Back in 2007 I was speaking at an Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) group meeting in San Antonio, Texas, when a question came up about employee recognition. How effective is cash?

I responded cash works with some people, but at least 75% of employees do not prefer cash. You see, giving someone cash is really easy. There’s hardly any effort or thought required. At most it’s a trip to the bank and an accounting entry. When a gift takes so little of time and effort to give, it becomes meaningless.

There are so many other ways to motivate and recognize people that are better than cash.

It’s the end of 2018.  Did you achieve all of your objectives this year professionally and personally? Did you even have objectives for 2018? If you are honest with yourself, the likely answer is no.

The good news is, you get another chance in 2019.

The bad news is, your unproductive habits are ready to sabotage 2019.

Let's pickup where we left off last week...

From 1978 into the early 1980’s Lee Iacocca led an effort that saved Chrysler Corporation from bankruptcy. One of the leadership disciplines he credited for helping achieve that success was every Sunday evening he would separate himself from the family to spend two hours in his study.

The fact is you are your biggest obstacle. Gary Keller believes there are 6 lies and 4 thieves holding you back from pursuing 3 commitments that lead to a meaningful life without regrets.

What decisions have you made recently based on your shame?

Probably more than you realize.

Every day we have too many options. However, the more you focus your time, the clearer you see the masses against you.

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends.

Dale Carnegie decades ago wrote about the value of a smile at Christmas.

My wife wanted me to read Chip and Joanna Gaines' book, The Magnolia Story.  They got famous by their HGTV show, Fixer Upper.

I did not want to read it.