hand.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#60 ─ Your Future is Created in the Present
Who you are tomorrow is a direct result of what you do today. There isn’t a magic pill or potion
you can take to make your future brighter, better, or more successful. To me, success is
predicated on three simple words: Get It Done! You can read books and articles and listen to
CDs on how to be successful and they still won’t help, until you decide to Get It Done!
At the beginning of every new year many well intentioned people start writing down their New
Year’s Resolutions. I think it is great that people sit down and take the time to write down what
they need to do in the coming year to try and better themselves or identify exactly what they
want to accomplish; I have been doing it for years. That is an effective way to get things started,
BUT that won’t make you Get It Done!
In my book 52 Essential Habits For Success, I write about how procrastination kills dreams. I
go on to say in my book, “You need to deal with whatever is holding you back. Many people
create excuses or blame others for their inability to do what is necessary to become successful.
The only thing really holding you back from reaching your desired goals is you. Remove the
clutter in your life and focus on where it is you want to go, and then do it. Seek out slivers of time
everywhere you can to use towards accomplishing your goals. Keep saying it every day … If it is
to be, it’s up to ME.”
The rules to follow on your journey towards being successful don’t have to that complicated.
1) Decide what it is you want to accomplish this year.
2) Write it/them down.
3) Decide how you are going to do achieve your goals.
4) Review your list every week to make sure you are staying on track.
5) Make sure what you are doing every day is moving you towards those goals, because …
WHO YOU ARE TOMORROW IS A DIRECT RESULT OF WHAT YOU DO TODAY,
… so …
GET IT DONE!
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#61 ─ J.M. Smucker’s Rules for Success
In one of my past articles, Corporate Culture Counts, I briefly wrote about the
J.M. Smucker Company. I believe this company is an excellent role model to
follow for teaching anyone how to successfully run a business today. Founded in
1897, this company now employs over 4,800 employees and is doing over $4.7
billion in sales. Tim and Richard Smucker are the Co-CEOs for the J.M. Smucker
Company and they believe they serve 6 constituents:
“the consumer, the retailer, our employees, our suppliers,
our communities, and our shareholders.
We believe if we take care of the first five,
the sixth will be automatically be taken care of.”
They live and work by the creed, You Will Reap What You Sow. Here are their
rules for achieving success in business:
■ Let the Golden Rule guide every decision.
■ Don’t have secret strategies …
– make sure everyone knows the strategy and knows their role.
■ Have a culture that promises people a better tomorrow based
on their good work.
■ Don’t be content; you’re responsible for making things better.
■ Doubt your own infallibility.
■ Have faith. Believe in a higher force.
■ Don’t do what you know only for material rewards …
– be called to your life’s work and have a purpose.
■ Laugh and have a sense of humor.
In a world where corrupt deception abounds, it is refreshing to have such a
prominent company set a great example of just the opposite. But their written
words are only a guide to follow; it is your leadership, your example, your culture
that will determine your success.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#62 ─ What Twitter and Thomas Jefferson
Have In Common
Thomas Jefferson was one of the most influential of our Founding Fathers. He achieved
distinction as, among other things, a horticulturist, political leader, architect, archaeologist,
paleontologist, musician, inventor, and founder of the University of Virginia. When President
John F. Kennedy welcomed 49 Nobel Prize winners to the White House in 1962 he said, "I think
this is the most extraordinary collection of talent and of human knowledge that has ever been
gathered together at the White House – with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson
dined alone."
Even though Mr. Jefferson was a man of enlightenment, I think it is safe to say that he did not
envision the use of “Twitter” as a powerful communication tool. He did, however, say something
that should probably be the #1 Rule for all Tweeters … “The most valuable of all talents is that
of never using two words when one will do.”
Twitter is now one of the tools I use to help spread “tips for success” to as many people as I can.
In doing so, it has forced me to be a diligent follower of Mr. Jefferson’s advice, because with
Twitter, you have 140 characters to get your point across. The next time you write a policy,
procedure, rule or compose a lengthy explanation of something you feel your company /
associate / employee should do … try culling it down to 140 characters. You might not achieve
the 140 character limit, but it is a great exercise in helping you get to the key point you need to
make.
I hope you will follow me on Twitter. My address is @Seek_Excellence.
Here are a few of my latest Tweets.
