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On The Bricks

December 6, 2017

Today is a sharing time. There are some great people with such admirable attitudes and choices that it’s time to share some of those.

Last month Denise Lunt sent me an email. And this email is something worth sharing because it’s about the entire community and you all deserve to know what she’s saying about you.

“We have so much here to be thankful for …,” wrote Lunt, a local business owner. “We also have a great community that steps up so often to help other. I am proud to live here and claim Guymon as home ….” I don’t know if you know Denise, but she isn’t one to say things that she doesn’t honestly believe. She’s pretty blunt and pretty honest. So, you know she is talking straight here.

What Denise says reminds me to share another email I recently received, this one from Charles Michael, about the Lions Christmas Shopping Spree for Needy Children. This year it is on Sat., Dec. 16 and they need donations and volunteers to shop with the kids. Contact Charles at 580-651-5633 if you’re willing to help. And going by what Denise says, I think some of you will contact Charles.

Charles is also very involved in the Guymon Community Theater, who has the production “Oklahoma” going on right now. The first weekend a group of us went to the play. Wow. It’s great. The main character, Curly, is played by Michael Ask from Goodwell and to hear him sing is well worth the cost of the $8 ticket. It’s a play for all ages and don’t miss out on it. The final productions are Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, at 7 pm and Sunday the 10th at 2 pm. Call 338-0019 to get your reservations. And when you go, be sure to tell Shayla Gaillard, a new friend of mine, that she did a great job!

Get into the Christmas spirit on Sat., Dec. 8, with the Christmas Open House downtown from 5 – 9 pm. The Christmas Tree Lighting starts the evening off and there are all sorts of great things to do during, including a kids activity so you can shop childless. Call 338-6246 if you want more information.

Here’s another piece of interesting information. In Iceland, books are exchanged as Christmas Eve presents. Then you spend the rest of the night in bed reading them and eating chocolate. The tradition is part of a season called Jolabokaflod, or “The Christmas Book Flood.” Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other country and sells most of those books between September and November due to people preparing for the upcoming holiday … and probably for cold weather, too. I loved the idea.

The other morning my mind pondered on what was the best thing that happened in my family during 2017, which is about to end. There were many great things and things that my children and grandchildren and the spouses have done. But what made me proudest is something that my son – in – law Cody Cartwright is a part of. He is one of the Texhoma coaches that had the high school girls track team bring home a fourth state championship. Four years in a row. Amazing.

So, with that conclusion, I decided to share with the family because too often as parents and grandparents (and certainly as mother – in – laws) we are saying things that are not so positive.

Here’s what I sent to my family, “Not only is this something that is unprecedented, it probably won’t happen again in my lifetime … hopefully a fifth and sixth will, though! And the best part is that Cody did this with great commitment and dedication. And what he did was not about himself, but he made an opportunity for some young kids to do great things. I love it.”

Our whole family is proud of Cody Cartwright, who does not strive for the limelight. Who are you proud of and should you be telling them?

Here’s to sharing with your family and friends. Stay positive and I’ll see you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

December 5, 2017

Even if you don’t believe the story of Christmas, you can partake of the Christmas happiness and good cheer. It is a time where people are nicer than usual and their families take priority over other things. These you can do, no matter what you believe.

“The Value of a Smile at Christmas” is a story so appropriate for now.

“It costs nothing, but creates much.

“It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give.

“It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

“None are so rich they can get along without it, and none so poor but are richer for its benefits.

“It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in a business, and is countersign of friends.

“It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and Nature’s best antidote for trouble.

“Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away.

“And if in the last minute rush of Christmas buying some of our salespeople should be too tired to give you a smile, may we ask you to leave one of yours?

“For nobody needs a smile so much s those who have none left to give!”

Remember those who are working long hours during the holiday season. Remember those who are far from home. Remember those who have lost someone and are facing Christmas without them. Remember others.

Don’t count calories from December 15 to January 2. Don’t be unhealthy, but celebrate the holidays.

Mend a broken relationship with a friend or relative during the holidays. There are people in your life who are more important that hurt feelings.

Take a basket of Christmas goodies to a notoriously grumpy neighbor.

