Houston, we've got a problem!

We’ve got a problem!  We’ve got trouble!  You’ve dropped the ball!  I’m sending you an email you’re not going to like!  This is the IRS, you’re going to be audited! 

All things you don’t like to hear when you answer the phone.  It’s meant to shock.  I get that and if you like confrontation and putting people immediately on the defensive, then that’s the correct approach.

I, on the other hand, don’t react well to that approach.  As a matter of fact, my level of respect drops for people who use this tact.  And I have met a lot of professionals over the years who believe using a loud voice and carrying a big stick works in the professional world.  I turn them off, but that’s just me.  Others may quiver and react when threatened.

I believe that people in the professional world, in general, aim to please.  Everyone makes mistakes and there are challenges to be faced every day.  Offering respect, choices and solutions go a lot further in my books.  That’s why I like the quote, “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar”.  Words to live by.

Wave of the Future?

Is it really going to reduce carbon emissions?  Maybe, depending on where you live.  In Alberta, approximately 50% of the electricity produced comes from burning coal.  Electric generation by coal is not as efficient as gasoline and thus produces more CO2.  However, if you take into account that Canada purchases about 55% of its oil from other countries, and taking into account the energy required to ship and refine this oil, the coal burning option now looks more attractive and coal driven electrical power actually beats out gasoline in carbon efficiency.

Regardless, it's the way of the future and an impressive looking vehicle to boot!

Stop Complaining

Stop complaining and be thankful!  Wow, you think it would be so easy after watching this.  What an inspiration.  Thank-you Nick Vujicic.

Architects and Engineers

A contractor, an engineer, and an architect were standing inside their recently completed building, looking out at the street. A VERY attractive woman walks by. The contractor whistles, the engineer says, “Did you see the legs on that woman?” The architect says, “Did I miss something, I was admiring my reflection”

Thirty Day Challenge

God willing and the river don't rise, you will be doing something for the next thirty days.  Why not make it worth while.  Matt Cutts did it and has inspired me to do the same.  I've done several challenges now and challenged my family to do the same.  It actually got my son his learner's license as I challenged him to study his book for fifteen minutes every night for thirty days.  He passed with flying colours.

I picked up my guitar and played it once a day for thirty days.  I also meditated for ten minutes a day, gave up sugar and am now rolling out my Iliotibial Bands (look it up, I'm not explaining it) once a day.  It's an awesome way to actually accomplish something measurable.  Try it!

Corporate Cuts

When the axe swings, duck!  Easier said than done.  It never ceases to amaze me that when the time comes to down size, how the wrong people are on the chopping block.  Those who can, do, those who can’t are promoted to a higher position of authority and are responsible for making decisions that have a direct affect on the lives of the employees.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I remember early on in my career, I used to sweat the small stuff even though I didn’t know what the small stuff was.  I distinctly have memories of dreaming of ducts and pipes on drawings when I woke up the next morning from a deep sleep.  Every mistake was an offense against me personally and professionally…at least that’s the way I saw it.