Author Archives: Bill Wiersma

This Is The Way We Do It, But…

As we were reminded in a recent post a little over a week ago, being open to new possibilities can be rewarding.  It certainly was for my daughter’s friend who came to realize that by implementing a different approach to … Continue reading

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Doing Their Very Best Work…The Ultimate Example

Being non-judgmental, selfless, caring, responsible…you gotta love people who can get beyond themselves (think: mind-set two—being part of something bigger than yourself).  I’ve regularly observed that people did their best work (and were most fulfilled) when they were a part … Continue reading

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Professionalize Teaching ?—A Duke University Senior Speaks Out

‘We must become more professional’ is a mantra I regularly hear amongst both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. For instance, many have argued that management should have the same types of standardized professional requirements that law does.  Whether you agree … Continue reading

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Can We Tolerate Working With You?

In 1999 Whirlpool began a quest to go from one-product, one-customer manufacturer of washing machines to being the global leader of marketing and manufacturing major household appliances, with revenues over $10 billion. Today the Whirlpool brand is the top-selling appliance … Continue reading

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Ain’t Maturity Grand?

Senior citizens may cringe when being referred to as mature, but hopefully the rest of us will take it as a compliment rather than a slight.  I don’t know about you, but I love dealing with people who are able … Continue reading

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Applying The Mind-Sets To Tough Meetings

Got a tough meeting coming up—one in which involves critical problem-solving, or one in which emotions may run high?  If you’re like me, you’ll need all the help you can get.  Here’s a tip. Assuming you’re dealing with a group … Continue reading

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How Old Are Your Stories?

Great communicators are, in large part, storytellers.  There’s nothing like a great personal story to make an important point memorable—cementing it into our hearts and minds.  While repetition is important, it’s less-so when people share their personal stories until they … Continue reading

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Do We Need A Statue of Responsibility?

It was the renowned scholar Viktor Frankl (who wrote the amazing book Man’s Search For Meaning) that recommended that a Statue of Responsibility be erected on the west coast to compliment the Statue of Liberty on the east coast. Politicians … Continue reading

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‘The Best Five Players’…Congratulations To The University of Kentucky

Richard Kovacevich, the retired chairman of the board of directors and former CEO of Wells Fargo (who was also an avid athlete) , once noted that, “You learn very quickly playing sports that it’s all about team. It’s the best … Continue reading

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