Leadership Secrets

Categories: Secrets to Success | U.S. Core Values

Who ME??? How to deal with defensive people by James Tamm

Defensive people believe that their reactions protect them from outside attack. In fact, defensive people are unconsciously trying to shield themselves from their own doubts about their significance, competence or likeability. We all get defensive sometimes and to some degree, but most of us learn to limit our defensive tendencies. Those who don't curb their defensiveness make life difficult for themselves and those who live and work with them. Their chronically defensive behavior promotes conflict and divisiveness...encourages rigid thinking that stifles creativity...and brings out the defensiveness in others. The best way to blunt other people's defensiveness is to not become defensive yourself, even when provoked.... If you start to get upset, remind yourself that this person's defensiveness is rooted in his/her insecurities and has little to do with you. Arguing back will only make the person more insecure. www.bottomlinesecrets.com  060515-how To Deal With Defensive People

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Train your brain how to recall new names

If you can remember faces, you possess all the memory capacity you need to remember names. So how come you forget the names of individuals you've met multiple times yet manage to recognize the faces of those you've met only once? The answer? You don't really try; you don't believe you can remember names; you focus on other things and you use the wrong area of your brain when you try to remember names. www.adn.com/money/story/9449034p-9360518c.html  071112-adn-train Brain To Recall New Names

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

To sell your ideas, you need to listen to others first. Just don't listen too much by Morey Stettner, Investor's Business Daily

When it's your turn to talk, maximize your persuasiveness by grabbing others' attention. Don't waste time on good news at the beginning. ... Happy talk isn't going to compel people to listen to you. By establishing credibility as someone who has triumphed over adversity, you reassure others that you're equipped to manage the current challenge. www.investors.com  080505-choose Right Time To Start Pitching Ideas

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

The Art Of Getting Through To Closed-Minded Thinkers by Morey Stettner, Investor's Business Daily

Consider how you deal with closed-minded people. It's tempting to argue and plead with them to accept your entreaties. But a better strategy is to dig for more information on how they arrive at their views... www.investors.com  090112-ibd-art Of Getting Thru To Closed-minded Thinkers

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Surprising Secrets to Unshakeable Confidence: Get the high-performance payoff that gives you an edge

Imagine two people of equal skill applying for a job. Would you pick the person who is less confident? Ever? Quite simply, a positive sense of self can transform your life. www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=19435&pageIndex=0  0602-rd-secrets To Unshakeable Confidence

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Soften Your Hard Edges To Speak Convincingly by Morey Stettner, Investor's Business Daily

To sell your ideas, you need to think fast, radiate enthusiasm and cite evidence to support your point. You also need a healthy dose of self-awareness. As you amass power and authority, you may become less aware of how you come across. The higher up you go, the less honest feedback you receive... www.investors.com  080314-ibd-soften Hard Edges To Speak Convincingly

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Shows Of Humility Polish Your Management Image by Morey Stettner, Investor's Business Daily

Management experts hail "servant leaders" for their willingness to get results by supporting their employees' success. The most admired CEOs win allegiance by communicating with their team in deceptively simple ways. "When you respect employees' time and really listen to them, you dignify them," said Sheila Murray Bethel, chief executive of the Bethel Institute in Walnut Creek, Calif. She advises leaders to cast aside their ego and radiate strength without trumpeting the power that comes from position. www.investors.com  090420-ibd-shows Of Humility Polish Your Mgmt Image

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Personal Responsibility: Are we consistent in what we say and do? by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

The power to produce positive change starts with each of us. It starts with the simple actions we take every day. G.K. Chesterton kernelized it powerfully: "In a society where anything goes, eventually everything will." www.investors.com  040512-ibd-personal Responsibility

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things by Dr. Joel Wade

The left hates heroes. A hero demonstrates the importance of a single person making big things happen. A hero is an individual -- as opposed to a group, or a tribe, or a "people." A hero defies victimhood, undermining the left's entire world view. Whatever your circumstances, it is the direction and the decision to live with integrity, courage, and resolve - in big and small ways - that builds your own moral sense of resilience and satisfaction. www.tothepointnews.com/content/view/3130/80/  080320-joel Wade-ordinary People-extraordinary Things

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Mastering The Fine Points Of A Television Interview

