tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61141842927143934752012-01-25T15:23:22.247-06:00Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.comBlogger701100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-73102162447318525362012-01-25T14:56:00.005-06:002012-01-25T15:23:22.453-06:00

What forms a boundary for you? Is it your life experience? Things you did (or did not do) as a child? Your respect for the past – for the way things have always been – or your desire to run from what once was in your upbringing? Your hesitancy to abandon the comfort you feel in predictability – or your fear of the unknown that accompanies each new reality?Perhaps the time has come for you to

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-5982932572243172352012-01-20T09:41:00.003-06:002012-01-20T09:50:23.837-06:00

Society has come to minimize the importance of competence. We do not want to single anyone out so we lessen the importance of succeeding (giving praise for accomplishments would make those unable to succeed feel inadequate). We heighten positive self-esteem and emphasize equality (failing to acknowledge that “equity” is far more important in life than “equality”). Has the concept of building a

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-68230637542425550802012-01-13T15:54:00.002-06:002012-01-13T19:39:35.506-06:00

One should never allow the apparent unreasonableness of a course of action keep him or her from attempting its completion. We should accept the fact that ANYTHING is possible rather wasting time and effort convincing ourselves to accept defeat before reaching for its alternative. The measure of a solution is in its practical and economic feasibility, not its conventional wisdom or ease of

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-77225343849408482832012-01-06T08:48:00.003-06:002012-01-06T08:55:16.852-06:00

Pogo (an early 1970’s comic strip) proclaimed, “We have met the enemy and he is us!” More than ever it seems the things we do to ourselves have a far greater impact on our lives than anything another might do to us. We live within a world of compromise – holding little as being absolute. We promote the faults and weaknesses of those around us because they allow us to look more favorably upon

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-72618783846728012822011-12-22T13:31:00.002-06:002011-12-22T13:36:26.099-06:00

In today’s competitive environment, employees cannot be stagnant within their job…cannot do only what has been assigned…if success, fulfillment and growth are realistic expectations. Looking back (instead of ahead), remaining content with the present (rather than building upon the present as a step into the future), and doing what works (as opposed to seeking what might work better) are all signs

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-87413271516087072222011-11-29T09:36:00.002-06:002011-11-29T09:44:35.885-06:00

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” Sir Winston ChurchillSuccess often comes to those willing to think “outside of the box.” New directions, products, goals, destinations, partnerships and alliances never before thought possible have emerged from the sluggish economy. We all do things differently – the degree of success achieved often directly

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-12655571595272371032011-11-23T09:47:00.006-06:002011-11-24T09:22:31.009-06:00

America was built upon the belief that individuals can realize unlimited opportunity through hard work and the effective utilization of resources. Thanksgiving recognizes the sacrifice made by so many AND the relationships developed within a new land in celebrating the sweat equity invested to make the harvest possible. Some farmed, some hunted, some cooked, some served – but all shared in the

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-4856099724813491122011-11-15T09:23:00.008-06:002011-11-21T07:25:48.346-06:00

I recently returned from a Healthcare Reform Meeting in Washington – taking with me a plethora of thoughts and considerations. As part of the Aligning Forces For Quality initiative we discussed changing the way treatment is paid for, how insurance can be designed to cover all individuals equally, and what can be done to make treatment information (with outcomes) readily available to consumers. (

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-74164506625996443432011-11-04T08:56:00.004-05:002011-11-04T09:30:52.894-05:00

In order to accomplish great things we must listen and learn so we can build our knowledge and experience base to initiate responsible actions. Good listening, however, involves more than waiting patiently to hear your owner's voice (as this now famous RCA dog once did) - it involves asking open-ended questions (as opposed to giving close-ended solutions), encouraging others to expand on a

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-72242386443256352972011-10-28T09:44:00.004-05:002011-10-28T09:49:15.942-05:00

We all make decisions – many based on “what feels right” rather than some “cookbook” recipe of right and wrong. Good decision makers see a high percentage of their “judgment calls” result in successful outcomes. People whose planned actions create more negative or “questionable” results than they do positive should probably avoid roles where making sound decisions is an essential part of their

