Skip to content
Ralph Simone
Returning to Normal
“Normal” is generally defined as usual, typical, or expected. It’s the general sense of routine and expectancy we’ve developed through the years that provides a stability to our lives … and our lives since COVID-19 have been anything but usual, typical, or expected. We continue to isolate ourselves in hopes of “flattening the curve,” and…
Be Nice!
I scheduled a doctor’s appointment today after a week of not feeling quite right, unsure as to whether it was related to a recent procedure, diet, or my body just breaking down. I was able to get an appointment with short notice and was glad I did – not so much for the medical treatment…
Inclusion
While my children were home for the holidays, we had a few opportunities to discuss some pretty substantive issues – potentially controversial issues about diversity, inclusion, capitalism, and politics. These are heavy and complex topics that are difficult to begin to understand, let alone get agreement on. One of the conversations my son Renny and…
All Our Problems are Problems with Distribution
I studied economics as an undergraduate over 40 years ago, and remember very little from that experience with the exception of one principle – the unequal distribution of wealth, studied by an Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto. Some of you have come to know this idea as the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule. In his…
Are We Really In That Much of a Hurry?
This past weekend I dropped off a few items of clothing at the dry cleaner. As I was waiting for my receipt to print (it actually took less than 5 seconds), the cashier began apologizing profusely for the computer being so slow and for making me wait. I was taken aback by her response. At…
The 3 E’s of Effectiveness
For years I have been influenced and living by Stephen Covey’s definition of effectiveness – getting what you want in a way that enables you to get what you want again, and again, and again. This definition suggests the importance of balancing time and energy in getting results and, even more importantly, in strengthening your…
Unpacking Your Day
Research shows us that most people underestimate what they can do in the long-term and overestimate what they can do in the short-term. As a result, many of us overfill our days with too many activities. I have been studying this for a long time, and although I have made great strides in blocking time…
Leading by Example
“I lead by example” is a popular response and catch phrase we often hear people say when asked to describe their leadership. My initial response is, of course you do – everyone does. People in your family and organization pay more attention to what you do than what you say. Leaders often talk about the…
Pomodoro Productivity
I recently read a magazine article on something called the Pomodoro Method, a technique that helps with focusing on single tasks for shorter periods of time, resulting in improved productivity. It is a very simple technique that utilizes a timer and 25 minutes of focus, followed by a short break. A little back story: Recently…
Be a Chameleon
I remember reading once that it is useful – if not necessary – to be chameleon-like in order to create rapport and to be effective in interacting with others. I had a tough time swallowing this advice, and in fact, I was offended recently when a client referred to me as chameleon-like. I didn’t take…