When the media spotlight shines on you, every word counts. Speak concisely in television interviews and focus on your core message. www.investors.com  080630-ibd-mastering Fine Points Of Tv Interview

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

It's what you say and how you say it by Bob Burg

Here's a little game I learned from Zig Ziglar which demonstrates how the way you say something can dramatically alter what you mean to say. In this exercise, I want you to accentuate the one word in the sentences below which appears in CAPITAL letters... It Is What You Say

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Hone A Personal Brand By Altering Your Habits

Some people radiate confidence and competence effortlessly. They're natural leaders. The rest of us need to train ourselves to act like leaders. For Brenda Bence, that means enhancing our personal brand. "Presenting the desired personal brand image strengthens your reputation and helps you build trust..." www.investors.com  080721-hone A Personal Brand-alter Your Habits

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Don't Get Stuck - Engage; find a common goal by Investor's Business Daily

"The resolution of conflict comes through creating and maintaining a bond with the other person irrespective of differences and of any dislike of the person, We do not have to like someone to form a bond with him or her. We only need a common goal." The best hostage negotiators learn to burn through natural feelings of disdain for those who take hostages. ...anyone can learn how to use goals to help smooth over conflicts... www.investors.com  0608-dont Get Stuck-engage

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Difficult people in any organization are more than a pain. They are a serious drain on time and money

They disrupt the workplace through negativity. But firing productive people, no matter how much they complain, can be expensive in terms of replacing them. Try fixing problematic people instead. 071112-ibd-reeling In Difficult People

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Break Out of Your Comfort Zone; Try Something New by Eugenie Jones

Giving into the fear of failing, not being willing to take risk, removes the possibility of ever getting to the rewards that exist only on the other side of risk. Don't take yourself too seriously. A sense of humor goes a long way and serves you better than an unforgiving, all-or-nothing attitude. Accept that initially you're not going to be good at this — whatever this is — and that it's OK to not be perfect. Relaxing, having fun, laughing and enjoying the process will allow you to be forgiving of your lack of skill and will help you to not give up, but rather to keep at it. Don't worry about what other people think... www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/aug/16/fitness-guru-break-out-of-your-comfort-zone-try/  080816-ks-break Out Of Comfort Zone-try Something New

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Gossip more powerful than facts in shaping opinion

Gossip does more to shape people's opinions than the facts, a German study concluded. Researchers said test subjects were more likely to believe gossip than factual evidence. "People are unduly influenced by gossip, even if it contradicts what they have seen," said Ralf Sommerfeld, an evolutionary biologist at the Max Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Germany. Writing in the paper, the authors noted that the findings suggest that humans "are used to basing their decisions on gossip, rumors, or other spoken information. People aren't stupid. But if they're told over and over things are bad and they should feel awful, it can't help but rub off. Psychologists call this cognitive dissonance—seeing one thing, believing another. 071015-gossip More Powerful Than Facts

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Secrets to Success

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Accountability is a vital part of any partnership

In their quest to build the first flying machine, the Wright brothers teamed up every step of the way. But because nobody had done it before, any effort to get a plane off the ground could be a life-or-death experience. "Accountability was of vital importance to them," said Mark Eppler, the author of "The Wright Way," a book about business principles that can be learned from the Wright Brothers. "They both knew they would follow through and do what they said they would do." 050225-ibd-partner The Wright Way

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

TAKE ACTION: Weak Communication skills? Strengthen Your Speech by Investor's Business Daily

How do you know if you're any good as a communicator? By the results you get. 080409-ibd-strengthen Your Speech

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

TAKE ACTION: Similarities between business and combat; apply these key steps: plan, brief, execute and debrief

James Murphy and Anthony Burke know the similarities between business and combat. They've scored big wins in both. Former fighter pilots in the Air Force and Air National Guard, they went to the top in sales at a number of firms. They later joined forces at paint firm Conco and kicked annual revenue up from $500,000 to $50 million in five years. 050216-ibd-take Action-front-line Approach

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

TAKE ACTION: Seek Help From Friends by Gloria Lau, Investor's Business Daily

Say you were in the hospital recovering from minor surgery and wanted to get home. Most likely you'd call family or friends. Now suppose you lost your job. Would you call the same friends? Some folks do, but many opt for faceless sites such as Monster.com or start networking with recruiters and other strangers. "Take everything you've ever known about networking and throw it out," Bob Beaudine, an entertainment executive recruiter, told IBD. "Talking to people you don't know, handing out business cards like mints — that doesn't work." He urges people in need of jobs or anything else to go to their friends... www.investors.com  090506-ibd-seek Help From Friends

