Ted Tuesday: Paolo Cardini's Forget Multitasking, Try Monotasking

"Multitasking only works for a very few people. As Paolo stated, only 2% of people are "super-taskers" who can multi-task efficiently. The rest of us, when we try to multi-task, often end up doing many things poorly, instead of one thing well."

Good Morning Folks,

With 1,651,644 views on Ted's site, Industrial Product designer Paolo Cardini's Forget multitasking, try monotasking (aka The Power of Focus) is already a big hit.

For many of us, multitasking is part of everyday life: Tweeting, evaluating a revolutionary business startup and preparing a sandwich all in the same minute comes as second nature.

But perhaps we should start looking at the concept of multitasking as outdated -- inefficient. In the clip below (a video from TedTalks), designer Paolo Cardini makes a case for monotasking -- or as we often put it, unit asking. His charming 3D-printed smartphone covers just might help.



What is your focus? Think about it. Will you be in control of your POWER of FOCUS, or will you fall into the trap of firefighting, not in control of your time, busy with activities that are not in line with the corporate goals or mine that you have been given?

Our people, from mail room clerks to front of house to our Sr. Management team are driven by one simple focused goal, make today better than it was yesterday. Our people never stop looking for ways to make our clients life better. When I talk about passion, it is not just a tag line for our brand it is the way we approach everything we do.

Focus at FSO is on providing employees that not only can deliver services, but have the fire, skip and twinkle in how they deliver Hospitality service. The FSO Experience is a different level of White Glove Service. We are not happy with just meeting expectations as that is only a passing grade for our competitors. We want them to feel the difference!

How lucky are we to be able be given new chances to improve ourselves, improve the way we serve our clients, improve the way we work with our staff, as well as to improve the way these opportunities are spread among all levels of employment at FSO. This is important. 

Let's all go make things happen today. I look forward to seeing you soon.

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.  


About FSO Onsite Outsourcing
Recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest growing companies for the second consecutive year, and lead by industry pioneer, Mitch Weiner, FSO's growth and success can be attributed to making a positive and powerful impact on their clients' bottom lines, as well as their employees' careers and lives.

Shattering Glass Ceilings and Realizing Her Full Potential, FSO Is Where Crystal's Career Dreams and Ambitions Are Being Fulfilled

"Mitch, Jim, and the entire ELT have built this incredible business and are allowing opportunities for every single FSO staff member to shine and grow personally and professionally. Do not only “FEEL THE EXPERIENCE” for yourself, SPREAD the experience to every person who you interact with and we will all shine!! :)"

Good Morning Folks,

We're back after a week's hiatus with a special treat for you this morning.

FSO is growing at an extremely fast pace. Outsiders want to know the keys to that success -- the driving force behind the ambition. We know it's our people that make the difference. 

But as I've said before, on Fridays when I share the best of our internal employee communiques of the week, the best way to get to know the size, scope and spirit of FSO is to hear what our employees have to say directly. 

At FSO, I promise our employees a career, not just a job. An opportunity for anyone with >>SKIP >>Twinkle >>Fire and a willingness to work hard and learn and grow each and every day, the a chance to shatter glass ceilings and realize their full potential as has never been possible before. Today, Crystal's story is a case in point:

Good morning and a very happy hump day FSO USA!! :) :) :) 

With this, my first ever morning message, I want to stress a very simple concept that we all know and have heard a million times.. this being “the golden rule”.. treat others as you would like to be treated.

Super cliché right? Allow me to just tell you a short story about the benefits of being a nice, positive person…

I grew up the daughter of a fabulous couple who owned a small family hardware store. From the time I was five years old I would go into the store and stand beside my mother at the counter and watch her interact with customers on a regular basis. I watched as every single customer, from the burliest, grease stained mechanic to the frazzled housewife with a clogged toilet, left our little store with a smile on their face because my mother treated each and every customer like family. The tiny store was a beacon of my little community with customers avoiding the “big box” hardware stores.. whose identities I will keep anonymous.. to pay a little more at our mom & pop store because of the EXPERIENCE.

This sublime level of customer service is in my blood (or, one could say that I have "FSO" in my blood.. to an outsider this may sound like I have a terminal illness but everyone in this family will understand my meaning.. and as we sweep the nation soon enough the outsiders will understand as well) and living by the idea of the golden rule has gotten me everything. I graduated from Hofstra University four years ago at the height of the recession still very unsure of what I wanted to be when I “grew up”. 

