So Starbucks unveiled their new instant coffee this past week – VIA. Did you go for your free sample? Hurry; today is the last day.
Saturday morning I took their taste test. I chose VIA over the brewed. I asked the Barista if the brewed was their Pike Place blend which is just plain nasty! She replied yes.
I told her I remember a time when all Starbucks brewed mild and bold options all day long; now they seem to only brew bold – aka nasty Pike Place. I suggested that maybe it is a secret plot to get me to buy more expensive drinks – which by the way is working.
Her response was “I hope not.”
Sunday morning I walk into a different Starbucks. Same test. Same choice. I took it again. Again, I picked the instant as tasting better. I offered my same remark about the secret plot.
This time I got “I think you’re right. Pike Place is gross. I wish we would stop selling it.”
Monday morning; back to first Starbucks. I share my Sunday experience with the woman who served me on Saturday. To which she responds “Okay, if you promise not to tell on me I think Pike Place is gross too and maybe it is a plot.”
Well Starbucks, VIA has offered us the truth. Pike Place needs to go ——— before your customers go elsewhere.
But more importantly I love employees who don’t feel obligated to tow the company line; who are willing to share their true and honest thoughts. Because in the end………….that is how you’ll keep me as a customer.
Now what am I going to do with these two coupons for free cups of brewed nasty Pike Place?
Hey Kids!
It’s that time of year again; so time for a revisit to an old topic…………….
October is just about here and I have begun the process of Fall Housekeeping.
Now Fall Housekeeping is not what you think. You won’t see a rake, broom, mop or dust rag anywhere in sight. Comforters don’t get changed. Leaves do not get bagged. Clothing does not get moved from bedroom to attic. Fall Housekeeping involves removing people from my life who need to go. Yes, PEOPLE!
Don’t call the police – YET. There will not be a homicide in a town near Rich. More often than not I will bump people off verbally – in person (or email).
Are relationships important to you? Do you work hard on them? Really hard? I work hard on the relationships that matter and I usually find that the person on the other end of that relationship is working equally as hard; if not harder. But aren’t there those people in your life who are always a downer. No matter what is going on they can’t smile, laugh, or make a happy comment. And as much as I try, even I at some point make the decision that this is not healthy for me any longer. So last week, after several years of dealing with someone who was self-absorbed, self-centered and cared only about themselves, I began cleaning house. I would have liked to have done it in person but every conversation we ever had usually involved me being cut off. So Fall Housekeeping began with an email. Good-bye it was.
But this year Fall Housekeeping will have to be expanded to include Social Media. Boy you learn a lot about people on Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin. Some people are always miserable; and I’ve become an ace at filtering misery from sarcastic humor. Some people are always pointing out bad examples and negative examples of anything and everything. Others just spend the day pointing out how wonderful and marvelous they are. Now I’m not perfect; and I’m not saying that I don’t post some comments that might fall into these categories; but for some it is nothing but nonstop negativity, promotion and doom/gloom.
Fall Housekeeping is a year long process for me; it just culminates with the beginning of fall. I find it appropriate as relationships are about to fall off. I always let people know why I am removing them from my life. And while some people think this is harsh, almost all people who I share this with agree it is a good idea; most just don’t have the courage to do it. Do you? Who in your life really is just too much work at this point?
So this year I will be undertaking Fall Housekeeping……… Social Media Style; and in the spirit of fun (and my sanity) I will be unfriending, hiding you, or Linking you out if:
- You’re always whining about your kids/spouse/ex-spouse/etc. (please remember they have YOU to deal with; and my gut is your little apple didn’t fall far from his or her precious parent tree)
- You’re always whining about work. (thank god you’re not on my payroll or live in MI where unemployment is 15% I was told)
- You’re always whining about travel issues (they’re not going away; learn how to laugh at them or laugh with/at the people who are feeling your pain. I do. Or bring a book with you.)
- You’re always trying to sell me something. (Yes, it gets old hearing about your book, service or product on a daily basis. It’s overkill. And my gut is that if you need to mention it all the time it might not be such a great seller. Perhaps you should give me something first; then maybe I might be interested in what you’re selling)
- You’re always looking for information, ideas, stroking, validation and help; but never seem to return the favor. (Hey, I need to be stroked too!)
- You’re very vocal about the flaws of your government but offer no solutions or help. (There are political signs on lawns everywhere. I still don’t see your name on one?)
