As far as I can discern, the phrases “above the line” and “below the line” were first coined at Procter & Gamble in 1954 when accountants and marketers tried to make sense of the return on investment (ROI) of all their different advertising efforts. They needed terminology to help them decipher what the purpose and targets of their efforts were. Since then, countless consultants and teams have utilized the phrases in a number of different…
When you walk into a System of Strength gym in Columbus, Ohio, you’ll see phrases such as “Keep Moving” and “Find A Way” displayed everywhere. The cinder block, exposed lighting and mirror-covered walls create a hip, industrial environment for those looking to sweat. Hip-hop music blares throughout the studio as those committed to the System compete against themselves in boot camp-style classes. The room is full, and there’s an energy steeped in positivity, passion and perseverance….
Some of you have heard me say I’m not sure I believe in long-range plans anymore. Let me explain. What I don’t believe in is the arduous process that so many teams and companies have entered into, especially at this time of year. They create binders that chart every “i” they are going to dot and every “t” they are going to cross in the next ten years. So many places have entered into this process…
I hear the dreaded question: “How have you been doing with your flossing?” The deep swallow I take while the practitioner probes my open mouth and inspects my gums reveals the real answer to her question. I’m guessing many of you are with me on this one. There are things we know we’re supposed to do, but we don’t always follow through. I know I’m supposed to floss, but I don’t always do what I…
The last few years have not been enjoyable as it relates to watching my parents struggle with their health. I lost my mother to cancer in 2015, and my father was in and out of the hospital for five years before passing away in 2017. I do not wish those moments upon anyone, yet I realize that experiencing these types of pain and losing people we love are aspects of the human experience. It also comes with…
Have you ever driven down the road and approached a sign that makes you giggle because you know that the true message of the sign has been lost in translation? It’s obvious that the sign, often laden with mixed messages, does not really communicate its intended purpose. It’s in those moments that I choose to believe the person making or placing the sign was probably in such a hurry to get the task done that they forgot…
NBA executive and former NCAA and professional basketball star Shane Battier will join Jason Barger, Howard Behar and others as a speaker at the second annual Thermostat Cultures Live event on Friday, Nov. 9, in Columbus, Ohio. Here, Battier, who was regarded as one of the most complete players in the NBA for his leadership, lockdown defense and intellectual approach to the game, shares his thoughts on culture, doing good and the importance of the…
The precision of language is critical. What might mean one thing to one person means something else to another. Language isn’t perfect, but it’s all we’ve got. So, the precision of the words we choose and the definitions we design together are critical. Revitalizing language that already exists is also a part of keeping values an active and growing tool. I’ve been involved in a number of companies in the last year who have values…
How would you describe the core values of your team in order to bring to life the culture you want? If you winced or rolled your eyes when you read the phrase “core values,” hang with me. Unfortunately, some of your reaction is for good reason. You see, the exercise to determine your Mission/Vision/Values has not always been handled well by teams and organizations. Many have just gone through the motions to create them and…
Govindh Jayaraman is a portfolio entrepreneur who started his first company at 18, has worked in industries from real estate development to tech, and is currently President of IMBA Medical. He’s also an inspirational leadership author and the mastermind behind the Paper Napkin Wisdom movement, a collection of “nuggets” of wisdom from leaders, business-owners and difference-makers written on paper napkins. This fall, he’ll join longtime Starbucks President Howard Behar, culture expert Jason Barger and others…