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-40284034665580801752011-10-21T13:59:00.004-05:002011-10-21T14:14:10.912-05:00

One must closely monitor progress and constantly identify obstacles that could hinder the accomplishment of goals if he or she wishes to succeed. Consider carefully changes to established plans or your current situation before acting, but remember that the worst possible alternative many take is unintentional inaction.The game of chess requires many of the same thought processes as life – well

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-1795860015496617672011-10-14T10:27:00.007-05:002011-10-14T10:46:45.368-05:00

Were we to live in an ideal world, everyone would focus more on new beginnings than on conclusions or endings. “Drawing a line in the sand” would define more our intent to move forward than to keeping us from stepping back – to establish that we are initiating a new path or direction rather than highlighting where we would prefer to leave. Far too often, however, people think that closing one

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-56716220819218375062011-10-07T10:58:00.003-05:002011-10-07T11:39:37.032-05:00

Human Resources MAY once have been a field where individuals having a true love for people could serve their organizations well by acting as an advocate for employees and a conduit in expressing Management’s expectations. Having been “seasoned” by nearly 30 years of experience, I would suggest a “people person” stay as far from this critically strategic role as possible! The role of HR

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-86827897679152778522011-09-27T06:55:00.004-05:002011-09-27T08:13:15.753-05:00

It is hard to convince others NOT to do something when they see you do similar things yourself. How can you expect your employees to adhere to an “eight to five” schedule if your own day frequently begins at eight fifteen or ends at four thirty? Forget that you might have been doing company business the previous night, that you were at a meeting before work, that lunch was more of a thought than

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-19237567125929144662011-08-30T13:53:00.002-05:002011-08-30T14:00:17.161-05:00

During today’s competitive market, choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over popularity are difficult measures of life. Business leaders must continually use consistency, fairness and equity as the litmus test for decisions they make in regards to product offerings, finances and employment-related issues. Employees (or those seeking work) must identify and present

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-15548364953296975482011-08-12T10:28:00.005-05:002011-08-14T07:12:51.788-05:00

Have you ever met someone who sets a course in life based on how many others are doing the same thing? Rather than identifying problems, investigating their root cause and acting to resolve them they tend to take the path of least resistance and “go where others are going” or focus on the “wrongs” of others so their questionable actions seem much more “right.” The travesty in life is that far

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-1529014998259234572011-07-25T14:27:00.005-05:002011-07-25T14:38:27.585-05:00

Business needs strong, unwavering leadership more than ever. Parents want to be their children’s friends rather than their spiritual and emotional leaders. People overlook critical issues within their relationships, preferring to avoid confrontation and resolution by staying away from each other or being too busy to talk. Partisan politicians are more committed to identifying who is at fault than

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-87999692483125401572011-07-14T14:07:00.003-05:002011-07-14T14:15:56.406-05:00

I once held many thoughts as gold within my hands - more precious than the air that I breathed...I watched my accomplishments shine - rivaling the sun with their brilliance…I hid behind them – holding them up to the world – to hide my shortcoming and inadequacies.While we all face distractions and disappointments throughout our lives, holding onto what “once was” rather than reaching out for “

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-57439897537863465922011-07-07T13:41:00.001-05:002011-07-07T13:46:09.528-05:00

Far too often people determine “what is possible” by defining what cannot be done based upon what they have (or have not) done in the past. They set their goal just below what they think MIGHT BE accomplished as they determine where they are going by extending where they have been. Individuals often close their eyes to what could be, preferring to focus upon those things that have already

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-15933082655700941062011-06-29T12:41:00.004-05:002011-06-30T07:08:50.216-05:00

The United States Supreme Court ruled recently that a group of individuals who felt discriminated against by Wal-Mart could not file a class action against their employer. It was determined that each member of the class had to demonstrate an adverse impact by the organization’s misapplication or violation of a stated policy. Two significant issues addressed by this ruling were:1) A “class” of

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-52443047424113498262011-06-15T14:01:00.005-05:002011-06-15T20:17:57.601-05:00

