I don’t often cry openly on an airplane in front of strangers. On a December 12, 2006 JetBlue flight to New York, I did. That day, on the History Channel, I came face to face with a man who walked the talk of his stated values and lived them so clearly that it brought me to […]
Link Baiting Hits A New Low
I went to bed angry last night. My final tweet of the night was this, “Congratulations, @WashingtonPost, you’ve taken link baiting to a new low.” I tossed and turned as I thought about the state of the fourth estate. I went to bed fuming about media’s unbridled desire to sensationalize headlines with little regard for the […]
You Don’t Need To Be The General To Have Go To War Values
In every organization, regardless of size, values take root from the top down. It rarely, if ever, works the other way. Grass roots movements to shift a company culture, to align the values of the leaders of the company with the values of it’s employees, can only go so far. Even attempts to get leaders […]
What Are Your “Go To War” Values?
Everybody loves a touchy-feely statement of values. Sites like Pinterest are littered with beautifully designed values pieces. An industry has been built around selling motivational posters based on popular, ethical values. They’re inspirational and aspirational. They make us feel good. Often, however, they don’t represent reality. Too many companies have values that are not in line […]
Embracing The Honor Of Influence
Each year, for the last four years, I’ve had the same reaction to being included on Inman’s 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders list. I have recoiled from it. I politely thank people when they mention it and I’m certainly honored by my association with some exceptional folks, but I’ve never fully embraced it. I’m sure […]
The Release Of Brand Delusions
Bill Leider has had a significant impact on my life. I had no way of knowing that 20 years ago when I hired Bill to consult with my previous company. I had no way of knowing that our relationship would progress from vendor, to partner, to dear friend. But what I have always known, from […]