I needed to make money, so the food service industry was an obvious choice. I spent the past four years behind bars, knowing very well that it was not my end game but using it as a platform, a chance to speak with hundreds of people on a daily basis. I found myself growing within the food service industry and getting better and better opportunities.. all from bar guests. 

People who did not necessarily know me but who were willing to take a chance on me simply because I was nice to them and really cared. A guest at the dive bar where I was working offered me a position at his sports bar… a guest at the sports bar offered me a position at his fancier French bistro… a guest at the French bistro was a chef at one of the most popular restaurant/clubs in the heart of the Meatpacking District and he offered me a position there.

And it was there where a group of fun loving bar guests came in who were clearly celebrating and were clearly not only coworkers but dear friends. The leader of the group requested champagne and I worked with him to select the perfect bottle for the occasion. One of the members of the group was a lovely woman who was pregnant so I made her a virgin mojito. I made the group smile and laugh.. I was as accommodating as possible because that’s the only way that I know how to treat people.. I’m my mother’s daughter.

The infectious, permanently smiling man who was the ringleader of the group handed me his business card as he left and insisted that I call because he wanted me on his team. The business card read “Mitchell D. Weiner – Founder, Chief Happiness Officer, CEO & Owner". (A company with a Chief Happiness Officer!? SIGN ME UP!) And now here I sit, nearly four months into my tenure with FSO a week after receiving my first promotion, writing my story to the entire company… it is pretty amazing.

Today I have two pieces of advice for every person in this company. Number one is to treat others as you would like to be treated. Live life like my mother and I can guarantee that the results will be overwhelmingly positive. And number two is to appreciate and recognize when you are treated particularly well. Live life like Mitch and acknowledge that taxi driver, or that grocery store worker, or that barista who has gone above and beyond and let them know how much you appreciate it. Take it a step further and tell them about FSO. Every single one of us has the opportunity to recruit and build on this company simply by recognizing talent. We are a PEOPLE company.

Mitch, Jim, and the entire ELT have built this incredible business and are allowing opportunities for every single FSO staff member to shine and grow personally and professionally. Do not only “FEEL THE EXPERIENCE” for yourself, SPREAD the experience to every person who you interact with and we will all shine!! :)
 

Well Crystal, THANK you. What a great message!!!  So powerful, I'm so glad you're here! We are venturing into the fourth year of our youthful company with so many great people and ideas.  

This week, DELIVER THE FSO EXPERIENCE with POWER OF FOCUS. Let us all help each other so that we continue to be THE BEST ONSITE OUTSOURCING COMPANY IN THE WORLD!

With care, passion, inspiration and love. 

Have a GREAT day as I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"When I was 5 years old my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy". They told me I didn't understand the assignment. I told them they didn't understand life" - John Lennon

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Read more inspiring messages from our employees HERE

A Big Thank You To These Notable Readers of MitchWeiner.com:

Access Staffing, Adecco Usa, ADP, Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, & Feld, Albert Einstein, College Of Medicine, Amazon Corporate, American Express Company, American Honda Motor Company, American University, Amgen, Amster Rothstein & Ebanstein, Anchor Associates Group Inc, Angelo, Gordon & Co., Anne Arundel County Govt, Aquantive, Arent Fox Llp, Arhus, Kobmandsskole, Arrowhead Aea, Asrc Federal Holding Company, Llc, Aurelius Capital Management, Automatic Data Processing, Automattic, Ball State University, Baltimore Technology Park, Bank Of America, Barclays Financial Corp., BDBO New York, Bechtel Corp, Best Buy, Black Oak Computers Inc, Blackrock Financial Management, Bloomberg Bloomberg, Brandprotect, Brookfield Asset Management, Bsnl, BT (UK searching for Denise), Cahill Gordon & Reindel, California Department Of Justice, California Education And Research Federation Network, California State University, Long Beach, Canon Usa, Carolinas, Healthcare System, Cb Richard Ellis, Cbi Connect, Cdw - Cdw Llc, Central Methodist University, Charles Schwab & Co., Choopa, Llc, Citigroup, City Of Houston, Clyde & Co Llp, Colgate-palmolive Co., Colliers Abr, Inc - Cassidy Turley, Colt Technology Services Group Limited, Columbia University, Completel, Comporium Communications, Conagra Foods, Concordia College, Condenast Publications, Control Risks Group Llc, Coral Graphics, Cottage Hospital, County Of Marin, County Of Suffolk, New York, Credit Suisse Group, Credit Suisse Group / Canada, Cuddy & Feder Llp, Cwie, Llc, Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc., Data Control And Systems, Datagram, Dell, Deloitte & Touche, Delta Dental Of California, Delta Dental Plan Of Michigan, Department Of Administrative Services (Ohio), Department Of The Interior, Office Of The Secretary, Department Of Veterans Affairs, Detroit Public Schools, Devry, Dga Security Systems, Dickstein Shapiro Llp, Discover, Financial Services, Distributed Systems Services, Duane Morris, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom,Edelman Pr, Emerge212, Equity Residential, Ernst & Young Llp, Esi International, Espn, European Police Office (europol), Evercore Partners Services East, Llc, Facebook Corporate, Factory Mutual Insurance Company, Federal Aviation Administration, Federated Systems Group, Fedex Office & Print Services, Fidelity National Financial, First American Equipment Financial, Fisher Scientific, Florida Department Of Management Services, Florida International University, Ford Motor Company, Fort Hays State University, Fortressitx, Free Sas, Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.c., GE, Genentech, Georgetown University, Gerson Lehrman Group, Godaddy.com, Llc, Google Corporate, Goose Creek Consolidated Isd, Government Of Saskatchewan, Graphnet Inc., Gravitas Technology, Greenberg Traurig P.a, Griffin Information Systems Limited, Group M Worldwide, Hachette Book Group, Hamilton-clermont Cooperative Assn., Hccs - Houston Community College System, Hearst Corporation, Hewlett-packard Company, Higher Colleges Of Technology, Hill & Knowlton, Inc, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hma, Hughes Hubbard & Reed Llp, Humber College, IBM Corporation, Ikon Office Solutions, Illinois Wesleyan University, Immedion, Llc, Intergrated Office, Internal Revenue Service, International Business Times, International Monetary Fund, Io Capital Princess, Llc, Jefferies International Limited, Jewish Board Of Family & Children 's Services, Johnson & Johnson, Jones Apparel Group, Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, Kabel Bw, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hayes, And Hudler, Kddi Corporation, King & Spalding Llp, Kirby Mcinerney Llp, Kirkland & Ellis Llp, Leaseweb Usa, Legal Source Ls Llc, Leslie Digital Imaging Llc, Lexis-nexis, Linode Resources, Liquidnet Holdings, Los Angeles County Office Of Education, Loyola Marymount University, Macquarie Bank, Macquarie Holdings, Marriott International, Marsh, Mayer, Brown & Platt, Mcnc, Mckesson Technologies, Medex Pharmacy, Mediadata, Memorial Sloan-kettering Cancer Center, Merck And Co, Miami University, Michaels Stores, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Micro Graphic Info Svcs, Microsoft Corp, Middle Country Public Library, Milbank - Milbank Tweed Hadley Mccloy, Ministry Of Education Computer Center, Miox Corporation, Montclair State University, Morgan Stanley Group, Moses & Singer Llp, Motorola, Mount Sinai School Of Medicine, Multiverse, Munsch Hardt Kopf Harr, Namesco Limited, Nassau County Board Of Cooperative Education Services, Nassau County Boces, National Board Of Medical Examiners, National Chiao Tung University, Navy Network Information Center, NBC Universal, Nbs, Nbty, Nco Group, Ncs Pearson, Neuberger Berman, New Mexico State University, New York City Public Schools, New York Power Authority, New York Public Library, New York University, Next Jump, Nomura International Plc, Northern Michigan University, Northern Ohio Educational Computer Association, Nyedc, Off Campus Telecommunications, Old Republic, Onewest Bank Fsb, Openband Multimedia, Llc, Orange, Orange County - Telecommunications Department, Orange Israel, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, Oshean, Partners Healthcare System, Pavlov Njencom Colo, Perfect Building Maintenance, Peter-paul_verduin Pfizer, Pillsbury Madison & Sutro, Pitney Bowes Plc, Plum Creek Marketing, Plus One Health Management, Polaris Project, Polytechnic University, Powerspace & Services, Preferred Office Products, Privax Limited, PwC (50 locations!); Qitx; R.r. Donnelley & Sons Company; r.sea; Readers Digest; Reed Smith Llp (PA); Regus Business Centers, Research In Motion; Revenue Assurance Test; Richards Kibbe & Orbe Llp; Robins, Kaplan, Miller, & Cire; Rockefeller Group Technology Solutions; Row 44; Royal Bank Of Canada; Rutgers University; Safra National Bank Of New York; Salesforce.com; San Diego City Schools; San Francisco Marriott Marquis; Santa Clara County Office Of Education; Sarah Lawrence College; Scholastic; Sfr; Sharp Electronics Corporation; Shearman & Sterling; Sidley Austin Brown & Wood; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Llp; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom Llp; Social Law Library; Societe Generale; Socorro Independent School District; Softbank Bb Corp; Sony Pictures Entertainment; Spherion Corporation; src Federal Holding Company, Llc; Standard Motor Products; Starwood Hotels; State Of Montana; Stinson Morrison Hecker Llp; Straub Clinic & Hospital; Sungard Availability Services Usa; Syracuse University; Systems Research And Applications Corp; Talktalk; Teco Energy; Tesoro; Companies; Texas Blending & Warehousing Corp; Texas Instruments; Texas Medical Center; The Chubb Corporation; The City Of New York; The Coca-cola Company; The Heritage Foundation; The Interpublic Group Of Companies; The Jnt Association; The Limited, The Metrohealth System; The Municipal Communications Utility Of The City O (Iowa); The New York Times Company; Time; Toronto District School Board; Tower Group Companies; Trlg – Hq, Ttx Company; U.s. Bancorp; U.s. Center For Disease Control And Prevention; U.s. Environmental Protection Agency, Ungaretti & Harris, United Business Technologies, United Stationers Supply Co., University Of Connecticut, University Of Dayton, University Of Florida, University Of New Mexico, University Of Notre Dame, University Of Texas At San Antonio, Us Department Of Defense Net, Varian Medical Systems, Viacom, Virgin, Virgin Media, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State Univ, Virgo Penn Business Centers L,Vivo, Volumedrive, W.w.grainger, Warrenville, Illinois, United States, Weill Cornell Medical College, Weitz & Luxenberg, Wellington Management Company, Llp, Wells Fargo & Company, West Corporation, West Publishing Corporation, White & Case Llp, Widnes, Halton,, Wisdom Tree Investments, Inc., Workforce Software, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, X--ray Optical Systems, Inc., Xerox Corporation, Xerox Corporation, Yaquinto Printing, Yon Lew, Zuckerman Spaede