People tend to see things (and other individuals) as they are. We live “in the moment” during our daily lives. We deal with issues and situations as they come up. We resolve conflicts as they occur. We form our opinions and establish our perspectives based on what we see, hear or experience. A phrase originating during my misguided youth (“What you see is what you get!”) appropriately

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-58369261251333237452011-06-03T14:36:00.003-05:002011-07-01T12:04:04.834-05:00

There is a time for every season and for every season there is a time. Spring ushers hope into the world – prying life from the icy fingers of winter. Summer is a time to bask in the warmth and to grow – to reach deeply into the ground so we might be able to find nourishment in the soil as we gain strength to weather the coming times. Fall is a time of respite – of preparing for the long cold

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-49755393374531025442011-05-27T13:57:00.003-05:002011-05-27T14:12:17.661-05:00

Memorial Day has become the long weekend that kicks off summer. Children look forward to school ending soon so they can explore new horizons outdoors (hopefully) rather than inside a classroom (though some are already looking forward to returning in the fall to see friends they might not otherwise see). Some (though not all) parents see the weekend as “the beginning of the end” as they must

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-37782627985678248582011-05-18T07:56:00.002-05:002011-05-18T08:02:45.046-05:00

One can only become what he or she perceives as being achievable. If one “dreams big,” great things can happen. If one chooses to live within their present abilities, he or she may never realize the fullness of their potential. When we stretch our goals – reaching for fruit from the highest branches rather than accepting only low hanging fruit – we will taste success far beyond that shared

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-46540191237780351002011-04-28T10:46:00.004-05:002011-04-28T11:05:16.379-05:00

I recently spoke with an individual ready to pursue additional education so that she could switch fields completely and move as quickly away from her current job situation as possible. While she enjoyed the WORK she did, she did not respect her boss, was disappointed that an excellent co-worker recently left the organization, and felt the Organization’s Board of Directors had “no clue” as to

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-3907274102391750382011-04-12T15:40:00.005-05:002011-08-12T10:36:52.279-05:00

We learn to play many games as children – unfortunately resulting in us learning as much how to follow as to lead. “Simon Says…” is a game played by many a child where creativity and originality are discouraged in favor of doing exactly what is asked, allowed or permitted. Many lessons in life MAY be learned by doing what we are told but far more can be gained through experience. My wife and I

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-18222328664965909092011-03-24T13:42:00.002-05:002011-03-24T13:47:03.374-05:00

Some people sleep without dreaming and awaken rested. Others dream while sleeping and awaken inspired. We must dream what we wish to accomplish before we can expect anything to happen. What kind of life could be based on the premise that what “is” will never change – that bringing the beliefs, values, ideals and accomplishments of several together would serve only to advance each individually

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-69854262755775407572011-03-18T14:18:00.004-05:002011-03-18T14:40:55.738-05:00

A Human Resource professional was recently reviewing his organization’s turnover report at a Board of Directors meeting. One of the group’s divisions had experienced an increase in turnover (from 15 to 20 employees representing more than a 5% increase). The turnover, attributed to unreasonable work schedules and a non-competitive pay structure, had many on the Board concerned that a continued

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-63251516619308932912011-03-01T15:26:00.002-06:002011-03-01T15:33:46.297-06:00

When working with people, our “first impressions” often inaccurately influence the way we react to others UNLESS we take time to identify their origins. I have found that:Unfounded perceptions can negatively influence thoughts and actions. I once worked with the owner of a small machine shop that was struggling financially. A 76-year old machinist became a “source of conflict” within the shop.

