The Best and Worst Christmas of All Time

The Best and Worst Christmas of All Time

It’s 6:00 AM in early 1987 and I’m getting dressed for work.  I’ve just come back from 45 days of Christmas leave and it’s my first day back on the job. Except that my uniform no longer fits. Now I’m in trouble. Christmas, 1986 was one for the ages.  My first wife and...
Busting the Myths Around Introversion

Busting the Myths Around Introversion

“Most introverts are quiet because they are scared of people judging them.” “Sometimes it’s hard to find someone who truly understands the joys and challenges of being an introvert.” “As an introvert, how hard is it to be in a relationship?” I’m reading my latest...
Knowledge + Experience = Wisdom

Knowledge + Experience = Wisdom

“Mr. Munro,” the receptionist says, startling me out of my mental preparation. “He’s ready for you.” I stand up and follow her into a large office.  It’s game time. It’s December 22, 1998, and I’m interviewing for my first post-Navy job. It’s for a leadership...
Life Lessons Learned from a Job at Ralphs

Life Lessons Learned from a Job at Ralphs

It’s 3:50 AM, and I’m standing outside the Ralphs grocery store on 17th Street in Santa Ana, CA. My first day on the job. A month or so ago, my mom came home from grocery shopping at that same Ralphs and discovered she had been undercharged a few dollars. She...
Don’t Trip Over Your Ego

Don’t Trip Over Your Ego

It’s 9:50 AM and I’m getting a little nervous. I’m wrapping up my one-hour breakout session on How to Fix a Poor Performer and Turn Them into a Superstar at the 2016 HR Florida conference in Orlando. This session is based on my most recent book and as soon as my...
A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way

A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way

It’s December 5, 1983, at 5:30 in the evening and I’m on a bus traveling from Los Angeles down to San Diego. The day started early.  I woke up at 3:00 AM and quietly left the house I grew up in for the last time. As a boy anyway.  I’m on my way to Navy boot camp.  I...