In a world of instant Internet feedback, we have become addicted to approval. Beyond acceptance, appreciation and attention, one of an individual’s greatest desires is to be understood. Just as giving is a precursor to receiving, seeking first to understand is essential to being understood. And active listening is the key.

The Win-Win mentality mixes empathy, confidence, sensitivity and bravery to create what Franklin / Covey calls, “that balance between courage and consideration”.

Forward progress happens when we “put first things first”. Deciding what’s important and moving it to the top of your to-do list is the foundation of every productive day.

Those who have benefited from integrating “Beginning with the end in mind” into their daily routines will tell you that this is not an easy process. And it never ends. Like any worthwhile endeavor, it is a muscle that, when continually exercised, gets stronger.

Success habits are enduring ideas to be continually pondered, practiced and sculpted to fit our own unique definition of purpose and passion. And the first habit is this: Be Proactive.

As human beings, we owe allegiance to those we choose to serve so long as it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Part of that allegiance is being willing to share the feedback they need to hear, even if it’s uncomfortable, making sure they understand that it’s coming from a place of love and support. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Sometimes it can taste bitter, but ideas on how to move forward can help the recipient quickly digest it and grow.

“Our purpose is to find the good and help the rest of the world see it.” ~W. Scott Westerman, Jr. 1925-2018 “The Real” Scott Westerman was born on this date, July 10, 1925. He was the quintessential definition of a teacher, one of those rare souls who knew what he valued and tried to help everyone who crossed his path…

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. We each have within us the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” ~Harriet Tubman I don’t know what it was that made me drive to the Haslett Village Barber Shop that afternoon in 2011. That memory has faded. What I do vividly remember is the…

We always knew we would love our granddaughter “No Matter What”. We never realized how powerful those words could truly be.

“The people who have the best, most loving ideas tend to be executed or assassinated or discouraged.” ~Sarah Vowell One year ago today, Colleen and I experienced the worst 24 hours of our lives. It began in a visceral encounter with the fallout from the toxic culture at my workplace and culminated at 3:11am the next morning when I got…