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Context.   (Warning: this blog isn't going to be about politics. Although my example comes from the halls of Congress.) A few months ago, the presidents of three prestigious universities (Harvard, Penn, and MIT) were called before a congressional hearing and...

I recently had neck surgery. The doctors put restrictions on what I was allowed to do during the recovery from surgery. Immediately after surgery, they told me to limit my twisting and turning of my neck, running, jumping, and lifting anything over 10 pounds. I was...

I last wrote a blog a long time ago (and we have yet to get any complaints). It is a new year, and it is time to start up again. I want to start it like every New Year by honoring my grandfather, Elmo Chapin. This Saturday is the anniversary of his birth. At Willmar...

The year is ending, and for most people, it means reflecting on 2023 and looking forward to 2024. Regardless of how the year went, we all want next year to be better. In business, we want more profits, fewer injuries, a more considerable backlog, less conflict on our...

In the excellent movie, "The Lego Movie," Emmet would have you believe everything is Awesome. The movie even has a song about it. The chorus of the terrific song is: Everything is awesome Everything is cool when you're part of a team Everything is awesome When you're...

Recently, my two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter, Amelia, looking out the front window of her house at the leafless trees along the street she lives on, said, “I’m waiting for the leaves to come back, and then it will be Easter.” Precious. It might be the cutest...

At Willmar Electric, we discuss our Foundational Principles (Core Values, Brand Promise, and Purpose Statement). In business parlance, these things are called culture. We think culture is essential. But don’t misunderstand our placing a high value on these things as...

Last week, my wife, Sue, wanted to look for a new backpack. So, we headed to REI. Our oldest daughter, Anne, and our granddaughter, Amelia, were with us, so we knew it would be fun. If you have never been to REI, check it out. It is a fun store with many unique items...

I recently completed the “Process!” by Mike Paton and Lisa Gonzalez, subtitled “How Discipline and Consistency Will Set You and Your Business Free.” The book is part of a series focusing on the six elements within EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). I have always...

Most people who have talked to me in the last few months have neck problems. It is a cliché to call something a pain in the neck. If something is difficult or someone is bothersome, we call it a pain in the neck. Everybody who has had neck pain understands the origins...