Oh my gosh, stop looking like you are carrying the weight of the world and smile.
People do not want to associate themselves with people that are negative and especially if you work with the public, asmile goes a long way.
Maybe it is part of your master plan .. if you look miserable people will leave you alone..they will.
Or maybe you just do not even know that you look miserable, maybe you have been in a funk so long you just do not realize.
Either way.. snap out of it.
Sure you may have problems and have bills and may not have the perfect job.. join the crowd.
If you smile people will most likely smile back and you will get more accomplished, you sure will feel better about yourself.
Nothing good comes out of living in a shelter and pushing people away.
Smile.. damn it
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Expectations
Setting expectations is vital to your success.
If your employees or crews or customers do not know your expectations then shame on you.
It is your responsibility to set expectations and then to follow up and most important to train.
If you do not let the people around you know what you expect and what “they” can expect then how can they reach their goals and how can they measure yours?
The next thing is training to your expectations, once you lay out your expectations you must train and train and train..follow up and be sure that everyone understands the goal and how you can all arrive there.
Expectations can work both ways, as you run through the process expectations of yourself should also evolve, the process should always evolve and change and improve and YOU need to stay in that process.
Set expectations..for your customers, your fellow workers..and YOU.
If your employees or crews or customers do not know your expectations then shame on you.
It is your responsibility to set expectations and then to follow up and most important to train.
If you do not let the people around you know what you expect and what “they” can expect then how can they reach their goals and how can they measure yours?
The next thing is training to your expectations, once you lay out your expectations you must train and train and train..follow up and be sure that everyone understands the goal and how you can all arrive there.
Expectations can work both ways, as you run through the process expectations of yourself should also evolve, the process should always evolve and change and improve and YOU need to stay in that process.
Set expectations..for your customers, your fellow workers..and YOU.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Be yourself
The good thing about getting older is you hopefully get more comfortable in your own skin and because of that you can just be yourself.
Also getting older a good part of you just doesn’t care about what others may think which also allows us to just be ourselves.
When you are younger a lot of us worry about perception or fitting in or in the work place we may worry about advancement so we may not want to cause waves so because of that we may not speak out which suppresses our true self.
Having to surprise our true inner self we can begin the process of adding weight to our lives and we may even begin to lose a little of ourselves.
Just being ourselves can be liberating, I do not mean being rude or disrespectful or yelling louder, I mean just being ourselves.
Breathe easier - let the weight go- be yourself !
Also getting older a good part of you just doesn’t care about what others may think which also allows us to just be ourselves.
When you are younger a lot of us worry about perception or fitting in or in the work place we may worry about advancement so we may not want to cause waves so because of that we may not speak out which suppresses our true self.
Having to surprise our true inner self we can begin the process of adding weight to our lives and we may even begin to lose a little of ourselves.
Just being ourselves can be liberating, I do not mean being rude or disrespectful or yelling louder, I mean just being ourselves.
Breathe easier - let the weight go- be yourself !
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
The Killing Stone
I heard a preacher man speaking on the radio Remember thinking that I'd like to tell him where to go Go back to that book that you've been waving around Open it up, and go to that part about You without sin, pick up that stone You without sin, pick up that stone He's turning it over, to the other side He's turning it over now, ‘cause now you can't hide All that lies beneath, all the lies beneath The killing stone, oh Saw another fella talking on the TV show Trying to tell me how to live and just how I should vote He says he believes in the sanctity of life 100,000 died Tell me are you sanctified Now you without sin, pick up that stone You without sin, pick up that stone He's turning it over, to the other side He's turning it over now, ‘cause you can't hide All that lies beneath, all the lies beneath The killing stone, oooohhhh We're all looking for redemption But is it for our souls You without sin, pick up that stone You without sin, pick up that stone You without sin, pick up that stone You without sin, pick up that stone He's turning it over, to the other side He's turning it over, turning it over now ‘cause you can't hide All that lies beneath, all the lies beneath You can't hide beneath The killing stone, oh, oh, oh Killing stone Oh no, you're down on (The killing stone) Stone, stone, oh (The killing stone) Stone
Actions
Actions speak louder than words.