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

TAKE ACTION: Profit from Life Balance by Gloria Lau, Investor’s Business Daily

Psychologists especially like to give advice on balancing career and family demands. Rarely do we get the executive perspective. Then there's Hatim Tyabji, 63, chairman of Mountain View, Calif.-based Bytemobile, a private developer of software that links cell phones and Internet service. He's also a director at Best Buy and the past chief executive of VeriFone. Married for 39 years with two grown sons, he recently self-published "Husband, Wife & Company." Tyabji and Greg Wittlinger, senior vice president of marketing for Mohawk Group, a unit of Mohawk Industries, the world's largest flooring maker, share tips... www.investors.com  081203-ibd-profit From Life Balance

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

TAKE ACTION: One reason businesses fail to grow? They don't hire the right people

How to transform interviews into screen tests... 050413-ibd-gauging Potential Hires

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

TAKE ACTION: Negotiating with Tyrants by Gloria Lau, Investor's Business Daily

It's a matter of controlling yourself, not them. The more you control your emotions, the more likely you control the outcome... www.investors.com  061122-ibd-negotiating With Tyrants

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

TAKE ACTION: Don't Worry; Be Snappy

Tips on how to whip worrying... www.investors.com  080422-ibd-dont Worry Be Snappy

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

NEVER STOP LEARNING: Lighten Up By Laughing

Go ahead and laugh. Seriously. It's good for business. Fun workplaces have more loyal employees and customers. Learn from other companies reaping the rewards of humor... www.investors.com  080410-ibd-lighten Up By Laughing

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

NEVER STOP LEARNING: Keeping your finances in order, de-cluttering money madness

Your financial needs constantly change, whether you need to save for your children's education, invest for retirement or pay down a mortgage. Keeping good financial records lets you make those changes effectively. "The two greatest forces in personal finance are inertia and apathy," said Jordan Goodman, a personal finance expert and author of "Everyone's Money Book on Financial Planning." "If (those words) describe you, you need a professional." www.investors.com  070802-ibd-keep Tabs On Finances

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

NEVER STOP LEARNING: Keep Your Files In Order by Adelia Cellini Linecker, Investor's Business Dai

Good record keeping is key to making solid business decisions. No matter the size of your business, you must know where your money is or you're doomed to fail. Here's how running a tight ship can help your business... www.investors.com  081204-ibd-keep Your Files In Order

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

NEVER STOP LEARNING: How Pros Keep Current

"In a career, you either go forward or backward; you don't stand still," Mary Kay Ash wrote in her book, "The Mary Kay Way." In an updated printing of the book with Yvonne Pendleton, she added, "Everyone must continually improve his or her skills in a lifetime self-improvement program." Here's how pros stay up to speed... www.investors.com  080731-ibd-how Pros Keep Current

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

NEVER STOP LEARNING: Get Prepared To Network

Schmoozing comes easy for some people. For those who break a sweat at the thought of talking to someone they don't know, there's still hope. Knowing how to mingle is key to advancing any career. Here's what the experts say you can do to master the art of small talk... www.investors.com  080522-ibd-get Prepared To Network

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

NEVER STOP LEARNING: Get A Handle On Change

People constantly face change. How to deal with it? www.investors.com  080619-ibd-get A Handle On Change

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

NEVER STOP LEARNING: Create Your Own Luck by Adelia Cellini Linecker, Investor's Business Dai

Ask any honest person how he hit it big, and he will say luck had a lot to do with it. So should you sit back and wait for good fortune to come your way? Not exactly. Eileen Shapiro and Howard Stevenson, authors of "Make Your Own Luck," say great decision makers Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Warren Buffett do exactly that. Successful people work hard, says Susan RoAne, author of "How To Create Your Own Luck." "They cultivate good attitude," she wrote. "Their attitude is a healthy one that embraces possibility. In addition, they have a vision that is bolstered by great follow-through." Here's how to make luck work... www.investors.com  090507-ibd-create Your Own Luck

