Thoughts on people, teams, organizations, communities, effectiveness and success
A new cost of living index for 195 worldwide cities was recently published. If you’re living in San Francisco, only New York City is more expensive in North America – and the City by the Bay is the 9th most expensive worldwide.
Data is here.
Places like Kansas City, St. Louis, Nashville, Orlando, Salt Lake City and Austin look like bargains compared to New York City, London, Geneva, Olso, Singapore and Zurich.… Read the rest
“Don’t part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist but you have ceased to live.” Mark Twain
… Read the restShe has been dead for over a decade and I still remember the first time we met as if it was yesterday.
Over 70, she summoned me from across Liberty Street with a wave of her hand as I wondered what a stranger was doing motioning to me. Newly moved from Chicago, it was definitely not something that would happen in the Windy City unless the person was psychotic.… Read the rest
Gary Allan Hertzberg, the American musician known professionally as Gary Allan, has a song line of “Let’s be naughty and save Santa the trip.“
For the “naughty or nice” standard, it’s a pretty good way to gauge behavior, and one for all of us (you too) to follow.
Exemplary behavior in one person – think Nelson Mandela – is rare.… Read the rest
It’s great to have choices but what if it’s a quandary?
One job offer is a role that fits you to a “T” with a boss with an awful reputation, the other is a poor-fit job with a well-regarded terrific boss.
While some thrill to have any job offer, figuring out which of these to take can be tough.
The right role fits you like a glove; it’s got stretch when you need it, and plays to your strengths, not your liabilities.… Read the rest
“Kismet” the CEO asked?
“Yes, kismet,” I said. “The not-so-accidental fact that I’m working with someone who has some of the same strengths and challenges that I have. The good news? I know them well.”
The CEO’s direct report was the client, someone I’ll call “Bob,” did indeed have a skill set that reminded me of me; hardworking, a nose for the business, great rapport with people below him on the corporate pecking order, broad interests and knowledge, smart (well, maybe not that part) and the ability to be too candid when greater diplomacy was in retrospect warranted.… Read the rest