Jason's Blog

You don't even have to be a football fan to be aware of the Tim Tebow phenomenon happening in the NFL this year.  I love the story and I love what his success represents.  But, probably not for the same reason a lot of other people do. While I think it's...

One of the TV shows that has become a staple in our home is The Biggest Loser (I'm assuming that unless you've been in a cave for the past decade and just come out today, you at least have an awareness of this show).  It's a terrific show on so many levels....

When I reflect back over my life as a manager of others, I am wildly unsatisfied.  I failed as a manager in the moments that mattered most.  This wasn't for lack of desire to be a good manager or commitment to my people.  It was because I failed to tell...

It is the time of year to be reflective, to take stock of the past year and what we've accomplished while we turn our eyes to the upcoming year and make big plans.  So, as I looked back at 2011 through the lens of what I shared here on the blog, I thought I'd...

Every now and again, I get an email from someone who reads my blog or who has seen me speak.  Sometimes, all the notes say is "Great post, I really enjoyed the perspective."  Other times, the note will relay that my message has touched their lives in some...

I love Christmas music.  I'm not ashamed to admit it.  I listen to Christmas music as my music of choice from Thanksgiving to New Year's every year.  In fact, as a card carrying member of Gen X, I've even created several "mix tapes" of Christmas music...

Among the highlights of 2011 for me is getting connected with Jeffrey Cufaude and his work at Idea Architects.  If you aren't following him and reading his stuff, you should be.  He will inspire you.  This week, in a blog post, he provided me with...

Know why you do what you do.  That is what harnessing the power of intention in your life boils down to.  Last week, I wrote a post on this subject called "The HR Point of View" for the "We Know Next" blog published by the Society for Human Resources...

A few weeks ago, I got an email from a woman named Erin Palmer at Villanova University who asked if I would be open to her providing a guest post for my site.  Since Erin is in the HR education business and was bold enough to reach out and ask to collaborate, she...

Well, yesterday was just one of those days. The day got off on the tangent it was going to travel at about 7 a.m.  That's when my two year old son, the tiny tornado of destruction named Colton, apparently decided that we needed a new television.  He was...

Over my years in HR, a common phenomena that to encounter in the workplace is a type of employee I'll call the "Rock Star Jackass."  You know the type.  This is the employee that can produce tremendous tangible results (sales, work product, etc.), far better...

My wife signed up this week to run a half marathon in the spring.  She invited me to sign up with her--which I seriously contemplated--at least for a couple of days.  I even spent some time running on the track at the gym to see how my body would hold up to...

If you follow this blog, you already know that I am a bit of a sports junkie.  Occasionally, I'll even watch the ESPN show, The Sports Reporters (which I don't generally recommend because it's like watching a debate team competition for sports geeks--unless your...

Yesterday, as I shared coffee with a friend, we shared stories about how hard it is to find organizations and partners who at least live up to our expectations and how rare it seems to have become to find one that exceeds them.  We've both had challenges recently...

I'm worried about us as a collective group of human beings.  We seem to be very on edge and out of sorts.  We don't want to offend and yet we are easily offended.  We desire real conversation, and yet, we avoid conflict because it's uncomfortable....

Yesterday, TLNT.com was kind enough to publish a post (rant) that I wrote about why the traditional performance appraisal process needs to go away and what we might do in its absence.  It's a terrible and sometimes harmful process and its time has passed. If you...

There is a direct flight on Southwest Airlines from Omaha to Las Vegas.  Every time I'm on this flight, the flight attendants delight me.  This crew injects Vegas energy and fun into the flight experience as soon as we push away from the gate.  The...

Folding clothes sucks.  I find it a monotonous, boring task that I like to avoid when I can.  But, as an aspiring good husband, sometimes I have to suck it up and do it.  Yesterday was one of those days.  Bailey, my little helper.As I was standing...

It's been a few weeks since my last video  post.  This week, I celebrate Freak Flag Friday by making a confession (Hint: it has to do with swearing). Have a great weekend!

I was in a meeting yesterday where a friend was describing a work problem she was having with a vendor who's service wasn't meeting her expectations.  She described in detail what the problem is, what impact it is having and then she went on to explain why it was...

I am a sports fan so I watch a lot of ESPN Sportscenter.  So, one of the stories that I can't escape is the NBA lockout drama that has been playing out for the last 180 days or so.  The NBA has now lost a quarter of it's season and they don't really seem to...

There are some lessons you learn on the journey of life that can change everything.  For me, these lessons usually end up stored in my mind as sound bites that are easy to recall for inspiration.  Sound bites are great when I need a reminder or I want to...

One of the things that makes me laugh every time is when I hear someone (including myself) say that they "love getting feedback."  The truth is, we hate getting feedback.  We love what feedback can do for us.  Feedback helps us get better.  But...

Today, I get to speak to a group of highly engaged, young professionals.  They will be in their early to mid-twenties, full of energy and ambition.  This particular group is enrolled in a volunteer mentoring program in the community. I love speaking to and...

Safety is overrated.  It is a powerful motivator for us as human beings, but our desire for safety often gets in the way of becoming our best self.  The path to exceptional runs through a valley of risk.  In order to unlock your potential, you must put...

File this post in the folder labeled, "Inspiration comes from unexpected places." A couple weeks ago, I was heard Howard Stern interview Perez Hilton on my Sirius radio as I was driving from one place to another.  For those who don't know Perez Hilton, he's a...

Begin somewhere. You cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do.- Liz SmithGood ideas and innovations must be driven into existence by courageous patience. - Hyman G. RickoverTalent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from...