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

NEVER STOP LEARNING: Coping With Difficult Co-Workers

Difficult people have always been part of the workplace. So why do workers seem to be complaining about them more and more these days? Learning to get along with co-workers — even difficult ones — is a roadblock you have to learn to negotiate in order to succeed. 050414-ibd-coping With Difficult Co-workers

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

LEARN TO ANALYZE DETAILS: Make Your Strategy Shine by Sonja Carberry, Investor's Business Daily

A diamond in the rough doesn't look like much. Likewise, winning strategies start out as fuzzy ideas. It's what you do with them that puts the shine on... www.investors.com  090828-ibd-make Your Strategy Shine

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

LEARN TO ANALYZE DETAILS: Make Meetings Work Out

Going into a key meeting or a critical sales pitch? First map out your message and the way to deliver it. Details to survey before an important face to face include... www.investors.com  080414-ibd-make Meetings Work Out

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

LEARN TO ANALYZE DETAILS: Get the Right Responses by Investor's Business Daily

Customer-satisfaction surveys are supposed to build relationships. Yet many of them turn customers off. Why? Because they often miss the mark, Fred Reichheld says in his new book, "The Ultimate Question." To get the most out of your customer surveys... www.investors.com  0609-get The Right Responses-analyze Details

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

HOW YOU THINK IS EVERYTHING: Want to boost your leadership quotient? by Investor's Business Daily

Adapt to team members' styles, have a game plan, live Murphy's Law, don't be afraid to be wrong, don't justify outmoded systems, be a facilitator, watch your mouth. www.investors.com/subscribe/2weekfreeNew.asp?src=A482GGP&tn=top  050509-ibd-rules To Raise The Bar

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

HOW YOU THINK IS EVERYTHING: Want customer loyalty? Think the tortoise and the hare

Quick, rapid-fire approaches don't work. Loyalty is built a step at a time. How to boost your loyalty quotient... 050411-ibd-nix Rabbit-fire Fixes

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

HOW YOU THINK IS EVERYTHING: Tips For Today's Teachers

You're a teacher in our public school system. Welcome to Mayhem 101. You can't solve entrenched problems alone, but you can transform your classroom, says educator Robert Ramsey, author of "501 Tips for Teachers." How to cope -- and make a difference... www.investors.com  080602-ibd-tips For Teachers

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

HOW YOU THINK IS EVERYTHING: Here's The Deal: Close It by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

You've nabbed a top prospect for a sales meeting. The details will make or break your pitch. To own the room... www.investors.com  080505-ibd-here Is The Deal-close It

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY: Work For The Love Of It by Investor's Business Daily

Productivity is the science of creating the best with the most efficient effort. You do that when you're engaged in working at what you love. You're more productive every minute, and you don't put time limits on it because you're enjoying it so much -- as opposed to procrastinating through work you don't enjoy. So why not do what you love all the time? This can be in the context of working for someone, or in working for yourself. Either way, you'll be more productive, which lead to more money. www.investors.com  080304-ibd-work For The Love Of It

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY: Ways To Beat Adversity by Michael Mink, Investor's Business Daily

Adversity in business can be a huge drain on precious work resources like productivity and time. It can cause stress, frustration and anger. Adverse situations can include excess workloads, a difficult boss, colleagues who play politics, budget limitations and being passed up for promotion. To overcome such challenges, anyone can set the example with the right mind-set... www.investors.com  090831-ibd-ways To Beat Adversity

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY: Solid Marketing Pays Off by Investor's Business Daily

Marketing is the art of having your customers come to you. It's a progression that leads to a sale, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Here's how to accomplish it on low-tech and high-tech fronts... www.investors.com  080513-ibd-solid Marketing Pays Off

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY: Make The Internet Click For Your Firm by Investor's Business Daily

The Internet provides a great opportunity to start a business on a shoestring. Still, that doesn't mean it's easy. It takes a plan and a system... www.investors.com  080401-ibd-make The Internet Click For Your Firm

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY: Make Meetings Meatier

You're a newly minted manager and you're ready to call your first meeting. You swore you'd never drag anyone through a long, useless meeting. Need a few tips? www.investors.com  040601-ibd-secrets-make Meetings Meatier

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY: Leveraging Your Passion

The big idea you're looking for might be right in front of you. Sometimes all you need to grab it and start that next project is desire and focus... www.investors.com  080708-ibd-leveraging Your Passion