So yesterday morning 5 “friends” on Facebook became victims of Fall Housekeeping – Social Media Style; I hid them – it’s less harsh than deleting. I stopped following two people on Twitter and LinkedOut from one person. What a great morning it was to open my Facebook home page and read fun, funny, and happy things going on in the lives of my “friends.” Out walking the dogs at 6:30AM I read tweets that made me laugh and smile. And who knows what’s going on at LinkedIn; I haven’t been there yet.
I just returned from speaking at a Parks and Recreation Conference where everyone in attendance was having a good time. I point that out because in a state where unemployment is so high and the economy has stopped because of one industry I saw joy, happiness and laughter. I made new friends; and my gut is that these friends will not part of Fall Housekeeping in the near future. Pick and choose wisely. Bring people into your life that make you smile, laugh and learn. But I think the biggest thing I can offer you this issue is this (and it is from my friend Betsy F.)……………..
“We all change. We grow in different directions and the people you are with today may not and/or should not be there in the future.”
I think she’s pretty smart. And it opens up the world to new, fun, exciting experiences and people.
Happy Fall.
Ever wonder how new organization policies come to be. They’re usually a result of a mishap, an error, or result of a lawsuit.
I write this from my hotel room near the Grand Rapids Airport. I just spent the last few days with the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association; speaking at their Therapeutic Recreation Institute. This trip resulted in the following new policy being put in place in my business:
If you’ve been reading this blog you read Wednesday’s post where I thought I was going to die in a plane crash. Well a few hours later I was almost killed in a car accident.
I was picked up at Grand Rapids Airport for the ride to the conference center. About 20 minutes into the ride we’re having conversation which suddenly turns to me screaming “Uh, STOP! We’re gonna crash” (or something like that) and using the imaginary brake on my side of the car.
I saw the stopped traffic and brake lights ahead of me. Why didn’t the driver? As I’m screaming it seems as if we’re speeding up not slowing down. Lots of pain is about to be incurred. Eyes closed. Tensing muscles.
Finally he starts to brake. I open my eyes. It is clear that there is not enough stopping distance between us and the car in front.
Fortunately there was no one in the closed lane next to us. My driver pulled over and we escaped serious injury or death. Fortunately I was also not presenting until the next day; I needed that time to get my heart out of my stomach and stop trembling.
Now this is the second time where a client trying to be nice or save a few bucks almost took my life. I usually like to spend some alone time with meeting/conference attendees beforehand, so when someone is sent to pick me up I use it as an opportunity to get the REAL DIRT about what’s going on in their world. This all changed as of Wednesday. From now on………………..
Fun Policy #92309: Speaker will provide his own ride! Should you wish to greet speaker at airport, speaker encourages you to leave your car at the airport and ride with him (at your expense). Should speaker arrive late or dead for your conference it will be as a result of speaker’s actions; not yours. Speaker is also willing to drive your car.
Well first of all…………I’m back. It’s been a crazy few weeks and I’ve neglected to blog. Remember you can always follow my musings at http://twitter.com/richdigirolamo
This morning I learned how to scare the crap out of your customers – or in this case your airline passengers.
My flight was delayed this morning – hydraulic problems. Now I don’t know much about hydraulics, but I assume that not having them working on a plane is a bad thing. And when it comes to a plane I would rather they find the problems while I’m on the ground and not at 36,000 ft.
Transmorphers psp So after our hydraulics were fixed we headed out to the runway. There were a couple of noises that were not recognizable; but airplanes do that. The guy next to me made the sign of the cross. Hmm………..is this the time in my life when I should get a little more in touch with the guy upstairs.
Flight attendants be seated for departure.
We start to take off. The plane is not picking up speed. It seems like it wants to pick up speed but it is not. Guy across the aisle makes a sign of the cross. I started talking to the plane………..”I know you can. I know you can.”
Funny noise. Plane not picking up speed. Weird feeling in stomach.
Plane slows down to a crawl. We turn left. We turn left again. Seems as if the pilot is heading back around to try this again. What the…… Yep; someone said it.
I’m thinking how about we head back to the gate and not the runway!!!!!!! This plane clearly wants to stay on the ground and I think you should listen to its wishes! Nope, pilot continues to head back to runway.
Sitting in emergency row. Do I pull open the door and flee for my life?
As we approach the runway the pilot pulls the plane over to the right. It was about a minute and a half, maybe two, after our takeoff attempt. He then tells us that the tower stopped us from taking off because of too much air traffic heading to our destination. We needed to wait ten minutes or circle Detroit when we arrived there.