Do not be fooled by those that talk circles around you ..look at their actions.
People show you who they are every day, you just may choose to look the other way. How do they talk to you? Do they talk down to you? Have you been in the same room when they dress somebody else down or treat others with little respect?
Understand this, if they are talking to you about someone else in a negative fashion or they are helping to spread negative gossip then understand that they will do the same about you when you are not in the room or already have.
What do their actions say?
Do they treat those with less with respect ?
Do they sincerely care about the well being of the unfortunate?
Make up your own mind, don’t run with the pack or be a sheep. If a person blows you off or looks past you they probably do not have your best interest at heart. You can learn a lot about a person when you are one on one with them, pay attention.
Do they follow up with what is promised or do they blame others and look for excuses? Or worse just plain forget your conversation or twist the words around when you remind them?
What do their actions say?
What do YOUR actions say ?
Do not be fooled by those that talk circles around you ..look at their actions.
People show you who they are every day, you just may choose to look the other way. How do they talk to you? Do they talk down to you? Have you been in the same room when they dress somebody else down or treat others with little respect?
Understand this, if they are talking to you about someone else in a negative fashion or they are helping to spread negative gossip then understand that they will do the same about you when you are not in the room or already have.
What do their actions say?
Do they treat those with less with respect ?
Do they sincerely care about the well being of the unfortunate?
Make up your own mind, don’t run with the pack or be a sheep. If a person blows you off or looks past you they probably do not have your best interest at heart. You can learn a lot about a person when you are one on one with them, pay attention.
Do they follow up with what is promised or do they blame others and look for excuses? Or worse just plain forget your conversation or twist the words around when you remind them?
What do their actions say?
What do YOUR actions say ?
Monday, October 23, 2017
Listen
Want to learn ? .. listen..
Want to understand the situation? ..listen..
Listen and ask questions, if you think you have reached a point in life where you know everything then don’t worry , just carry on in your bubble.
We never stop learning and most of the time our lessons may come from unexpected places or people.
Observe.
Take the time to observe those around you and take a good look around, you may see or hear something that has been right in front you all along but you never even looked up.
In the work place we learn more from the real workers not the ones holding the titles, do you want to know how to improve? Ask them.
I have been in many a board meeting where the VP’s are making pivotal decisions and they have no clue as to what really goes into the work, rather clerical or the actual labor they never worked their way up the ladder so they do not know. Not working your way up is one thing but they then do not even take the time to observe or ask..amazing. Then they past judgement or worse just decide at the wave of a pen to lay someone off not even knowing what the hell they really do.
Here’s the thing..they are doomed to fail..but the collateral damage would have been done.
As the gap widens from the top and the real workers and people are placed in leadership positions that do not earn them this will continue,unfortunately.
If you are in a position of power, please take the time to observe and ask and empower your fellow employees- you will better off for it.
Want to understand the situation? ..listen..
Listen and ask questions, if you think you have reached a point in life where you know everything then don’t worry , just carry on in your bubble.
We never stop learning and most of the time our lessons may come from unexpected places or people.
Observe.
Take the time to observe those around you and take a good look around, you may see or hear something that has been right in front you all along but you never even looked up.
In the work place we learn more from the real workers not the ones holding the titles, do you want to know how to improve? Ask them.
I have been in many a board meeting where the VP’s are making pivotal decisions and they have no clue as to what really goes into the work, rather clerical or the actual labor they never worked their way up the ladder so they do not know. Not working your way up is one thing but they then do not even take the time to observe or ask..amazing. Then they past judgement or worse just decide at the wave of a pen to lay someone off not even knowing what the hell they really do.
Here’s the thing..they are doomed to fail..but the collateral damage would have been done.
As the gap widens from the top and the real workers and people are placed in leadership positions that do not earn them this will continue,unfortunately.
If you are in a position of power, please take the time to observe and ask and empower your fellow employees- you will better off for it.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Wanting what you got
The goal is not getting what you want..but wanting what you got.
