My question to you is simply this…Where are this generation’s real thought leaders hiding? The business world is chalk-full of so-called experts and gurus who in my opinion add little value to the advancement of business thought. Rather it is my observation that these purported experts often seem to relish in meaningless drivel and rhetoric while conspiring in the repurposing and proliferation of trite business axioms and myths that are often older than my dead grandfather’s suits. You might be thinking to yourself “boy is this the pot calling the kettle black, or what?”, and while I’ve certainly been guilty at times of perpetuating dated theory, I have always tried to deal in the functional reality of not only what works in today’s global business world, but what will work into the future as things continue to evolve around us.

Maxims? “You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.” Is this one? Certainly decides which side you are on. One thinig I’ve learned in my maturity is that all of life is about how we respond to relationships positively or negatively. Being handicapped from polio, independent mobility is a constant challenge. Adapting is not an option with me. Failure, on the other hand, is a processing tool for learning how I’ve overcome gravity. Positive thinking, however, has been a result of my desire to continue forward. Not achieving what I wanted has made me hungry for solutions, (you know…the mother of invention?). As a result, my steps are carefully calculated into falling forward. I don’t go far, nor fast, but, then, walking is not my stronger suit. Somehow, I do manage to get where I’m going. Voila! What is normalcy for most, is success for me.

Don’t get me wrong, hard work can go a long way, however, if you’re just working to work and not thinking about processes that have a proven track record and you’re actually creating more work for yourself or others, it’s counter-productive to the team.

I’m definitely all over the”Treat people great…”style, and have been for 20 years.

I once ran a small art studio with several assistants. I encouraged them to be relaxed, paid them really well (often, even more than I paid myself), provided food, drink, etc. while they were at work.

The result?

They did outstanding work, ALWAYS went above and beyond the call, and would travel to NYC (a day long affair with travel considered) to deliver jobs that were running late, and do it at a moment’s notice. I honestly think that if I needed one of them to walk over some hot coals for me, they would have.

Now I own a retail operation and treat my employees the same way. Guess what? They work their butts off, treat the customers great, and are always looking out for me.

A little kindness and respect goes a long, long way.