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DON'T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE; BE DIFFERENT: Kids are often the masters of innovation...Try The Child's-Eye View

If you're looking to break new ground, why not try thinking like a child? Here's what kids can teach you about original thinking... 050223-ibd-try The Childs Eye View

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DON'T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE; BE DIFFERENT: Find New Ways To Lead by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

You're facing retirement, but you still want -- or need -- to keep working. When weighing options, be innovative. Think differently... www.investors.com  090218-ibd-find New Ways To Lead

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DON'T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE: Stressful events. While it might be easier to run away, they can actually make you a better leader

With some effort and understanding, anyone can increase their hardiness, say psychologists Salvatore Maddi and Deborah Khoshaba. It's a matter of making up your mind to think differently, even if your colleagues are folding under the weight of a difficult transition. 050323-ibd-crucibles Test Our Mettle

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DON'T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE: Know-It-Alls Know Little

Knowledge and experience are usually huge assets. But when it comes to innovation, a head full of expertise can get in the way. "Not-knowing is actually a terrific path to knowing, as paradoxical as that sounds. When I say, 'I don't know,' I am creating space for new learning and new thinking to enter my mind." 050420-ibd-secrets-know-it-alls Know Little

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DON'T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE: Collaboration. You have to be willing to see things in a different way to come up with something new

Whether in the kitchen or in the boardroom, successful collaborations call for a unique recipe of skills and mind-sets. What does it take to pull off a brilliant meld? www.investors.com/subscribe/2weekfreeNew.asp?src=A482GGP&tn=top  050810-ibd-a Taste For Collaboration

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DON'T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE, BE DIFFERENT: Presenting In New Ways by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

The next time you give a presentation, think differently. By avoiding the tried and true, you'll score more points, says Frances Cole Jones, a media adviser and author of "How to Wow." Here are a few tips... www.investors.com  081112-ibd-presenting In New Ways

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DECIDE UPON YOUR TRUE DREAMS AND GOALS: Teach 'Em How To Win

To promote growth in a sagging economy, take a tip from top organizations. Learn from failure, then groom top stars to teach those lessons to others. That's the advice of leadership coach and former battleship commander Michael Abrashoff, author of the new book "It's Our Ship." Here's how to blast the opposition... www.investors.com  080603-ibd-teach Them How To Win

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DECIDE UPON YOUR TRUE DREAMS AND GOALS: Listen Up — And Move Up by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

The world's best firms keep learning about customers. The reason? Thanks to the Web, today's consumers want more and tolerate less, says business coach Scott McKain, author of the new book "Collapse of Distinction." To stand out... www.investors.com  090421-ibd-listen Up And Move Up

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DECIDE UPON YOUR TRUE DREAMS AND GOALS: Build Buy-In While Rising

Reaching goals often means bringing others to your point of view. To do that... www.investors.com  080729-ibd-build Buy-in While Rising

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Difficult people? You can't change them, but you can sometimes get them to change themselves

When dealing with difficult people, keep cool, play to their self-interest and apply a little psychology... 050113-ibd-bringing Out Best In People

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Common mistakes can kill a sale. Sidestep Sales Slip-Ups

To nail more sales, try these tips... 050224-ibd-sidestep Sales Slip-ups

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Be Upstanding And Stand Out. The behaviors are important to us all, but they impact salespeople's bottom line

If you're a salesperson, acquiring a few key traits and habits could vault your career forward, says marketing coach Jack Perry. Be authentic, work your reputations, be a presence. 050324-ibd-be Upstanding And Stand Out

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Assemble Your A-Team. The people you pick and the way you energize them impact how effectively goals are reached

The success of an ad hoc task force or committee depends on key variables: Go for variety, ensure good decisions by defining what they are, breathe life into the team. 050407-ibd-assemble Your A-team

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Shed Shyness And Rise by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

You have strong skills and huge potential. Yet you're shy and withdrawn. Learn from others and win, says leadership trainer Jennifer Kahnweiler, author of the new book "The Introverted Leader." To move forward... www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=506236  090916-ibd-shed Shyness And Rise

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Making The Right Moves by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

Want to be a better boss? Start by assuming the role as manager, not being everyone's friend. www.investors.com  080501-ibd-making The Right Moves

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Hit 'Em With Sharp Copy by Investor's Business Daily

