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Business motivation

Transitions: The Waiting is the Smartest Part

When I read this Inc.com article about United Airlines and the importance of smooth leadership transitions in business, I was impressed by how a CEO and leadership had the wherewithal to leave a business on good footing. What was more impressive is that the transition has occurred during the coronavirus pandemic and that by outside observations, it has been a smooth transition from to Oscar Munoz to Scott Kirby.

All airlines have had some rough times lately. What would have happened if the former CEO didn’t have a plan? Would United be in a much rougher spot? Would Munoz have been forced to stay on while the crisis dragged on?

Transition plans matter, but can be tough to plan and implement. It forces the leader to acknowledge they won’t be there forever. It is why Summer Redstone of Viacom and Rupert Murdoch of News Corp have had such a hard time with it. Their egos and the required humility to face your mortality can be too much for many leaders, especially if they founded the company.

But if you want an entity that will outlast you, a healthy, thoughtful transition is necessary.

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motivation

Phoenix Church Ministers Creatively

I had the opportunity to write an article for Church of God Ministries. It is about a church that found a way to minister to the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Phoenix Church Hosts Socially Distanced Drive-in Movie
I wrote this article for Church of God Ministries.

Arcadia City Church in Phoenix, Arizona, used an inflatable screen and some electronic expertise to have a drive-in movie family night. Pastors Michael and Christy Fay were inspired by their growing family. They observed how one of their children longed for connection during the quarantine.

I love how instead of getting frustrated and upset about how the crisis has changed how we do church, they were inspired to find a solution. As we continue to experience challenges, let’s all look for ways we can reach out and help others. We can all turn negative situations into solutions that can benefit us and our communities.

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motivation

Seth Godin on the truth about rubylith

When I read Seth Godin’s take on change and advancements in graphic arts, I was taken aback by how right he was.

When I was in college, and early in my graphic arts career, rubylith was the only way to get solid areas for plate making. We would use it to allow space for halftone photos. The following video shows how it was done:

How graphic artists used rubylith and amberlith

This was the only way to effectively create layouts for graphic arts… until desktop publishing came along. Frankly, I was very glad when computer took over graphic arts. Rubylith was time-consuming. If I made one mistake, I would have to start over. Programs such as Aldus Freehand and Adobe Illustrator became my friends. I still use Adobe Illustrator today.

There was nothing wrong with using rubylith, especially when it was the only way to achieve some effects. But now Adobe Illustrator makes that work easier and faster. When the transition began, I remember several graphic artists that were not fans of the new way. Many eventually came around. Some held on to the bitter end when they were forced to retire or explore other careers.

Now that I am in the second half of my career, I would like to think that when something better comes along, I will embrace it. The change was good then. I see systems and techniques in my current role that have worked well. But could there be something better that we haven’t explored or have been blind to? Are we holding on to another type of rubylith?

No matter how old you are, I encourage you to embrace change. I can understand why artists with decades of traditional layout experience resisted change. But it didn’t serve them well. If there is a new way to do things, check it out. it may be the best thing that ever happened to your career or even your life.

Categories
motivation

Why It’s So Important to Count Our Blessings

Quote: "The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." Eric Hoffer
www.brainyquote.com/s/a_19c26

It’s been such a challenge lately to count our blessings. Then again, when is it not a challenge? There is something within all of us that longs for something more, even when we are richly blessed.

John D. Rockefeller was one of the richest men of his time. When someone asked him, “How much money is enough?” he replied, “Just a little bit more.” As the reference states, he was also quite a philanthropist and a person of faith. Still, few people have ever reached the level of success and wealth he possessed. Yet, he was tempted to keep pursuing more.

We can be so busy pursuing wealth and success that we forget to be thankful for what we have. When that dissatisfaction affects our mood and actions, it can actually backfire. We may be tempted to pursue get-rick-quick schemes. We may decide to cut corners or cheat when we feel we must do what it takes to get a little more.

Counting our blessings is a remedy for that. It reminds us of what we already have. Yet, today’s quote states, it can be the hardest arithmetic to master.

Here are some reasons to count our blessings

  • It reminds us that there are some things to be thankful for that we didn’t earn
  • We are reminded to thank the people in our lives that have made a positive difference in us
  • It can lift our mood when we are going through a hard time
  • Counting our blessings reminds us to take care of what we already have instead of pursuing something that may cause us to neglect loved ones and things dear to us
  • It can actually motivate us to keep pursuing excellence
  • Gratitude leads to generosity and generosity leads to abundance to the people you are helping and yourself

Counting our blessings will not cause us to become complacent and stop excelling. On the contrary, gratitude opens us up for more blessings. No matter where you are, take some time to be grateful today.

www.brainyquote.com/s/a_19c26
Categories
motivation

A Lesson on Timing and a Morning Run

Three Florida Flowers

It was my second day running in a new environment. The humidity was as thick as molasses. I ran past several dog walkers, an occasional fellow jogger, and an intrepid walker wearing a mask. Some waved. Others made sure not to make eye contact. 

The sun was rising. It was a great start to the day. I got some great photos of local flowers. It was much different from the day before. 

Yesterday

  • I ventured out two hours later
  • The sun was blistering hot
  • The road was busy with speeding commuters
  • I ran out of water within two miles
  • The end of the run couldn’t come soon enough

Today

  • The clouds displayed pink and orange hues
  • I didn’t feel the effects of the sun
  • It was easier to find the flowers
  • I ran two miles further
  • I felt I could go another two miles

I had plenty of excuses the day before to wait.

  • My daughter was going to work and she needed the bathroom
  • My wife and I drove through the night to reach our destination
  • My running shoes were tucked somewhere it the luggage and I didn’t want to make a ruckus while my wife slept
  • I hadn’t figured out my route

My hesitation made for an unpleasant run. I was glad when it was over. The next day, I was glad I got out early and was ready for more. It was a great reminder for me that procrastination just makes a any task harder. It can even make an enjoyable activity more difficult.

Will I need another reminder of this in the future? Of course I will! Our feelings betray us many times. And there are times when it is okay to relax and not feel the pressure of getting out there. Still, if there is something I know I need to do, this day will be a great reminder for me.

What are you putting off that is only making a task more difficult? I urge you to take the reins and put yourself in control instead of letting your feelings make you miserable before and after a task.

Three Florida Flowers