When is enough - enough ?
Are you working longer hours to pay for your new car and new toys ?
Are you missing family time because you need to work more to make more money to buy more stuff?
At the end of the road will you be able to look back and know you have those precious moments with loved ones because you put THEM first.
We all have to work to pay the bills but do not lose sight of life along the way and enjoying each day and being involved in the lives of our loved ones.
You can work your hands to the bone and be the most loyal employee but at the end of your day your job cannot love you, we are all replaceable.
Prioritize.
Want what you got...and be appreciative.
When is enough - enough ?
Are you working longer hours to pay for your new car and new toys ?
Are you missing family time because you need to work more to make more money to buy more stuff?
At the end of the road will you be able to look back and know you have those precious moments with loved ones because you put THEM first.
We all have to work to pay the bills but do not lose sight of life along the way and enjoying each day and being involved in the lives of our loved ones.
You can work your hands to the bone and be the most loyal employee but at the end of your day your job cannot love you, we are all replaceable.
Prioritize.
Want what you got...and be appreciative.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Succeed
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch , or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Why do little girls..
Why did the little girls grow crooked
While the little boys grow tall
The boys were taught to tumble
The girls told not to fall
The girls answered the telephone
The boys answered the call
why little girls grew crooked
While the little boys grew tall
Why did the little girls grow crippled
While the little boys grow strong
The boys allowed to come of age
The girls just came along
The girls were told sing harmonies
The boys could all sing songs
That's why little girls grew crippled
While little boys grew strong
Why did the little girls come broken
While the little boys came whole
The little boys were set aflame
The girls told to fan the coals
The boys all told to be themselves
While the girls were told play the roles
That's why little girls came broken
While little boys came whole
Why were the little girls all frightened
To be just what they are
The boys were told to ask themselves
How high how far
The girls were told to reach the shelves
While the boys were reaching stars
That's why little girls were frightened
To be just what they are
And still they bled for us all
As the moon rode the sky
They carried our seed
When our need ran high
They fed all our children
In the night as they cried
Womankind wept
As mankind died
Why were the little girls left hurtin'
When all the boys were done
And the girls left in the moonlight
When the boys went to meet the sun
And when the girls were open
Why had the little all won?
That's why little girls were hurtin'
When the little boys were done
Why did the little girls grow crooked
While the little boys grew tall
It's maybe because the little boys
Didn't ever have to grow up at all
Lyrics by Harry Chapin
While the little boys grow tall
The boys were taught to tumble
The girls told not to fall
The girls answered the telephone
The boys answered the call
why little girls grew crooked
While the little boys grew tall
Why did the little girls grow crippled
While the little boys grow strong
The boys allowed to come of age
The girls just came along
The girls were told sing harmonies
The boys could all sing songs
That's why little girls grew crippled
While little boys grew strong
Why did the little girls come broken
While the little boys came whole
The little boys were set aflame
The girls told to fan the coals
The boys all told to be themselves
While the girls were told play the roles
That's why little girls came broken
While little boys came whole
Why were the little girls all frightened
To be just what they are
The boys were told to ask themselves
How high how far
The girls were told to reach the shelves
While the boys were reaching stars
That's why little girls were frightened
To be just what they are
And still they bled for us all
As the moon rode the sky
They carried our seed
When our need ran high
They fed all our children
In the night as they cried
Womankind wept
As mankind died
Why were the little girls left hurtin'
When all the boys were done
And the girls left in the moonlight
When the boys went to meet the sun
And when the girls were open
Why had the little all won?
That's why little girls were hurtin'
When the little boys were done
Why did the little girls grow crooked
While the little boys grew tall
It's maybe because the little boys
Didn't ever have to grow up at all
Lyrics by Harry Chapin
Trust
If it quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck and looks like a duck..
It is probably a duck.
Who do you trust?
Trust is pivotal to success, and who you trust is very important. Remember their are those that mostly have their best interest at heart and will “say” whatever they need to to prop themselves up.
