Losing trust in banks

In today’s Des Moines Register, there is an article wondering how banks can re-gain our trust:  our prescription–follow the ROCC of Trust.
The reason financial leaders have lost our trust is that they are not Reliable, Open (or transparent), Competent and Compassionate. We have studied how leaders build trust and if they want to re-gain our [...]

Help us honor our friend, Bob Schoeni, who has ALS

Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the online petition:
“Make July 4th National ALS Awareness Day”
hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition
service, at:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/122296/
I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might agree, too.  If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider signing yourself.
Aneil and [...]

UGGs! Where are you?!

Our 14-year old hoards her allowance, rarely spending money on herself, except now for her all-important golf clubs and accessories.  So, when she decided to spend some of her allowance and Christmas money on herself, we were impressed–it is hard to move that money from her hands.  But, we had one snag—she wanted UGGs and [...]

Nonprofits more transparents than bailed-out banks

This Christmas, we decided to give to charitable organizations in leiu of giving “stuff”.  We’ve been interested to see the variety of information we get back from those nonprofits once we have given money.  After being on nonprofit boards, I’m pleased to see how much more focused on relationships and transparency these nonprofits are.
After giving [...]

Where’s My Bailout, Ben Bernanke and Hank Paulson? I Won’t Waste My Tax Refund

I have yet to be surprised at the latest ridiculous, sad, and painful news that roils our financial markets and business new daily.  It’s almost as if there are individuals and institutions lurking out there waiting to one-up each other in presenting their example of our broken political-economic system.  We have protected those who engaged [...]

Can you have a conversation with your doctor?

A recent NY Times article describes the habits of highly respected physicians, which include that they:
• Ask permission to enter the room; wait for an answer.
• Introduce yourself; show your ID badge.
• Shake hands.
• Sit down. Smile if appropriate.
• Explain your role on the health care team.
• Ask how the patient feels about being [...]

I Found My Mate as a Date in College

Original Post 1-31-08
Although”officially” Karen and began dating the summer before I went off to college, we dated each other throughout college and she was my “steady” (a term probably unheard of on today’s college campuses. So once again, I felt like I was a Neanderthal when I read this in today’s Wall Street Journal:

College [...]

Bah Hambug! Mother Scrooges Lay Off their Nannies

Just when I thought I’ve read it all, comes this article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal:
The family that hired her on a full-time basis in 2004 is now using her only sporadically, when Addie, 5, and Alexa, 3, are sick or when their mother, Suzanne Sirof, is under the weather.
Ms. Monterrosa, a single mother of [...]

The Healthcare Crisis Only Worsens When the Cookie Crumbles

I’m sure most of us face significant health care expenses each year, even if we are healthy and have good jobs.  However, I learned in reading today’s Wall Street Journal that COBRA, the federal law that permits employees to continue their health insurance at their own expense when they lose their jobs, doesn’t apply when [...]

Checklist for Airlines — Make Sure Departing Passengers Wear Their Shoes!

I returned from Istanbul last week, tired but grateful for the opportunity to work with top managers from Coca-Cola Icecek.  I had the privilege of listening once again to Cem Kozlu, the former president of Turkish Airlines who emphasized the importance of checklists for effective management.
The importance of his message hit home as I returned [...]