Philadelphia Business Journal

As “American Idol” is poised to name its next idol, it’s a good time to talk about what a reality television show that turns ordinary people into superstars can teach us about leadership.

Like Walt Disney, who was fired by a newspaper editor because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas,” or Albert Einstein, who was once labeled “mentally slow,” strong-willed contestants are often people who refuse to let what others say about them define their reality. [Read more…] about Put your heart into what you do and people will respond

My dog is 12. She doesn’t have the spring in her step she once had. Like the time she bolted out the garage door and bounded snout first into a freezing winter pond. Her bark no longer terrifies some of the neighbors, who never understood that this sweet affectionate shepherd is a cuddly oaf who loves everyone and wouldn’t harm a fly — well, with the exception of another dog. It pains me to watch our once rambunctious pet limp up the stairs, her hindquarters quivering with arthritis.

When I tell people how she’s aged, some ask, so, are you going to put her down? Realizing no malice intended, I swallow what I’m really thinking which is, would you toss aside an aging relative or not provide for a child in need? What about a disabled worker who requires provisions so he or she can continue to do great work for your company? [Read more…] about A workplace lesson from a venerable member of the family

Sometimes I don’t sleep. I think it started when my oldest got his driver’s license. My eyes didn’t fully shut until I heard his key turn in the lock. Today that child is in the Czech Republic studying abroad. I have no idea what time he gets in as I can’t hear his key turn across the ocean. Yet, I still worry. Knowing his plane was landing at 3 a.m. our time when he first arrived, like a sixth sense, my eyes shot open to look at the clock, concerned that he arrived safely. It wasn’t until his text arrived a while later saying all was well that I finally got back to sleep.

For parents and caretakers out there, you understand that this comes with the territory. My son tells me the only person who worries more than me is my mother. And that made me wonder. When our clients have pressing issues, how much sleep do we lose worrying about them? [Read more…] about A simple checklist to avoid losing sleep over your clients