‘Encouragement’ Articles at Everyday People, Page 5

Keep Your Head Up !!

This past week I went to the SHRM Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. It’s one of my favorite events because the SHRM local Chapter and State volunteer leaders come together to network, learn and share great ideas on how to get HR pros connected, engaged and involved.

The past few years I’ve started the week by advocating in front of the Senate and the House of Representatives on legislative issues that affect business, employees and HR. I broke away from our larger Ohio group to support one of our other Ohio SHRM volunteers because she had never advocated before, and I wanted it to be a great experience for her. As we were walking over to the Congressman’s office, she said the most poignant thing.

“You know I can’t believe I’m here. Most of the time in my role I find myself with my head down doing my HR job. I need to keep my head up more to see all that is around me. I would miss great things like this if I didn’t try to be more aware.”

We had a great session with the Congressman’s staff and shared our position on the issues. When we were done, she wanted to go over to the Senate offices as well to see them. As we entered the building, I noticed several cameras up on the 2nd floor of the rotunda we had just entered. I said, “Let’s go see what’s happening !!” So, we walked up confidently and saw a press table outside the Kennedy Caucus Room and it was packed with people. The folks at the table asked if we’d like to go in, and we jumped at the chance not knowing what we would find.

In the room we stumbled into history . . . literally !! We were able to see the 30th Annual Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award being given to Egyptian Human Rights attorney – Ragia Omran. The event was emceed by Soledad O’Brien and we heard RFK’s daughter, Kerry, speak about Ms. Omran’s accomplishments and the actual award was given by Ethel Kennedy – RFK’s wife !! It was amazing that by “keeping our head up” and taking a risk to see if we could be involved, we saw something we NEVER would have seen if we were just stuck on following the patterns that were set before us.

This experience was just another example of how I feel HR should be ALL the time !! Too often we are criticized because we think that by keeping a narrow focus we are diligent. The fact is that by being narrow we can miss what’s happening with the people even though we’re cranking out the tasks laid before us.

There has to be a mix of these two worlds. You can, and should, be diligent in your HR practice. However, your perspective should be as broad as possible because the great people you work with may have the insight, input, or knowledge you need. You can’t keep your head down any longer !!

The rest of the week was even MORE eventful than our experience in the Senate !! I’m even more geeked and energized about HR, my profession, my volunteer role and SHRM than I ever have been !!

I hope you join me as we look to the horizon to see what’s next. It will be awesome, I’m sure !!

Thank You.

My post title is missing its normal, and grammatically incorrect, double exclamation points ( !! ) for a reason this week. I had the most amazing experience and just had to share it with you !! (oops, there they are)

In my role at LaRosa’s, I get to do some pretty amazing things as an HR professional. My job is broad, deep and strategic. It’s also very hands on. You see our goal at LaRosa’s is to Reach Out and Make Smiles in all we do with our guests and our Team Members. We started this “radical” new recognition program this year, and this week I was floored by how amazing something so simple can be.

You see, we recognize people on their anniversary whenever they hit a 5-year interval. That may seem like a long timeframe for a restaurant business, but this year alone we’ve recognized a delivery driver who’s been with us 15 years, a server who’s been with us 20 years and even a Shipping Supervisor at our manufacturing plant who’s been with us 40 years !! The tenure at our company is phenomenal. In fact, I’ll have been with the company 7 years this November and I’m a “newbie” !!

The radical part of our program is that I meet with the Team Member on their shift when they work. You see we’re open 7 days a week and are open from 11:00am to 11:00pm. Our team members may work weekend nights only – and that’s fantastic !! We used to make all folks who celebrated an anniversary come to a big dinner once a year. The event was nice, but we made people fit our schedule instead of us meeting theirs. This simple shift has made all the difference in the world !!