Kudos Wednesday: To Our July Rockstars— Thank You!

'I can't tell everyone how thrilling it has been to be on this GREAT JOURNEY.  This is such an amazing company, and we all have so much to offer --- very overwhelming, and a real joy to participate in (CLIENT LOVEFEST) each and every single day!!  We own the day, we rock it, AND it shows!!
~~ FSO Employee on Awards Call

Good Morning Folks,

The weather in New York has been fabulous. I hope all of you have had the chance to enjoy the summertime with family and friends. The FSO Nation has been going full steam ahead, delivering the world class experience that has made us famous from coast to coast.  

Before we get to the awards, I'd like to point out some very special recognition we received in a client's blog. You've seen all the kudos we've shared about our employees from this client, Capco, and now this recognition is icing on the cake. 

In their post they mention my fellow workforce happiness leader Simon Sinek's new book (Leaders Eat Last) where Simon (who has been featured right here on MitchWeiner.com's Ted Tuesday), talks about employees and happiness at work. He contends that only a minority of employees feel fulfilled and truly happy at work… and it is of our own doing.  

Sinek reckons employees are not happy because we have built systems and constructed orgaizations that force the human animal to work in environments in which it does not work best…. and one which encourages us to look after ourselves first and be suspicious of others.

Capco's takeaway was confirmation that trust plays such an important part in creating the right environment for employees … and acts as the lubrication that reduces friction and creates conditions much more conducive to high performance.

As such they were delighted to boast that we are a trusted partner blogging:

"As I thought about how good it felt to be recognised by our clients, I realised we don’t do enough of that with our own vendors and partners. How many of us have said thanks or well done to FSO and RPO - our partners helping us provide a world class experience in the office and helping us hire world class colleagues. They are a critical part of making Capco what it is...stop by - say thanks!"

Every day, people search for something that motivates them. Things to get them out of bed, things to get them pumped up, things to help them make it through the day and so much more! What a great thing to be able to say about your job!

Thanks to you Capco for giving us the privilege to serve you. Here are the July winners who personify our leaders of the future. 

