Great day all. My wife Sharon, Michael Constantine, my two year old son and myself, just came back from an all inclusive, family oriented and well deserved vacation in Jamaica-man. I will not bore you with all the details. Today, I live my life mindful of situations that occur and ask what lesson(s) I can learn that would improve my personal and/or professional being. With your permission, I would like to share with you some of those Aha moments from my vacation. If you are a C.E.O. of a major company, working for some one else, self employed or unemployed, my wish is that you can take something from these Aha moments to help improve your personal and/or professional being.
1. SAY WHAT YOU MEAN, MEAN WHAT YOU SAY and THAN, (this is key), DELIVER: Do not use fluff words such as: We're the best, we care, customer service is our number one priority, how can I help, we welcome your business, your happiness is what's important to us, blah, blah, blah.
2. THE IRON CURTAIN OF DEVIDE: It's funny how a mere blanket on a plane can divide the first class from the rest of us, the "no-class." Even the name first class denotes that the rest of us are somehow inferior, not as good, rejects, broken, fire sale. The airline industry spends millions of dollars to come up with all these cute names, the we appreciate you class, not, the without you we would be out of business class, you look snug as a bug in your tiny, uncomfortable, cheap leather imitation- like seat class, blah, blah, blah. Even thought I was seating right behind the iron certain and the first class bathroom was a mere ten feet away, I was forbidden to use it. I had to maneuver my way through a narrow passage they call an isle, swim in a crocodile filled swam, climb mountains, fight off vicious attack dogs, just so I can have the privilege of waiting on this long line with my "no class" brethrens that have survived the bathroom trek. It didn't seem to matter that the "no class" had three hundred passengers for only two bathrooms and that the first class of maybe ten had also two and were not-occupied. Rules and regulations are needed but fairness, logic and sensibility are needed as well. Break down the iron curtain.
3. LOVE IS IN THE DETAILS: Don't skim on the little things. Replace those used hand towels with new ones. Don't wait till the soap disappears before you replace it. I don't know about you but I like a big bar of soap with my shower. Offer channel five so we can watch the final episode of the American Idol. Who won by the way? Replace broken items with new ones. I don't like broken lounge chairs, thank you very much. I don't like having to step on rocks and other items that cut, mangle and twist my feet while attempting to swim. Believe it or not, it is the little things in life that are truly important. Don't you agree?
4. PUT ON A GREAT SHOW: Don't call it entertainment when it's not. I don't expect a Broadway show or even an Off-Broadway while on vacation but this was so off it was gone. You couldn't find the E in entertainment. You won't always be the best, but you can always do your best.
5. CARPE DIAM: I witnessed so much poverty. Young men and women not living up to their potential. It was as if they were surrendering to their circumstances. You are not your environment but the result of your actions taken within that environment. Stand up and embrace greatness.
My wife was concerned about how Michael Constantine would do on his first flight. He did great. Don't under estimate the potential of the human spirit, even at the ripe old age of two.
REMEMBER: YOU CAN'T CHANGE DESTINY OVER NIGHT BUT YOU CAN CHANGE DIRECTION OVER NIGHT...THOUGHTS, COMMENTS, QUESTIONS...CONTACT MICHAEL CORITSIDIS, LONG ISLAND'S JOB READY STRATEGIST at: doit2001@hotmail.com