If those around you are constantly pointing the blame to others are always making excuses , you need to look beyond their words. Be careful who you trust and trust few.
Actions always speak louder than words.
Those that refuse to take responsibility are not people that you can follow , they either are not true leaders or are above their heads , either way they are the type people that will say whatever to whoever to stay in power- be very careful.
If your radar or gut are telling you something- Listen. Trust yourself, trust your gut. Remember if it quacks like a duck..it probably is.
Access your situation and hitch your wagon to those that truly care about YOU and that you can trust!
It is probably a duck.
Who do you trust?
Trust is pivotal to success, and who you trust is very important. Remember their are those that mostly have their best interest at heart and will “say” whatever they need to to prop themselves up.
If those around you are constantly pointing the blame to others are always making excuses , you need to look beyond their words. Be careful who you trust and trust few.
Actions always speak louder than words.
Those that refuse to take responsibility are not people that you can follow , they either are not true leaders or are above their heads , either way they are the type people that will say whatever to whoever to stay in power- be very careful.
If your radar or gut are telling you something- Listen. Trust yourself, trust your gut. Remember if it quacks like a duck..it probably is.
Access your situation and hitch your wagon to those that truly care about YOU and that you can trust!
Monday, October 16, 2017
Insecurities
One of the main ingredients into why people do what they do is insecurities.
We get defensive or angry or protective.
Many of our insecurities may come from our upbringing, some of them may be because we simplify do not fully believe in ourselves.
Maybe we are worried about bills and money or being stabbed in the back at work.
All can truly block our true potential, when we use our energy in the world of being insecure we hold we waste a lot of time. In order to do our best we will mess up, make mistakes and maybe not always conduct ourselves in the best of ways..it happens.
When we worry more about making mistakes or what others may think or say we never reach our true potential..let it go...let them go.
This sounds easy but our insecurities may run deep but try to recognize them and understand we all of them so don’t beat yourself up or think less of yourself.
You are no better then anyone else and NO one is better then you.
Just do your best.
We all only have so much time and so much oxygen in a day.. use it positively.
Life...live it.
We get defensive or angry or protective.
Many of our insecurities may come from our upbringing, some of them may be because we simplify do not fully believe in ourselves.
Maybe we are worried about bills and money or being stabbed in the back at work.
All can truly block our true potential, when we use our energy in the world of being insecure we hold we waste a lot of time. In order to do our best we will mess up, make mistakes and maybe not always conduct ourselves in the best of ways..it happens.
When we worry more about making mistakes or what others may think or say we never reach our true potential..let it go...let them go.
This sounds easy but our insecurities may run deep but try to recognize them and understand we all of them so don’t beat yourself up or think less of yourself.
You are no better then anyone else and NO one is better then you.
Just do your best.
We all only have so much time and so much oxygen in a day.. use it positively.
Life...live it.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
TEAM
Ever been part of a winning TEAM ?
Maybe a sports team or a team that you may have worked with ?
It is a great feeling !
When you stop making it all about YOU and you have people around you that take on the same attitude then you can do some really great things.
You will not only accomplish more you will feel good doing it.
Working WITH others is so much better then trying to go it alone, for one someone will be there when you fall to help recover and two you will learn so much more.
Be a part of something bigger then you, - say “ we” rather than “I” and LIVE it.
Be respectful of your team and listen to their opinions, Never point the finger and never publicly dress down a TEAM member- be supportive.
Create and be a part of a true TEAM, I guarantee you that you will grown and smile and succeed.
Maybe a sports team or a team that you may have worked with ?
It is a great feeling !
When you stop making it all about YOU and you have people around you that take on the same attitude then you can do some really great things.
You will not only accomplish more you will feel good doing it.
Working WITH others is so much better then trying to go it alone, for one someone will be there when you fall to help recover and two you will learn so much more.
Be a part of something bigger then you, - say “ we” rather than “I” and LIVE it.
Be respectful of your team and listen to their opinions, Never point the finger and never publicly dress down a TEAM member- be supportive.