Be nice to sales personnel. They are probably wearier than you are.

Make an effort to attend every Christmas party and program you’re invited to (those that cost money don’t need to be included), even if you can stay only a few minutes.

Place your children’s stuffed animals under the Christmas tree as a welcoming committee for Santa.

Remember that the loving holiday spirit in your home depends more on the words you speak than on the gifts you give.

When you’re with a child and see a blinking red light in the sky, ask her, “Do you think that could be Rudolph?”

If someone disappoints you this season, don’t give a lecture. Give acceptance and forgiveness.

Fill your house with the holiday fragrance of cloves, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks simmering on the kitchen stove.

Let go of a problem you can’t solve. Enjoy the season.

Hang a favorite Christmas tree ornament from your car’s rear – view mirror.

Don’t forget our feathered friends during the holidays. Spread peanut butter on pine cones, then roll them in bird seed, and hang them on a tree near your kitchen window.

Wait until Christmas morning to place the infant Jesus in your Nativity scene.

Call the nursing or assisted living home and get the names of five people who don’t often receive mail. Send each one a beautiful Christmas card. Sign it from “Santa.”

Instead of using a traditional Advent calendar that produces a treat for every day, this year make a reverse Advent calendar. Find a box and on every day of Advent add an item to it that can be used by a family in need, such as canned food or toiletries. After Advent, donate the box of items to the homeless shelter. This is a great way to refocus the season on giving rather than receiving.

Here in Guymon you can donate to the Tree of Love at the Heritage Community Nursing Home. They are taking donations that help with dental work, medications, glasses, nursing supplies, rent assistance, hearing aides, clothing, and more that is all related to elder care. For more information, call 338-3186.

You might want to help with the Lions Club Shopping Spree for Guymon’s needy children. The spree is on Sat., Dec. 16. If you would like to help the children shop, come to the Methodist Enrichment Center at 6th and Quinn by 7:30 in the morning. You will be bused to the Ambassador for breakfast and then to shop at Walmart.  The club is also taking donations for the spree. Contact Charles Michaels at cmichael@odot.org. Or call Colleen at Ken Lane Insurance.

Anytime Fitness is doing a Christmas Toy Drive up to Dec. 8, when they will be added to the toys gathered from the Christmas Cheer for Children.

The Christmas Open House happens on Sat., Dec. 8 from 5 – 9 pm and includes a Christmas Tree Lighting with singing at the courthouse, carriage rides, the YMCA Polar Express for children up to 12 years in age (cost is $2) at 502 N. Main. And secret elves out all evening. The Shop and Dine is also taking place that evening at Merle Norman, WOW SPC Boutique, Golden Crown, Beauty and the Beast, and others. Take your TCEC Coop Connections card and see what deals you can have from it!

Whatever you do this holiday season, do it with a smile and an open heart.

See you on the bricks!

Categories
On The Bricks

November 30, 2017

If you’re always wondering how you can improve your parenting / grandparenting, consider these questions that you can ask the kids when the come home from school. Try these rather than the very vague “How was your day?”.

  • What made you smile today?
  • Can you tell me an example of kindness you saw today?
  • What did you do that was creative?
  • Who did you sit with at lunch?
  • Was anyone in your class gone today?
  • Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday.
  • What was the hardest rule to follow today?
  • If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?
  • What made your teacher smile?
  • Did anything make your teacher frown today?
  • If you could switch seats with anyone in class, who would it be? Why?
  • What kind of person were you today?

This brings out some discussion points we should probably consider about ourselves. What kind of conversations do we have? Are they ones that make everyone want to go outside, close the door, and not listen to your gloom and doom? Do all of your sentences start with “I”? Yawn.

There are some people who are good to have conversations with. You can tell who they are, because people gather around them. And there are people who are great listeners. You can tell them because people gather around them, too. Those are the sort of things that we can aspire to be better at.

If you are at a loss for small talk, maybe with people you don’t know, ask them something about themselves. And then listen to their answer. It works wonders. People usually like to talk about themselves. And you might find something you have in common and find a new friend.