You can read what our clients had to say about these Rockstars HERE and HERE and HERE and look forward to many more kudos we've received for our employees that will be published next Wednesday. 

What amazing teams ~ the energy and passion were unmistakable!! 

We've built and grown his business with an emphasis on people – the hardworking, dedicated employees who care about doing a great job for our clients. Without your passion, energy and care, we would not be the company that we are today. 

As we approach the third and final holiday weekend of summer, have a fabulous, sunny, day filled with love and inspiration.  

Hugs all around,

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"If you can't fly then run, 
if you can't run then walk,
if you can't walk then crawl,
but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."
—Martin Luther King, Jr. 

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Start Today Differently, IT’S THE FSO EXPERIENCE!

"Moving to NYC and starting a new job can be a BIT intimidating, but everyday I’ve been able to count on my FSO family made me feel right at home. I look forward to the lovefest every day! Here at FSO we truly care about our people & making them feel special, IT’S THE FSO EXPERIENCE!"

TGIF Folks,

That buzz around the FSO Nation, it is growing louder and louder everyday! 

That feeling that something magical is going on.

From our clients to employees to our senior management, it is everywhere!

FSO is booming! 

We are on FIRE!!

and.... The FSO Experience is speeding across the country.

One of our 2014 corporate goals is to have the most inspired, motivated and best trained employees in the industry - and this really speaks to our commitment to YOU our client and providing each employee with the chance to have their career dreams fulfilled. 

And nowhere is that spirit reflected more passionately in the words that follow. Plucked from our internal communications from one of our People Solutions Specialist's who has a key hands-on role in making that training real and dreams fulfilled: My daughter, Chelsea Weiner, over to you!

"Myself, as well as everyone else who has written the morning message, approaches this honor with the same intentions; to make an impact, to inspire & to allow everyone to feel the FSO EXPERIENCE! So… considering I recently celebrated my 1 year anniversary with the company, why not share a little bit of how the experience has impacted my life!

For starters - Before joining the FSO, I was studying Education and didn’t think I was fit for a business environment. As we know the FSO experience is all about spotting talent and nurturing it; Mitch helped me to realize that I would be a valuable asset to the training team. As the months went by, I started to discover new interests and my career pathing started! My drive and efforts paired with the never ending support from the People Solutions Team and colleagues allows me feel like I’m capable of ANYTHING!  I encourage all of you - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CAREER PATHS; IT’S THE FSO EXPERIENCE!

When I stepped into the office on my first day of work, I saw tons smiling faces, received countless hugs and warm greetings from familiar and new faces!  Moving to NYC and starting a new job can be a BIT intimidating, but everyday I’ve been able to count on my FSO family made me feel right at home. I look forward to the lovefest every day! Here at FSO we truly care about our people & making them feel special, IT’S THE FSO EXPERIENCE!

Above all, I’m beyond impressed by the intelligent people I interact with every day, ON EVERY LEVEL! I am lucky enough to spend time with our executives, clients, our directors, the sales team, colleagues, EM’s, leads, associates & everyone has something special to bring to the table. FSO offers something unique, people come from all different backgrounds and experiences. Each and every one of you have helped me transform into the professional I am today, and I thank you. We are extremely lucky to have leaders and mentors who want to be a resource to you and guide you, IT’S THE FSO EXPERIENCE!

I could go on and on, trust me! The truth is, FSO is one of the best kept secrets. But why?! We have the greatest leader, Mitch, who truly loves our employees and our clients. Mitch truly puts his heart and soul into creating the happiest place to work every day. After this past year, I want to scream “THANK YOU FSO” from the rooftops! Would you do the same? Would your teams do the same? Would your clients do the same?

Start your day with these questions in mind, and make sure you’re working to ensure that YES is the answer.

Start today differently, IT’S THE FSO EXPERIENCE!" Chelsea Weiner-- People Solutions Specialist

As you know, my vision and legacy are all about our EMPLOYEES, and the focus that is placed on each person is part of the fabric of the company and this will NEVER change – and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this amazing company and to lead our Team. 

Our employees and clients must love us, and feel the energy and excitement we all share at HQ.  WWe are going to bring the FSO Experience to life for every single employee and ensure this the HAPPIEST PLACE TO WORK!!

As our tagline says, don’t keep it a secret.

Feel the FSO Experience - and ensure everyone around you is too. 

