When we ordered the stained glass window as an accent piece for our home, the artist-proprietor told us he was a bit behind. “So,” he said, “to be on safe side, plan on six months.” That was two years ago. We still don’t have the window. Each time we call or stop in, he has yet another plausible reason why our project isn’t done, the...

Consider this scenario. A colleague suggests you get a business coach. Via the Internet, you find one close-by. The woman says she’d love to help. She charges $300 a month for two 30-minute calls. It seems like a good deal, so you eagerly sign on the dotted line. Next, you are sent to a website to learn your Enneagram type. This personality...

Mary Ann, a top-flight computer programmer, was well regarded and appreciated by her employer. When a management position became available in her department, she was the leading candidate for the job. At first, Mary Ann was inclined to accept the promotion gladly, but then a shadow of doubt settled in. She wasn't sure she really wanted the job. When...

1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. 2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. 3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. 4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. 5. Honesty and frankness...

Gift giving customs vary greatly from country to country. What is considered appropriate in France may be entirely inappropriate in Japan. How do you know that you are not making a cultural "faux pas" when giving a gift to your top international client? You are not alone. US presidents and executives from large, high visibility corporations have...

Managers should invest wisely in well-designed staff orientation programs. Effectively orientating your new employees can pay back big dividends in staff retention, employee commitment and customer satisfaction. Staff members who are properly trained and welcomed at the beginning of their careers feel good about their choice of employer, fit in...

1. Don't fall for the notion of trying to be "one of the boys." Those women who do never really make it much further than middle management. It makes men feel uncomfortable seeing a woman behaving in what, to them, is an unnatural way. 2. Act like a woman. Men and women are very biologically different and we both have strengths and complement...