Philadelphia Business Journal

When they called out our son’s name, we were stunned. To his and our complete surprise, he received our congregation’s annual award given to a single person who touches, inspires and betters others who come in contact with him. We beamed. He beamed. His grandmother cried. Our other son said, “Hey dude, way to go.” My husband looked at me and said, “We must have done something right.”

Perhaps we did, but I try not to take credit. Our kids can be great in spite of us. As a parent, I think it’s critical to remind your children how proud you are and encourage them to be the best they can be. Yet, in the workplace, that is not always the case. [Read more…] about Way to go, Dude!

As the presidential campaign winds down, I can’t help but shake my head at the lessons that are continually forgotten.

The latest one came just days ago when a hidden camera at a private fundraising event recorded Republican candidate Mitt Romney telling donors that nearly half of all Americans back President Obama because they need government support.

I think every business professional reading this column can learn a nonpartisan lesson from the two-time presidential candidate and former governor. If I had the opportunity to speak with him, here is what I might say. [Read more…] about The microphone is always on

When my phone rang, I couldn’t have been happier to hear my dear friend’s voice on the end. “How are you,” she asked. “I’ve been thinking about you.”

“Me too!” I exclaimed. “Wait, hold on a sec.” And for the next minute or more, that’s what I kept saying — “hold on” — the dog is barking. “Hold on” — my son needs something. “Hold on” — someone is at the door. “Listen,” I said, “I’m really sorry. I’ll call you back, promise.” And then I forgot.

Days later when I remembered that I forgot, I emailed her an apology asking when she’d be around so we could try again. Here was her response: [Read more…] about Communicating is not about talking, it’s about connecting

I pulled into the parking lot clogged with construction vehicles with five minutes to spare. The client had asked me to work with their chairman of the board so being late would not make a great first impression. Turning the corner I eyed a rare open spot halfway down the crowded row. As I sped up and signaled to move in, a big black Infiniti coming from the opposite direction signaled the same.

Our cars inched up with no room to turn and stopped. He wasn’t budging and neither was I.

So we sat staring at each other through the windshields. I knew I was about to be late, but I wasn’t giving in. I could wait this out as long as he could. I took my foot off the break and pushed into park. Tick tock, the minutes passed. [Read more…] about It’s never too late to be the person you want others to see