When I get bored, I’ll look for something interesting to read on the internet that’s not news (what you need to worry about today), listicles (top 10 reasons you should read this bullshit so I can get advertising money), or cute pet videos (instead of watching videos, I play with my own pets). Occasionally I’ve…
Jobs That Took Me from Poor to Middle Class to Semi Retired
Many years ago I read an article by the legendary Mike Royko where he listed all the jobs he’d worked before becoming a writer. I was fascinated with how many different jobs he had worked that had nothing to do with journalism. I’ll never forget one of them was stevedore. Although it was never my intention…
Thanking My Mentors
Mentoring is the single most rewarding thing I ever did as a manager. A few years ago, I announced I was leaving a company where I had managed a large team. Over the next few weeks, a number of people dropped by my office to wish me well. Each thanked me for mentoring them. Most…
My Obsession with Tracking Time
I’ve been obsessed with time ever since I was a little kid and my father gave me his old Timex bullseye watch. I loved that watch and wore it everywhere! It displayed “normal hours”, military time and even counted the minutes. It’s hands also glowed in the dark (sort of). I would place it under the…
The Compliment Sandwich is a Shit Sandwich
Some experts say the best way to give “constructive criticism” is to use the compliment sandwich. I disagree. Urban Dictionary defines this best, Compliment Sandwich: When someone tries to ease the blow of a criticism by delivering it between two insincere compliments.
Friendships of Convenience
I’ve always made friends at school, at work and where I’ve lived. During my younger McJob years, we’d hang out after work, go to parties and even date. Even after I was married and had a family, I always had a few good friends at every job. A few of these grew into lifelong friendships. But…
The Compliment Sandwich Is A Sh!t Sandwich
Many management articles will tell you the best way to give “constructive criticism” is to use the compliment sandwich. I disagree. Urban Dictionary defines this best, Compliment Sandwich: When someone tries to ease the blow of a criticism by delivering it between two insincere compliments.
Hacking A/B Testing For An Individual Sales Rep
My wife’s been telling me for years that I’m losing my hair on the back top part of my head. I’ve insisted that this wasn’t true – mostly because I’ve never been able to see this part of my head. A few weeks ago she took a picture with her cell phone to prove it…
I Can’t Believe I Fell For Tooth Whitening
The other night I was watching TV and my wife, unfortunately, had the remote. Therefore I was forced to watch commercials. When I am in control, we only watch recored shows where I can fast forward past the commercials. A commercial came on for Crest White Teeth Strips*. There were two young pretty models who…
Why Sales Automation Isn’t Helping You Sell More
Several times a week, I receive mail from Comcast urging me to switch to Xfinity. Sometimes it’s a “special offer”. Some times it’s a postcard saying “60 Mbps” speed. Other times, it’s a “fake” personal letter from Comcast Business pitching more expensive Internet and phone service. Since I’ve lived here during the past 2 years,…