This week proved that more than ever !! A person celebrating a 5-year anniversary receives a gift card, a note from our owners and two Smiley faced cookies to thank them for helping us Reach Out and Make Smiles. (We add-on balloons and trays of cookies for folks who hit 10 years or higher.) I was taking the gift bag out to see Richie for his 5-year anniversary.

When I arrived at our pizzeria, the manager greeted me and I said, “I’m here to see Richie.” He said, “I know. He’s right over there.” A young man was standing with his back to me folding small pizza boxes. I called out his name, but he didn’t acknowledge me or turn around. Then a gentleman standing next to Richie in a flannel shirt, glasses and gray hair pulled into a pony tail that went down to the middle of his back reached out his hand and said, “Hi there. I’m Richie’s Dad.” I noticed that Richie was “talking” to himself but wasn’t very coherent. His Dad gently touched his arm and said, “Richie, someone’s here to see you.” Richie turned around and looked straight through me without really seeing me. He kept talking.

Richie has profound autism. I didn’t know that before going out to the store. Here’s a young man who’s been coming to work for us for 5-years to fold pizza boxes. I beamed !! “Richie, I wanted to thank you for your time with us at LaRosa’s !! What you do is so great and here’s a little something for you.” I reached into the bag and pulled out the cookies. “Now, these are for you and not for your Dad. (hoping for a laugh – nothing). Please know that you help us Reach Out and Make Smiles.” His Dad then gently grabbed Richie’s arm and he said, “Tell Steve thank you Richie.”

He stopped his chatter, looked at me clearly and quietly said, “Thank You.” He immediately started his chatter again and went back to his boxes because he loves his job !! His Dad broke through one more time and asked Richie to stop for a second and take a picture with me. We stood together and I put my arm around him. His Dad said, “Smile !!” Richie had another moment of clarity, smiled, the picture snapped, and back to work he went.

We keep thinking that everything in recognition has to be on a grand scale when that’s just not the case. HR works incessantly to craft these incredible programs with thousands of dollars and numerous gift levels without ever thinking about getting to people directly.

Try this instead. Meet people where THEY are and when THEY work !! Thank them for what THEY do for your company. It was a lesson we overlooked for too long. But now, we get to see genuine recognition the way it was always meant to be !!

Folks I Learn From !!

Recently, I’ve been trying to think of more ways to put resources in the hands of other HR pros. When I saw the recent post from Trish McFarlane on HR Bloggers as well as the new e-book from David D’Souza – Humane, Resourced: A Book of Blogs, I wanted to chime in as well.

You see, I have this incredibly audacious goal !! I want to see the ENTIRE HR community connected, informed and able to rock in their roles. I desire to see the “social” HR folks connect with HR practitioners and vice versa. I believe that the more we’re genuinely connected, then we can share the resources we enjoy in order to do a better job in Human Resources.

Also, I’m a voracious reader who always yearns to learn. There are so many great ideas, thoughts, concepts, trends and movements to be taken in. Often, people shy away from information because they load in the filter of “Well, I can’t do that in my organization . . .” and they shut down. If you do this, stop it !! What company wants an HR person who only focuses on what can’t be done ??

What if you took the stance of, “I’m not sure if I can use this, but it’s important for me to learn about it.” Who knows? You may be able to take something from all you take in and apply it to your culture and situation. How do you ever plan to change the norms in your organization if you continue to practice only what you know today? If someone reading this uses the “I just don’t have time” excuse at this point, then just stop reading.

It is an opportunity to use your time differently, creatively and constructively !! Wouldn’t you love to have that freedom everyday? I do, and it is exhilarating !!

So, I wanted to put some folks out there in front of you and off the blog roll so that you can consider connecting with them and learning from them. I do this each week when I send out the HR Net, and now I wanted to highlight some folks every so often to make sure you’re being exposed to folks I learn from !!

First up is Paul Hebert. He works for a cool company called Symbolist. Paul and I have known each other for years now and we chat often. I learn from his blog writing as well as our deep conversations. I mean that. We say hello, ask about families and then jump in deeply to talk about all facets of HR !! He’s an incredible resource and you will enjoy how he looks at the human facets of engagement, culture and recognition.