Lots of big sighs of relief. LOTS!
But it got me thinking…………
We live in a world where people want to be informed. We have information available at our finger tips. We have information available instantaneously. A minute is not a long time; but when you think your life is in jeopardy or your job or your health or whatever…………communication of timely information is critical.
Here’s an exercise. Just watch a clock for 90 seconds and imagine it is the last 90 seconds of your life. Scary thought?
How is your communication with those around you? Please keep this in mind in dealing with customers, employees, family or friends. It could save a lot of anxiety.
Out riding my bike this morning I came upon this road sign.
I’m a smart guy. I’ve got a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree but this one threw me.
The Caveman’s Valentine dvdrip
Prescribed Road Burn? Do Not Report.
Enduring Love ipod What the heck is prescribed road burn? I’ve never heard of such a term. Did a doctor prescribe it? And what kind of a doctor prescribes a road burn? MD? DDS? DVM? Dr. Dolittle? Dr. Spock? Dr. Kevorkian? Dr. J? It had to have been some PhD!
So I did some research and found out that Prescribed Burns are allowed and approved fires. They’ve been used to kill bugs which might be attacking trees. (Don’t tell the folks at PETA.) They’ve even been used to create gaps in brush so that large forest fires are averted. Okay this all makes sense. But the sign? Why does everything have to be so complicated. Big words and phrases might impress the person who uses them, but too often confuses the rest of us. And I shouldn’t have to go do research to interpret a road sign.
Why not make it a bit easier. Especially since the average IQ of the people driving today appears to be about 4. A road sign is not a Corporate Memo, a white paper or an Annual Report. Road signs should be helpful not make my head hurt.
These would be some of my ideas…………………..
- This fire paid for by your tax dollars
- This fire started & approved by your local government
- This fire. Proof that your tax dollars are working
- Burning more of your tax dollars
- Chill. We know there’s a fire. We started it.
- Yes, it’s a fire. Yes, we know about it. Move along.
- We’re watching this fire and hoping it doesn’t spread to your house.
Road signs are supposed to be User Friendly!
The next sign I saw was a stop sign and then a yield sign. I felt better. I knew what I was supposed to do.
There’s a purple boa in my office. It’s not my Halloween costume; nor am I a Drag Queen in my spare time. But there is a story about that boa. A story of friendship.
Several years ago I called my friend Sherry and suggested she gather some friends, I gather some friends, and we go play in my favorite US city for a weekend – New Orleans.
And so we went a gathering. We met at the New Orleans airport and started our journey into the French Quarter by stretch limo.
Eight of us spent a weekend laughing, eating, listening to great music, shopping and doing what so many people do in New Orleans…….(fill in your own blank).
One night, walking down Bourbon Street, I noticed there was a group of people wearing matching shirts. Another group was wearing matching hats. A third wearing matching outfits. I began to wonder if they did this to help find their drunk comrades later that evening or if it was about friendship, team spirit, company camaraderie, they lost a bet or they were family? Whatever, it was clear the attire bonded the group; and people like me were curious.
I was jealous. Envious. I wanted to play. I wanted to have fun too. I wanted people to know my group. But more importantly, I wanted my group – still strangers to each other - to get to know each other better.
And then I spotted them……………….BOAS!
Hmm…………I wonder if they would all want to buy…. FORGET THAT!
I ran into the store. I bought eight different colored boas. When I emerged from the store the looks from the group were priceless. Everything from Yay! to….. I hope he doesn’t think I am going to wear that! I started passing them out; placing them around necks.
Eight people; one strange; some fun; some conservative; one VERY conservative. A few minutes later these eight people who were brought together for a weekend of fun became instant best of friends. Marching down the streets in our boas people were pointing, laughing, and asking us to pose. Even the most conservative was having a good time. Instantly, any differences that existed between the eight of us disappeared.
So what does this all mean?
Look around your organization. People come from all walks of life; different backgrounds, religions, races, political views, etc. But there is always a way to bring people to a common place.
Maybe you need to go buy some boas and have some fun. Or hats?
My friend David quit his job recently – right in the middle of a big project with an important deadline. He had been unhappy for quite some time and was trying to do the professional thing – stay until the project was complete. The problem he stated was the “MATH skills” of his boss.
“Math skills?” I asked. ”Was there a problem with pay, how he was calculating your pay or your hours?”
David said his pay was fair, competitive and always delivered on time. He never worked more than a forty hour week.