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-76203289454776425592011-02-22T08:39:00.003-06:002011-02-22T08:46:27.219-06:00

People used to work hard for most of their lives before stepping aside to enjoy the fruits of their labor in a seemingly short period of retirement. They gladly left others to fill the void their absence created – seeking the time to do what they wanted to do rather than what they had to do. Health insurance, an inexpensive benefit meant to prevent financial disaster caused by a serious health

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-40688016704893978322011-02-14T08:03:00.002-06:002011-02-14T08:06:58.339-06:00

We often lose sight of where we are going because we focus on what we think we know. We make assumptions within relationships that tend to establish their depth and direction (whether they are personal, professional or parental). Some actions are nearly impossible to alter once set into motion so it might be wise to avoid forming opinions or setting sail upon a specific course without first

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-83314591656858410722011-02-04T09:27:00.002-06:002011-02-04T09:33:14.907-06:00

OK…we have had winter for the snowmobilers, skiers and ice skaters. It was beautiful to see the earth covered with its blanket of pristine white snow, with a rare day of sunshine creating a blindingly stark contrast to our normal grey days of February. I said that I wanted one good storm before we moved on – and we had it! Let us move forward into spring and summer!The groundhog (if he was smart)

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-68320426248984781252011-01-31T09:44:00.002-06:002011-01-31T10:04:27.475-06:00

If someone could develop a “one size fits all” leadership style that was “guaranteed to produce positive results” they would make a fortune. We all bring unique and individual characteristics to the leadership party so such an approach could not work. To maximize results we must identify and accentuate strengths, meld them into the fabric and culture of our workplace, then find ways to make up

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-10696851561861518302011-01-21T07:48:00.002-06:002011-01-21T07:52:14.456-06:00

One of my favorite authors, Ayn Rand, wrote books celebrating the power of individuals within a fictional world embracing societal equality (The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged). Her novels depict individuals whose unique and special gifts are stolen (without guilt or appreciation) by a society seeking ownership of all ideas and concepts as it seeks to impose equality (as opposed to equity) on

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-61245437316424545012011-01-17T15:48:00.001-06:002011-01-17T15:52:27.754-06:00

The only way an individual will thrive is by learning to accept the previously unacceptable - to innovate rather than finding comfort in what always was (because it may never again be)! We once sought knowledge so we could perform a job by applying our "learning" to known, well-defined situations. We must now learn to think (rather than simply thinking that we can "do as expected") within an

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-85441198239837259582011-01-10T12:17:00.002-06:002011-01-10T12:20:35.688-06:00

The worst part of letting go of something you need…that you know is more important to your life than the very air you breathe…of watching as it floats upon the wind, just out of reach but never out of mind…is waiting helplessly for it to return. Recognizing that if something you let go does not return…does not reflect the feelings you had or the inseparable bond you tried to establish…it,

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-30343545180165155832011-01-03T11:02:00.004-06:002011-01-03T12:27:58.503-06:00

If I were to make a New Year's Resolution this year it would be to "be the wind beneath another's wings" whenever possible - lifting others to their own new heights rather than pulling them along towards my new horizons.Other thoughts for a successful New Year...Avoid the complacency of status quo. Even if it might be easier and result in acceptable conclusions, we live in a world where “keeping

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-44626572861027104262010-12-16T08:50:00.004-06:002010-12-16T09:11:36.327-06:00

He stood on the edge of his world…Watching and Waiting.He watched as life passed him by, as it played out its hand, as it ran its course…He watched as painted people lived their pictured lives…as hollow forms moved through empty existence.He watched as metallic voices cried out to deafened, unhearing ears...as cold hearts pumped lifeless blood into the vacuum of their souls.And he waited for love

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-55408993308262293032010-11-10T11:11:00.002-06:002010-11-10T11:41:23.646-06:00

Life is not a spectator sport – it requires careful consideration, intelligent planning and intentional action. Most successful individuals establish basic tenants for their life – rules they use to hold themselves accountable for their own actions. While everyone lives by some set of values and ethics, some of the rules that provide the “highest return on investment” would include the

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-18014280747531043042010-10-18T14:32:00.003-05:002010-10-18T14:37:07.940-05:00

Having grown up in an era where a telephone was a device that transmitted voice communications from one person to another (and even occasionally shared the conversation via what was then called a “party line”), I sometimes have a hard time understanding the way individuals “talk” to each other today.We once verbalized our thoughts – we now reduce our discussions to a series of keystrokes. Raising

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-69251726215625903652010-10-12T13:30:00.015-05:002010-10-12T13:58:44.330-05:00

