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.
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Over the past several years I have had the privilege of writing books about two companies with well thought-out, clearly articulated mission statements. They communicate corporate goals, their vision for the future, and values they desire for all of their employees to embrace. These are not just words on paper, but principles and precepts reviewed … Read more

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What would you consider the foremost requirement for success in the workplace? Would it be talent? Or education? Training? Good luck?  Certainly each of these can be a factor in professional success. But there is one other quality that might be more important than all of them – persistence. Richard M. DeVos, Sr., co-founder of … Read more

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Prior to the 1950s, baseball was an almost exclusively American sport. It was often referred to as “the national pastime.” Following World War II, however, baseball became an export. American soldiers stationed in Japan and Korea introduced the sport there, enthusiasm for it spread into Latin America and parts of Europe, and today the game … Read more

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Maybe you are a high achiever, the type of person that receives ample recognition from your company for your performance. You have received numerous promotions, are often singled out at professional gatherings, and have more plaques and certificates than your wall can display. Then again, maybe you are not that person. You work hard, striving … Read more

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When was the last time you did something foolish at work? We have all dabbled in foolish behavior at one time or another, perhaps more than once. But let me ask a different question: Have you ever worked with someone you considered to be a fool, not just a person prone to an occasional foolish … Read more

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Although I have never met a mystic, that seems like a good job to have. Sitting around all day, just thinking, occasionally coming up with something that sounds wise or profound. People around you speaking in hushed tones, fearful of disrupting your deep thought process. “Quiet, he’s contemplating.” In the 21st century business and professional … Read more

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One of the great wonders of the workplace is the variety of talents and abilities we observe. Some people are natural leaders, others find it easier to follow and support those who lead. Some are especially gifted in administration, directing and delegating tasks, while others are adept at personally handling a multitude of details. Some … Read more

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“Why do you want to be mentored?” That was the question I asked the young man sitting across the table from me at a local restaurant. A mutual friend had suggested to Todd that he meet with me since he had expressed an interest in having someone mentor him in both his professional and personal … Read more

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Last week’s “Monday Manna” looked at consequences of submitting to the insistent demands of our egos, doing whatever is necessary to ensure getting what we desire. Recently I came across an illustration from nature that demonstrates the virtues of very different behavior.  The story comes from Ulrich Zwingli, a leader of the Protestant Reformation in … Read more

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Two executives had become locked in an ongoing feud that was beginning to have a negative impact on their company. After all internal efforts to settle the dispute had failed, the CEO of the organization asked if I would be willing to try and be a peacemaker between the two.  Both men professed to be … Read more

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Innovations in the world of communications have been wonderful. We can use social media to stay in contact with friends and colleagues and reconnect with individuals we know from the past. Emails and texting have become a preferred way to communicate quickly. (Thanks to email, for example, this “Monday Manna” is reaching people in more … Read more

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If you needed to select an attorney, a new CPA, a different supplier, or perhaps a new janitorial service for your office, how would you go about evaluating possible candidates? Looking through phone books or online listings would not be very helpful, since they provide only limited information. So we might consult with friends and … Read more