19Sep 2013 by CJ

Working hard or hardly working – does brown nosing equal success?

Information & Education, Life & Living
My grandfather used to always say if you work really hard, it will pay off and people will notice. He was a firm believer that success came in direct correlation to your efforts, and it’s a lesson I’ve taken with me throughout my own life. But I’ve noticed something alarming of late – something that may not have existed during my grandfather’s long career. Today, working hard doesn’t seem to propel you up the corporate ladder as much as you might expect. It seems the business environments of today are more about popularity than anything else. Time and time again I see people who go to great lengths to prove their worthiness to management through their dedication and efforts, only to be overshadowed by those who spend more of their…
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17Sep 2013 by CJ

When you control others because you can’t control yourself – you lose

Life & Living
I came across an interesting article the other day by psychologist Dr. David Schnarch. The title truly struck a chord in me. It read simply… “People who can't control themselves control the people around them.” Facing our own shortcomings and insecurities is never an easy path of self-discovery. Far too many times people need to emphasize their dominance over others, whether in words or actions, simply to placate themselves. I’ve witnessed this time and time again in not only relationships, but in the places we work as well. I’ve personally battled insecurities for a majority of my life – and eventually they found their way into my marriage early on. Looking back on it now, I was trying to control my wife because I felt as though I had no…
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12Sep 2013 by CJ

Why would anyone NOT want to be part of a union?

Information & Education, Life & Living
For many of us who aren’t public/government employees, we have little understanding of what it means to be a part of an organized union – which first started appearing in the mid-19th century in response to the industrial revolution. I’d venture to say if you asked anyone in America what their thoughts were on unions, they’d probably have something negative to say. Who could blame them when politicians have painted such an unflattering picture. Admittedly I knew very little about unions until I met my wife – a dedicated teacher for the last 17 years. It was only then that I began to understand the fundamental difference between organized unions and its popular replacement known as the human resources department. It led me to ask myself the question, “why would…
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09Sep 2013 by CJ

Changing the world is great – but being cherished by someone is better

Life & Living
The other day my wife and I were sharing a fond memory of my grandmother – who passed away several months ago now. It was during this conversation that she said, “I’m so glad I have so many memories of her.” My wife, God bless her, spent a lot of time with my grandmother during her summer vacations from teaching. She was her companion and chauffer on doctor’s appointments, window shopping, lunch outings or just sitting on her deck enjoying a cup of tea and conversation. It was during those times that she formed invaluable memories we still talk about today. My grandmother really loved and appreciated my wife. It often makes me smile to know that she had the opportunity, for over a decade, to have a relationship with…
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05Sep 2013 by CJ

Leadership means more than simply bossing people around

Life & Living
Each and every day, we all encounter individuals who refer to themselves as “leaders”. It’s unavoidable really - politicians, parents, managers, teachers - even our friends. But few of those who’ve chosen to brand themselves as such, truly have any idea what it actually means to lead. By definition, “to lead” means to “show the way by going in advance; to guide or direct in a course.” But far too often leading is confused with “bossing people around” – using power and dominance to show one’s superiority in stature. Such a practice increases bitterness and frustration, while decreasing the morale and self-esteem of those who often deserve better from their so-called “leader”. Leadership is not easy – which might explain why so many people fail at it. It involves relinquishing…
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