What do YOU think about the “if you are at least two months behind in payments…” or the “if you have at least $30,000 in credit card debt…” ads that dangle the “it’s OK if you get in trouble” carrot in front of us IF ONLY we call now? There seem to be dozens of “escapes” available to consumers (mostly at the expense of producers) – but what about an honest to goodness opportunity for business to

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-54028451660036010212010-10-08T15:05:00.008-05:002010-10-08T15:18:48.647-05:00

Motivational posters inspire us by linking a strong visual image with an appeal of greatness to our inner selves. The profitability of organizations such as “Successories” validates our craving for external inspiration.Sports quotes often inspire and motivate to greatness by linking individual ambitions to the accomplishments of others. “We don’t lose – we just run out of time.” “It’s not the

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-3277761249792048352010-10-01T14:59:00.002-05:002010-10-02T08:40:26.316-05:00

A good manager must operate as if propped up by a three-legged stool balancing firmly upon a foundation of Capability, Consistency, and Credibility. While many can express a thorough knowledge of products, systems or sets of facts, one is not deemed “capable” of managing until that understanding is applied to a situation or set of circumstances in such a way that employees experience positive (

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-60580402734274775792010-09-27T08:35:00.001-05:002010-09-27T08:37:57.912-05:00

One of the greatest freedoms our country offers is the unrestricted right to express our opinion within the voting booth. Many feel that their single voice does not make a difference so they chose to muffle it by not voting – but when we do not speak, how can we claim victory (or complain when what we want is not implemented)? Choosing not to vote is a blatant disregard for the freedom we have

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-8104274686970878372010-09-17T14:25:00.003-05:002010-09-17T14:31:17.863-05:00

I spoke to a company recently about the difficulty they are having finding entry level manufacturing help. Much has been said about the lack of qualified candidates having the requisite job skills to perform specialized positions available within our region – but it seems strange that no- to low- skilled positions are difficult to fill, also. Another testament to our times would be the employer

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-60735655032232849932010-09-13T09:57:00.002-05:002010-09-13T10:02:08.977-05:00

While our Constitution grants us certain freedoms and unalienable rights, do these freedoms extend into the workplace? There was once an understanding that individuals are accountable for what they do and say – has this accountability been lost over time? What ownership does an individual have (or expect to have) over personal materials found on his or her company computer – or does use of a

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-38078693915950370322010-08-31T14:39:00.004-05:002010-08-31T14:46:33.644-05:00

Labor Day, the creation of organized labor meant to recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers, has become an annual tribute to the contributions our nation’s workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. New York City workers celebrated the first Labor Day in 1882. The first governmental recognition for the Holiday came through municipal

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-7119200398658636802010-08-20T14:05:00.004-05:002010-08-20T14:33:14.389-05:00

A Human Resource Professional must address tough situations every day. Many times he or she is called upon to make decisions that are "right" for their company but could be uncomfortable for someone else - possibly even to the point of jeopardizing their own job. Making the "right" decision isn't always easy BUT it is all a part of the day for HR Decision-makers. How would YOU handle THESE

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-46814637033064397162010-08-13T13:43:00.005-05:002010-08-13T13:56:18.060-05:00

The sun was shining bright that day,The skies did seem quite cloudy…Spring's silent promise filled the air,While thunder rumbled loudly…Success within his grasp was sweet,But failure fell upon him…The nightmares of past losses clear,Life’s dreams fought to supplant them…Lemons were all ripe for harvest,Though apples were abundant…With lemonade his specialty,Thoughts of cider seemed redundant…

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-68101928626126755682010-08-09T13:33:00.007-05:002010-08-09T13:53:13.805-05:00

Why are some people invigorated by a seemingly insurmountable task while others seem paralyzed by the same situation? Some see the opportunity to make progress towards the completion of a project while others shut down unless they see an immediate conclusion well within their reach. Other than the obvious propensity towards taking risks, I would venture that there is one underlying

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-50689357211520398602010-07-22T15:49:00.004-05:002010-07-22T15:53:44.680-05:00