Successful online marketing hinges on catchy headlines in banner and home-page ads, according to sales coaches Mitch Meyerson and David Garfinkel in the book "Success Secrets of the Online Marketing Superstars." Here's how to punch up your ads... www.investors.com  080306-ibd-hit Them With Sharp Copy

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Get Long-Lasting Results by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

One of the toughest tasks a leader faces? Making troops accountable over the long haul. The best advice: Turn performance problems into pluses, says management trainer Brian Cole Miller, author of "Keeping Employees Accountable for Results." To ensure long-lasting outcomes... www.investors.com  090819-ibd-get Long-lasting Results

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Do Sales Letters Right by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

If you run a small firm that does its own direct-mail pitches, listen up. The way you craft a sales letter can mean the difference between a big return and a quick drop into readers' trash bins... www.investors.com  090805-ibd-do Sales Letters Right

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: Chillin' In The Hot Seat by Cord Cooper, Investor's Business Daily

You've scored a plum job: top dog of a department or team. Success will hinge on how you frame expectations. To ensure a win-win... www.investors.com  080417-ibd-chillin In The Hot Seat

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE PERSISTENT AND WORK HARD: Start Over With Strength

Olympians give their all to reach the podium. Once the flame dies, many must start at zero to build a pro career. Olympic-strength tips to succeeding in a new endeavor... www.investors.com  080523-ibd-start Over With Strength

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE PERSISTENT AND WORK HARD: Solve An Identity Crisis

Want to boost your brand's image? Constantly communicate who you are. Tips to shape the public's view... 080801-ibd-solve An Identity Crisis

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Work With Transparency

Many successful firms get everything out in the open. Employees buy in and feel like they're part of the process. How to make an outfit transparent... www.investors.com  080627-ibd-work With Transparency

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Win With Accountability by Steve Watkins, Investor's Business Daily

Hold your people accountable for them, and you'll get the outcomes you're seeking. These are ways to do that... www.investors.com  090820-ibd-win With Accountability

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Watch For Ethical Lapses by Steve Watkins, Investor's Business Daily

Fraud can plague companies. In many cases, few people see it coming. What to watch out for; what to do about it... www.investors.com  080502-ibd-watch For Ethical Lapses

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Values Help Set Purpose

Find your firm's purpose and decisions will fall into place. It'll help you in the long run. Ways to do it... www.investors.com  090417-ibd-values Help Set Purpose

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Trust And Accountability

You might be tempted to hide the truth to protect your people. Don't do it. Give them the full story, and you'll earn their trust and get them to be accountable for their work. Ways to build trust in your organization and breed accountability... www.investors.com  080725-ibd-trust And Accountability

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Transparency Is The Key by Steve Watkins, Investor's Business Daily

Trust is what holds things together. When that's there, any problem can be solved. Only the truth sounds like the truth. People can handle it... www.investors.com  071228-ibd-transparency Is The Key

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Right Doesn't Come Easy by Steve Watkins, Investor's Business Daily

Doing the right thing pays off. Integrity is a key to building trust... www.investors.com  080418-ibd-right Does Not Come Easy

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Lying Worsens Misdeeds

When someone does something wrong, they're a lot better off if they admit it and take responsibility, he says. Society can live with that. If they try to cover it up, that person can be an outcast for years. Once you are transparent, accept responsibility and change your behavior, as a society we are forgiving... www.investors.com  080404-ibd-lying Worsens Misdeeds

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Integrity Pays Dividends by Steve Watkins, Investor's Business Daily

Does integrity really pay off on the bottom line? www.investors.com  080919-ibd-integrity Pays Dividends

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Follow Your Ethics Code

It's not easy to do the right thing all the time. Do you tell the client a product is being discontinued or do you make the sale anyway? Set up your own ethical framework, and choices become clear. Some pointers to help you do that... www.investors.com  080711-ibd-follow Your Ethics Code

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Follow The Golden Rule by Steve Watkins, Investor's Business Daily

It's usually not hard to figure out what's the ethical thing to do. Treat others how you want to be treated. Here's how to make it work... www.investors.com  090403-ibd-follow The Golden Rule

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Embracing Transparency

Phone cameras and YouTube are just two venues that expose secrets, and companies better know it. Corporations have to function on a level of transparency that never existed before. It's possible to have too much information. The American public is not noted for its responsibility in dealing with information... www.investors.com  071130-ibd-embracing Transparency

