Most days I go to the campus gym first thing in the morning. Pete is usually never far behind me. Pete looks to be in his 80s. He walks with a very pronounced limp. It’s not easy for him to get around. Yet, there he is most every day. He lifts weights. He does walking laps in the shallow end of the pool. None of this is easy for him. One very cold morning last week … [Read more...] about Pete’s Persistence
Inspiration
Promoting Mission & Values
We know that mission, vision, and values are core to the identity of any organization. And I often tell leaders that one of their most important responsibilities is to keep these in the forefront of their coworkers minds. But how do you do that? Recently, Dr. Alex Triantis – our Dean at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland – had our … [Read more...] about Promoting Mission & Values
The Secret of Alchemy
The last days of summer are speeding by, but there is still time to pick up a book for that final summer read at the beach or pool this weekend. And I recommend The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. The Alchemist is an oldie, but goodie that I finally got around to reading recently. It is a fable of a young man who goes in search of his destiny. The Alchemist he meets in the … [Read more...] about The Secret of Alchemy
Satisfaction in The Cause
We work hard and sometimes circumstances beyond our control thwart our progress. I’m often asked “How do we keep ourselves motivated in the face of all these challenges?” I hate setbacks and external circumstances that get in my way. But I try to take “satisfaction in the cause” that I am working to advance. I wake up every day and remind myself of my mission and then take … [Read more...] about Satisfaction in The Cause
Thankfulness & Savoring: 2015
Below is a blog from Thanksgiving 2012 in which I discuss the power of savoring each moment, and being thankful for it. I mention having a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with my Dad and savoring our time together -- because "at 87+ who knows how much longer I will have time with him." Dad died last August 30 and I often think of this special Thanksgiving with him. Slow down … [Read more...] about Thankfulness & Savoring: 2015