Go visit or read about somewhere that is interesting. Find one fun fact about where you visited (not the food, please) and have it to tell. Leave out the itinerary though (that’s what I tend to tell).

Talk about something that is coming up and is going to be fun. Like the Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 8. You know, those happen when it starts to get dark. Hope to see you there! It happens at the Texas County Courthouse.

I like the conversations that the veterans banners have opened up. I love having them hanging on the street. I think if you have a veteran in your family, you should think about maybe getting them a banner. Call Jim Norris at 580-651-1018. If you want to look at Guymon’s banners, go to www.troopbanners.com and hit Guymon.

And remember, the person who speaks about things in a positive manner is much more interesting than the one who is critical.

Now, go downtown and catch a conversation with someone!

See you on the bricks.

Categories
On The Bricks

November 29, 2017

Do you like hearing folk tales? In the Colorado Life magazine this month there is the story of a miracle at Colorado’s oldest church. I found it really interesting.

“The San Luis Valley was Ute territory when Hispanic settlers founded the village of Culebra Abajo there in 1853. Ute warriors, unhappy with the intruders, set out to attack the village while the men were away tending their sheep.

“The terrified villagers prayed to Saint Agathius, or San Acadio, for protection. According to local lore, the Utes suddenly halted their attack when a vision of heavily armed warriors appeared out of nowhere to protect the village. To celebrate this miracle, residents named their town San Acadio and built a church in the saint’s honor. The adobe San Acadio Mission Church, completed in 1868, still stands as the oldest church building in Colorado, and a stained – glass image of the saint watches over the faithful.”

The town of San Acadio promptly earned a spot on my “visit someday” list. The story reminds me of Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, NM, one of my favorite of all places to go. And if you like stories like those, be sure to watch the old Sidney Poitier movie “Lilies of the Field.” Oh, man, it’s the best.

Do you have a list of places you want to visit someday?

I get teased all the time because I want to plan everyone’s holiday trips. Yes, where to visit, the route to drive, the whole thing. I can even put in interesting bathroom stops if you have little kids. Don’t laugh. Everyone needs a hobby. And mine doesn’t cost a thing … for me!

Are you in the midst of buying Christmas presents? Remember, it isn’t the cost … it’s how much they want them! Seriously, I would rather get a box of fruit teas that I love than some expensive gadget I can’t figure out. While shopping, be sure to use your TCEC Connections Card and get a little discount at some places.

You can use your card and Guymon Tire and Auto and get 5% off purchase of four tires. Wouldn’t that be nice to have someone buy you new tires for Christmas? Yikes, I would love it. Or, you could take that person’s car down and have the oil changed and get $5 off. Great gift and you save five dollars! Check out www.tcec.coop to learn of other places you can use your card and what you get back.

Be sure to use your card if you buy some spirits for the holidays at Dancer’s. That’s a thought for another good gift for drinkers. A little eggnog, anyone?

And remember when you go to the grocery store, you might get a little bit for the local food pantry, Loaves and Fishes. Or just drop them a check to help? I remember reading in an old Rotarian magazine where the Rotarian interviewed said, “When hunger and education compete, hunger always wins.” We need to remember there are hungry people all around us.

Another great gift to someone who enjoys the Guymon Community Theatre are season tickets! Speaking of, they have the play “Oklahoma” coming the first of December.

Have fun finding the perfect gifts and enjoy visiting our unique and fabulous Guymon stores to find them.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

November 27, 2017

Had a conversation with a couple of food servers not so long ago and what they said really disappointed me. They said that the servers hate to get the Sunday afternoon shift. The reason they hate it is that the church crowd is rude and they’re the worst tippers.

Let that sink in for a moment.

These are the people who profess openly to be Christian, who are taught to love one another and treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself. To treat others as you would treat Jesus Christ himself. Hmmmm.

So, with that still rolling about in my head, I heard the Bible passages at church last Sunday.

First reading is from the Old Testament, Ezekiel 34:15-22. “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the inured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.

“Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.”

Ouch. I don’t know about you, but it makes me decide to be a little nicer.

