2016 Resolutions: Forgiveness. Compassion. Gratitude.

"You are all very special and bring tremendous talent and spirit across every client that we take care of across all of our services – so I say thank you to one and all for all you do!!!"

Good Morning Folks,

As I write often we have lots to be thankful for and I am sure as a team 2016 will be our best yet. 

During my holiday vacation time I was catching up on reading and began curating articles for sharing next year on social media.

One of the best articles I read this vacation was Creative Leaderships "My Four Rules," New Years Resolutions written for the year 2000:

1. Don’t speak ill of others. 
It’s human nature to knock the other party down when they aren’t watching as a natural survival instinct. I always admire the people I meet in life who never feel they have to speak ill of others to make themselves look good.

2. Avoid passive aggressive behavior. 
Failing to be forthright with what you really want to say can be hurtful. Being honest and respectful is a good way to deliver a difficult message. 

3. Listen broadly, but don’t waffle on decisions. 
When people depend upon you to make a decision, they’re basically asking you to be responsible for the possible failed outcome. Your decision should be based upon expert opinions culled from your team, but in the end you make the final decision and are the one responsible — you bear the responsibility for the team. If you’re wrong, admit you’re wrong early and things will usually go better that way. If you’re right then consider yourself lucky and pass on the win to your team. Keep moving forward. 

4. When in error — admit, apologize, move forward. I am not perfect. 
The only way that I can guarantee not making any mistakes is if I were to do absolutely nothing. So by doing anything at all, I risk making errors of varying degree of intensity. When, and I will, make a mistake I will admit the

Since New Years is a a time for reflection and resolutions, today I'm going to give you a preview of some of the inspiration I discovered that can help you reflect on your career.

From Jet Blue's Outstanding CEO: "Finding a Great Mentor –  10 Things to Look for" by @JoelCPeterson on @LinkedIn 

Office attire that makes you look impressive... 

7 Habits of Highly Confident People by @kamaka_women on @LinkedIn 

Why Just A Job Is Never Good Enough 

And finally.... 35 things you should do for your career by the time you turn 35 (no matter what age you are!)

You may need to be logged into LinkedIn to view some of these. If we are not connected there yet, hit me up for an invite. 

And to keep up on my shares between blogposts, follow my PERSONAL twitter account where you can scroll back through 2015 and nearly 6,000 of no BS, hand-selected articles discovered by me, and passed on to you— to help improve your life and career. Leading to all the love, happiness and success you deserve.

As the end of year approaches it's the perfect time to reflect on how FSO has flourished in such a short year! We have continued to grow exponentially and expand our presence with great new sites and wonderful new staff nationally. Your commitment to service and our clients saw us recognized as the fastest growing onsite outsourcing yet again. 

We also created thousands of new jobs, recognizing and rewarding more employees than ever! I launched the "Happiness" team as part of my unbridled commitment to ensure that training and development, recruitment and hospitality were the best in the industry and that FSO will be the happiest place to work. 

The one thing that has been unwavering throughout has been the FSO culture. 

You are all very special and bring tremendous talent and spirit across every client that we take care of across all of our services – so I say thank you to one and all for all you do!!!

This has been and always will be, our differentiators. Our skip, fire, and twinkle will never be replaced. It is what our clients BOUGHT and what attracted many of you to work for Me and FSO. Our motivation, power of positive energy, fun, spirited and personal approach to business will ever be compromised! 

Thanks to everyone for their great efforts this year - we are blessed to have such dedicated and employees.

I want to wish all of you and your families a wonderful Holiday Break and a fantastic New Year. Celebrate happy but safe with friends, colleagues and family. 

The countdown has begin and in 2016, FSO only gets better from here. From the Forrests. Catons and Weiners, have a very  Happy, Safe, and Fun filled New Year's Eve. 

Life is too short, so why wait?

Have a GREAT weekend,

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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Lose weight, finding love, advancing your career-whatever your 2016 resolutions and goals may be remember: “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." [Dale Carnegie]

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Ted Tuesday: Stacey Kramer: The Best Gift I Ever Survived

"I cannot say enough how much sharing your story will help others. "

Good Morning Folks,

Today's talk is short, moving and relevant to a lot of folks we know.

Stacey Kramer offers a moving, personal, 3-minute parable that shows how an unwanted experience -- frightening, traumatic, costly -- can turn out to be a priceless gift.

In 2009, Kramer found herself confronting a terrifying diagnosis: a CAT scan revealed she had a brain tumor -- the size of a golf ball. She told her remarkable, personal story at TED2010.

Very moving story, the emotion is plain to see, and I like the message. 

Enjoy the holidays,

Love Life,

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

Ideas are not set in stone. When exposed to thoughtful people, they morph and adapt into their most potent form.TED Tuesdays on MitchWeiner.com highlights some of today's most intriguing ideas. Look for more talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more— HERE. 

