Thanksgiving is always a special holiday as we reflect on what we are thankful for. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to take time to smell the flowers and appreciate what we have. I surely am guilty of this. When we really think about it, this holiday is really about being thankful for our relationships – the wingmen in our lives who give meaning to our missions. So, as we ponder what we’re ...
My wingman screamed over the radio “Break Right, Break Right! Missile launch your 3 O’clock!” I looked to my right and saw two SAM’s (surface to air missiles) skyrocketing towards my aircraft at twice the speed of sound. If I didn’t maneuver my aircraft immediately, I would get shot down. There was no time to think. I lowered the nose, went to full power, banked the aircraft aggressively to the right and performed my best missile defense maneuver. Then I heard my wingman ...
What is the meaning of the 4th of July? On June 5, 2009, a young rancher named Neal Wanless claimed one of the biggest undivided jackpots in U.S. lottery history -- $232 million. He bought the ticket in the small town Winner, SD, part of Todd County, which according to the Census Bureau, was the nation's seventh-poorest county in 2007. In this rural and impoverished area where cows outnumber the human population, people do whatever they can to help one another. They ...
As a professional speaker and consultant, I’ve been able to network and build trusting relationships with a lot of very successful people all over the world. This truly has been a blessing and I really enjoy facilitating what I call “wingman connections” in my network. My travel schedule often prevents me from networking locally in my hometown of Atlanta, but this past week I was home so I went to a few events. Now, I’m no pro at networking. I ...
Arlete is my cleaning lady. She is the most positive, loving person I know. And I love her for it. I have to admit I just don’t like to vacuum and mop my floors so I would rather pay someone to do it. So, Arlete comes by when I need her and she creates a space happiness in my life by giving me TIME. But she’s much more than that to me. Arlete always has a smile on her face and has ...
As I write this article at my favorite Starbucks, I can't help but hear the conversation next to me. A middle-aged woman is having a coffee meeting with a peer discussing job opportunities, the market, and their personal networks. It's obvious that she's lost her job due to cutbacks and is networking like mad, reaching out to her wingmen and exploring job opportunities. Sound familiar? We all know someone who recently lost a job or who is struggling with their business. The ...
I’ve been getting countless e-mails and newsletters this past week from coaches and consultants capitalizing on the downturn in the market. Their message is fear based. “The dow is down again, it’s scary out there, layoffs are rampant!” Then they offer a $1,995 weekend seminar on wealth building or business growth that will solve all of your problems. These “compassionate coaches” become opportunistic vultures praying on the carcass of your fear. Give me a break! Here’s my take on it wingmen - Strap ...
If you want to test the true character of a person, see how they respond to adversity. Watch how they handle the pressure of a lost sale, an angry client, or a difficult boss. What do they say? How do they act? What is their emotional state? Do they freeze up and get angry, or do they buckle down and increase their focus and commitment? The same holds true for those who would assume the mantle of leadership in business. When ...