Next is Michael Carty. We’ve only known each other through social media, but I know that we share an incredible amount of similar likes (HR, Global HR and Rock Music) !! Michael is the consummate curator and works for a phenomenal HR resource – XPertHR. He hails from the UK and it is on my bucket list to meet in person sooner than later. Michael is someone who has a pulse on the global perspectives in HR. Whether it’s through his writing or in his compilations of tweets and blogs on Storify, he keeps others aware of a broad pallet of issues and trends. He’s a phenomenal person (and resource) to know !!

This is just the start and I hope to feature more folks each month. Make sure you’re getting more and more connected to the greater HR community !! You’ll only be better for it !!

Planting Seeds !!

I have been in HR forever !! Seriously, I’ve been practicing HR for 27+ years, and it’s the only field I’ve known. You see, I’m one of those rare HR folks who has been in this profession on purpose since the beginning of my career.

Even though I’ve been in HR for an extended time, I am more excited and passionate about what we do than ever !! This past Friday I had a great opportunity !! I was the keynote speaker for the Indiana University HR Association’s inaugural annual dinner. It was so cool to talk about “HR Behind the Curtain: What It’s Really Like” to a room full of eager, attentive and interesting students.

They were engaged, laughed, answered questions and were, may I say, GEEKED about HR !! Oh, by the way, none of them have HR as a major. They have HR as a minor and are active in their local student SHRM chapter. They have two incredibly supportive faculty and a local chapter that is very connected to them.

This is more than a report of an incredible event. It’s setting the stage for something I want to say, especially to Senior HR practitioners !!

I was humbled and honored to be asked to speak to these students !! Yes, it took time to do this. But, it was time well spent. I wanted to get students excited about the profession that, I hope, they will pursue and replace me some day.

I keep seeing efforts by SHRM and HR chapters to try and reach Senior HR professionals. They almost beg them to come and attend events so that others can learn from them. However, most of my peers, don’t see the value in being with folks who don’t do things as strategically as they do. Somehow, taking time to share your experience is seen as being “below” us. I absolutely and unequivocably disagree with this stance !!

In fact, how dare we look at those who are less experienced as people we shouldn’t connect with. When I was at Ohio University those 27 years ago getting ready to enter the workforce, I never heard from a businessperson about what to expect. I never understood the nuances I would need to succeed, or how to learn the values and work ethic expected from organizations. It is an absolute shame that a quarter of a century later that we still think that distancing ourselves from the people who will enter the workforce and continue HR aren’t worth our time.

So, I have a challenge for Senior HR practitioners !! The gauntlet is being thrown down. Take what you’ve learned and what you practice and share your knowledge with others. Do it willingly and do it often !! If we plant seeds in others, our future will be better than our past, or present, has ever been.

Take a student under your care. Be a mentor !! Talk to student organizations. Instead of complaining about what the newest generation does/doesn’t do, change their perspective by giving them your time and insight.

Also, don’t ignore the professional association who wants to have you involved. What is a better use of your time? Sharing with others to make HR better, or making sure the topic is lofty enough for you to expound upon ??

I am fiercely passionate about this !! This is very serious and a true opportunity for Senior HR people to shine !! I plan to plant seeds for as long as possible. Then, one day, when I’m no longer around, one of those seeds I planted will blossom, grow and continue my work and legacy. Get planting !!

Now’s Your Time !!

One of the absolute best things about living in Ohio is that we experience four distinct seasons. The winters can be a little bleak at times, and the summers can be extremely humid. However, spring and fall are magnificent !!

Fall is especially fantastic and my favorite season of all. The crisp weather that is more chilly than warm brings about football, pumpkins, apple cider and hot chocolate !! The most brilliant spectacle during fall are the leaves. To see the trees all around you transform into their natural state which has been hidden under its green mask all year is breathtaking.

