Now You Know: The Need for Communication

We live our lives surrounded by people who’s communication skills are about as reliable as driving a Tonka truck to work. Many relationships and business ventures fail due to lack of communication; all linked to our want and need, to know. Every business, event, organization etc. can only survive when a clear concise purpose is communicated and executed. The cycle of human error introduces a goal followed by the assigning of specific jobs to specific people. However, the goal is often delayed due to lack of communication in the execution process. Follow up and follow through are the keys to success. Ever send an email followed by sleepless nights starring at a computer screen hoping for an inbox response that never comes? Ever suffered at the hands of a friend who just so happened to leave out a vital piece of information that could have saved you a heap of trouble? Often frustration and inconvenience is rooted in the lack of communication. It takes no more than a few questions followed by a few detailed answers that can defuse confusion in any situation. I encourage you to not only be the foundation in your future projects, but vigorously get involved in the construction of them as well. Employers communicate with your employees and employees communicate with your employer.  A thriving and flourishing environment is so when all elements are in sync. Yahoo News article “Google co-founder Page takes over, targets Facebook” reported Jan 20^th that Google is now taking steps to ensure its survival against the conglomerates Facebook and Twitter. Since 1998 household home screens have been hip to Google as a resources and internet guide. It comes as a shock that they are now feeling the pressure from the ever growing social networks. My guess is social networks allow us to communicate more effectively and conveniently thus their popularity grows. Minute by minute updates, photo and video communication; we no longer ponder and wonder what’s going on, we know!! Facebook and Twitter are the top 2 largest social networks and they are because they offer access to ongoing information. If more planners, executives and leaders opened the doors of communication with those involved in their projects they could all receive the benefits of increased popularity, growth through joint understanding and lasting productivity. In your search for success make it your goal to ensure that all parties communicate. Follow up and follow through!

YOU’VE JUST BEEN CARESSED

A Few Good Men: To Care or Not To Care That is the Question

I hate when other people don’t share your sense of urgency! Oblivious to the seriousness of a situation, those around us often care only about their objective and completely ignore the reality of others. Upset with their reaction, we then shut down claiming with our chests out and arms folded “From now on the only person I’m looking out for is me”. As a result of our discontent we ignore the issues of others simply because their issues and ours do not intertwine. Thus the never ending cycle of selfish behavior has risen to see another day. We’ve all felt like we’ve been done wrong at some point in our lives, but its how we react that is the true test of our character. Often our potential for meaningful relationships is diminished as a result of our response, leaving us alone and wondering why we can’t seem to catch a break. The opposite reality of such behavior is illustrated in the 2000 movie “Paying it Forward”. The film introduces a concept much different from that of selfish behavior. Instead, it proposes the idea of going out of your way to do something for someone else. Responding positively to your kindness, the receiver then feels as if it is their duty to do something kind for another, and another, and another. The cycle of kindness leads to insurmountable growth both personally and socially. The question then becomes how do we transform the fictitious reality in the movie into actuality? How do we deal with those times of urgency when no one seems to understand? Well I’m not Dr. Phil or Dr. Drew, and I’m sure you’re not some crazed audience member or a strung out celebrity so I don’t have some counselor approved answer. I do know that I like it when people show they care even when they don’t. I enjoy walking into a business and they treat me with respect. I appreciate when someone opens the door or helps me down the stairs and I feel somewhat of a relief knowing that there are a few good people still left in this crazy world. My objective is to be one of them regardless of my circumstances. We all can help each other succeed if we cared a little more about someone other than ourselves. I encourage you to be the caring employee, or the understanding boss, kindness goes a long way.

YOU’VE JUST BEEN CARESSED

Division Tarnishes Success: Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj

No one stays on the throne forever but it seems now more than ever, women have increased competition between one another in the workplace. Nicki Minaj stated on Chelsea Lately that women who are assertive get ridiculed by men as a result of their “bossy” behavior. But has “bossy” behavior gone too far? The days of working for the purpose of doing a great job have been replaced with the need to prove deserved respect. Lil Kim on New Years Eve bashed Nicki Minaj stating “we can ride together but you aint takin nothing from me”. The question however is, why are women competing in an area they fought so hard to gain access to. If anything, we should all lend a helping hand to our female counterparts, uplifting each other toward success. Without Kim there would be no Nicki and without Nicki, Kim would fade to black. Many times we fail to realize how joining with our competitors could potentially aid in our efforts significantly. Who can forget 2 of the greatest icons in hip hop, Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur both slain in the heat of a rivalry, oblivious to the potential they could have together. Years later Eminem saw the potential and created a collaboration entitled “Runnin”. Even today it is considered one of the greatest collaborations of all time and a must have for Biggie and Tupac fans. Unfortunately, neither rapper had the chance to experience longevity and success together as a result of their unwarranted competition. Surprisingly, Lil Kim knows all too well the consequences of such behavior yet continues to engage in it. Collaboration with Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj would catapult both of their careers however blindsided by the title of #1 female rapper, neither can see past their own egos. Often times we, as young adults, feel the need to prove ourselves but fail to see the power in collaboration and cooperation. Drama sells, this is a proven fact, but drama also derails us off our intended track. I encourage you to learn from those you compete with!  Search for inspiration from peers and coworkers, ultimately realizing that you don’t have it all figured out but at least you can cover more ground if you work together.

