FSG Stars Shine In Red Carpet Recognition... And The Winners Are...

"Last night was a genuine show of support and morale building— an example why FSO is the industry's differentiator."

Greetings,

We are proud to continue the tradition of hosting our annual awards ceremony, which took place at our headquarters on January 17th. The ceremony is our opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments and say THANK YOU to all of our employees who go above and beyond. By offering our associates this recognition, along with career opportunities and advancement, we receive the reward of their commitment and PRIDE in their accomplishments.

We believe in training, motivating, and building a career path for the passionate people who consistently do a great job for our clients. Our goal is to become the “Best Place to Work,” and highlighting achievements is just one of the ways that we fulfill that ambition. 

We thought that you would appreciate learning who the award winners were and seeing the pictures as they accepted their award.

Here are the winners, with names below each photo. Congratulations to all!

1.       FSO Associate of the Year
Winners: Maria M, Sharifa C, & Rossi C (not pictured) 

2.      FSO Top Direct Hire Producer
Winner: Daniel W

3.      FSG Associate of the Year
Winners: Jackie J & Clark D

4.      FSG Sites of the Year

Winners: Financial Service Leaders in New York & Chicago

5.      FSS Top Consulting Producer
Winner: Lijo T

6.      FSS Top Temp Producer
Winner: Gail B

7.     FSO Top Client Renewal
Winner: Luther H

8.     FSO Site Manager of the Year
Winners: Gil Q (not pictured), Demetrius P, &
Pat M (not pictured)

9.      FSS Salesperson of the Year

Winner: Curtis D

10.    FSO Top Client Renewal

Winner: Luther H

11.    Loyalty to Royalty

Winner: Natalie H

10.    FSS Top Client/Candidate Services

Winner: Jeffrey R

11.    FSO Top Sales Executive of the Year: 

Ron Kelly

12.    FSO Senior Vice President of the Year: 

Lissette Umpierre

Winners who are not pictured include:

FSO Top Billing: 

Kaci P & Bobby D

FSO (re)IMAGINED New Revenue: 

Lissette U & Cacharel H

One of FSO’s true differentiators is our CARE for our employees, and there is nothing we enjoy more than recognizing and rewarding their awesome performance.

Please join us in congratulating everyone. I hope that you feel the FSG difference from our teams every day.

Have a great day and thanks for being a part of our amazing journey.

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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"Keep the fire burning in yourself."

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Ted Tuesday: The Key to Success: Grit

“Grit is sticking with your future — day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years — and working really hard to make that future a reality.”

Good Morning Folks,

Every Tuesday we bring you one of my favorite TED talks. TED.com is a treasure trove of inspiration, and I promise you whenever you are feeling down, you can go there and find a few smart words that will cheer you right up.

Today though the message is "Never give up! It's more than just a platitude.

Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn’t the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of “grit” as a predictor of success.

Assistant professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Angela Lee Duckworth studies intangible concepts such as self-control and grit to determine how they might predict both academic and professional success.

In her extensive research, psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth found that more than IQ or talent or any other factor, the #1 predictor of a person's success is their unflagging commitment to a long-term goal... in other words, their grit.

Find out why... WATCH: The Surprising Trait That's MUCH More Important Than IQ

Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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“The secret to happiness is low expectations.” 
— Barry Schwartz 
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TED Tuesday— Daniel Goleman: Why Aren't We More Compassionate?

"This guy was back on his feet immediately. But all it took was that simple act of noticing, and so I'm optimistic."

Good Morning Folks,

Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, asks why we aren't more compassionate more of the time.

“Why aren’t we more compassionate?” asks psychologist Daniel Goleman in this brilliant TED Talk. By studying human brain function, neuroscientists have proven that humans are wired to empathize. Yet the preoccupation with self often usurps the natural inclination to help others. It’s time to pay attention, asserts Goleman, and redirect your focus toward your fellow human beings. 

Everyone knows that high IQ is no guarantee of success, happiness, or virtue, but until the discoveries of modern brain researchers, theorists could only guess why. Daniel Goleman's fascinating report from the frontiers of psychology and neuroscience offers us startling new insight into our "two minds" -- the rational and the emotional -- and how they together shape our destiny. Beginning deep in the brain, Emotional Intelligence shows us the exact mechanism of an "emotional hijack," when passion overcomes reason. Through vivid examples, Goleman then delineates the crucial skills of emotional intelligence, and shows how they determine our success in relationships and work, and even our physical well-being. What emerges is a crucial new way to talk about being smart.

Daniel Goleman brought the notion of Emotional Intelligence, or EI, to prominence as an alternative to more traditional measures of IQ with his 1995 mega-best-seller, Emotional Intelligence.

Since the publication of that book, conferences and academic institutes have sprung up dedicated to the idea. It's taught in public schools, and corporate leaders have adopted it as a new way of thinking about success and leadership.

In today's program you will learn:

1. Why people show less compassion toward others than dictated by nature
2. What dangers and consequences accompany self-focus
3. What benefits ensue when people are compassionate toward one another

Have a look:

So kids, now that you know how, rid the stress and rock it today!.

