To work is to pray. Laborare est orare.

This week, in response to the passing of William F. Buckley, Jr., many reflected on what the National Review editors aptly identified as his “wit, style, and intelligence.” Among those memorializing his life, was MSNBC’s Hardball host, Chris Matthews.

A friend and fellow political junkie, Lee Westell sent me the Hardblogger post in which Matthews offered a poignant commentary, explaining

In all the books and columns he wrote, in all the editions of National Review he published, our great William F. Buckley, Jr. was offering up “his” prayer. This is what he was doing, his work, at his desk, when he was taken home.

To work is to pray. Laborare est orare.

It was clear Matthews was inspired by both Buckley’s prayer and St. Benedict’s precept. Such a simple and beautiful concept; yet one that remains elusive for many.

I do believe when your work is a reflection of who you are, it is your most profound communication with the world.

Chris Matthews’ touching remembrance is a fitting tribute to the wit, style and intelligence of William F. Buckley and at the same time, a call to reflect on our own prayer.

Oscar Inspiration – Markéta Irglová

I wasn’t planning to watch the Oscars, but the lure of Jon Stewart was just too great. I tuned around 10:30 pm, just in time for the award for Original Song.

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová won the award for “Falling Slowly” from the film Once. Glen’s acceptance speech was earnest and sweet, however, when Marketa leaned into the mike the music started playing. Her disappointment was evident, yet she walked off with a smile and the show went to commercial.

In an act of kindness, when the show returned from commercial, Jon Stewart brought Marketa back out to the stage – it was heartwarming. And then she offered these words: (more…)

Lessons from Fidel Castro – Part II: The Resignation Conversation

Now that you have planned your resignation, it’s time to move into action. You are ready to schedule an appointment with the appropriate person to officially start the negotiation. Review your research and your plan. Think through and outline your points. Remember this is a serious professional conversation. Keep your emotions under control and come prepared follow these simple steps. (more…)

Lessons from Fidel Castro: How to Plan Your Resignation

Reading about Fidel Castro’s resignation, I thought it might be a good time to discuss how to resign from your current position. While you may not be ending your tenure as the longest ruling communist dictator, a well thought out plan will serve you well.

Before you march into HR with your letter of resignation, consider what you need to leave successfully and construct a negotiation plan.

There is more on the table that you haven’t yet examined, including transition pay, outplacement services, health insurance benefits, references, company car purchases, fitness membership conversions, phone and computer transfer and a vast array of intangible benefits.

Before approaching management about leaving, think about your role, the direction the company is heading and design an exit strategy. Compile a list of separation benefits that should be on the table based on company policy, your tenure, position, and in return for easing potential problems. The following list may help you prepare your strategy. (more…)

From Busyness to Basics!

My sister, Marianne has a very hectic life. She is the president of the FDNY EMS Retirees Association, advocating for the rights of September 11th first responders. Marianne is on the phone for hours with elected officials, doctors, lawyers, journalists, reporters and members.

This morning on the phone, I noticed something odd in her voice – she actually sounded relaxed! When I mentioned it, she told me, “Everything died and I realized what I didn’t need.” She went on to explain that in one day her car stalled, her GPS died, her computer went kaput and her Treo had a meltdown!

Her first reaction was emotional. How would she get in touch with people? How would she get back on track? What about all the documents she lost? (more…)

Starbucks Tunes in to Customers

After years of forcing students, freelancers, writers, small business owners and other sipping surfers to pay T-Mobile for Wi-Fi access, Starbucks has finally tuned in to customers…and we probably have Apple to thank!

The company is dumping it’s T-Mobile contract and forging a new deal with AT&T. Starting in the spring,

Starbucks will offer the java addicted masses two-free hours of Wi-Fi service per day for registered and active Starbucks card holders.

This means you now have a place on almost every street corner where you can start writing your book, conducting your job search, meeting with clients and keeping connected all the while!

Hmm, the iPhone is looking more and more like an legitimate business expense!

Check out the announcement: Howard Schultz Transformation Agenda Communication #5

Robin Roberts Goes Commando on the Catwalk

“Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts took on the catwalk of Isaac Mizrahi’s fashion show yesterday, as part of GMA’s “I Dare You” series. Roberts looked amazing in a gorgeous, red Mizrahi dress, but the day was more about what she wasn’t wearing – her wig or undies!!

She said she felt great – and boy did she look great! (she makes her entrance at 5:05 on the video)

“This is who I am, and I embrace it.”

Chronicling her battle with breast cancer in a video diary and the Girlfriends Guide to Cancer, Roberts has shifted the tone of the conversation. On the catwalk she shared why she chose to go commando! (more…)

Super Tuesday – Getting the Message

It’s Super Tuesday and the media has been blasting us with polls, numbers, charts, maps and issue analysis. They have dissected each candidate, their every statement, move and gesture.

Aside from all the punditry and regardless of who you are voting for, there is something in the air that is quite powerful and deserves notice. This election cycle has given us brought a diverse range of candidates, increased participation across a broad spectrum of voters, and a ever-growing public dialogue – a new conversation that resonates beyond the political landscape.

The message is clear, we can grab hold of the momentum and energy surrounding the election and use it to create our community as much by participating in our political process, as through our everyday actions. This year, more people than ever are asking questions, researching the issues, sharing their opinions, raising their voices, and recognizing their responsibility to participate in creating the community they want to be a part of – as voting Americans and as individuals working to build our lives, careers, families, businesses and communities.

Here are some suggestions to get you on your way! (more…)

Chester Pitts’ Super Bowl Dreams

Last night like many of you, I watched the Super Bowl (Yeah Giants) and the commercials.

The game was pretty inspiring itself. The tenacity of Eli Manning and the Giants offense. The teamwork of the defense. It was a thing of beauty!

On the commercial side, one ad stood out and I wanted to make sure you saw it too. It was the Mr. Oboe commercial

The ad chronicles Chester Pitts’ road to the NFL. Ephraim Salaam saw Pitt’s future before Pitt dreamed it for himself. Pitt went from bagging groceries to scoring a walk-on in college ball to being a second round draft pick into the NFL!

It’s a good reminder to take a closer look at the strengths others see in us and to give voice to the potential we see in others.

Often those around us can see a strength we have not yet recognized in ourselves

…and sometimes it can lead us to our dreams!