Category: Uncategorized

Henry Ford famously said that people could have any color car they wanted, as long as it was black. My, how times have changed.

It seems that everything comes in a multitude of colors these days. It may be small items, like the removable Command hooks, which now come in an array of options instead of utilitarian white that served them for years. It may be silly things, like seven grill colors. (Does your grill really need to coordinate with your patio decor?) Or, it may be larger purchases, such as appliances, where you can now get customizable and removable panels for your refrigerator!

If you are stuck with a Henry Ford mentality about choice, it’s time to rethink your offerings. Orange may be the new black — for today. Tomorrow, your customers will want to switch to a new color.

I have a 6-month-old puppy that looooves my 8-year-old dog. The pup harasses the older dog to no end — and my sweet dog just stands there and takes it. No barking back. No trying to get away. No growling when the puppy steals her bone. No return biting when the pup grabs at her leg or tail.

On one hand, I’m glad for the tolerance, but many times I’ve wished for her to at least bare some teeth and give a signal that such behavior is not okay.

Too many times, people act like the older dog and allow others to walk all over them. There is only physical abuse on a few occasions, but people allow others to verbally disrespect them without giving any pushback. It may seem admirable to absorb attacks in silence, but that complicity doesn’t serve any purpose in the long run.

If someone is trying to dominate you, stand up for yourself and bark back.

Continuing with yesterday’s theme of how our actions are shaped by the need to post, Walmart now offers matching Halloween pajamas for the entire family, even the dog! What possible need is there for these?

A billboard advertising a professional organizer states that many homes have 30,000 items in them. That number escalates because people buy things like Halloween pjs for Fido.

Resist the temptation to go overboard for all the holidays — starting with Halloween. Get the kids costumes, but whatever you’re wearing to bed tonight will do just fine in October.

Tailgating will be in full swing this weekend as the football season is underway, and the weather is still comfortable in much of the country. The roots of tailgating date back to Victorian days, when the upper class would put boxes of food and beverages on the back of their carriage and venture out into the countryside or to a sporting event for a picnic. Today, the essence continues, but tents, grills, and fixings have evolved into an elaborate setup and a day-long pastime.

Like so many things, the original purpose of the activity has been lost to commercialization and the perceived need to out-Instagram others. People are paying designers $20,000 to decorate dorm rooms. Senior pictures now rival professional modeling shoots. A cute Jack-o-Lantern on the porch has been replaced with multiple inflatables costing hundreds each.

Before you jump into the winter holidays and run yourself ragged trying to reenact a Martha Stewart home, instead, think of the original tailgaters and embrace the simplicity of a relaxing moment with friends.

Thanks, Meg!

Last night, when I was lying in bed, I had this great idea for a dot. When I woke up this morning, it was right there on the tip of consciousness, but then the alarm went off and the puppy pounced on me — and, of course, it was lost.

There are other fleeting thoughts people have — I “should” do this, or I “need to” get in touch with this person, or “it would be good if…” But if we don’t commit it to paper or the calendar, the actions seldom follow the intention.

The next time a good idea crosses your mind, solidify its value by acting on it in the moment. Not capturing it is the same as not having it, only with regret attached.

A school in Boulder advertised that they cultivate these traits in students: Compassion, Curiosity, and Courage. I love this combination. How much better we would be if everyone possessed these characteristics.

If you have children, the trio could become a de facto family motto, and if you’re a leader, you can incorporate these values into how you work with your team.

Think about yourself as well. Which one of the three is your strongest, and which one could you work to develop? Each reinforces the other, and together they provide a powerful combination.

When I was a leader in my professional association, it was always a logistical challenge to ensure all the conference participants had the right ribbons on their nametags. There were designations for presenter, regional leadership, board members, past board members, donors, award winners, and more. For those of us who were very active, we kidded that it felt like “win, place, and show” wearing ribbons that stretched double the length of the badge itself.

The Denver Convention Center solved this problem with a self-serve ribbon distribution center. Attendees could choose which ribbons they wished to wear — proclaiming all of their distinctions, none, or just one of particular relevance. It is a brilliant idea. I doubt anyone will falsely bestow a designation, as others at the event would know their falsehood, and if they got away with their fake bravado, does it matter?

Think about the time you spend on logistics that aren’t really that important. Could you forego attending to similar details such as ribbon distribution, seating charts, or packet assembly, and let people work things out for themselves? Put all those skills we’ve learned in self-checkouts to good use!

I’ve written before about libraries, but I continue to be impressed with how they have reinvented themselves. Instead of a stodgy, quiet place with a bunch of dusty, old books, libraries today are vibrant, interactive places for people of all ages. Books aren’t even their centerpiece anymore.

In Boston, a large space is dedicated to a “teen room” where those over a certain age aren’t even allowed to enter (unless you’re from out of town and beg to take a peek!). It features a giant game room where youth can come to play their favorite computer games on the latest equipment and other groups can gather for socializing. It’s colorful, modern, inviting, and well-used — nothing like libraries of yore that only attracted serious scholars.

Instead of asking “How can we better serve our current clients?”, take a page from the library and ask “How can we serve those who aren’t currently our clients?” You may end up with an answer that looks nothing like your present offerings, but it may become a bestselling idea for your organization.