Salem-News.com Management Moments articles Page 1

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.

Earning the Right to Serve

In the end, what you have done to touch and impact the lives of others is what will truly make a difference. It is then you will understand the power of serving.

(CHARLESTON, SC) - I will never forget driving through a small Florida town many years ago. As I drove past a small family diner there was a sign out front that read, “Come in and eat before we both starve.”

Lost in Translation 3 Keys to Meaningful Communication

"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee and just as hard to sleep after" -Anne Morrow Lindbergh ‘Gift from the Sea’

(CHARLESTON, SC) - Prudence Leith in her book, Pardon Me, But You’re Eating My Doily, shares her favorite catering disaster regarding a couple who went to the Far East on holiday. They wanted, besides their own supper, something to give to their poodle.

Pointing to the dog, they made international eating signs. The waiter understood, picked up the poodle, and set off for the kitchen—only to return half an hour later with the roasted poodle on a platter.

The Great Bambino and the Value of Loyalty

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me" - Henry Ford

(Charleston, SC) - As the midsummer All Star game approaches, I am reminded of a story about one of the all-time baseball greats, Babe Ruth.

His bat had the power of a cannon, and his record of 714 home runs remained unbroken until Hank Aaron came along. The Babe was the idol of sports fans, but in time age took its toll, and his popularity began to wane.

Creating a Culture of Inclusion

"To succeed as a team is to hold all of the members accountable for their expertise" - Mitchell Caplan

(Charleston, SC) - After considerable pressure brought to bear, President Barrack Obama is slated to meet this week with BP executives at the White House.

The topic at hand of course is how to deal with the oil crisis in the Gulf. As that crisis lingers on, it imperative that all key leaders get together to work on solutions.

The Wizard of Westwood: A Leader for the Ages

"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming" - John Wooden

(Charleston, SC) - Few in the arena of sports and leadership have had such a lasting impact on and off the court than legendary basketball coach John Wooden. At the age of 99, just four months shy of his 100th birthday, John Wooden has passed away.

Wooden’s record at UCLA is that of legend. During his tenure, the Bruins amassed an amazing 88-game win streak from 1964 to 1975.

I Can`t Get No Satisfactiion: Or Can I?

The Management Moments series by Doug Dickerson is a weekly column designed to bring inspiration to those in the workplace and beyond.

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - In 1965, the Rolling Stones released their hit song, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. Satisfaction is the first of eight singles to reach number one in the U.S. The last song to hit number one was Miss You, released in 1978. The Rolling Stones have released more than 50 albums and are one of rock music’s most enduring legends.

I read two interesting articles of late about attitudes in the workplace. And depending on which account you read, satisfaction either abounds or as the Stones’ song suggests, there is no satisfaction.

Leading Like Geese

The Management Moments series by Doug Dickerson is a weekly column designed to bring inspiration to those in the workplace and beyond.

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - At this time of the year it’s not uncommon to see geese flying across the evening sky.

One thing I’ve discovered over the years is that leadership lessons can be found all around us if we are paying attention. Yogi Berra once mused, “You can learn a lot by watching.”

Embracing a New Year of Change

Adapting to change in the workplace, whether by necessity or choice, is not easy for some. We are creatures of habit.

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - I read this humorous story not too long ago. “If the circus comes to town and you paint a sign saying ‘Circus coming to the Fairgrounds Saturday,’ that’s advertising.

If you put the sign on the back of an elephant and walk it into town, that’s promotion. If the elephant walks through the mayor’s flowerbed, that’s publicity. And if you get the mayor to laugh about it, that’s public relations.

Leadership: It`s a Wonderful Life

We know that leaders will be tested. It’s when you walk through the fire and come through difficult times that your leadership is rewarded.

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - The beloved Jimmy Stewart wrote an article for Guidepost magazine back in 2005 in which he recounted the unique opportunity he had to star in the classic Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Stewart recounted, “Good as the script was, there was still something else about the movie that made it different. It’s hard to explain. I, for one, had things happen to me during the filming that never happened in any other pictures I’ve made.”