Have a GREAT day, be happy and…  Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

*TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference on the West Coast each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TED Talks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.  More at TED.com

TED Tuesday: Celeste Headlee— 10 Ways To Have A Better Conversation

"I keep my mouth shut as often as I possibly can, I keep my mind open, and I'm always prepared to be amazed, and I'm never disappointed."

Good Afternoon Folks,

Today's TED selection is an ideal compliment to our leadership development work with Dr. Payne.

When your job hinges on how well you talk to people, you learn a lot about how to have conversations — and that most of us don't converse very well. Celeste Headlee was the Midwest Correspondent for NPR before becoming the co-host of the PRI show "The Takeaway.” After that, she guest hosted a number of NPR shows including "Tell Me More,” "Talk of the Nation,” "Weekend All Things Considered” and "Weekend Edition". Celeste also anchored election coverage for PBS World in 2012 and was a regular guest on CNN.

She knows the ingredients of a great conversation: Honesty, brevity, clarity and a healthy amount of listening. In this insightful talk, she shares 10 useful rules for having better conversations. "Go out, talk to people, listen to people," she says. "And, most importantly, be prepared to be amazed.

I think the tips she gave in her speech were very helpful. Many people do not listen anymore. Like she says, everyone wants to talk and get out what they would like to say. I think people would have better conversations if they would just listen and understand what everyone else is saying. People need to stop talking, and take in what is being told to them.

Here's what two of the million plus folks who have viewed the talk and to say:

"I thought this talk was very interesting and insightful, especially coming from someone who basically has conversations for a living. I like the comment about the importance of entering a conversation with the idea that you will learn something new, and I think it is fascinating to think that everyone we meet knows something we do not (like one of the quotes said). I was able to relate to the point she made about not always trying to relate by bringing in personal experience, because no two experiences are identical. I often get annoyed when people do that, whether it be something positive about their life when I share good news or something negative when I talk about my problems, but I know I do the same thing, so that is something I should be mindful of in my future conversations. I like to watch TED talks a lot, but this one is not one that I would normally have clicked on while watching on my own, and I am glad I was "forced" to watch it!" 

"When you are young, you are taught that you must be active listeners and to always pay attention when someone is speaking to you. However, you are never really taught what that really means. These are the ways to make business relationships and carry yourself with confidence, and I believe the points you made are very valid. Thanks for the advice on how to become a better conversationalist in an era driven by technology! :)"

Have a look:


I thoroughly enjoyed this video and all the ideas that were presented within it. I hope that you did too.

Have a GREAT day, be happy and…

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

*TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference on the West Coast each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TED Talks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.  More at TED.com

Inspire ME Friday ==>The Best Are Always Striving To Get Better.

"Training Camp by Jon Gordon is a touching story about one man who faces his fears on his path to greatness. Along the way, he learns a valuable lesson about who is really in control. Grow your faith. Read Training Camp." —Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Lead Like Jesus

Good Morning Folks,

Training Camp is an inspirational story filled with invaluable lessons and insights on bringing out the best in yourself and your team. The story follows Martin, an un-drafted rookie trying to make it in the NFL. He’s spent his entire life proving to the critics that a small guy with a big heart can succeed against all odds. After spraining his ankle in the pre-season, Martin thinks his dream is lost when he happens to meet a very special coach who shares eleven life-changing lessons that keep his dream alive—and might even make him the best of the best. If you want to be your best—Training Camp offers an inspirational story and real-world wisdom on what it takes to reach true excellence and how you and your team (your work team, school team, church team and family team) can achieve it.

Excerpted from “Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else”, by Jon Gordon, these eleven traits of the Best of the Best that apply to every one with a dream and ambition:

==>The Best know what they truly want.
At some point in their lives, the best have a "Eureka!" moment when their vision becomes clear. Suddenly they realize what they really, truly want to achieve. They find their passion. When that happens they are ready to strive for greatness. They are ready to pay the price.

==>The Best want it more. We all want to be great.
But only the best of the best are willing to do what it takes to be great. The best don't just think about their desire for greatness; they act on it. They have a high capacity for work. They do the things that others won't do, and they spend more time doing it. When everyone else is sleeping, the best are practicing and thinking and improving.

==>The Best are always striving to get better.
They are always looking for ways to learn, apply, improve, and grow. They stay humble and hungry. They are lifelong learners. They never think they have "arrived"—because they know that once they think that, they'll start sliding back to the place from which they came.

==>The Best do ordinary things better than everyone else.
For all their greatness, the best aren't that much better than the others. They are simply a little better at a lot of things. Everyone thinks that success is complicated, but it's really simple. In fact, the best don't do anything different. They just do the ordinary things better.

==>The Best zoom focus.
Success is all about the fundamentals, and the fundamentals are little and ordinary and often boring. It's not just about practice, but focused practice. It's not just about taking action, but taking zoom-focused action. It's about practicing and perfecting the fundamentals.