The Gospel reading was from Matthew 25:34-46. “’Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’”

Now, if you’re thinking of other people as you read that, stop. This is not told to us to judge others, but to gauge our own actions. And I know that not only do I need to be nicer, but it wouldn’t hurt me a bit to skip a few meals and help those who are really hungry. And it wouldn’t hurt my family to have a few less toys or electronic devices or make up or whatever for some to have food on their table or shoes on their feet.

It’s the holiday season and we need to reflect on what we are doing right and what we can do better. Because all of us can do better.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

October 31, 2017

We recently finished a series of eight Breakfast and Business that had various speakers and topics geared to help business owners and managers. One of those meetings was about retirement. Actually, more like getting ready to retire and having a retirement for your employees and such. It was a good meeting and I learned a lot. But that’s not difficult. When talking about almost anything with numbers, I know very little. So, it isn’t hard for me to learn something.

Sitting there in the meeting, for some reason I just thought I had to join in the conversation. It doesn’t make sense, but it happens all the time. I like to talk. And so, I mentioned the article I read about teaching your children how to save on the 80 – 10 – 10 method. Only I said 80 – 20 – 20. And I am sure I spoke with the utmost confidence.

After the class I made the comment about me not really understanding numbers well. David Winger, who I have known for 30 years or more, piped in, “I noticed. You know that 80, 20, and 20 is 120, don’t you?”

Oh.

Did I mention that the classes were taped by PTCI and will run for the On the Bricks programs on Channel 2? Oh, yeah.

When I asked Winger why he didn’t correct me, he mentioned something about the TV camera. Ummm hmmmm.

Reminds me of the saying I recently read, “Some things are better left unsaid. Which I generally realize right after I have said them.”

My life.

There has also been a really fun happening in my life recently. My orphan Neptune (the former OPSU football player, now an alum) had his Naturalization Ceremony in OKC on Oct. 27. I got to go with him. Such an honor for me. It was a small group, only 50 plus a few. Twenty – two countries were represented by those taking the oath. Have you ever heard what the immigrant or new citizen says?

“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

Neptune, who moved here with his family from Haiti when he was in second grade, has been legal all these years and the road was expensive and time consuming, but not difficult, to citizenship. But while he was there he met a young man who had been trying for 13 years to get his citizenship and had spent over $60,000. We should appreciate what so many are working so hard to get.

America isn’t perfect. No way. Each of us needs to appreciate it and work to make it a better country.

Neptune’s English is his third language. And he speaks it with no accent at all. I admire this so much. I am so proud of him.

My life.

What else is happing in our lives here in Guymon?

Shop and Dine is Thur., Nov. 2, from 4 – 7 pm and you can win a great swag bag worth $250 in a drawing. Visit SPC WOW Boutique, Golden Crown, Merle Norman, La Amistad, and / or Beauty and the Beast to learn more. All this on the fourth and fifth blocks of Main Street.

Then on Nov. 4 are several great happenings. You can learn more about the Medicaid prescription plan and more at enrollment in the Library from 10 am to 3 pm. Free help and they won’t be trying to sell anything to you. That same day is the Benefit Arts and Craft Bazaar at the Guymon High School Commons Area from 9 am to 6 pm. This same Saturday starts the Pumpkin Patch weekend, great arts and craft vendors at the Texas County Activity Center from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday the 5th.

OPSU has a free play happening on Sun., Nov. 5 at 3 pm and at 7 pm on Nov. 6 and 7. It happens at the Centennial Theatre in Goodwell and is titled “No One Cries in this Play.”

Starting on Nov. 6 and every Monday evening in November is the class “Control Your Diabetes for Life.” This starts at 6 pm in the Texas County OSU Extension Office, 301 N Main in Guymon. The program is based on food choices and meal planning for those with diabetes or someone preparing food for a diabetic. For more information on this, call 580-338-7300.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

October 27, 2017

Do you consider some people leaders and some to not have leadership qualities?

Mandy Stewart is a teacher in Roanoke, Texas, who wrote an article in the August 2017 Toastmaster magazine about such that was quite interesting.

