By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Grecian Formula is a men’s hair coloring product designed to cover-up gray hair. Not too long ago, Grecian Formula was running a television commercial about a prospective employer considering candidates: did they want to hire someone with experience or someone with greater energy? The implication was that a youthful look was preferred. Leaders need to have … Read More
The Courage to Speak Up
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. I conducted a survey of middle managers last month asking several questions about leadership. When asked what they would like to change about themselves, the number one response was having the courage to speak up. I was surprised by that! Upon reflection, I probably shouldn’t have been surprised because I too have struggled at times with … Read More
Integrity Equals Profit
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Have you ever observed another person “sell out” to make a buck? Have you ever “sold out?” While I don’t recommend being judgmental, it’s hard not to notice when it appears that a co-worker, a manager, a leader, anyone for that matter seems to toss aside his or her core values to close a sale, make … Read More
Running the Numbers
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. I like to run. I didn’t always like to run, it’s something I took up as a routine or healthy habit in my late 30s. Some might say what I call running is more shuffling along. I really don’t care what others call it, I am a runner. As I have shared previously, I have finished … Read More
The Joy of Finishing
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Believe it or not, I have completed 5 marathons. Yes, the kind of marathon that is 26.2 miles long. If you looked at me, you would not think I look like a marathon runner. In fact, you might question whether I have ever run in any marathon let alone finishing 5. I simply don’t look like … Read More
Half-Empty, Half-Full, What a Crock!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. I think everyone is familiar with the question “Is the glass half-empty or is the glass half-full?” The insinuation is that those who see the glass as half-empty are negative thinkers and those who see the glass half-full are positive thinkers. What a crock! Instead of looking at how much water versus how much air is … Read More
Fear, Anxiety & Leadership
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Have you ever dreamt that you were back in college, the semester was at its end, and you walk into the classroom for the final exam totally unprepared with the realization that you had skipped class all semester? I have. For me, that dream progressed to showing up at the office after being absent for a … Read More
I’m So Embarrassed!
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. I don’t know about you, but I’ve kicked myself repeatedly over some embarrassing moments in my life that have not only caused my face to turn beet red, it also made me feel the emotions of guilt and shame. I’m not going to tell you about them here because that would lead to more embarrassment, guilt … Read More
Sadness & Leadership
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Dave and I shared the same dock in the marina where we kept our sailboats during the summer on Lake St. Clair. We came to know each other out of our love for sailing and soon forged a lifelong friendship. Early on in our friendship, Dave shared with me that he wanted to make a major … Read More
Regret, Disappointment & Leadership
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Several years ago I was having an ongoing conversation with a business owner about my purchasing his business. It would have been a huge investment for me to coordinate with backers, but I thought it was a tremendous opportunity. The owner verbally agreed to sell his business to me and I was very excited! This was … Read More
Envy & Leadership
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. When I was in grade school, I tried out for every sports team and was cut from every sports team (see Getting Picked Last Sucks!). I loved sports and loved playing sports, but I did not have the eye-hand coordination or strength needed to compete. In high school, all that changed. I made the football and … Read More
Good Anger
By Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Everybody wants to be happy! When I’m smiling, I’m happy. When I’m laughing, I’m happy. When someone laughs at my joke that makes me happy. I like to be happy and I’m guessing that you do to. In our quest for happiness, there is a trend to avoid negative emotions. Negative emotions include but are not … Read More