So now I was puzzled and asked him to clarify what he meant by MATH Skills.
Management’s A
ttitude Towards Help he shared with me. Then said some words that I chose not to write here.
I love it. MATH SKILLS!
So here we go….A short list of MATH Skills that might engage employees, retain employees and increase employee morale:
- Communicate at a comfortable decibel level.
- Buy a pedestal. Recognize people for their contributions.
- Be a good role model – like how about showing up on time if you expect that from others.
- Shut Up for a few minutes. Be a good listener.
- Turn off your brain every so often. Be open to new ideas.
- Gulp. Make one of those painful faces and admit when you are wrong. This one is big and earns lots of respect.
- Don’t empower people to do things until you fully understand the definition of empower. Yes, this might mean you will have to let go. Very difficult for the Control Freak personality.
- Teach; don’t criticize and discipline.
Well there are more; but here’s a good start based on my talk with David. A good start to keeping people happy and working hard.
And for those of you who may be reading this but are not in a boss/manager/leader role right now, remember you might be some day. You also might be guilty of some of the above in your current role.
Okay, so probably not the chant that most working folks are yelling on a Monday morning. It’s probably more like “Good Grief!”, “Ugh” or “OGIM! (Oh God, It’s Monday)”
You’ll find those who are complaining the weekend was too short. There are those who will spend Monday trying to impress you how they worked all weekend? (Maybe they need a productivity lesson) Most are preparing a To-Do list the length of a roll of toilet paper; of which they will accomplish about one square’s worth by Friday; and will need another roll of toilet paper next Monday to continue the never-ending list of stuff that might not even matter. The best of intentions are always railroaded by the unforeseen circumstances, meetings (don’t forget the Meeting Playce Mat ) and interruptions that will come up during the week. Yes, it’s Monday; the day we reset the clock and look forward to bagels, donuts, extended lunches, half-day workday, or a bit of office socializing. Are you excited? It’s just five days from now. Will it come soon enough?
Did you ever wonder why people are nicer and more giving on a Friday? Is it that they are so happy to be rid of you for about 60 hours? Co-workers smile on Friday – even the most miserable of the bunch. People bring in treats as we head into the weekend. It’s often times a party atmosphere as we count down the hours until quitting time, Miller time, or whatever time you choose to call it. Plans are being shared. There is excitement in the air.
Isn’t Monday when we need that party atmosphere? Isn’t Monday when we need to do all the nice things which help improve teamwork, employee morale and communication? Isn’t Monday the day we need to see how we can make that miserable co-worker just a bit less miserable (which in turn makes everyone a whole lot less miserable)? Isn’t Monday the day new people often start………………And they get to see this? What happened to the fun work environment they were told about during the interview? Oh, that only happens on Friday. We’re fun 20% of the time. It was in the disclaimer in the employment contract.
Have you ever thought about sitting down and sharing that To-Do list with others to see what REALLY needs to be done; what really is not important or perhaps looking for possible opportunities to help one another? Shouldn’t we be saying Yippee, It’s Monday!
We tend to do things backwards. We reward ourselves for a week of deadlines, meetings, technology challenges, and other office inconveniences after the fact. Is it possible that if the right tone was set at the beginning of the week, these would be anything but deadlines, meetings, challenges and inconveniences?
I just took one square of Toilet Paper from the bathroom. It is hanging on my computer monitor. Attached to that piece of TP is a Post It Note with three things I want to get done this week. I’m excited about getting done that which I know I can and having tossed aside the ridiculous, unimportant, and unnecessary. Now don’t get me wrong; they’re big tasks; but at this ripe old age of 46 I have learned how to use history to my advantage. Stuff is going to come up this week. I don’t know what, but stuff is going to come up. Stuff came up last week. Stuff came up the week before, the week before that and the week before that. Get the point! And if by some miracle stuff doesn’t come up, I’m sure I can find another task to complete. And then I can thank god on Friday.
Well that’s it for today; I’m off to have lunch with a colleague; perhaps even an extended one. After all it is Monday, I’ve set my week up for success and I’m happy about it.
It’s happened to everyone………..You’re visiting someone; you go to use the facilities and let’s just say when you are done, there’s an odor. You look left, right, up, down, in the closets, and under the sink. Phew! There it is….. the Passion-Cinnamon-Mango-Sunburst-Floral-Bouquet Spray
Adrift in Manhattan rip Lifeforce movie download You grab the spray. Spray here. Spray there. And now you have the smell of Passion-Cinnamon-Mango-Sunburst-Floral-Bouquet Crap!