Have a HAPPY, SAFE and HEALTHY Weekend.

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain"

~~Dolly Parton

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The Art of Business / Dinner Conversation

"With so much focus on what to say, it can be easy to forget that talking is only half of a conversation. The other half, of course, is listening. “One thing most people enjoy is when other people pay attention to them,” says Smith. This includes listening closely to what others have to say, asking questions to get them to say more, and genuinely appreciating what was shared."

Good Morning Folks,

I have been out in the field a lot and plan on increasing that. At the sites. Meeting the folks. Talking to the folks. Dining with our clients and more to better understand the market, what they are hearing and how we can help.

The field is where it happens. It is where we learn. Get information.  And build from. Headquarters needs "field-real" information so we can ensure that FSO is solidly positioned for the future and nothing stands in the way of us dominating the market place. 

As many of you know Pat, Jim and I can be out entertaining clients till 11PM every night with great food, fine wine and stimulating conversation. Something I doubt you'll find the top executives and owners of our competitors doing.

And for many clients at the highest level, this is where we offer unsolicited growth advice that has become one of FSO's greatest value adds. We are able to observe innovations in place A and connect the dots with place B. But the best brainstorming and the real ideas flow the mood is just right and the environment perfect and removed from the day to day grind of the office.

So clients often ask, how do you orchestrate these dinners night after night and you enjoy them so much? is there an art to a business conversation? Mitch, what are your secrets?

And I always refer them to a primer on the subject I received from one of my regular stops across the country: Capital Grill.

==> I present ... The Art of Conversation  byMeta Wagner for The Capital Grille

An hour cocktail party or two-hour business dinner can feel like a day dragging on if you aren’t silver-tongued or you wind up paired with someone who is less-than-outgoing. Even captivating public speakers or extroverted account executives can sometimes find themselves at a loss when the go-to topics (business, movies, weather, kids) are exhausted.

Fortunately, no matter where you are on the conversation comfort scale, there are techniques that can make any conversation engaging, meaningful, and memorable.

==> Banter like the Best Conversationalists
Conversation, as with any art from, has past masters that the rest of us can emulate. And, no group of gabbers is as renowned as the Algonquin Round Table. These writers, critics, actors and wits, including Dorothy Parker, met for lunch regularly at the Algonquin Hotel from 1919 to 1929, producing linguistic gems that are still quoted to this day.

Not everyone can produce the perfect bon mot, but everyone has personal stories to share. And, storytelling, according to Paul Smith, author of Lead with a Story, is the basis for relationship building through conversation. This is especially true in the workplace, where, all too often, hallway chatter can seem predictable or even superficial.

Smith says that there are two types of stories you can tell that will be instant hits. “Be self-deprecating,” says Smith. “Everyone would love to hear about how you accidentally hit ‘Reply All’ to the company email and admitted something a little embarrassing to the entire organization.”

The other welcomed type of story is about when you learned something, or learned it in an unexpected way. “Talking about your medieval history class might only be interesting to other history buffs,” says Smith. “But if you tell a story about how you learned medieval history by watching Monty Python movies and cross-referencing the facts in Wikipedia, almost anyone will find that entertaining.”

==> Create a Genuine Connection
Storytelling can also take you beyond simple camaraderie and actually allow you to create a closer, more genuine bond with co-workers or clients. It all depends on how willing you are to be open and honest.

“The most effective stories are ones that create vulnerability by showing an insecurity, or describing a painful time in your life, or a costly failure,” says Smith. “They’re exactly the kind of stories people don’t want to tell to a bunch of strangers in the office—and that’s the point. It’s a vicious circle. We don’t tell our personal stories because we work with strangers. They remain strangers because we don’t tell our personal stories. You have to break the cycle. Tell your own stories and challenge other people to tell theirs, and you’ll never work with strangers again.”

Daniel Menaker, former editor at the New Yorker and Random House and the author of A Good Talk, agrees. “Take risks and confide in others,” he advises. “Those are the conversations that come from nowhere and develop into exchanges with more meaning.”

==> Treat Conversing Like a Task
Stimulating repartee, funny anecdotes, and personal disclosures are the stock in trade of a great conversationalist. But there are also times when you might feel shy or anxious about attending an upcoming dinner party or company outing. That’s where your project management skills will come in handy.

Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk, says to approach these occasions as you would any other project. “Most of us are great at tasks,” she says. “That’s one reason why we’ve succeeded, professionally.”