Create and be a part of a true TEAM, I guarantee you that you will grown and smile and succeed.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Standing in the Breach
Lyrics by Jackson Browne..
And though the earth may tremble and our foundations crack
We will all assemble and we will build them back
And rush to save the lives remaining still within our reach
And try to put our world together standing in the breach
So many live in poverty while others live as kings
Though some may find peace
In the acceptance of all that living brings
I will never understand however they've prepared
How one life may be struck down and another life be spared
And though the earth may tremble and cast our works aside
And though our efforts resemble the fluctuating tide
We rise and fall with the trust and belief
That love redeems us each
And bend our backs and hearts together standing in the breach
You don't know why it's such a far cry
From the world this world could be
You don't know why but you still try
For the world you wish to see
You don't know how it will happen now
After all that's come undone
But you know the change the world needs now
Is there, in everyone
The unpaid debts of history
The open wounds of time
The laws of human nature always tugging from behind
I want to think that the earth can heal
And that people might still learn
How to meet this world's true challenges
And that the course we're on could turn
And though the earth may tremble and the oceans pitch and rise
We will all assemble and we will lift our eyes
To the tasks that we know lie before us
And the power our prayers beseech
And cast our souls into the heavens, standing in the breach
You don't know why it's such a far cry
From the world this world could be
You don't know why but you still try
For the world you wish to see
You don't know how it's going to happen now
After all that's come undone
And you know the world you're waiting for may not come
No it may not come
But you know the change the world needs now
Is there, in everyone
And though the earth may tremble and our foundations crack
We will all assemble and we will build them back
And rush to save the lives remaining still within our reach
And try to put our world together standing in the breach
So many live in poverty while others live as kings
Though some may find peace
In the acceptance of all that living brings
I will never understand however they've prepared
How one life may be struck down and another life be spared
And though the earth may tremble and cast our works aside
And though our efforts resemble the fluctuating tide
We rise and fall with the trust and belief
That love redeems us each
And bend our backs and hearts together standing in the breach
You don't know why it's such a far cry
From the world this world could be
You don't know why but you still try
For the world you wish to see
You don't know how it will happen now
After all that's come undone
But you know the change the world needs now
Is there, in everyone
The unpaid debts of history
The open wounds of time
The laws of human nature always tugging from behind
I want to think that the earth can heal
And that people might still learn
How to meet this world's true challenges
And that the course we're on could turn
And though the earth may tremble and the oceans pitch and rise
We will all assemble and we will lift our eyes
To the tasks that we know lie before us
And the power our prayers beseech
And cast our souls into the heavens, standing in the breach
You don't know why it's such a far cry
From the world this world could be
You don't know why but you still try
For the world you wish to see
You don't know how it's going to happen now
After all that's come undone
And you know the world you're waiting for may not come
No it may not come
But you know the change the world needs now
Is there, in everyone
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Karma
Do you believe in karma ?
I sure do !
I absolutely believe that you get what you give in life.
You can fool some of the people some of time but sooner or later it will catch up to you.
It is pretty simple, treat people with respect and how you want to be treated and you will see it returned.
It is human nature to get angry or to want revenge but it is all negative energy- don't bother.
You do not need to get revenge because it will happen on its own- karma baby.
You only have so much time here on Earth , you only have so much oxygen in a day.. do not waste a day.. do not use your energy trying to avenge or hate.
Be positive.. that too will come back to you.
KARMA
I sure do !
I absolutely believe that you get what you give in life.
You can fool some of the people some of time but sooner or later it will catch up to you.
It is pretty simple, treat people with respect and how you want to be treated and you will see it returned.
It is human nature to get angry or to want revenge but it is all negative energy- don't bother.
You do not need to get revenge because it will happen on its own- karma baby.
You only have so much time here on Earth , you only have so much oxygen in a day.. do not waste a day.. do not use your energy trying to avenge or hate.
Be positive.. that too will come back to you.
KARMA
Monday, October 2, 2017
Money and Power
What dictates decisions in your work organizations?
Money and Power are on the top of the list.