Time is seemingly in abundance when we have nothing to do – yet it flies as if on the wings of eagles when we would prefer it to stand still. Some tend to worry more about when they will finish the race than they do about the pleasure found along the way or the satisfaction of simply crossing the finish line. Many worry needlessly about things outside of their control rather than acting upon

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-7410174061580813692010-07-20T09:41:00.002-05:002010-07-20T09:46:31.578-05:00

Imagination is the ability to challenge the world of “what is” by relentlessly asking “why not?”I was splitting wood for our furnace several years ago. A neighborhood child joined me and began asking questions with every swing of my splitting maul. “Could you hear that if nobody was here to listen?” “Why can’t you burn the wood without splitting it?” The one that struck home was “Why didn’t you

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-80205454414799633302010-07-13T13:47:00.009-05:002010-07-13T14:16:02.986-05:00

Many people live within the memories of their past, dwelling in thoughts of the safe places that bring them happiness and security rather than seeking new beginnings - living comfortably within a sheltered world of accomplishments. When life is contained within established thoughts and dreams of “what is” and re-enactments of “what has been,” can one ever realize his or her full potential?Some

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-76593225837279495202010-07-02T07:00:00.002-05:002010-07-02T07:00:04.621-05:00

The Fourth of July…Independence Day…is once again upon us. We should pause to consider the leap of faith that others made to establish this country AND the sacrifice that our fellow Americans continue to make to preserve the freedoms we all enjoy.Founded on the belief that an individual has the fundamental right of freedom, our country (and the concept of Democracy) has changed much over time. We

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-67155895212344915202010-06-29T12:23:00.003-05:002010-06-29T12:34:15.062-05:00

Our nation faces the potential for unprecedented political change during the coming year. Regardless of the actions taken by those currently holding office – be they good or bad – a groundswell of emotion is sweeping the country crying out in a voice that demands “out with the old – in with the new!” In our rush to change, however, I fear much may be lost in the process.Many candidates are

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-37857873553067127442010-06-11T08:21:00.005-05:002010-06-17T08:34:35.915-05:00

America was built upon the belief that individuals can realize unlimited opportunity through hard work and the effective utilization of resources if a superior product or service is produced that appeals (and sells) to a consuming public. Implied within this basic tenant is that while we ARE created equally, we possess different gifts, abilities and competencies so we ARE NOT presumed to be

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-40220615409574340042010-06-01T11:44:00.001-05:002010-06-01T11:49:17.961-05:00

When you see a storm coming, do you think about the destruction that it will bring – the ways that your daily activities will be inconvenienced – or do you think of the beauty and power that will be displayed and the sense of freshness that remains once it’s passed? When someone tries to bring you down so they can feel more important and self-assured, do you accept the mantle of subservience or

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-33019501425478379012010-05-21T15:10:00.007-05:002010-05-21T15:27:28.482-05:00

What is the “new normal” to you? I’ve heard the term linked with the different values each generation brings to the workforce. I’ve heard the “new normal” as being anything replacing that which is old or outdated. The new normal has been used to address ongoing high unemployment, periods of continuing inflation (or recession), or an unexpected change in work schedule that extends beyond a short

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-29925765816546991542010-05-14T09:27:00.003-05:002010-05-14T09:32:37.732-05:00

It has been written that variety is the spice of life BUT it seems many seek to homogenize the world by establishing their own values as the standard to which others should be measured. To these short-sighted souls, walking a mile in another’s shoes means that others would be wise to follow the path they have chosen, and the thought of sharing the lifestyle of another (and possibly growing from

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-21076067435631086092010-05-10T07:56:00.008-05:002010-05-10T08:04:15.553-05:00

Geese are structured and protective birds by nature – much like many supervisors and teachers that I’ve met. Leaders, trainers and educators tend to establish clear and concise expectations that must be followed in a defined manner to achieve anticipated results. Much like the choreographed motion within a flock of geese in flight, there tends to be a “time and place” for everything when others

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-61117305945204087982010-04-29T10:59:00.002-05:002010-04-29T11:41:30.612-05:00

