<p><em>“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon – instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.”<br />
</em>- Dale Carnegie, American writer (author of the mega-seller <em>How to Win Friends and Influence People</em>) speaker, and developer of self-improvement courses</p>
<p><em>“Give thy mind more to what thou has than to what thou hast not.”</em><br />
- Marcus Antonius, 2nd Century Roman Emperor</p>
<p><em>“It is distressing that the media, and thus much of the public, dwell so heavily on bad news. If one were to judge the state of humanity solely by the daily headlines and news broadcasts, one would come away convinced that we inhabit a world besieged by poverty, insecurity, conflict, and oppression….people today, on the average, are better fed, better clothed, better housed, and better educated than at any previous time. Fewer and fewer people live under the weight of tyranny. In most parts of the world, people are enjoying longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. And yet, unfortunately, these very real triumphs generally pass unnoticed, which is a very great pity. Why must so many people be so unhappy when in reality humankind is living in the most glorious period in all of history?”<br />
</em>- John Marks Templeton, <em>Is Progress Speeding Up?: Our Multiplying Multitudes of Blessings</em></p>
<p><em>“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.”<br />
</em>- Friedrich Nietzsche, 19th-century German author, professor, and philosopher</p>
<p><em>“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”<br />
</em>- Charles Dickens, 19th Century British novelist</p>
<p><em>“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” <br />
</em>- Gilbert Keith Chesterton, Turn of 20th Century British writer</p>
<p><em>“A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive.”<br />
</em>- Pearl Bailey 20th Century, American singer and performer</p>
<p><strong>Cultivate Recognition, Celebration, and Appreciation in Yourself and Others</strong></p>
<p>A key habit and skill set woven throughout my <em>Leading @ the Speed of Change</em> workshops is increasing “thanks pay” through recognition, celebration, and appreciation for the people we work with and lead. It’s key to engagement and empowerment, building team spirit, coaching and developing, and energizing and mobilizing others. It’s also a personal habit that’s vital to increasing our own happiness and effectiveness.</p>
<p>I am delivering a rare one day open/public <em>Leading @ the Speed of Change</em> workshop in <a href="http://www.jimclemmer.com/content/view/1185">Halifax on September 24</a> and <a href="http://www.jimclemmer.com/content/view/1170">Calgary on September 29 and Vancouver on October 1</a>. If you live in or near one of these cities come out and join us – and bring your management team. If you’re out of town – or the country – here’s a perfect chance to visit one of these great Canadian cities at a beautiful time of year! We’ll all be grateful for growing leadership skills together!</p>
