Why Would You Pay More?

Every six months or so I prepare to negotiate what I am paying for my satellite TV and internet/phone service. When the previous “promotion” ends, the monthly rate will change, usually after 6 months.  When that happens I would call up and politely complain that my price increased and ask, politely, to return me to the promotional rate. The professional agents would ask a few questions and reply that the specific promotion has ended and I am now going back to the regular rate schedule which is about 22% more. I would thank them for their time and asked to be transferred to the customer loyalty department which they will do, sometimes reluctantly. Continue reading “Why Would You Pay More?”

The Leadership Roster

Unveiling Leadership Wisdom: 40 Years, 20 Mentors, Countless Lessons

Over the years, I made notes on what I learned from people I reported to or provided some much-needed guidance. There were plenty of leaders, managers, and “supervisors” over the forty years some worth remembering, some not, but they all had made some contributions, good, bad, or indifferent. I came up with a summary list of people who had left enough of an impact which helped create an ever-evolving leadership style and capacity for growth. In chronological order, is a brief description of what I learned from fifteen highly effective leaders, three nice yet, ineffective supervisors, and two truly horrible, douchebag bosses. I no longer wonder how a couple of dimwit nincompoops got their jobs, but I keep them on the list for amusement purposes only.

A big heartfelt thank you to all of the highly effective leaders that I worked with. You all made a tremendous difference that has lasted a career cycle and a lifetime. Even more,  as I passed some of your leadership practices and lessons to my direct reports over the years.

There’s a story behind each that might someday make it in a possible book in the future. Some readers might recognize the distinct names and unique and endearing characters and I request for the sake of discretion please consider that your comments are in the public domain.

It’s been an interesting exercise and highly recommend that you give it a try to discover a few of the origins of your your habits and patterns. Visit your list on occasion or when someone triggers a forgotten memory and write it down.

Lessons From the Masters In My Working Career

Continue reading “The Leadership Roster”