Salem-News.com Management articles Page 1

A Lesson to be Learned from the Super Bowl

Faith and positive leadership skills were the keynotes!

(HARRISVILLE, N.H.) - On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl when they defeated the Pittsburg Steelers 31-25 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.

This is old news already but the brilliance displayed by Mike McCarty, head coach for the packers, is not.

A Cut Above Average; Rising Above Your Limitations

Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go - James Baldwin

(CHARLESTON S.C.) - A story is told that after physicist Richard Feynman won a Nobel Prize for his work, he visited his old high school. While there, he decided to look up his records.

He was surprised to find that his grades were not as good as he had remembered them.

Hot-Rivet Syndrome; Understanding Your Stress Points

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection. – Thomas Paine

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - In Everyday Business – A Field Guide to the 600 Leading Companies in America, Milton Moskowitz shares an amusing story about the challenges of change and adaptability.

Picture a scene from the Old West, sometime in the 1870’s. Weary cowboys in dusty Levi’s gather around a blazing campfire after a day on the open range.

Help Wanted: A Wacky Organization in Need of a Leader

Structure can make the difference between a bad organization and a good one. The difference between a good organization and great one is leadership - John Maxwell

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - A compelling challenge within many companies is the ability to maintain a cohesive sense of organizational stability, an efficient structure, and a team that has a clear sense of purpose and direction.

Unfortunately, many leaders feel that it is strictly up them to carry the load on all fronts in order to move the organization toward its desired goals.

Marching to the Beat of Your Own Drum

I would rather have a Medal of Honor than be President of the United States.- President Harry S. Truman

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - I recently had the privilege of visiting the Medal of Honor Museum aboard the USS Yorktown in beautiful Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Showcased in this museum is a moving tribute to our military heroes who served our country with honor, valor, and bravery.

What caught my eye was recognition given to the youngest recipient of the Medal of Honor, William “Willie” Johnston. Born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont in 1850, Johnston was a drummer boy in Company D of the 3rd Vermont Infantry.

Working With a Clean Slate

"The beginnings of all things are small" - Cicero

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - A story is told of a young Greek artist named Timanthes studied who under a respected tutor some 2,000 years ago. After several years the teacher’s efforts seemed to have paid off when Timanthes painted an exquisite work of art.

Unfortunately, he became so enraptured with the painting that he spent days gazing at it.

Composure and Consequence: Understanding Your Temperament as a Leader

"The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good - James Allen

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - A story is told of actress Carol Burnett who stepped out of a cab one day and caught her coat in the door. The driver was unaware of her plight and slowly began to edge out into the traffic.

To keep from being pulled off her feet, the comedienne had to run along side down the block.

The Power of Impact Leaders; How Little Things Make a Big Difference

"It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen -John Wooden

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - I recently came across a story by Robert McGarvey about former NBA coach Pat Riley. He shares that when Riley coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1982 to 1990, the team won four NBA Championships.

In taking over the New York Knicks in 1991, Riley inherited a team with a losing record.

The DNA of Opportunity

"An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity; a pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity" -
Winston Churchill

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - I enjoyed reading a story from Bits & Pieces about an energetic young man who began as a clerk in a hardware store. Like many old-time hardware stores, the inventory included thousands of items that were obsolete or seldom called for by customers.

The young man was smart enough to know that no thriving business could carry such an inventory and still show a healthy profit.

Are You a Redemptive Leader?

Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved.
* Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - During my last visit to London a few years back, I had the wonderful opportunity to take my wife to West End to see the musical Les Misérables based on the novel by Victor Hugo.

It was a magnificent performance and one of the highlights of the trip.