Inspire ME Friday: “So, Tell Me About Yourself”

'If it’s social, keep it more factual than self-promoting, but still something you’re proud of. “I coach t-ball,” or, “I just finished running my first 5K.”

Good Morning Folks,

For those of us in New York City, what a great week! What a treat walking to work in warm weather rand being able to take in all the Christmas decorations and store windows.

Introverts tend to hate the holidays. Extroverts love them. With all the socializing we are about to do over the next two weeks, I thought this morning's topic would be of high interest:

When someone asks, “So, Tell Me About Yourself” how do you respond?

According to our friend Drew, this question comes up two places–job interviews and awkward social encounters with strangers. In both contexts it’s a sort of informal aptitude test, a way of finding out, “Am I going to want to continue spending time on you or not?”

It’s a good idea to think about your answer to this question in advance. You can rehearse your answer if you are a rehearsing-your-answer sort of person, but really what you need is this three part formula.

1) One thing you think they want to hear.

2) One thing you are really proud of that’s different from #1

3) One personal, idiosyncratic thing that shows your human side

1. One thing you think they want to hear
If it’s a job interview, this is where you mention that you love working on a team or that you love working independently or that you love dealing with irate customers or whatever.  Don’t go on and on about it, one or two sentences is plenty.

If it’s a picnic where you are meeting in-laws or some other awkward social event, stick to what you do with your days and maybe some geographical history. “I’m an administrator for a nursing-home and I’ve lived in Smallville for seven years now–I love it here!”

2. One thing you are really proud of that’s different from #1
On a job interview this is the place for a little bragging, “I’m a whiz at Photoshop,” or, “I get a charge out of negotiating prices.” Just as long as it’s truthful and short.

If it’s social, keep it more factual than self-promoting, but still something you’re proud of. “I coach t-ball,” or, “I just finished running my first 5K.”

3. One personal, idiosyncratic thing that shows your human side
For work or socializing this is something ideally expressed as a positive rather than as a negative. So you could say, “And I am crazy about radishes–I plant my own every year!” But it’s not so great so say, “I hate country music,” because–hey, why be negative, and why possibly alienate your interviewer?

At work or socializing, it’s important to be short–three sentences is plenty. This isn’t meant to be an in-depth question with a lengthy answer, it’s more like a ritual coming from someone who is just as nervous as you are about what to do next.

Have a HAPPY, SAFE and HEALTHY Weekend.

Love Life and Light It UP!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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“If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door" 
~~ Milton Berle
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by DREW: Declassified from VIP JUNE 10, 2009

Throw Back Thursday: Everybody Leads; Everybody Cares

"Likewise, inspire and encourage your teams, “honk” by recognizing and rewarding an employee with a pat on the back, a kudo, a special mention during the daily huddle, it will go a long way to making everyone feel appreciated as well as promote camaraderie and teamwork."

Good Morning Folks,

Whether you have heard this tale before, or are taking it on for the first time, today's "TBT" post will always lift you up.

There was a time when the lone eagle on the mountain was a popular symbol for leadership.  But in a fast-moving organization such as FSO, we should have – MUST HAVE – leaders at EVERY position.  If you want a better metaphor than the eagle, consider the wild and wily Great Northern Geese.

EVERYONE is ALIGNED:  
A flock of Great Northern Geese will fly thousands of miles in a perfect V formation – and therein lies the secret: As each bird moves its great wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following.  Formation flying is 70 percent more efficient than flying alone.  If every associate at every site is aligned and FOCUSED  on delivering the hospitality experience, we will create an uplift for each other to continue delivering white glove service as a unit.

EVERYONE LEADS:  
At a distance, the flock appears to be guided by a single leader.  The lead bird does in fact guide the formation, winging smoothly and confidently through the oncoming elements.  If the lead bird tires, however, it rotates back into formation and another bird moves quickly to the point position.  Leadership is willingly shared, and each bird knows exactly where the entire group is headed.  At FSO, every associate knows where we are headed and can see 2020 clearly.  Each one of our teammates should be able to wing smoothly and confidently through any and all challenges they may face on a daily basis.

EVERYONE INSPIRES:  
Each flock finds its own unique rhythm and spirit.  The pulsating sound of the huge wings beating together excites and energizes the entire formation.  The geese enthusiastically honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.  Likewise, inspire and encourage your teams, “honk” by recognizing and rewarding an employee with a pat on the back, a kudo, a special mention during the daily huddle, it will go a long way to making everyone feel appreciated as well as promote camaraderie and teamwork.

EVERYONE CARES:  
In good time or bad, Great Northern Geese stand by each other.  When a member of the flock gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.  They stay with it until it is able to fly again.  Then they soar off together to catch up with their flock.  Know that you have easy access to an entire NATION of counterparts that can support you and guide you at any time…  all you have to do is reach out and they will help and support you to soar along with the rest, the best, FSO.

