By Scott Westerman 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.
By Scott Westerman 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…
By Scott Westerman “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…
By Scott Westerman “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…
By Scott Westerman 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…
By Scott Westerman “It is the long history of humankind that those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.” – Charles Darwin Early on in my career, I had responsibility for two senior leaders who could not get along. They both had the same objectives: Serving our…
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…
By Scott Westerman I don’t think that money equates to brains.” – Fred Meijer If 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,…
By Guest Blogger David Murray. Scott’s note: Every now and then, I find another voice who inspires me, just as I hope to sometimes inspire you. This week’s guest blogger, David Murray is one of those voices. He is a marketing and a digital communications strategist and also a wise philosopher…
I recently received a note from a fellow Spartan who senses that her job may soon be eliminated. She is trying to get a head start on her next career adventure and wrote for advice. Here’s how I replied. You’re definitely doing the right thing by being proactive. That puts…