Well that ain’t gonna happen to me no more………….Now that I have Poopourri! It’s a spray you spray before you do your business. I met the company owner just the other day at the NY International Gift Fair. I never saw someone so excited over her business – the business of crap! Suzy, I love your spirit!
But think about this for a moment……..this is a problem. And that’s how businesses get started. A problem is identified and a better or new solution is developed. And often times it is a solution to an odd or taboo topic that takes a marketplace by storm.
Think about your workplace. What are the problems you or your company solve? And are you excited about the problem(s)?
I love when I receive a call from an Director of Human Resources or a Vice President of Something telling me that employee morale is down or the staff could use a pat an the back or a bit of recognition that for some reason does not appear genuine when it comes from within the organization. I love being able to remind people that they are valued, how much they really are needed, and how they can make their days a bit more fun and productive. All businesses solve problems.
So if someone can make a business out of the problem of crap, what can you or your company do or add to its existing offerings? Go sit down and think about it for a bit.
And for those of you who think yours doesn’t stink…………………
Here’s some other cool people I met and had fun with that day. They sell some really fun, cool crap – and in a good way: Phenominoes - where Sandy gave me a free piece of domino painted jewelry (it’s in my badge holder in picture below); Urban Butik - where I got to play with the coolest cake slicer/server, and Maileg – where Hannah and I compared hats:
I’m beginning to see how Social Media has the opportunity to elevate or squash an ego. So here goes……….
Linked In
I’m a LinkedIn Whore. Yes, I admit it. If you want to be connected to me on LinkedIn I will accept your invitation. It doesn’t cost me anything. I keep a business presence there; so the way I look at it, it can only help both of us if we are linked; who knows who in your world is looking for a keynote, general session or breakout speaker for their next meeting. And if at some point I see you’re a jerk or unscrupulous, I can just unlink.
So… if you want/need your ego boosted send me an invitation. Since chances are, for many, it is all about having the most links I am glad to do my part to boost an ego. I myself am not actively seeking links on an hourly basis, On most days my self-esteem is high; I threw my ego away a long time ago. My public profile is http://www.linkedin.com/in/richdigirolamo. If you start selling me crap within 30 seconds of connecting I have my ways of revenge – but I only share them with clients. Be careful. Be very careful.
Now let’s move on to Facebook. This is my place to play. This is my online place to be who I want; sometimes silly; sometimes profound; sometimes professional. This is my place to be selective with who I want as a friend. So with that in mind, please keep these ego boosting/lowering thoughts in mind before you decide to be my friend:
- If you have been an attendee at a keynote or breakout presentation of mine I will friend you. Chances are you liked what I had to say and want to learn more about me, who I am, and what I do. And since you like me, I am certain we come from a similar mold so of course I wll friend you. I want to know about you too. Quick Ego Booster!
- If we are members of the same professional group(s) I may ignore your request to be my friend. If you’ve walked by me in a hallway looking the other way, not returned a phone call after offering advice/help, or abruptly ended a conversation because you saw someone “better”, “more popular” or a part of the “in crowd” this is my chance to deflate your ego. I will ignore your request. Please stop sending them. I would think by the third request you would get it. And anyway, I’ve already decided you have ulterior motives.
- If I have no idea who you are when you invite me to be your friend, please do not get upset when I ask you to remind me of how we know each other. I meet a lot of people, am getting old and sometimes need a reminder.
- If you are an old classmate or someone I grew up with, I’d love to hear about your part to make the world a better place. Just remind me of how we know each other.
- Ex’s of any sort will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You should be able to figure it out anyway. If we haven’t been in touch, there is probably a reason. Although if you are in a hiring capacity, please re-read the LinkedIn section.
I still have no clue what this phenomenon really is all about. Follow me. Don’t follow me. Unfollow me. I’m just having fun posting random thoughts on my two accounts: http://twitter.com/richdigirolamo Hangin’ with the Homeboys rip and http://twitter.com/employeemorale. At least I’m humoring myself by posting and watching everyone try to boost their own self-esteem and ego.
Well that’s my Social Media world. And while at times it can be overwhelming and irritating; the possibilities of what can be done with this new way of doing business, staying in touch, and reconnecting definitely have me hooked.
And as for the ego thing………..your ego boosting or lowering is now totally in your hands; you now know how I base my decisions.