“In our society,” she wrote, “we are conditioned to categorize people. We perceive some as ‘natural leaders’ while believing others just don’t quite fit the bill. We may come to this conclusion because of an aspect of their personality, lack of previous experience, educational level, socio – economic status, physical appearance or the way they speak.

“I was guilty of this. But this past year, I developed a different lens through which I view my students, whether they are pursuing a Ph.D. or a master’s or bachelor’s degree. I see them all as leaders and I provide them … a place to develop public speaking skills, to speak with confidence, persuade with authority, and influence through words.

“Even the quietest person in the room, the one sitting in the back who rarely share an opinion, has much to contribute – unique ideas, diverse perspectives, and alternative ways of looking at problems. Unfortunately, many of the people with the most – needed perspectives learn to be silent. They internalize notions reinforced by society that their opinions do not matter that much, there is nothing they can do to fix a problem, or leadership is not for them.

“Now I view the people entrusted to me as leadership with limitless potential.”

We should all remember this. Everyone has potential and what are we doing to encourage the development of that potential in ourselves and others?

Join a Toastmasters group. We have a club that meets in the mornings and one that meets in the evenings, once a week. They would love to have you there to work on your speaking and presentation skills. They are kind and helpful and positive. Don’t be afraid to face your fear. Call Dianna Brown at 580-338-7270 to find out more about the club.

There are a couple other meetings worth mentioning that are coming up.

To learn information on the Medicare Prescription Enrollment, go to the Guymon Public Library between 10 am and 3 pm on Oct. 28 or Nov. 4 to visit.

And the TCEC Town Hall meeting is at 5:30 at the Library on Oct. 30. Open to everyone!

For fun, to the OPSU play “No One Cries in this Play” on Nov. 5 at 3 pm; Nov. 6 and 7 at 7 pm in the Centennial Theatre. It is free admission.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

October 25, 2017

The last of the Breakfast and Business classes has happened and the whole series of eight meetings were great. I loved those who came to them because it shows people who want to get better, to do better, to learn. And the speakers were all class acts. They weren’t there to bring attention to themselves, but to bring attention to good decisions for the business owners and managers and teachers in the group.

“Visit with your local insurance agent,” said each of the four insurance speakers. Dianna Brown, Ken Lane, Warner McKinnon, and Charles White all stressed working with your insurance agent, not trying to steal clients from anyone.

“Talk to your local bank,” said Sally Hawkins. She was adamant that the local banks in town could help on the same things she was talking about.

This just goes to show one of the many reasons that I love working with Panhandle folks. They have a strong sense of honesty and work hard to live with integrity. And they know how to work. Did I mention that every single one of the speakers at the classes does so as a volunteer. They not only take away from their time in the office, but they also don’t get paid to do it.

I love them for this absence of greed and for having reasonable egos. Almost every single person I work with, this is the case. Good people.

And as I was there with the four insurance folks today, they spoke so calmly and didn’t get excited. They went with the flow. And it reminded me of the Ernest Hemingway quote, “Never mistake motion for action.” This still folks all get a lot done.

Do you know of anyone that might want to be a volunteer at Dunaway Manor nursing home helping with doing hair. They need helpers who can push wheelchairs, some who can cut and style hair, others willing to shampoo hair, and those to help clean up. This all happens on the second and fourth Monday of each month beginning at 9 am. Contact Barbara Campbell at 580-338-7781 if you can help.

Americans eat way too much salt, as a rule. And I just read in the September Rotarian magazine that nearly half the salt in the U.S. diet comes from just 10 food, all according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control. Bread, pizza, sandwiches, cold cuts / cured meats, and soup make up the top five, followed by burritos and tacos, savory snacks, chicken, cheese, and eggs / omelets. The recommended intake of salt is 1,500 mg a day, and American consume 3,400. That increases the risk of hypertension.

On the others side of health, the August Rotarian, says the healthiest arteries of any population ever studied belong to the Tsimane people of the Bolivian Amazon. The Tsimane hunt, father, fish, and farm; men are physically active six to seven hours a day, and women four to six hours. Diet consists of 72% non – processed, high – fiber carbohydrates such as rice, nuts, and fruit and 14% protein (game and fish) and fats. Close to nine of 10 Tsimane aged 40 to 94 had no heart disease risk. Only 14% of American had no risk in similar studies. I bet the Tsimane don’t eat those 10 foods in the previous paragraph.

