Jim L. Smith

Barriers Make for Teaching Opportunities

July 2, 2013

As we journey along the path of life, it is inevitable that we are presented with challenges, stumbling blocks, and barriers which come in all shapes and sizes. Some come out of nowhere and we are unprepared to confront while others are more predictable and are easier to overcome.

Face of Quality

Establish a Culture of Sustained Improvement

It's more about rigor and discipline than technique.

Jim L. Smith

June 12, 2013

Should organizations focus on continual improvement or swing for the home run? To answer, we should ask ourselves two questions. “Are we making progress?” and “Are we better than competitors to the point of having a strategic advantage?”

Seize the Opportunities

Jim L. Smith

June 3, 2013

I was reading about Dr. Maxwell Martz, the American surgeon, who wrote several articles and books on the power of our self-image. Dr. Martz’s system of ideas was the frontrunner of the popular self-help books. I began thinking about what causes some people, more than others, to take advantage of opportunities.

Jim’s Gems: Self-Image is the Key

Jim L. Smith

May 28, 2013

During the course of this blog, we’ve written about the power and influence of our self-image, how we see ourselves. Self-image is also key to our earning power.

Jim's Gems: Don’t Be a Fool

Jim L. Smith

May 21, 2013

I recently read a piece about Minot Judson Savage that really hit me. Savage was an American Unitarian minister but he was also a prolific writer who published many influential works of his day.

Jim's Gems: Chart Your Path With Self-Reliance

Jim L. Smith

May 8, 2013

One of my favorite writers is Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was born in Boston in 1803 and graduated from Harvard in 1821. Although born more than two centuries ago his published works have certainly inspired and changed the lives of millions of people throughout the world.

Motivating Others with Effective Communication

Jim L. Smith

May 7, 2013

Leadership would be easy if it weren’t for those being led. Dealing with people is very complex even in the best of situations.

Face of Quality

Organizational Culture and Work

Understand the variables that affect employee self-determination.

Jim L. Smith

May 2, 2013

Recently a discussion centered on organizational empowerment, its relationship to employee self-determination, and the impact on opportunity. The following is a summary of a recent conversation with one of our readers.

Jim's Gems: Possibility Thinking Starts with You

Jim L. Smith

April 29, 2013

Last week’s blog focused on the difference between average and great and we thought it might be worthwhile to revisit that topic.

Jim’s Gems: The Difference Between Average and Great

Jim L. Smith

April 22, 2013

Do you ever think about the difference between mediocrity and greatness? It’s likely not near as much as you might think. It really takes very little to make a big difference in the outcome of your labors.