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Doing The Right Thing. Character and integrity are two vital building blocks of becoming a true leader

Ever see a successful leader who couldn't be trusted? Probably not, and here's why: If you can't trust someone, he or she can't lead you. 040521-ibd-secrets-doing The Right Thing

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Consume Accountability by Steve Watkins, Investor's Business Daily

Top leadership starts with accountability and carries through to honesty. Ways to wear those traits... www.investors.com  090320-ibd-consume Accountability

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

BE HONEST & DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Follow Ethics Consistently by Steve Watkins, Investor's Business Daily

People tend to treat morals and ethics at home far differently than they do at work. They might stay on the right track at home, then forget their values once they reach the office. How you can avoid that... www.investors.com  090306-ibd-follow Ethics Consistently

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

U.S. Core Values

THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

During the night of September 13, 1814, the British fleet bombarded Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor. Francis Scott Key, a 34-year old lawyer, watched the attack from the deck of a British prisoner-exchange ship. For nearly 25 hours the British fleet fired their cannons at the American defenses. The morning following the battle Key turned his telescope to the fort and saw that the American flag was still waving. The flag above Fort McHenry was massive in size. Each individual stripe measured two feet in width. The impressive sight inspired Key to write the poem that later became our national anthem. ffter you watch this video you will NEVER take our National Anthem for granted again. Cactus Cuties sing The National Anthem 050614-the Star Spangled Banner

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Founding Father Thomas Paine

Independence was an idea with so little support that it couldn't even be mentioned in public. Loyalty to the king and affection for British law were still in vogue and could arouse fierce passions. But Paine didn't couch his language or worry about offending. Nothing was off-limits, in his mind. He wouldn't concede any ground or do anything to undercut the force of his argument. His boldness gave others who shared his sentiments the courage to come forward and join the debate, creating a groundswell of support for independence... www.investors.com  060607-ibd-founding Father Thomas Paine

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Constitution 101: Chapter 6--the first 5 chapters were the introduction and background. Now we begin... by Neal Ross

There is a reason why up until now I have avoided discussing in any detail the particulars of the Constitution itself. My purpose in doing so was to ensure you had, at least, a basic understanding of the how and why it came to be written, and the difficulty in getting the states to ratify it. While it may appear that the Constitution was nothing more than a series of compromises, you would be mistaken in thinking it was something that was haphazardly thrown together. A great deal of care went into establishing a system of government with the various checks and balances you may have heard mentioned in discussions of the Constitution. www.federalobserver.com/2009/05/25/constitution-101-chapter-vi/#more-2745  090525-neal Ross-constitution 101-chapter 6

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Constitution 101: Chapter 5: We Were Promised A Bill of Rights by Neal Ross

As my last essay explained, the Constitution had been ratified by the required number of states. However to convince enough states to agree to the ratification the Federalists had made a promise to come up with a Bill, enumerating certain rights that were to be considered sacrosanct, rights which the government could not infringe upon. It cannot be emphasized enough that people were extremely suspicious of any new form of government in which the possibility existed for abuses of power. Therefore, they wanted assurances that this newly established system would not trample upon their rights, and newly gained liberty, as had the British... www.federalobserver.com/2009/05/20/chapter-v-we-were-promised-a-bill-of-rights/#more-2715  090520-neal Ross-constitution 101-chapter 5

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Constitution 101: Chapter 4--The Battle For Ratification by Neal Ross

As I explained in my last segment, the Philadelphia Convention was, more often than not, nothing more than a heated argument over the size, scope, and structure of the proposed federal government. Although the delegates were not unanimous in their approval, they did manage to come up with the Constitution as it exists today. Yet it was still merely a piece of parchment with words written upon it. For the Constitution to go into effect it had to be ratified by nine out of thirteen states, as per the requirements contained in Article 7. This was not going to be an easy task, for as we already know that during the Convention there were some that were not happy at all with the new government that this document outlined... www.federalobserver.com/2009/05/19/chapter-iv-the-battle-for-ratification/#more-2705  090519-neal Ross-constitution 101-chapter 4

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Constitution 101: Chapter 3--An Assembly of Demi-Gods by Neal Ross

