October 15 –  To Plead or Not to Plead

October 15 – To Plead or Not to Plead

“I really want you to be the employee I need; I’ll be loyal and committed to you no matter what.” I’ll be cool, hip, and laid back. You’ll be so happy in my ‘cool department’ that you’ll do your job well, I just know...
October 8th – It’s A Two Way Street

October 8th – It’s A Two Way Street

I’ve often said, compassion is not leniency and longevity is not immunity, and I’m usually talking about managing a staff member. This statement is also a two-way street. It has to do with those we manage, and it also has to do with facing up to our own...
October 1st. – Too Complicated?

October 1st. – Too Complicated?

“Theorizing” can sometimes be a real distraction and keep us from actually getting to the business of doing something. What keeps us stuck in “theorizing mode” is seeing and defining situations as being really complicated. When we think...
September 24th – The Difference

September 24th – The Difference

What’s the big million-dollar question in co-ops these days? What answer is everybody searching for? It’s, “How are we different?” – What differentiates us from all the other markets? True, you can now buy an Amy’s frozen burrito...
September 17th – Don’t Be Overwhelmed By Overwhelm

September 17th – Don’t Be Overwhelmed By Overwhelm

Managing people is a responsibility. Responsibility means we’re able to deal with a situation and effectively handle it. Effectively handling a situation means we weigh options and make good decisions. Making good decisions means we’re clear headed and...