First step is a little reconnaissance. Fine suggests getting hold of the guest list if you can and reviewing everyone’s names, especially partners and spouses, so you can try to recall what you know about each person and, if you’ve met before, what you talked about the last time you were together.

Next, prepare three “conversation starters” that are broad enough to appeal to nearly anyone and are designed to elicit specific, and hopefully interesting, responses. “Bring me up to date with that project you were telling me about last time” or “What’s been going on with work for you since the last time I saw you? “ Or, Fine’s favorite when you’re speaking to someone you don’t know well, “What keeps you busy outside of work?”

Finally, come to any social event equipped with short answers to questions you’ll probably be asked, like “How’s your year been?” or “How are the kids?”

==> Listen Intently
With so much focus on what to say, it can be easy to forget that talking is only half of a conversation. The other half, of course, is listening. “One thing most people enjoy is when other people pay attention to them,” says Smith. This includes listening closely to what others have to say, asking questions to get them to say more, and genuinely appreciating what was shared.

Alex Lickerman, M.D., physician and author of The Undefeated Mind, also believes that the value of being a good listener cannot be overstated. He says that shifting the attention away from yourself and toward others--genuinely caring about what they have to say--“will lead to an approach and tone that people will notice and warm to. And it will make you less fearful in engaging with others.”

The benefits of being a good listener do not end there. As Smith observes, one requirement for any great conversation is to have at least one good listener. “And if that’s you,” he says, “you will be the one in the group people like because you were largely responsible for ensuring that those speaking were having a good time.”

The best news about becoming a better listener? As Smith points out, “You don’t have to be a great talker to be a great conversationalist.”

As to who pays the bill, whomever invited the other person out customrily picks up the tab and offers transportation home (especially for our employees and ladies after 9PM, we prefer them not in the subways). Uber is a click away and reasonable rates.

Enjoy your dinners!

Cheers and a toast to you!

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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"His lips drink water but his heart drinks wine” ― E.E. Cummings

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** Meta Wagner is the “Vox Pop” columnist for PopMatters, an online magazine of cultural criticism. Her articles and essays have appeared in Salon, The Boston Globe Magazine, Chicago Tribune and The Christian Science Monitor. 

Shalaine Adams Promoted To Newly Created Regional Manager, Delivering the Experience

"It's hardly a surprise at all that you are one of our fastest rising stars. You embody the FSO spirit in everything you do and it is surely felt by everyone you encounter. Dreams do come true with FSO. Congrats!"

"Your bright smile and radiating energy is going to spread like wild fire out there. It won't be long before they declare Chi-town as Shay-town."

"Congrats Shalaine!! I knew the first time when I met you that you are a star in so many ways"

"Congratulations Shalaine! You are an inspiration, and a force to be reckoned with."

"Congratulations Shalaine- Hard work never goes unnoticed I'm very happy for you and excited about all the great things you're going to do!!!!!! I wish you continued success."   

"Congratulations Shalaine, you're where you suppose be.  I commend you for all the hard work you put forth to get where you are today."

"You're truly a an inspiration to many others. Continue much success and best of luck in your endeavors. I admire you Ms. Shalaine."

"Success comes from seeing life, your passion and golas as an unending process of trying, learning & growing. I'm very happy for you and your promotion"

Good Morning Folks,

I am pleased to announce the promotion of Shalaine Adams to the newly created position of Regional Manager, Delivering the Experience. And from the reactions of colleagues as quoted above, the whole company welcomes this move with open arms.

FSO is all about THE EXPEREINCE. As you know we have gone national, operating in over 63 cities across the USA. In Shalaine’s new role she will work with all of our teams rolling out our brand Nationwide. Shalaine will lead and assist in training, her largest percent of time, specifically around the CLIENT and EMPLOYEE experience. As well as on boarding our folks, assisting sales in presentations while continue to work with our People Solutions team; partnering with Chelsea and Missy, to set standards and EXPERIENCE training nationally. 

Prior to joining the FSO Family two years ago, Shalaine was an Executive Assistant with Canon (once owned by me) for 13 years; yes she started working when she was 12, LOL. When not a “trainer extraordinaire”, Shalaine loves to sing and dance, those of us who are here late with her on Friday nights can attest to her exceptional vocal talents! She is approaching her new position with all the enthusiasm and excitement that has made her famous throughout the FSO Nation. Shalaine will start her new role on September 2nd and will be headquartered in our Midwest regional office in the downtown Chicago loop.