I have a 40 to 45 minute commute to work each day one way. Having this extended time allows me to enjoy the changing foliage more than most, and I relish it !! The variety of different shades of reds, yellows and oranges just splits the early morning and early evening skies giving them more life than normal.

So, what does this have to do with HR? I think it’s pretty obvious. You see, leaves wait for months to shed the cover of their original green coloring to reveal their natural beauty. It’s intentional, vibrant and visible !! We should do likewise. I don’t think we should wait for months, but when you see your time to shine – then you should burst forth !!

When this happens with leaves, people travel to see the panorama of color. They drop everything to make sure they don’t miss it. Too often, HR stays in the background and misses the chance to step out and show its value. The more this is done in organizations, the deeper HR fades into the backdrop. Remember this, being visible doesn’t make you arrogant. Bringing forth valuable solutions, viewpoints and approaches is what is expected of us. You don’t forsake your ability to help others. In fact, it allows you to bring to the surface methods that can become your company’s regular practice.

Don’t sit back any longer. Make the transformation and let your true colors take their rightful place. Trust me. Having this happen will not only change you, but it will improve HR and your company’s culture for many seasons to come !!

Stop the Just a’s !!

Not sure if you know this, but my life during the day is being the head of HR for LaRosa’s !! We’re a regional pizzeria that is a true Cincinnati tradition. I’m very fortunate to work for a known brand, and our pizza is honestly the best on the planet !!

The role I have is very strategic and is expected to be. I get the chance to work with our 1,200+ Team Members over 15 pizzerias, a manufacturing plant where we make our incredible dough, a call center and our corporate office. This isn’t a bio or a “look what I do” post. It’s a reminder.

You see, I hear a phrase in my company that occurs in every company around the world. It’s a phrase that relegates people and doesn’t show the value they truly bring to work every . . . single . . . day. Whenever you hear someone say, “Well, they’re just a (insert position here)”

If you ever say this, or hear it said by someone else, you should correct the person who says it and tell them to cut it out. There isn’t one position in an organization that is more critical than another. All employees play a role and it is critical that we see the value of what they do. For example . . . If the phenomenal cooks in our restaurants don’t do their best, it has an adverse affect on the guest’s experience and possibly the company. They aren’t “just” cooks. They are the first chance to make a person’s visit to our location the best meal they’ve had !!

I think most people reading this will be cool with addressing the “just a’s” of other roles in our companies. Now . . . let’s talk peer-to-peer.

HR pros need to quit saying, and acting, that we’re “just” in HR !! Seriously. There is no other position, or field, that is so critical of itself. We continue to belittle what we do and it makes absolutely no sense.

I think we need to position ourselves differently by our actions and our behavior by being Businesspeople who practice HR. We need to see ourselves as being integrated throughout our company, and make the steps to do this on a regular basis. This isn’t a “try” position. It’s a “do” commitment !!

I’ve had some people be skeptical about my enthusiasm about how much HR rocks !! It doesn’t dissuade me in the least. In fact, it makes me want to try even harder to get our field out of the mode of being a 2nd class position in organizations.

This week DO something about this. (1) Stop allowing others to sell your employees short. (2) Value and elevate the great people who make your company successful !! and (3) Don’t ever, ever, ever say you’re “just” in HR again !!

Image courtesy of Inspiration Boost

Take it All In !!

I’m glad to say that I’ve survived another phenomenal Ohio State SHRM HR Conference !! It was spectacular from stuffing the conference bags and setting up the vendor booths all the way to the final session. It truly is an exhausting week for many of us (by choice).

It’s fascinating to watch the interactions that happen at an HR conference. I think this is mainly because HR folks love to be around others from their profession. There’s camaraderie, laughter and a truly evident bonding that is needed at least once a year. You have to know it’s fantastic to be around people who are working in very similar circumstances ranging from compliance to employee relations.

