Golf Season

In addition to my life of trade shows I also have a love of playing golf. Not that I am any good, but I will try to squeeze in a round whenever possible. I don't quite know what it is about the game because to be quite honest it will frustrate the heck out of me to the point of wanting to give it up. Then there is that one great shot that keeps me coming back for more.
Since I know the game pretty well and I have played in many tournaments/ scrambles I decided to translate this experience into a fundraiser. My neice, Madison, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). My sister's family now has an unbelievable amount of medical expenses in order to keep Madison's quality of life good. After great success last year, we are now having our 2nd Annual Madison's Wish Charity Golf Tournamet on May 16. Please go to www.madisonswish.com to learn more about Madison and SMA. You can also download info for the golf tournament as well.
My best friend Keith is the co-director of the golf tournament. Since we decided that planning and executing a charity golf tournament wasn't difficult enough, Keith has been selected to play in the World Series of Golf http://www.worldseriesofgolf.com. This is a nationally televised event that will be played the week of Madison's Wish Golf Tournament. Who else should be his caddy except his partner in crime (me). We must be out of our minds! I guess this will be a true test of our resilience.
In any case, please check out the World Series of Golf and support/ root for Keith and I when we are in Las Vegas. We will be using this opportunity to promote Madison's Wish and awareness of SMA. If you are in the South Florida area, we would love to see you at our golf tournament!

Managing vs. Babysitting

I am the father of 3 year old twin boys & I am the General Manager of about 50 people. Sometimes I feel as though I am saying the same things to both.
Here are some examples:
Children vs. Employees
Stop whining / Stop whining
Finish your chores / Finish the project
Leave your brother alone / Stop harassing "Bob"
Change your clothes / Dress appropriately

Then there are the motivational words for children and employees.
Children vs. Employees
Good job, buddy / Good job, Bob
I'm so proud of you / You made the company proud
What a beautiful picture / That report was great

Apparently giving "positive reinforcement" to your kids is the same as "employee motivation". Obviously the pay-off is that you will have well adjusted kids and happier employees, but the irony is that both sides get offended if they are compared. The wife says the family is not employees and boy do the employees get upset when you tell them they are acting like a bunch of children.

It is funny how my wife has to remind me that I am not the GM at home, but it sure seems like I have to be a dad at work. I guess through time (maybe therapy) I will be able to separate the two.

I am sure you are bombarded with email marketing on education and employee motivation so I am not going to give you references, but they do work! It also helps to remind you not just how to do it, but to actually go out and give your employees the little motivational compliments they crave.
As for your children, there are numerous articles on positive reinforcement for your kids in Parenting Magazine.

Here is a fun little experiment for all you managers out there (or those of you who disagree with my comparison). Get a copy of a current Parenting magazine and read the tips on positive reinforcement or motivation. Then come in to work and apply the methods toward your employees and I would bet that they respond the same way (in a good way) the article said your kids should.

Good luck!