If WE have as much sense as geese, we TOO will share the leadership and stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

What a terrific, informative and timely message for all of us at FSO. Absolutely loved the message of unity, leadership and teamwork and I am always amazed how much we can learn from one of God's creatures.

In the spirit of the season.... CHEERS!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,
do more and become more, you are a leader." 
~~John Quincy Adams

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TED Tuesday: Life Is Beautiful (A TED Playlist)

"Herr lost both legs in a climbing accident 30 years ago; now, as the head of the MIT Media Lab’s Biomechatronics group, he shows his incredible technology in a talk that's both technical and deeply personal — with the help of ballroom dancer Adrianne Haslet-Davis, who lost her left leg in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and performs again for the first time on the TED stage."

Good Morning Folks,

These TED talks will make your heart ache in the best of ways. Each is a wonderful reminder of the beautiful poignancy of life. How perfect for the season of gratitude and joy!

Playlist (10 talks): Life is beautiful

• 12:03
  

  Shane KoyczanTo This Day ... for the bullied and beautiful

  By turn hilarious and haunting, poet Shane Koyczan puts his finger on the pulse of what it's like to be young and … different. "To This Day," his spoken-word poem about bullying, captivated millions as a viral video (created, crowd-source style, by 80 animators). Here, he gives a glorious, live reprise with backstory and violin accompaniment by Hannah Epperson.

   Watch later · 678 comments 
• 20:27
  

  Andrew SolomonHow the worst moments in our lives make us who we are

  Writer Andrew Solomon has spent his career telling stories of the hardships of others. Now he turns inward, bringing us into a childhood of adversity, while also spinning tales of the courageous people he's met in the years since. In a moving, heartfelt and at times downright funny talk, Solomon gives a powerful call to action to forge meaning from our biggest struggles.

   Watch later · 194 comments 
• 19:23
  

  Anand GiridharadasA tale of two Americas. And the mini-mart where they collided

  Ten days after 9/11, a shocking attack at a Texas mini-mart shattered the lives of two men: the victim and the attacker. In this stunning talk, Anand Giridharadas, author of "The True American," tells the story of what happened next. It's a parable about the two paths an American life can take, and a powerful call for reconciliation.

   Watch later · 113 comments 
• 14:34
  

  Eric WhitacreA virtual choir 2,000 voices strong

  In a moving and madly viral video last year, composer Eric Whitacre led a virtual choir of singers from around the world. He talks through the creative challenges of making music powered by YouTube, and unveils the first 2 minutes of his new work, "Sleep," with a video choir of 2,052. The full piece premiered a few weeks later (yes, on YouTube!).

   Watch later · 265 comments 
• 19:00
  

  Hugh HerrThe new bionics that let us run, climb and dance

  Hugh Herr is building the next generation of bionic limbs, robotic prosthetics inspired by nature's own designs. Herr lost both legs in a climbing accident 30 years ago; now, as the head of the MIT Media Lab’s Biomechatronics group, he shows his incredible technology in a talk that's both technical and deeply personal — with the help of ballroom dancer Adrianne Haslet-Davis, who lost her left leg in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and performs again for the first time on the TED stage.

   Watch later · 284 comments 
• 18:19
  

  Jill Bolte TaylorMy stroke of insight

  Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions — motion, speech, self-awareness — shut down one by one. An astonishing story.

   Watch later · 2806 comments 
• 09:47
  

  Louie SchwartzbergNature. Beauty. Gratitude.

  Nature’s beauty can be fleeting — but not through Louie Schwartzberg’s lens. His stunning time-lapse photography, accompanied by powerful words from Benedictine monk Brother David Steindl-Rast, serves as a meditation on being grateful for every day.

   Watch later · 644 comments 
• 20:19
  

  Brené BrownThe power of vulnerability

  Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.

   Watch later · 1794 comments 
• 20:43
  

  Benjamin ZanderThe transformative power of classical music

  Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it — and by extension, our untapped love for all new possibilities, new experiences, new connections.

   Watch later · 610 comments 
• 18:25

  Sarah KayIf I should have a daughter ...

  "If I should have a daughter, instead of Mom, she's gonna call me Point B ... " began spoken word poet Sarah Kay, in a talk that inspired two standing ovations at TED2011. She tells the story of her metamorphosis — from a wide-eyed teenager soaking in verse at New York's Bowery Poetry Club to a teacher connecting kids with the power of self-expression through Project V.O.I.C.E. — and gives two breathtaking performances of "B" and "Hiroshima."

   Watch later · 631 comments 

  
  

  Have a GREAT Day,

  
  
  
  Mitchell D. Weiner
  Chief Happiness Officer  

  
  
  

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  "Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character"

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  Ideas are not set in stone. When exposed to thoughtful people, they morph and adapt into their most potent form. TED Tuesdays on MitchWeiner.com highlights some of today's most intriguing ideas. Look for more talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more— HERE.