Don’t miss the OPSU Homecoming this weekend. The volleyball team plays at 1 on Friday afternoon and at noon on Saturday. The football game against Langston starts at 1 on Saturday. There are all sorts of other activities to go with the games and you can find those at www.opsu.edu.
Panhandle Services for Children has their masquerade ball that same Saturday, in the evening.

Another Saturday activity is the Archaeology Talk by Dr. Leland Bement from 2 to 3 at the Guymon Public Library, a Main Street Guymon event.

So much to do on October 28! Hope you have fun this weekend.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

October 18, 2017

This is one seriously interesting article I recently read. The message, according to Robby Manullang about why people quit their jobs “is so simple, full of truth and direction, yet it is consistently ignored by human resource departments, managers and owners alike and they wonder why their turnover is so high or they are always having to look for new people. The problem is with the managers – and seldom the employee or the quality of the workforce. This has been proven and well documented by study after study.

“I don’t think this happens on purpose, most managers have never been taught the art of developing people. Many rose to the rank of managers simply because they outlasted the last one. This lack of people training leaves the new manager with the only experience they know – to mimic the old boss.

“If you or your organization is experiencing more turnover than you would like, start with examining yourself and how you interact with your team. Here are nine proven reasons guaranteed to cause good employees to quit. Any one of them alone starts the process – if you find three or more you have some serious work ahead of you to correct.

“1. The Employees are Over Worked. In start-ups this happens all of the time and the managers simply do not see the handwriting on the wall. Talented employees love to contribute and will produce more, however if you plan on having them do more you best be prepared to increase their status as well.

“2. Employee’s Contributions Are Not Recognized or Good Work Rewarded. I cannot emphasize this one enough. Never underestimate the power of a pat on the back, a thank you, or a ‘great job’ comment. This is especially true with your top performers who are self – motivated.

“3. The Wrong People Are Hired or Promoted. Good, hard working employees want to work with like – minded professionals at all levels. Promoting the wrong person is one of the worse mistakes that can be made. When employees work their tails off only to get passed over by someone who glad – handed their way to the top, it is a massive insult to the good employees.

“4. Employers Who Don’t Care About Their Employees. More than half of people who leave their jobs do so because of their relationship with their boss. Bosses who fail to really care will always have high turnover rates.

“5. Employer Fails to Develop Their People. When managers are lucky enough to have talented employees, it is up to the manager to keep finding areas in which they can improve and expand their skill set. This developmental process does not belong with the human resource department; it falls squarely on your shoulders as the manager. You have a responsibility to continually challenge and grow that person. Failure to do so and your once talented employee will become bored and grow complacent.

“6. Employees Creativity is Not Engaged. Talented employees seek to improve just about everything they touch. They take pride in what they create. The moment their ability to change and improve things is removed they begin to hate their jobs. You are caging up this innate desire to create and contribute. This limitation not only limits the employees – it limits managers and companies as well.

“7. Employers Are Not Challenging People Intellectually. A great boss will challenge their employees to accomplish things that may at first seem inconceivable. Rather than setting mundane, incremental goals, the great manager will set lofty goals that will push people out of their comfort zones.

“8. Employers Don’t Honor Their Commitments. Integrity and honesty are two traits that every employee will expect of their managers. If you say you will do something – do it.

“9. They Don’t Let People Pursue Their Passions. Of all of these, this is the most simple and can mean the most, but it does require that you listen to your employees and observe. Talented employees are passionate. Find out what those passions are and work towards giving them challenges that fill their passionate needs. It just may surprise you what they can do when you let them out of that little box you have kept them in.

“If all else fails, simply remember this: ‘People work for people – they do not work for businesses.’”

Just had to share this one, even if it is so long that there’s no room for upcoming things in town.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

October 18, 2017 TV

Breakfast and Business, Part Seven

PTCI Channel 2 video

October 18, 2017

Managing to Retire with Kyle Hawkins