Another very interesting facet that I keep coming across is how involved people choose to be throughout the conference. I get the fact that ALL of us are taking time away from our families, our workplaces and the projects that will be jumping to life come Monday morning once again. Since this time is more focused around HR intentionally, it would make sense to me that you would fill every moment with everything you possibly could at the Conference. Ironically, this doesn’t happen. This isn’t to be critical – it’s an observation.

I think what is telling about this though is the issue of capacity. People take in as much as they can handle in all areas of work, life and activities. The question you have to ask yourself is – what is my capacity? What if I could take in one more thing that may give me THE answer I need to do my role better? What if I met one more person who could be THE one who connects me to resources, a career opportunity or other great HR pros who could make HR come alive?

At the Conference we asked everyone to sign a birthday card for SHRM because it’s their 65th birthday this year. It was a simple thing to ask for a very small commitment. When people saw that their contribution was within reach, easy to accomplish and they had someone there to encourage them to do it – there was instant participation. Once there was one signature, the next one seemed natural. By the time one side of the card was filled, the next side began to take shape. People wrote in all directions, sizes and locations. No one argued and everyone joined in. We even bled over to the back of the card because more and more people wanted to be included.

It was a card. A piece of cardboard that still had room to take on more people. It hadn’t reached it’s capacity – and most of us haven’t either.

So, the next time you’re at an event – take in everything. I mean it. EVERYTHING !! Don’t miss out on one moment. It is so fulfilling and you’ll take all that you’ve experienced and learned back to work and be an even greater HR person !!

Load Your Quiver !!

Recenty a phenomenal effort to pull the HR blogging community came to a close – the HR Bloggers Network. It was the brainchild of Laurie Reuttimann and I was fortunate to be included in this effort.

The highlight for me in this was to be attached to a group of incredible HR pros who regularly offer great content to the broader HR community. I make sure to read each post these folks offer and utilize their wisdom, insight and advice in how I practice HR everyday !!

Too often, when people read your posts, they don’t take that next step to look at a blogroll or see what others are saying. I’m like most people and have my “faves,” but honestly, I try to take in as much information as possible because it allows me to be a better HR professional. One can never learn enough . . . ever !!

I have an approach that I’d like to share with you. I think HR people need to load their quiver. This way you have the arrows needed in order to protect yourself, hunt for new opportunities and attack those things that need to be addressed.

HR Blogs are a great way to load that quiver !! So, this week I want to break out the authors who made up the HR Blogger Network and make sure you know who they are, what their blog is about and where to find it. Please note that there are a myriad of other phenomenal HR bloggers out there, and I’m working on a way to feature them as well.

My goal is to reach the entire HR community !! I know that’s a huge goal, but we are only better by being more connected. Make sure to take this list of bloggers and share them with others. Don’t just read this post and stop. It’s time for us to arm everyone so that all our quivers are full !!

Now, the great folks (and friends) from the HR Blogger Network:

Laurie Ruettimann (@lruettimann on Twitter) – Social media pioneer who has an edgy look at our profession. Always dig that she makes me stretch !! Her blog is The Cynical Girl.

Bonni Titgemeyer (@BonniToronto on Twitter) – Founder of the Employment Opportunities List and the TEPHR community. Great voice on getting employment right !! Find her at The EO List.

Elizabeth Lalli-Reese (@TXStrategicHR on Twitter) – Keeping HR strategic is always a good thing and Elizabeth offers a ton of insight and perspective on how to do this. Her blog is Texas Strategic HR.

Lisa Rosendahl (@lisarosendahl on Twitter) – As an HR practitioner in the healthcare field, Lisa offers a grounded view on HR and on life !! You can find her blog at Lisa Rosendahl.

Ben Eubanks (@beneubanks on Twitter) – Ben is the present and future of HR !! He offers incredible resources for younger people in the field. His blog is aptly named Upstart HR.

