[Life Back West] Winter 2014 – “Thank You”

November was a blur but I came away with one distilled thought: It never hurts to give thanks for thanks.Thank YOU red grunge vintage seal isolated on white

The good deeds – mitzvahs if you speak Yiddish – directed my way were small to large but net-net, they were all very kind and very terrific.

The unfortunate expectation that some people have is that if you do good for someone else there is a chit, a payback note, that suggests the next favor is due you.… Read the rest

Did You Leave Fingerprints?

Glenn Murphy resigned his CEO role with Gap, Inc. effective February 1, 2015.

English: Fingerprint

While I don’t know Murphy, I do know one thing about his 8-year stint at the Gap: Murphy left “fingerprints.”

Murphy was brought at a time when Gap was generally described as “adrift” and “without focus.” While financial results were mixed during his tenure – retail is a tough place for anyone to perform well – the stock price doubled during his time holding the stick.… Read the rest

Words versus Deeds

“The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.” – John Burroughs

Embed from Getty Images

 

 

 … Read the rest

The Problem with Values

Many organizations proudly tout them.

But are value statements worth the time taken to write them?

454348347

Here are some examples:

  • “Observe and preserve our core values of open communication, empowerment, inclusion, integrity, and trust.” (Cisco)
  • “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” (Boy Scouts of America)
  • Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.
Read the rest

The Litmus Test: Would Donald Sterling Work Here?

I heard Tim Wise speak yesterday regarding race, gender, and the bagful of what gets summarized as diversity and inclusion.

Embed from Getty Images

Wise was forceful, funny and spot-on. Sample lines: “If race is a card (e.g. “race card”) it’s a two of diamonds” and “Some execs like to colorize their organizations the ways Ted Turner colorized old movies.Read the rest