There is POWER in being NICE. To me N.I.C.E. is Necessary, it's Infectious, it's your Choice,
and it's Endearing. Be known for being NICE.
Integrity is a quality a person gives to themselves, so guard it, protect it, value it, respect it and
associate with those who have it.
When your ego engages your mind, your intellect disengages and problems start to occur.
A mind that is full of itself will never learn.
Be known as the one they can count on to be early, prepared and excited to be there, and you
will have everyone wanting you on their team.
You'll never become exceptional by doing the bare minimum. If you want to position yourself for
success, then always do more than expected.
If you want to be more successful, have less stress, more friends and better health, then smile
more. It's good for you & those around you.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#63 – The Contrarian
A contrarian is a person who takes an opposing view, especially one who rejects the majority
opinion. A contrarian can also serve as a very useful tool when it comes to making decisions. At
every management meeting, I would suggest you assign at least one person to be The
Contrarian; even if they agree with your idea, make them try to shoot holes in it, find fault, or
consider alternatives. Challenges keep companies healthy. At the next meeting, pick someone
else to serve in that post because people have a tendency to start disliking a person if they are
always the one trying to shoot down ideas.
Some managers / bosses / CEOs have instilled such an environment of fear that they seldom, if
ever, have anyone question their ideas, policies, procedures, or methods. If no one is disagreeing,
adding their two cents, or giving any “real” input at your meetings, you don’t need to have a
meeting. You probably won’t be in business long either, if that’s the way you run a company.
Here are two examples of things that should have been challenged:
(Source: Great Government Goofs by Leland Gregory)
 One year, efficiency experts saved the Department of Defense $27 million.
The efficiency experts charged the DOD $150 million for their work.
 The El Paso, Texas, City Council approved $112,000 to retain a private security
firm – to guard the city’s police station.
Someone should have stood up in those meetings and said – “Wait a minute” …
“ We have better things to do with our money.”
“This makes no sense.”
“This is ridiculous.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Why?”
But, always remember, when it’s not their own money, attitudes are more accepting of stupid
ideas.
Personally, I will take one Contrarian over a room full of “Yes” people; at least the Contrarian
will force me to think. Never take offense from someone who is challenging your idea. Simple
words like Why, What if can save a company if asked at the right time. Great leaders see
challenges as an invitation for the group to test, justify, explain, and prove the idea. They
welcome vigorous dialogue and debate. They see argument and disagreement as catalysts to
better solutions.
Once a decision is made, do everything you can to make it work,
because only through a unified commitment can success be obtained.
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson
#64 – Humble Beginnings
In the early 1960’s, Phillip Knight and his college track coach, William Bowerman, sold
imported Japanese sneakers from the backend of a station wagon. They invested $1,000 in startup costs to get their company off and running.
In 1907, two teenagers from Seattle began a message-and-parcel delivery service for local
merchants. The total investment to get their company started was $100.
With $900, Tom Monaghan and his brother bought a small pizzeria in 1960 and expanded their
company using a simple strategy: locate their stores near college campuses or military bases and
deliver their pizza within 30 minutes of receiving an order. Tom Monaghan didn’t finish college,
but as he would note, he stayed long enough to learn that college kids eat a lot.
In 1933, with $923 of their own money and $5,000 that they borrowed, two brothers with no
business experience, rented a warehouse in Modesto, California and launched their business. Not
only were they lacking business experience, they learned their new chosen profession, winemaking, by studying pamphlets at the local library.
An old, white-haired man drove around the country, giving out samples to people, of what he
had cooked in the back of his station wagon. He wanted to show people just how good his fried
specialty tasted.
Michael started his company in his college dorm room and ended up dropping out of college.
Harvard college drop-out Bill and his high school friend Allen, moved into an Albuquerque hotel
room, started a little computer software company and went bankrupt. Restarted it again, with a
slightly different name, and the rest is history.
Today might not be going so well for you … and you or your company might be facing
challenges or competition that seem to be overwhelming. I think it is safe to say Nike, United
Parcel Service, Domino’s Pizza, E & J Gallo Winery, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Dell Computer,
and Microsoft all felt the same way numerous times. Success comes to those who will persist,
fight, challenge, and change when times get tough. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. If those
great companies can come from such humble beginnings and make it work … so can you.
The key word in all of this is “WORK.”
Consider This Collection
By Robert Stevenson