Profitability is on the list but individual money and Power is the main struggles in a work organization. Generations ago there were more mom and pop buisneses so the " power" chart was really non existent but today everything is chain stores and huge conglomerates and the top of the organization chart fight for more more power and more money. Because most of the people with the titles making the " big money " are mostly worried about their own paycheck they start to eat their own, another words the top brass start the little clicks amongst themselves to survive, as in one of John Lennon's lines in his song - A Working Class. here- " first you need to learn to smile as you kill".
When I started at Arpin in 1985 I had left Honeywell, Honeywell treated me very good but they were huge, their main office was in Minneapolis and I worked in East Providence RI and was number 46892 ( I ado not remember my exact employee #) and as a young man just starting a family I wanted to work for a company that knew ME and not just be " a number " because at the end of the day if decisions were going to be made on who to keep or promote I wanted the owner to know ME and my work ethic.
It was the correct decision, Paul Arpin and David Arpin got to know me and respected my work and I stayed there for 35 years and helped it grow from a 7 million dollar buisness to over a 200 million dollar buisness. Through the years of growth I watched as it grow and it went from no HR, no titiles other than Paul, David and Peter , no committees, to dozens of titles and structures and committees and in that change is inevitable. It was good because I was able to witness first hand how buisness can change and sometimes bigger is not always better.
As more titles came to be the more people rose to power that may not have had Paul and David's goals or philosophies and so started the fight not for the main goal but for individual power and money.
It did not happen overnight but I witnessed first hand and observed how when people are put in power positions that only start to worry about their own buisness life and lose sight of the people that actually do the work , the hard work every day.
Because we all now live in the world of huge conglomerates and businesses this is a way of life for many, our hope is that the people at the top of organization chart earn their spot and appreciate not what only got them there but who really does the heavy lifting every day.
This goes for your government too.
(It is important to note that this blog piece is not directed toward anyone or any particular buisness, in all of my jobs and places I worked I met and worked with many many very fine individuals and learned from them along the way. I am only writing my observations along the way.)
Money and Power are on the top of the list.
Profitability is on the list but individual money and Power is the main struggles in a work organization. Generations ago there were more mom and pop buisneses so the " power" chart was really non existent but today everything is chain stores and huge conglomerates and the top of the organization chart fight for more more power and more money. Because most of the people with the titles making the " big money " are mostly worried about their own paycheck they start to eat their own, another words the top brass start the little clicks amongst themselves to survive, as in one of John Lennon's lines in his song - A Working Class. here- " first you need to learn to smile as you kill".
When I started at Arpin in 1985 I had left Honeywell, Honeywell treated me very good but they were huge, their main office was in Minneapolis and I worked in East Providence RI and was number 46892 ( I ado not remember my exact employee #) and as a young man just starting a family I wanted to work for a company that knew ME and not just be " a number " because at the end of the day if decisions were going to be made on who to keep or promote I wanted the owner to know ME and my work ethic.
It was the correct decision, Paul Arpin and David Arpin got to know me and respected my work and I stayed there for 35 years and helped it grow from a 7 million dollar buisness to over a 200 million dollar buisness. Through the years of growth I watched as it grow and it went from no HR, no titiles other than Paul, David and Peter , no committees, to dozens of titles and structures and committees and in that change is inevitable. It was good because I was able to witness first hand how buisness can change and sometimes bigger is not always better.
As more titles came to be the more people rose to power that may not have had Paul and David's goals or philosophies and so started the fight not for the main goal but for individual power and money.
It did not happen overnight but I witnessed first hand and observed how when people are put in power positions that only start to worry about their own buisness life and lose sight of the people that actually do the work , the hard work every day.
Because we all now live in the world of huge conglomerates and businesses this is a way of life for many, our hope is that the people at the top of organization chart earn their spot and appreciate not what only got them there but who really does the heavy lifting every day.
This goes for your government too.
(It is important to note that this blog piece is not directed toward anyone or any particular buisness, in all of my jobs and places I worked I met and worked with many many very fine individuals and learned from them along the way. I am only writing my observations along the way.)
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