You’ve heard that phrase many times. I think I first ran across it in a book by Bennis and Nanus (how’s that for two great names for co-authors?). Not only does familiarity breed contempt; it can also breed neglect. Sometimes we discount the value of an idea because it is familiar. Andrew Carnegie said, “Reading…
Tom Gray works with us on using technology strategically. We are often approached by individuals and companies that have a “new idea.” More often than not, they are using new technology in old ways. These new ideas turn out, at best, to be incremental improvements. “If I was in high school or college right now,…
Tomorrow I turn 50. I wanted to share some of the most important things I’ve learned – in the course of a half-century – with my sons so I started sorting, writing and editing. I’ve decided to share the results with anyone who is interested. Click here to download My 50 Best Lessons from 50 Years…
Is it possible too read too much? Yes, if reading prevents you from thinking. Passive reading can be a substitute for the harder work of thinking and learning. We fool ourselves if we think a large input of ideas will necessarily benefit us. Until we digest those ideas and ultimately apply them, then reading is…
Thoureau said “Don’t read the Times; read the eternities.” He knew the value of timeless truths. (And I recognize the phrase “timeless truths” is redundant–all truths are timeless, but we need to be remnded of that sometimes). Circumstances change but truths endure. In an age of management philosophy du jour, make sure the underlying principles of…
I had lunch with the mayor of a major city yesterday. He is a democrat. He is also innovative, charming and erudite. He said he targeted getting big companies into his city because he believed they could be generous donors to worthwhile causes and charities. “Mayor,” I said, “that sounds like a Republican sentiment.” “That’s…
Yesterday at Starbucks I had spread out my newspaper on the footstool in front of the comfy chair I was using. When my coffee order came up, I walked a few feet to retrieve it. A woman and her four kids piled into my chair and the chairs nearby. I walked back over kind of…
Thanks to my friend Joe Scarlett for sending the following: During this political season let’s be reminded of these wise words: You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by…
Darla and I went to see the new Adam Sandler movie “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.” I love good comedy–sometimes even dumb comedy–and I’m no prude, but I was do disappointed with bits going over the top from funny to crass that I wanted to leave. My wife is an optimist, one of the…
Leadership Lessons ezine by Mark Sanborn