The year was 1787, the city, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event was a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation, although for the most part, the delegates attending this monumental meeting of minds realized that a mere revision of the existing Articles would not suffice. The consensus among many was that a completely new document be written to correct the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation. One historian called it a "Convention of the well-bred, the well-fed, the well-read, and the well-wed." Nevertheless, it could be said that upon the shoulders of these men rested the future of the nation... www.federalobserver.com/2009/04/27/chapter-iii-an-assembly-of-demi-gods/  090429-neal Ross-constitution 101-chapter 3

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Constitution 101: Chapter 2 by Neal Ross

It speaks volumes about the mindset of the Continental Congress that it took them only two days to edit and agree upon the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, yet it took more than a year to agree upon a revised, and much weakened, version of the Articles of Confederation. It must be remembered that the blood of their fellow countrymen was still fresh upon the ground at Lexington and Concord, spilled by British soldiers. It was not unreasonable that they would readily agree upon a document proclaiming their independence, yet hesitate to so quickly agree upon a document giving that would grant government anything that might be considered oppressive power. The belief was that if they granted their new government too much power they would merely be replacing one tyrant for another... www.federalobserver.com/2009/04/24/constitution-101-chapter-ii/#more-2233  090424-neal Ross-constitution 101-chapter 2

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Constitution 101: Chapter 1 by Neal Ross

Just as the first chapter in the Book of Genesis says, "In the beginning…" I suppose any discussion of the Constitution should start at the beginning as well. The question then arises, when exactly was the beginning? Was the beginning when the Constitution was drafted, or when it was agreed upon by the delegates? Possibly it was when it was ratified by the states, or maybe it was when George Washington was sworn in as our first President? I would venture to guess that most people assume the beginning means when it was ratified by the states. Unfortunately, they would be wrong... www.federalobserver.com/2009/04/20/constitution-101-chapter-1/  090420-neal Ross-constitution 101-chapter 1

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Constitution 101: _Opening Statements by Neal Ross

The Constitution for the United States of America is an amazing document. In its entirety it is only four pages long, hand written on parchment, measuring 28 3/4 by 23 5/8 inches, having a grand total of 4,543 words, if you include the signatures of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Yet in under 5000 words, the drafters of this document outlined an entire system of government. If you ask me, that is a pretty incredible accomplishment for a document that contains so few words... www.federalobserver.com/2009/04/19/constitution-101-opening-statements/  090419-neal Ross-consitution 101-opening Statements

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Another Look at Jefferson's Wall of Separation: A Jurisdictional Interpretation of the 'Wall' Metaphor by Dr. Daniel Dreisbach

No phrase in American letters has more profoundly influenced discourse and policy on church-state relations than Thomas Jefferson's "wall of separation between church and state" and few metaphors have evoked more passionate debate. Jefferson's "wall," like the First Amendment, affirmed the policy of federalism. This policy emphasized that all governmental authority over religious matters was allocated to the states. The metaphor's principal function was to deliniate the legitimate jurisdictions of state and nation on religious issues, and it was largely devoid of substantive content independent of its federalism. www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WT00G4

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

The Law by Frédéric Bastiat

The Law, first published as a pamphlet in June, 1850, is already more than a hundred years old. And because its truths are eternal, it will still be read when another century has passed. Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850) was a French economist, statesman, and author. He did most of his writing during the years just before — and immediately following — the Revolution of February 1848. This was the period when France was rapidly turning to complete socialism. As a Deputy to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Bastiat was studying and explaining each socialist fallacy as it appeared. And he explained how socialism must inevitably degenerate into communism. But most of his countrymen chose to ignore his logic. The Law is here presented again because the same situation exists in America today as in the France of 1848. The same socialist-communist ideas and plans that were then adopted in France are now sweeping America. The explanations and arguments then advanced against socialism by Mr. Bastiat are — word for word — equally valid today. His ideas deserve a serious hearing. bastiat.org/en/the_law.html

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Published in 1776, Common Sense challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. The plain language that Paine used spoke to the common people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness POSITIVELY by uniting our affections, the latter NEGATIVELY by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher. Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil... www.ushistory.org/paine/commonsense/singlehtml.htm

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

It's Independence Day. Why not celebrate by reading the Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness... www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm Listen to the Star Spangled Banner, sung by the Cactus Cuties (you will be impressed!): www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKCVS57j284

COMMON SENSE KITSAP

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