==>The Best are mentally stronger.
Today's world is no longer a sprint or a marathon. It's a series of sprints combined with a boxing match. You're not just running; you are getting hit along the way. The best are able to respond to and overcome all of this with mental and emotional toughness. They are able to tune out the distractions and stay calm, focused, and energized when it counts.

==>The Best overcome their fear.
Everyone has fears. The best of the best all have fear, but they overcome it. To beat your enemy, you must know your enemy. Average people shy away from their fears. They either ignore them or hide from them. However, the best seek them out and face them with the intent of conquering them.

==>The Best seize the moment.
When the best are in the middle of their performance, they are not thinking "What if I win?" or "What if I lose?" They are not thinking "What if I make a mistake or miss the shot?" They are not interested in what the moment produces but are concerned only with what they produce in the moment. When all eyes are watching, they rise to the occasion. As a result, the best define the moment rather than letting the moment define them.

==>The Best tap into a power greater than themselves.
The best are conductors, not resistors. They don't generate their own power, but act as conduits for the greatest power source in the world. It's not always politically correct, but you can't talk about greatness without talking about God. It would be like talking about breathing without mentioning the importance of air.

==>The Best leave a legacy.
The best live and work with a bigger purpose. They leave a legacy by making their lives about more than them. This larger purpose is what inspires them to be the best and strive for greatness over the long term. It helps them move from success to significance.

==>The Best make everyone around them better.
They do this through their own pursuit of excellence and in the excellence they inspire in others. One person in pursuit of excellence raises the standards of everyone around them. And they do this in both their work and life. ...The point is to strive to be your best and inspire others to be their best, because it's in the striving where you find greatness, not in the outcome.

Get the book HERE.

And have a GREAT weekend.

Make a difference folks!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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“The expert in anything was once a beginner”

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And The Award Goes To...

"I was choked up and tearing many times during the awards..  the winners speeches and the words spoken about our growth, our care and simply how people feel was, well hard to say... just amazing."

Good Morning Folks,

FSG (FSS and FSO) is full of traditions - one of them being our Annual Awards Celebration. This is our opportunity to cheer for and to say THANK YOU to all of our employees and recognize our superstars. This year’s event was held on January 13, 2016 both at Headquarters and Nationally, and I can say it was one of our best yet! We had one of the highest number of nominees in our history of hosting the event and the celebration was just awesome.

From the feedback I've been receiving, attendees agree that Wednesday night's event was certainly one of our best ceremonies:

"Bravo to you for a successful meeting and putting smiles on so many faces." 

"Wow! What an awesome meeting!! It went by so fast - the energy, music and presenters  was awesome!"

"I was so incredibly proud of my Team! It was so great to see and hear all of the National recognition."

"I am grateful for my acceptance into the Owners Circle of Excellence. For the last few years I have seen the President's Club logo on FSO-FSS Business cards, but to now have it on my own cards is an honor."

"Last night was a triumph of corporate morale building. A genuine and energetic show of support and moxie."

"The event is just another example why FSO is the differentiator in the industry and a much deserved THANK YOU goes out to the Executive Leadership Team for hosting yet an amazing party."

Kim, Jim, Dean, and I thought that you would appreciate learning who the award winners were and seeing the pictures as they accepted their award.

Here are the winners, with names below each photo. Congratulations to all!

1.       Top Client Renewal Award

Winner: Kaci — AMLAW 200 Firm

2.       Top Billing Award

Winner: Shawn & John — World's #1-Ranked Professional Service Firm

3.       (re)Imagined New Revenue Award

Winner: Ivy – Biotech (Not Pictured)

4.       Best Client Reference Award

Winner: Stephanie – AMLAW 200 Firm

5.       Associate of the Year Award

Category 1: Jannel — Financial Services Leader

Category 2: Omar – World's #1-Ranked Advertising and PR Firm

Category 3: Leo – Wireless Telecom Leader (Not Pictured)

Category 4: Darren - Property Management

Category 5: Greg — FSS

6.       Site Manger of the Year Award

Category 1: Terrance – Footwear Retail

Category 2: Christian – AMLAW 200 Firm

Category 3: Cacharel – Wireless Telecom Leader (Not Pictured)

7.    FSS Top Direct Hire Producer Award

Winner: Sid

     8. FSS Top Temp Producer Award

Winner: Chris

9.       FSS Sales Person of the Year

Winner: Joseph

10.  (re)IMAGINE Excellence Award (HQ)

Winner: Rose

11.   Director/Vice President of the Year

Winner: Lissette (Not Pictured)

12.   2015 Passionate Power House of the Year

Category 1: Non-Profit

Category 2: Top 20 Advertising Agency

Category 3:  AMLAW 200 Firm

One of FSO’s true differentiators is our CARE for our employees and there is nothing we enjoy more than recognizing and rewarding their awesome performance.

Please join us in congratulating everyone. I hope that you feel the FSO difference from our teams every day

Have a great day and thanks for being a part of our amazing journey.

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Keep the fire burning in yourself."

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