YOU’VE JUST BEEN CARESSED

When disaster strikes: fight back!

When disaster strikes are you in a position to role with the punches or do you check out, defeated by a TKO? Recently my patience and strength was tested, however, in the midst of my storm a lesson was taught. Leaving in 6 days to return to school, my car broke down on the side of the highway. Does this classify as a disaster? Well for some it’s just a bump in the road, as for me, a student with maybe 300 in savings, it was a disaster! My mind began to factor every possible domino effect into this horrible equation, leaving me frustrated, distraught and just angry. My first response was to throw my keys into the ongoing traffic, kick my tires, beat on the window and leave the car sitting there to think about what it had done to me. Unfortunately, as much as I may personify my vehicle, it doesn’t have feeling and ultimately its performance is contingent upon my care. So in essence, cars do what cars do, people do what people do and in the end, the only thing I control is me! This reality confirms the notion that we never know what will happen in life and when it will happen, the only thing we can do is anticipate and prepare. Many young adults, desensitized by their parent’s safety net, have a hard time grasping this concept before it’s too late. Let’s face it, if there was a problem, mom, dad, uncle, teacher or some other authority handled the situation for us. Boy how time flies. The days of Saturday morning cartoons and stressing over nothing more than your next outfit, are gone. A new mentality must be adopted if we are ever to survive in a world where uncertainty is served with coffee and donuts for breakfast. We are told to prepare for our future, but do we ever prepare for disaster? What use is saving money for an apartment or product that contributes to our future if the unexpected pit falls wipe out our savings? Multitasking and multi-thinking is the key to success. Focus on your future but save and prepare for those circumstances in life we can’t predict. Preparation is the root of perseverance. I encourage you to live life being pro-active instead of reactive, and when you can, give your car a hug, it didn’t mean to hurt you!

YOU’VE JUST BEEN CARESSED

The Cycle of Poverty: Jordan Shoe Investment

Last week in Dallas, TX riots broke out as consumers rushed to purchase the "Cool Grey" Michael Jordan shoe. For years Jordan shoes have been considered collectors items, fashionable necessities and definitions of style. In 2001 Jordan issued the same shoe for only 24 hours and the 2001 version now sells for over 400 dollars on eBay. What is the significance? I went to the mall two days after Christmas to see at least 3 people wearing the “Cool Grey” shoe. Still isn’t clicking yet? Well, since the beginning of the Jordan shoe empire the shoes themselves have proven to be worthy investments! However, many consumers buy, wear and tarnish their worth in the sake of fashion! It is not surprising that the largest consumers of these shoes are those in the lower and middle class, which is evidence to the thought process of many low income citizens. Too often we cheat ourselves, making emotional decisions that ultimately contribute to our demise. We buy a shoe that a few years later could be worth triple what we paid for them. We wear them because we want others to know we have the money to buy them, we then flaunt them at every function to possibly catch a glimpse of recognition from our peers and while the rich are building interest on their investments we are losing it. There lies the cycle of poverty. We don’t have, so we buy and act like we have to feel like we compete with those who do have and because of our poor decisions we will never have, at least not consistently. Time is money. Investments take time and emotions can often get in the way of us using our time wisely!! I encourage you to look carefully at what you do and buy in the times ahead. Strive for long term wealth instead of quick meaningless affirmations of self worth. Sacrifice now to celebrate later. The decisions we make today are the keys to our success in the future.

YOU"VE JUST BEEN CARESSED

THE 3 AMBITION TYPES: WHERE WILL YOU BE IN 5 YEARS

Have you reached your peak, your plateau your highest point? Have you done all there is to do? There are 3 types of people in the world, and no I don’t mean personality types but ill classify these as ambition types. There are those who are complacent with mediocrity, those who are happy with enjoying the “now” without regard to the future. On the other hand there are those who couldn’t sit on a porch and do nothing without going completely crazy, those who must strive for the future because the “now” just isn’t good enough. Lastly there are those who live in the future and want so desperately to silence their cell phones, cancel their meetings and enjoy a glass of wine by the fire. The question now is, which ambition type are you? Those over the age of 50 may identify more with ambition type #1, sipping lemonade on a hot day, naming each car by make and model as they pass by. Type # 2 are the 25 and up crowd working to make life better and easier in the future, paving the way as some would say, constantly striving to “one-up” their parents and grandparents. Type # 3 should be those 25 and under who flash full speed ahead creating and innovating! As the type 1’s always say, “we are the future”, or are we? Society has reversed the ambition cycle and now more and more youth are content with life as it is! They no longer spend their nights planning and inventing, we now play video games, check friend statuses and reach for nothing beyond the table in front of us. Where has the ambition gone? We sit idle watching celebrity news but know nothing of real news! We spend nights at bars instead of coffee houses, planning business ventures. We can find friends from elementary school on Facebook but we cant find a job. We have deserted determination and no longer push for progress. Now is the time! It’s now or never, where will you be in 5 years? Sitting on the porch watching cars pass you by or will you self motivate yourself using every bit of the energy God has blessed you with to fulfill a purpose beyond you or the present. Be the future once again!!!!!!!!

YOU'VE JUST BEEN CARESSED