Always set two deadlines for every project you agree to handle. One “official” deadline that you give to the outside world. Then another “real” deadline — maybe a week earlier — that you give to yourself and your team. When the earlier deadline is met, resist the urge to deliver immediately. (The idea is to impress [...]
By Early To Rise | Thu, Nov 5, 2009
Someone who’s bumptious (BUMP-shus) is pushy; offensively self-assertive. The word was possibly derived from a combination of “bump” and “presumptious.” Example (as used by John Wood today): “Most successful people are very friendly and will be happy to talk to you. (Provided you aren’t overbearing or bumptious.)”
By Michael Masterson | Thu, Nov 5, 2009
I believe there is a direct relationship between hard work and success. Those who work harder achieve more. And that applies equally to individuals, families, ethnic groups, and nations. Yes, talent helps. But talent is not something we can choose. It is given to us, as are so many other [...]
By Michael Masterson | Thu, Nov 5, 2009
The EEOC’s mission? To make sure workers are not unfairly terminated, harassed, or discriminated against. Good in theory. But many bad workers are using the agency to get money they don’t deserve. Employee “retaliation” lawsuits were up 23 percent in 2008.
By John Wood | Thu, Nov 5, 2009
Recently on Turner Classic Movies, I watched a documentary simply titled “Brando.” There was a moment in it that sliced through my heart. It didn’t come from the legendary movie actor himself, though.
By Michael Masterson | Thu, Nov 5, 2009
We all have “enemies” — unpleasant individuals we can’t avoid because of work or social obligations. As a general rule, we deal with them by staying away as much as possible. When we must interact, we speak as little as we can. Just the facts and goodbye. However, there’s a better way to [...]
By Peter Fogel | Wed, Nov 4, 2009
I have an entrepreneur friend who is an engaging speaker. He always gets high marks on audience evaluations. On stage, he comes off as quite confident. Watching him, you’d think he was loaded with self-esteem. In fact, the opposite is true. And at a recent presentation, he let his audience in on this personality [...]
By Michael Masterson | Wed, Nov 4, 2009
1. Start on time. 2. If there’s someone with a reputation for tardiness without whom the meeting can’t take place, schedule a briefing with him 15 minutes beforehand. If he gets there on time, use that 15 minutes to discuss the big issues. If he’s 15 minutes late, he won’t hold things up. 3. Distribute a short [...]
By Michael Masterson | Wed, Nov 4, 2009
Time passes so damn quickly. And as you get older, it speeds up so much that, if you don’t do something about it, your life will take place without including the person who’s buried deep inside you. You know the person I mean. The dreamer. The bright, starry-eyed optimist who was once in charge of [...]
By Early To Rise | Wed, Nov 4, 2009
Aplomb (uh-PLOM) — from a French phrase meaning “balanced” — is imperturbable self-assurance. (It literally means “on the plumb line.”) Example (as used by Peter Fogel today): “But though my friend has proven that you don’t need high self-esteem to be an effective speaker (or a successful entrepreneur) — he’s also shown that you need to [...]
By Michael Masterson | Fri, Nov 6, 2009
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