There is a tendency for many of us to live our lives out of “compartments.” We segregate our lives into independent sections that rarely intersect – our work, our home life, our hobbies and special areas of interest, such as volunteering. “Never the twain shall meet” seems to be the philosophy of keeping different facets … Read more

We all have seen this phenomenon: Star athletes, basking in the adoration of their fans, exhibiting various kinds of disgraceful behavior. Entertainers and media celebrities acting very unlike the kind, friendly, engaging personalities they seem to be on TV or the movie screen. Politicians, so endearing during their election campaigns, displaying arrogance toward all that … Read more

In the 1880’s, George Eastman invented a process for applying a photographic emulsion to flexible film. He soon brought out a simple camera he called “The Kodak” to take advantage of this new photographic film. This little camera changed the world by allowing anyone to take pictures and, in the process, gave birth to the … Read more

Some time ago, my wife, Kathy, and I received a surprising offer of financial compensation from a major chemical manufacturer for damage one of its products did to our pine trees. Their settlement offer not only compensated us for actual losses, but also included an additional 15 percent for restitution. With this gesture, which the … Read more

Traditionally, the first Monday of September in the United States is observed as “Labor Day.” Citizens are asked to recognize the diligent work of men and women through the generations, people who have applied their skills and talents to provide services and produce goods of benefit to many. Sadly, statistics continue to show the vast … Read more

(Editor’s Note: Charles Monroe, a CBMC member in Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S.A., submitted this prayer poem for leaders, written by John O’Donohue.) May you have the grace and wisdomTo act kindly, learningTo distinguish between what isPersonal and what is not. May you be hospitable to criticism.May you never put yourself at the center of things. May … Read more

If I were to ask who your boss is, what would you say? You might say, “I report to the CEO (or the owner of the company).” Another might say, “I am the CEO, I don’t have a boss.” Still others might say, “I report to my board of directors,” or “My customers are my … Read more

When color photography began taking over black-and- white in the 1950s and ‘60s, experts knew a secret few other people knew: Unlike black-and-white photography, color film and paper were not permanent. (This is one reason my business consisted of exclusively black and white photographs for many years.) Today, 30, 40 and 50 years later, we … Read more

“If you had the opportunity to do anything you wanted to do, and money (financial compensation) was not an issue, would you still do what you are doing right now?” When a good friend asked me this question years ago, it caught me by surprise. I paused as I considered how to respond. Finally, I … Read more

Some time ago one of my business friends contracted with a large provider of software to have a new system installed for his company. Based on this vendor’s promises, and their size and history, my friend was assured that with an investment of $250,000 and six months of implementation his company would be running more … Read more

Do you remember when “customer service” was a hallmark of good business? Retailers like J.C. Penney and Sam Walton understood their customers were their greatest asset and set about determining how to serve their needs. Somehow that philosophy seems to have gotten lost in the 21st century. There was a time when sales people could … Read more

“Who are you wearing?” Does that not sound like an odd question? It is, unless you are a celebrity walking the so-called “red carpet” prior to a major entertainment event, such as the Academy Awards for motion pictures or the Grammy Awards for music. Then we understand the question to mean, “Who designed the gown … Read more