Of Few Words

"This report, by its very length, defends itself against the risk of being read."

Winston Churchill

20th century British statesman

Understand?

In Our Weakness There Is Strength

"She lacks the indefinable charm of weakness."

Oscar Wilde

19th century Irish poet/writer

There is something charming about weakness, at least personal in small doses.

In business?

Initially I thought no but now I'm not so sure.

What do you think?  Do you ever buy from the underdog?

The Best Of . . . . ?

"The course of true love never did run smooth."

William Shakespeare

16th century English playwright

Is the test of "true love" the same for business partners?

We Care About Our Employees And Their Families

"The family is one of nature's masterpieces."

George Santayana

Late 19th century, early 20th century American philosopher/poet

How if at all does this quote apply to business and in particular to those companies who say "we are family"?

Tough Love?

"Tiger father begets tiger son."

Chinese proverb

What affect does "tiger" management have on employees?

I Don't Want To Hear Any More!

"The weaker the intellect the stronger the belief."

James Dee Richardson

19th century American politician

I get the point but feel this goes too far.

Conviction in beliefs does not necessarily correlate with lower intellect but I do think unchallenged belief can get in the way of an otherwise inquiring mind.

There are many managers who simply will not listen to alternative views once they become convinced they know what is "right".

I'm Good, My Company, Not So Much

"The only way to compel men to speak good of us is to do it."

Voltaire

18th century French writer/historian

In other words, walk the walk.

Can we as individual employees "walk" one way while the companies we work for "walk" another?

Keep On Keepin' On

"A jug fills drop by drop."

Buddha

Founder of Buddhism

Perseverance alone won't get you what you want but neither will having all else you need without it.

Hang in there!

Venus and Mars

"As vivacity is the gift of women, gravity is that of men."

Joseph Addison

17th century English essayist

I don't believe in absolutes; that "everything", "nothing", "everyone", "no one" is "always" or "never" this or that, including traits ascribed to men and women.

But I do think there are some differences that often are true for many.

What are they for businessmen and businesswomen?

Over Your Dead Body??

"It's the cause not the death that makes the martyr."

Napoleon Bonaparte

18th century French general

Complete the following sentence.

"When it comes to my career I will risk everything for . . ."

Until Death Do Us Part?

"Marrying is easy, it's housework that's hard."

Proverb

In business merging is easy with successfully managing the merged business the hard part.

Why is that?

Home Is Not Wherever

"People are usually happiest at home."

William Shakespeare

16th century British playwright

If you are just entering the workforce, possibly inclined to take the first job you can find regardless of where it might be, think about this carefully.

Jobs come and go and the only thing worse than losing a job is doing so in a place you wouldn't otherwise choose to be.

Did You Hear The One About Us Being Bankrupt?

"Wit is the salt of conversation, not the food."

William Hazlitt

Late 18th, early 19th century British essayist

I appreciate sense of humor and find it helps in difficult business situations.

But only helps; as Mr. Hazlitt said, there must be something of substance under the humor.

No joke.

I Agree But You Certainly Don't Mean Me!

 "No one man is superior to the game."

A. Bartlett Giamatti

Past president of Yale University/Commissioner of Professional Baseball

I assume Mr. Giamatti was referring to baseball but I think this also applies to business.

I also believe there are a lot of business people who think they are the exception that proves the rule.

You've Got To Want It, But Is That Enough??

"Desire is a powerful force that can be used to make things happen."

Marcia Wieder

21st century American motivational speaker

I agree, but not by itself.

There are many other ingredients that must also be present to achieve one's goals.

What do you think?

Accomplish More Than Excuse

"It is no use saying, "We are doing our best."  You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary."

Winston Churchill

20th century British statesman

This may sound heartless and it would be taken to the extreme, but as things stand, there is no danger in that.

To the contrary, too many of us, sometimes including me, spend far more time explaining why we didn't do something than we do doing it.

But when it comes to business no amount of excuses will save you.

Succeed or go home.

What Is, Not What We See

"The actual, well seen, is the ideal."

Thomas Carlyle

19th century British historian

Said another way, reality recognized for what it truly is is the best we can or should hope for.

I agree.

But I Tried So Hard!!!

"It is quite possible to work without results, but never will there be results without work."

 Unknown

In fact much work occurs without results, or at least not the hoped for result.

How about you, any estimates of how much effort you expend without getting the desired result?

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Funding

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

Ben Franklin

18th century American statesman, inventor, philosopher

This seemed appropriate as we enter our nation's 235th year, while at the same time relating to business.

Be careful when seeking funding for your company, the cost may be much greater than you think.