If you are a manager and want to position your company or organization to succeed in the future, I'd suggest changing the normal managerial question of "How do I get more out of my employees?" to "How do I get the best out of my employees?" Why? because passion, energy, creativity and innovation aren't easily…

I travel frequently and it is not uncommon that I must use public restrooms. On occasion, I encounter a disgusting and unsanitary toilet (such as the picture to the right). My initial reaction — pardon the pun — is to get pissed off at the person who did it. This is only natural. What isn’t…

Below is a wonderful talk by Kathryn Schulz, self described "wrongologist" and the author of Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error. I especially liked this statement of hers:"One of the problems with being wrong … is that it feels like being right." This is so true and it is one of the reasons…

I am currently reading William Irvine's book, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy and stumbled across this paradoxical — or, at least, counter-intuitive — idea: Denying yourself pleasure can lead to pleasure. How? Consider eating an ice cream cone or, perhaps, a pleasant dessert. Undoubtedly, such an experience would…

“Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true.” – Francis Bacon Question: Estimate the odds of the following two events: A large flood somewhere in America in which more than one thousand people die. An earthquake in California, causing large flooding, in which more than a thousand people die. Did you rate the…

“We must unlearn the constellation to see the stars.” – Jack Gilbert Question: Consider these three words: eye, gown, basket. Can you think of another word that relates to all three? If not, don’t fret. Zone out. That’s right, don’t focus, concentrate, “zone in” or even try get “in the zone.” Just allow your mind…

I know a few people who don't wear seat belts. Normally, as someone with libertarian leanings, I wouldn't have a problem with this. (This would almost certainly be the case if society weren't also required to pay for their treatment after they have been in an accident) My problem stems from those individuals who cite, as…

Have you ever been at a stoplight when the person in the car in front of you didn't move when the light turned green? It's happened to me on numerous occasions and my natural inclination is to not only lay on the horn but to think unkindly of the person in front of me. In…

Read the following statements: I'm not experienced. I'm not good enough. I don't have the skills. Now, add the word "now:" I'm not experienced, now. I'm not good enough, now. I don't have the skills, now. Every personal  shortcoming is relative. To embrace our future potential, we must unlearn barriers. One of the greatest is…

Imagine the year is 1980 and this motley crew (see the picture to the right) walks into your office to sell you on some great big scheme that will make everyone a lot of money.  Would you listen to them? You might but, even if you did, you probably wouldn't really hear what they said because…