Author Archives: Mike R

e-books. The final nail in the corner book store's coffin, right?

Because it would be insane for a corner bookstore to help customers order e-books. Wouldn’t it? By emphasizing service, her store’s popularity as a community gathering spot and even a new — and somewhat counterintuitive — plan to help her … Continue reading

Posted in Change, Inspiration, Service | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

I was feeling adventuresome

And I was hungry. Instead of asking the front desk, I asked my phone. It’s a ‘smart’phone. I decided to put it to the test. Several possibilities came up. Sorted by distance. Smart. The type of cuisines were prominently shown. … Continue reading

Posted in Service, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

It wasn't her fault.

And she made it clear it wasn’t her problem. My boarding pass didn’t show my Star Alliance Gold status when I printed it. So I called: customer service on Monday. After a short wait a very friendly and helpful associate … Continue reading

Posted in Service, Travel | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Sometimes you're the bug

And sometimes you’re the windshield. Really? Are those the only choices? “Monty, I’ll take door #3!” Life is something that happens to the bug and the windshield. I choose to happen to my life. It’s a bit risky. But, c’mon, … Continue reading

Posted in Inspiration, Mike's Story | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Every family has its trailblazers.

Genealogy buffs spend a great deal of time and energy looking for them. Step 1: Decide what “trailblazer” means to you. Is it a soldier who fought to end slavery and won? An immigrant mother who made sure all her … Continue reading

Posted in Inspiration, Storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

You can wait for the clouds to part

And the angels to sing. Or you can choose your own vision. And lead the choir. It’s up to you. But if you wait, you only get to see a vision on a few rare days. If you lead the … Continue reading

Posted in Inspiration, Leadership, Mike's Story | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Giving great service is easy

When everything goes right. It’s those times when things don’t go right that separate, as the saying goes, the men from the boys. Twice this week, things didn’t go right. And both time, the companies I was dealing with rose … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Service | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

My glasses broke.

The arm fell right off. Three times. The first time was Jan, 13,while I was on the Disney Dream. But Diana found the screw and the ship’s carpenter had a jeweler’s screwdriver. So I thought they were fixed. The second … Continue reading

Posted in Service | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Does it look like an Etch-A-Sketch?

I was trying to describe what was wrong with Diana’s Kindle. I tried all the suggested fixes on the Amazon Kindle troubleshooting page.No good. So I was pretty sure the Kindle would have to be replaced. And I was expecting … Continue reading

Posted in Service | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

If perception is reality,

Reality can be influenced by perception. Does that sound crazy? Leaders, at least the great ones, have understood this for ages. Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing. – Albert Schweitzer If your … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Values | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off