“Words cannot express how excited I am to accept my new role as Regional Manager, Delivering the Experience," Shalaine told me. She also wants everyone to know...

"As I reflect back on my humble beginnings as an Informationalist; I knew I wanted to grow and further my career with FSO. I set goals and came to work with purpose & drive. I realized that believing in Mitch and the promise of a career, not just a job, was my privilege as an FSO employee!

Soon, my dreams began coming to fruition as I became a part of Future Leaders Program (FLP), and was promoted to Assistant Manager, then EM, on to Corporate Trainer and most recently Regional Manager! Today I have reached the first plateau to my newly set goals and I am well on my way!

“I truly feel that touching our employees and delivering on the FSO experience is an honor, every day I get to hug, inspire, train & motivate the greatest employees in the world, I am truly Blessed!

My experience as part of the FSO family has been an amazing; I look forward to paying it forward! I am truly honored and look forward to lighting up the nation!”  

I want to Congratulate Shalaine for this terrific accomplishment. Shalaine’s promotion is just one example of how FSO is changing the onsite outsourcing world! 

If it were not for our amazing people, our outstanding clients, our unique strategy and most importantly our love for our clients and employees, we simply couldn't have come so far! Our commitment to exceeding our client’s expectations, ensuring that every single person is the best trained and best prepared employee they can be.  This is what sets us apart!

The Best is Yet to Come! We have only just begun.

Have a GREAT day as I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

Learn more about what DIFFERENTIATES FSO here

Ted Tuesday: Writing My Wrongs: Shaka Senghor at TedX Midwest

 "Making the best out of a bad situation, Shaka offers sobering firsthand accounts of redemption, the power of hope and how literature changed his life.

Good Morning Folks,

At FSO, we believe in second chances and have some great stories to boast about of our own. Because anyone with >>skip, >>fire and >>twinkle that is willing to learn, apply themselves and grow, has the right to become all they can be.

That's why I love my Ted selection for you today. WOW! Here is powerful testimony of a realistic examination of life in the world of urban inner city America. Shaka Senghor needs to be on every talk show, every news stations, and should be paid handsomely to tell story. What an upside down world we live in.

In 1991, Shaka Senghor shot and killed a man. He was, he says, "a drug dealer with a quick temper and a semi-automatic pistol." Jailed for second degree murder, that could very well have been the end of the story. But it wasn't. Instead, it was the beginning of a years-long journey to redemption, one with humbling and sobering lessons for us all.

Using literature as a lifeline, Shaka Senghor escaped a cycle of prison and desperation. Now his story kindles hope in those who have little.

At the age of 19, Shaka Senghor went to prison fuming with anger and despair. Senghor was a drug dealer in Detroit, and one night, he shot and killed a man who showed up on his doorstep. While serving his sentence for second-degree murder, Senghor discovered redemption and responsibility through literature -- starting with The Autobiography of Malcolm X -- and through his own writing.

Upon his release at the age of 38, Senghor reached out to young men following his same troubled path, and published Live in Peace as part of an outreach program bringing hope to kids in Detroit and across the Midwest.

Shaka Senghor's story of redemption has inspired young adults at high schools and universities across the nation. While serving 19 years in prison, Senghor discovered his love for writing. He has written six books, including a memoir about his life in prison, Writing My Wrongs. In 2012, Senghor's Live in Peace Digital and Literary Arts Project won a Black Male Engagement Leadership Award from the Knight Foundation in partnership with the Open Society Foundation's Campaign for Black Male Achievement. Senghor has also recently been named a Director's Fellow at MIT for his work.

Join nearly a million others and Have a look at....

Well done Shaka I love your forward thinking. 

How lucky are we to be able be given new chances to improve ourselves, improve the way we serve our clients, improve the way we work with our staff, as well as to improve the way these opportunities are spread among all levels of employment at FSO. This is important. 

Because great companies make sure that opportunities are available to all levels and not only to a select few. No other outsourcing company does this to their staff and I am a living proof, because I’ve been in the business since the dinosaurs roamed.

Let's all go make things happen today. I look forward to seeing you soon.

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.  


About FSO Onsite Outsourcing
Recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest growing companies for the second consecutive year, and lead by industry pioneer, Mitch Weiner, FSO's growth and success can be attributed to making a positive and powerful impact on their clients' bottom lines, as well as their employees' careers and lives.