Kimberly Patterson (@kimberly_patt on Twitter) – Kimberly truly takes a different look at HR. She is very passionate about what we do and wants to make sure that we look at all angles of what we do. Hence the blog title – UNconventional HR.

Joan Ginsberg (@JoanGinsberg on Twitter) – Joan is a truly genuine HR pro who always gives a genuine look at all that we do !! That’s why it makes sense that her blog is titled Just Joan.

Bill Boorman (@BillBoorman2 on Twitter) – Bill is a futurist and the driving force behind UNconferences literally around the globe. He’s always looking for what’s next. His blog is Norton Folgate – The Recruiting Unblog.

Lars Schmidt (@ThisIsLars on Twitter) – Lars is all about recruiting, innovation and talent. He’s a compelling force on making workplaces better. You can find him at Amplify Talent.

Melissa Fairman (@HrRemix on Twitter) – Melissa is a fellow HR practitioner who really has a solid handle on all facets of HR. Her advice is practical and applicable in all industries. Her blog looks to mix it up at HR reMix.

Jennifer McClure (@JenniferMcClure on Twitter) – Jennifer has a great grasp on recruiting and integrating HR strategically throughout an organization. She is contantly looking how to reach the HR community. Her blog is Unbridled Talent.

Victorio Milian (@Victorio_M on Twitter) – Victorio brings a cool vibe to all that he does. He offers a great perspective to recruiting issues and opportunities mixed in with a great musical taste !! Find him at Creative Chaos HR.

Jennifer V. Miller (@JenniferVMiller on Twitter) – Jennifer has a focus on all aspects of Leadership, and she gets it right !! Her insight is very applicable at all levels of an organization. Her blog answers The People-Equation.

Dan McCarthy (@greatleadership on Twitter) – Dan is another great voice in the Leadership arena. His focus on making us GREAT is phenonmenal – and needed. Connect with him on his blog Great Leadership.

Lance Haun (@thelance on Twitter) – Self-described “nut about Talent Management” and an avid NBA fan, Lance gives a broad perspective to all areas of talent in organizations. His blog is Life Between the Brackets.

Matthew Stollak (@akaBruno on Twitter) – Matthew is one of the few HR voices from academia. He is advancing the field and also training the folks of the future !! His insights can be found at True Faith HR.

Paul Hebert (@IncentIntel on Twitter) – Paul is one of the few solid, objective voices on the topic of recognition. He doesn’t pull punches because he believes in the value of lifting others up !! You can find him at Symbolist.

Robin Schooling (@RobinSchooling on Twitter) – Robin always has a great tale of experience from her career in HR. They are episodes that we all face at one time or another !! Learn from her at the HR Schoolhouse.

John Nykolaisyn (@CigarSPHR on Twitter) – John has a great background in both the hospitality and education arenas. He likes to keep things fresh and turn others “on their head” in the workplace !! His blog is Fast Food HR.

Ron Thomas (@ronald_thomas on Twitter) – Ron is currently an ex-pat working in a senior HR role in Saudi Arabia. He is a true global HR leader with an incredible look at all that HR does. You can find him at Strategy Focused HR.

Steve Boese (@SteveBoese on Twitter) – Steve is the strongest voice in HR Tech !! In fact, he’s heading up the HR Tech Conference starting this year. He also hosts the incredible HR Happy Hour blog radio show. Connect with him at Steve Boese’s HR Technology.

Tim Sackett (@TimSackett on Twitter) – Tim has a great viewpoint on HR in the field. His no nonsense approach is refreshing and challenging. His blog is at The Tim Sackett Project.

Shauna Moerke (@HR_Minion on Twitter) – Shauna offers a bright, fresh look on life and HR !! If you know her you’d see this is true from her infectious laugh to her healthy wit. Find her at HR Minion.

Tim Gardner (@TimJGardner on Twitter) – Tim brings a unique voice to the world of HR bloggers. A self-proclaimed introvert, Tim has a thoughtful, in-depth viewpoint every time he writes. His blog is perfectly titled The HR Introvert.

