Summer Lessons in the Fall

Fall Trees

Tomorrow marks the first day of fall; summer is ending, the leaves are changing color, and playtime is over. Well, really hard playtime is over anyway. For me summer means traveling nearly every weekend, bratwursts, steaks, shorts, watermelon, gaining weight, buying new pants that fit, swimming, more swimming, and lots of unbearable heat. I grew up in Star Valley, Wyoming—an area of the world where the four seasons are very distinct—and it was the fall that marked a new year: school Keep Reading »

Business IS Personal

Chris Mower Dog Eat Dog World Small

You're probably familiar with the phrase, "It's a dog-eat-dog world out there." I've been hearing it for years, and I've used it a few times myself. It's a true phrase. If you're not careful, once you step foot into the big bad business world, you can get skewered, slathered in BBQ sauce, chewed up, and then spit out. These are reasons that people put up a guard and make business and the ensuing relationships as tough as boot leather. If you have seen the movie, "You've Got Mail" you may Keep Reading »

12 Simple Lessons in Leadership for Those Who Want to Make a Difference

Leadership Cartoon

There are a lot of people I admire out there who have good values, strong morals and contribute to society. Within that group I have personally observed four individuals who stand out as leaders and movers. These are my observations of their leadership behaviors. Remarkable leaders... …are not ashamed of their opinions. The most successful leaders I know are leaders because they have their opinions and values, and they stick to them. It’s these opinions and values that have caused Keep Reading »

Greater than ‘Me’

It's lunch time at work and a gazillion thoughts are crowding my brain. I figured I'd share some with you, although they're incomplete and a little chaotic. What's my motivation? Is it money -- ? -- so I can buy that big house... and that super cool sports car... and then wine and dine with the rich and famous? -- so I can give to charity and help others... and support my family and help other families... and provide opportunities and support for children all over the world... and Keep Reading »

Why You Should Care about Who You Recommend

You should care about who you recommend. Everything you do and say reflects on you, and when you recommend somebody, everything they do or say reflects on you too. When you recommend somebody... ...you're also recommending their attitude. If they're eager to jump in and help, if they're positive, proactive, encouraging, and happy, that reflects on you. If they treat their customers or coworkers poorly, if they are mean, or if they are lazy and indifferent, that reflects on Keep Reading »

Begin Taking Personal Responsibility

Taking Personal Responsibility 001 (Personal Responsibility) - ChrisMower.com

Taking personal responsibility is a subject with which I passionately identify. There’s a difference between taking personal responsibility and blaming yourself. Blaming yourself is letting yourself down and telling yourself that you really stunk it up. It’s pessimistic, degrading, demoralizing, and derogatory. It makes you feel like mud on a rock. Taking responsibility is just the opposite. It’s optimistic and positive. It’s motivating, uplifting, satisfying, and empowering. It Keep Reading »