rtamasy

I'm privileged to be a husband, father and grandfather. An of Ohio State University graduate, I'm a diehard Buckeyes fan. Author, editor and co-author of numerous books, including "Tufting Legacies." "The Heart of Mentoring" (with David Stoddard), and "Business At Its Best." I've been a journalist for more than 40 years, the first 10 as editor of community newspapers, and a magazine editor for 17 years. My job has been to be "never at a loss for words." I strive to integrate my faith into every area of my life - work, family, play - in meaningful, practical ways. I'm creative, whether with words or camera in hand, and enjoy music.
by

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Robert J. Tamasy

I have never seen firsthand the huge sequoia trees, also known as California redwoods, which grow in the western United States. However, I recently learned about a characteristic of these trees that contributes not only to their incredible height but also to their extraordinary longevity.

These trees have been known to grow well over 300 feet tall (not including their root system), up to 26 feet in diameter, and many have lived well beyond 1,000 years. To what do scientists attribute their amazing size, durability and lifespan? One of the most important factors, I discovered, is their root system. Sequoia trees intertwine their roots with other sequoias, enabling them to share strength and resources necessary for their growth and health. They are better equipped for enduring adversity as well.

Read more

by
Robert J. Tamasy

Years ago I was a member of a local chapter of the Rotary Club, an international service organization for business and professional people. Over the years this organization has helped many people through its charitable projects. However, I had forgotten the cornerstone philosophy that guides every good Rotarian.

On a recent business trip I received a good reminder of that philosophy when a friend invited me to attend a meeting of his Rotary Club. At the opening of the meeting, members recited what’s known as “The Four-Way Test” of Rotary International. This is also displayed prominently on a banner at each gathering. If you are not familiar with “The Four-Way Test,” it goes like this:

  • Is it the truth?
  • Is it fair to all concerned?
  • Will it build good will and better friendship?
  • Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Read more

by

A ‘Do-Over’ or A New Start? Robert J. Tamasy For each of us, the end of another year can mean different things. Some businesses base their fiscal years on the annual calendar, so for them it is a time for assessing the year just concluded as well as planning and forecasting for the year about … Read more

by

A Truly Gift-Worthy Christmas Robert J. Tamasy In many parts of the world, Christmas is synonymous with gift giving. How that is practiced varies from culture to culture, but in most cases a spirit of generosity and good will prevails. We exchange gifts of some sort in our homes with family members and friends. Businesses … Read more

by

Setting the Team’s Expectations Robert J. Tamasy   An important but often overlooked role of a leader is managing expectations for the team. This can involve individual expectations, such as performance, productivity, and goal-setting. But it also can pertain to organizational expectations, ranging from sales and profitability to corporate mission and values. To convey expectations … Read more

by

A Stellar Team’s Greatest Characteristic Robert J. Tamasy If you were to identify the most important characteristic of an outstanding, highly productive team, what would it be? Talent certainly would be one characteristic we would want. Experience would be another. The list of desirable traits for a team could go on and on, but there … Read more

by

The Incredible Power of “We” Robert J. Tamasy Recently a friend drew my attention to a comment someone had made on social media. This statement seems to summarize the thinking of many people we encounter in the business and professional world today: “I am working on myself, for myself, by myself.” Nine simple words, but … Read more

by

A Common Trait of Exceptional Leaders Robert J. Tamasy If you go into any bookstore or library, you can find hundreds of books about leadership. And if you do a search on the Internet, you could probably devote a lifetime to exploring the seemingly endless thinking about what comprises a good leader. I am not … Read more

by

Effectively Leading Through Change Robert J. Tamasy Some people dislike change of any kind. Disrupting their sense of the status quo is very unsettling. For me, change is good – as long as it happens on my terms. But like many people, I feel resistant toward change when I have little or no influence on … Read more

by

Customer Service: The One Non-Negotiable Robert J. Tamasy Years ago I learned a universal business truth we all would be wise to never forget: It is easier to retain customers and clients you already have than to attract new ones. This principle holds true for both for-profit companies and non-profit organizations. And the best way … Read more

by

Do As I Say, As I Do As I Say Robert J. Tamasy Did you ever work for someone that had the disconcerting tendency of instructing you to do something one way, and then proceeding to act in a manner contrary to what you were told? I remember an oft-repeated saying, “Do as I say, … Read more

by

Some Advice — About Advice Robert J. Tamasy When you are wrestling with a dilemma or problem, how willing are you to seek advice? And if you do look for advice, who are the people with whom you choose to consult? Seth Godin, a noted author, entrepreneur, marketer and public speaker, recently offered observations about … Read more