You Have A Choice !!

As the work week begins . . . you have a choice !!

You can enter the parking lot of your workplace and release a heavy sigh (as most American workers do every day), or you can wake up and decide what opportunities lay before you and how YOU can be involved to make a difference !!

I’ve been working on this myself. It’s easy to sit at a keyboard and jot down words to share. I often wonder if what is written by people is practiced or espoused. Is it great motivational insight only? I can’t really handle that if it is.

You see I’ve made a choice myself. I choose to live abundantly vs. die indifferently !!

There’s a true reason behind such a statement. Too many people float around every day. Their work is “just a job.” They don’t feel what they do makes a difference. It has to be an incredible burden to painfully slog through the day thinking that what you do has little to no impact.

I don’t buy it !! I really don’t.

You see, even not making a choice is . . . in itself . . . a choice. You can’t sit idly by and think you’re not impacting other people. Therefore, you’re making a difference, but maybe not one you intended. I can’t sit by and just waste away thinking that by coasting I won’t make waves.

I want to make waves !! I want to be uncomfortable each and every day in what I do in all aspects of my life. There is too much at stake and too many lives to be reached.

In HR I hear too many of my peers lamenting what they can’t do. Or, how their organization doesn’t value their contribution or HR itself. I know this happens. But, what are you doing to make a difference ?? Do you even look to see if that is what you can do ??

We have an incredible opportunity each and every day. We can take the people we work with and allow them to shine, contribute and make waves !! I don’t feel that people want to just “exist” in the workplace. I’m not talking engagement here. I’m talking impact !! Employees want to add value to the Company, not just put their time in. I would challenge anyone who says that this isn’t the case. If it is, or if that is the general vibe in your workplace, then evaluate yourself first to see if you’ve made the choice to change that attitude.

We can bring light to an organization !! We don’t have to get stuck in the trenches in the darkness, mire and muck. We should cut through the trenches with vitality, intentionality and strength !! This goes beyond passion.

YOU make a difference everyday in all you do !! This isn’t some rah, rah speech. It’s a fact. The question is, what difference are you making ??

It’s a new week. You have a choice . . .

What are you reading ??

Whenever you talk to HR people these days, heck really ALL people these days, they always bemoan that they don’t have enough time. I don’t buy it. If your perspective is that you’re too “full” it’s because of the things you are choosing to fill your time with. It’s true !!

Look. I know we all lead incredibly full lives, but there are amazing statistics about how much time people spend watching TV, using technology, etc. And, many people don’t have a problem catching a movie or a great dinner out on the town.

This isn’t a post on time management because I honestly don’t believe in it. Instead, I think you need to look at life as – what do I choose to fill my time with ??

One thing that almost consumes me is reading !! I find myself taking on two to three books at a time plus countless blogs. Why ?? Because reading allows me to continuously learn about endless things. Those within my field and about life in general.

Recently I’ve read QBQ! – The Question Behind the Question by John Miller and two great books by Andy Andrews – The Traveler’s Gift and The Noticer. I’m also waist deep in trying to take in The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. What’s so cool about the Ayn Rand book is that it was a gift from the great folks at Kinetix. Each year at Christmas they send out a classic book. I take it as a reminder to delve in and read something that I may have not seen in years. It’s a fantastic, and memorable, thing to do for people.

As for blogs, it’s hard to highlight them enough. There are so many folks who do great work. I have them listed in my blogroll on the site, but here’s the difference. I have all of these blogs in my Feedly reader. I make sure to read them all because I think that there are tons of information that needs to be taken in, used at work and shared with others.

So, this week – start reading. You’re kind enough to read my blog and I truly appreciate that. Expand your scope even wider. Take up a book. Find a new blog to read and follow. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover !!

Challenge for you as well – List what you’re reading in the comments section below. Let’s share the great items you enjoy. Fill it up and let’s see what happens !!