Author: Scott Westerman
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Safety, Courtesy, Care, Efficiency
“Disneyland is a work of love. We didn’t go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money” – Walt DisneyEvery time I go to Walt Disney World, I spend a lot of money. I don’t regret it. And I keep coming back for more. Why?For the vast majority of guests, this place truly lives up…
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How to Live to Be 100
A man ninety years old was asked to what he attributed his longevity. I reckon, he said, with a twinkle in his eye, it because most nights I went to bed and slept when I should have sat up and worried. – Garson KaninColleen’s grandmother passed away this week. She lived to be 100. Her…
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Free Speech and Football
I love free speech. That’s one of the greatest things about the American Experiment in democracy. There’s another behavior set that must also go with it. Skepticism, fact checking, compassion and an open mind. Oh yeah, and the ability to think before you speak.Being an American means you can say what you wish, even if…
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The Perils of Success
Our biggest fear is that all our dreams might just come true.It was my best year ever. We grew the business in both market share and with double digit increases in operating income. Employee satisfaction was at an all time high and customer complaints at an historic low. Here is the Reader’s Digest version of…
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Monday Motiator: Authentic Appreciation
“The first law of business communication: Speak their language.” How many times have you said “Thank You” this holiday season? Do you think the other person got the message?The highlight of our year was the arrival of our first grandson. At age six months, he’s learned exactly how to tell us what he wants. His needs…
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Being Human
“Our greatest fear is that we will be found out.”The December evening was unusually warm. We were sitting at the best table at one of the best restaurants in downtown Chicago. My dinner companion is, by all definitions, one of the smartest, successful and compassionate people I know. When your with me, sooner or later,…
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The Best Christmas Present I Ever Got
In every boy’s life there is a Ralph Parker “Red Ryder Christmas“, the year when he got that one present that forever defined his youth. My Red Ryder Christmas happened in 1966.At 1926 Hampton Court, Christmas season officially began with the tree. For many years it was the real thing, purchased at the YMCA “Y’s…
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Meet Me Half Way
“It is the long history of humankind that those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.” – Charles DarwinEarly on in my career, I had responsibility for two senior leaders who could not get along. They both had the same objectives: Serving our customers, their fellow employees and our investors. But they…
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Wisconsin’s “Mitten Envy”
Wisconsin’s tourism envy for Michigan is evident in their new “Mitten” tourist campaign. It’s a great state. I have many friends there and many more who used to call it home. They are very good people.Wisconsin has it’s good points. We have ours. They don’t need to emulate us to attract attention. But I’m ok…
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Fred Meijer
I don’t think that money equates to brains.” – Fred MeijerIf you live outside the State of Michigan, it’s a good bet that you haven’t ever heard of Fred Meijer. But for my generation, he was the definition of a great leader. For many if us, his passing this weekend is a highly personal loss.He…