Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Cowher speaks at NC State's December 2008 Graduation

Perspective... nice story.. good talk!

James E. O. Hankins II Speaks to Fellow NC State University 2008 Graduates

Nice speech to the NC State class of 2008 by James E. O. Hankins II.

Coach Bill Cowher on Success

“Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not just measured by what you do,” he said. “So many times, it’s not about how many times you fall down, but more about how many times you get back up that is a true measure of who you are."

“Success is about finding that thing you’re good at and can be very passionate about,” he said. “Chase a dream, and enjoy the process along the way.”

-Bill Cowher - CBS Sports analyst, Former Head Coach of the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, and 1979 NC State graduate.

Generation X & Y Myths

While there are generational differences in workers today, I find too many people claiming way more differences that there really are. Jennifer Deal has an excellent book out "Retiring the Generational GAP" that deals with many of the myths. Here are some of the core principles she shares:

1. All Generations have similiar values: They just express them differently!
2. Everyone wants Respect: They define it based on the context.
3. Trust Matters to everyone!
4. People want (expect) leaders who are credible and trustworthy (See Principle #3).
5. No matter how old or young, organizational politics is a challenge.
6. No one really likes change! (Yes all of us.. some of like making others change though)
7. Loyalty depends on the context, not on the generation! "Promote me... then I'll be loyal!"
8. If you do the right things... it is as easy to retain young employees as your old ones!
9. Everyone wants to learn!
   
10. Almost everyone wants a coach.

And one more telling fact that kills the myth of the Gen X culture:

Between the ages of 31-35.. early Xers change jobs less often than the early boomers! Between the ages of 20-25, late Xers change job about as often as boomers.. In 2o years we will know more, but the truth is there is far less to be made about the Gen X culture being less loyal or commited to work!

Those of you who have sat though one of my presentation on Social Networking where I also discuss the Art of Persuasion.. might remember me using Jimmy V's great ESPY talk to demonstrate the art of the motivating others toward a goal. Well.. It is Jimmy V week! Here is a nice reflection page on Jimmy V! And if the thought of saving lives through more cancer research moves you, make a donation!