We often hear the phrase "draw a line in the sand" in regards to putting one thought or course of action to rest before moving on to another. The drawing of such a line, however, tends to emphasize the end of something old as much (if not more) than the beginning of something new. In an ideal world of "what if" (rather than our reality of "what is") I'd prefer to think that drawing a line in the

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-13341779965406143792010-04-15T09:21:00.002-05:002010-04-15T09:36:02.994-05:00

Some people teeter on the edge of their world – watching and waiting – as the reality of life passes them by. They join the throng of painted people living pictured lives moving through an empty existence, melding with other tortured spirits playing out a life they feel was given them without option or choice. They act out assigned roles – existing without purpose – immersed in a bleak reality

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-42835665503401695082010-04-05T10:08:00.004-05:002010-04-05T10:28:20.327-05:00

I recently observed an eagle circling his nest. Seeing the ease with which he captured the power of the wind beneath his wings, soaring effortlessly through the evening sky – made me understand why our forefathers chose the eagle as our national symbol. The eagle demonstrates the strength one can find in solitude – and the power of individuality that can be manifested when one lights out on his

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-25371319649232345092010-03-29T12:29:00.008-05:002010-03-31T15:09:06.520-05:00

Have you ever heard a competitor say, “I’m glad to have lost that game!” rather than being excited to have won? What would you think if an “I tried hard and almost won the last game” cup were awarded to the second place team rather than crowning a national champion at the end of a season? We tend to reach for the top rather than being content to simply stand on sidelines of success. If we

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-10101630008437040732010-03-23T07:38:00.006-05:002010-04-08T15:19:07.889-05:00

When people choose to take the path of least resistance, they often diminish their ability to establish individuality. They suffer in silence rather than identifying and addressing the issues that most concern them. Peer pressure drives decisions, many times creating a “flock” mentality that leads individuals towards an ill-conceived destination. Saying “no” to the crowd – and in doing so

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-75058005854272215762010-03-15T08:02:00.008-05:002010-03-15T09:00:16.637-05:00

It has been said that “life is a beach,” but we often frame our reality (and define our personal beach) by the perspective we choose. Depending on our perspective, a safe harbor can provide either a place of refuge or a place of renewal. Our quiet shores can be either an idyllic place upon which sand castles are constructed OR much more, depending upon the perspective we take. Look beyond the

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-52749263679669309262010-03-08T07:39:00.005-06:002010-03-08T07:53:13.265-06:00

You've heard the phrase "smoke and mirrors" when referencing something that isn't quite as it appears to be. It's been used (perhaps appropriately?) when talking about both our Nation's and our State's economies in recent months. Saying something is improving doesn't make it so - nor does generating wealth through the creation of debt stabalize an economy. Perhaps our elected leadership should

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-80649396962672852352010-03-02T07:35:00.003-06:002010-03-02T07:43:44.777-06:00

We often base our reality more on what we see that on what truly is. If we stand outside a tunnel and look in we see a dark empty void that offers little hope. If, however, we stand in the tunnel and look out we see a new horizon holding unlimited possibilities. Perspective is a choice - choose your's wisely!

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-21689435845583008712010-02-25T11:53:00.004-06:002010-02-25T11:59:24.038-06:00

Today’s world is fraught with danger. If knowledge could be considered our sword and truth our shield, understanding – the application of knowledge – would become a suit of armor surrounding us with wisdom. Don’t be lost in a fog, or let those around you be shattered upon the rocks. Life is not a spectator sport. Rather than simply watching and waiting, allow the light of your wisdom to shine

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6114184292714393475.post-38486652368376463202010-02-16T12:58:00.003-06:002010-02-25T12:01:49.422-06:00

I was looking out my window this past weekend and was struck how perfectly our icy set of wind chimes described the recent legislative actions of our government. I feel that the “sounds of silence” coming from reasonable voices in Congress must be akin to a wind chime blowing restlessly in the breeze as a single unit, frozen solid, waiting for spring to awaken it so that it can once again perform

Dave Smith, CAE, President and CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09695279182966250421noreply@blogger.com1