Character is the Most Important Trait

Character is the Most Important Traitby Chris Banescu –

Life has taught me and continues to teach me that character is the most important trait we should look for in others. If a person does not have character, nothing else matters. This is true in our personal and professional lives. It’s true in our friendships and family relationships. It’s true in business, academia, politics, religion, and all other fields of human endeavor.

In virtually all of the business and leadership courses I have taught for over two decades, the subject of character inevitably comes up. Students ask me or I ask them about the most important characteristic or quality (they can only pick one) they should look for when working for anyone, partnering with someone in a venture, or hiring great employees. [Read more…]

If You Are Worried or Anxious, Shift Your Focus

If You Are Worried or Anxious, Shift Your Focusby Chris Banescu –

In times of uncertainty, in times of trials and tribulations, and in times of worldwide crisis—like the current one caused by the coronavius pandemic which spread from communist China—we become worried and fearful. The uncertainty and danger cause us to be anxious and stressed, or more anxious and stressed than normal.

For many of us, prayer, meditation, attending religious services, and fellowship with friends and family can help reduce the worry and anxiety we feel. But what if prayer and meditation are not enough? What if their effects are only temporary? What if, as we experience presently, churches and other houses of worship are closed by government fiat and we’re unable to worship and have fellowship with our brethren? What else can we do? [Read more…]

Southwest Airlines Schools American Airlines on Treating Pilots Fairly and Decently

Southwest Airlines Schools American Airlines on Treating Pilots Fairly and Decentlyby Chris Banescu –
The Boeing 737 MAX disaster provides us with an opportunity to evaluate some leadership qualities of top executives at two major U.S. airlines, Southwest and American. The CEOs of these corporations have chosen fundamentally different responses to their pilots and employees who were negatively affected by the extended grounding of the 737 MAX planes.

One CEO shows himself to be a man of character and integrity. The other one not so much. Southwest Airlines’ top leader, Gary Kelly, is treating the company pilots fairly and decently. American Airlines’ CEO, Doug Parker, could care less about the concerns of their pilots. [Read more…]

PayPal: Take The Darn Survey Or Else!

PayPal: Take The Darn Survey Or Else!by Chris Banescu –
Just three days after providing my business with a debit card I never requested or wanted, PayPal manages to insult and frustrate me again. Immediately after logging into my account, instead of viewing the Summary (dashboard) page that normally lists the latest financial data and activity on my account, I was met with a demand to fill out a survey. The message box replaced my normal view of the latest transactions and payments, and completely blocked my view of the Summary page information (see first survey screen shot below).

Summary Dashboard Page Held Hostage
The message read as follows: “Please take a moment to let us know what you think about the redesigned display of information on this page. Thanks!” PayPal offered me no way to bypass or close the message. My only choice was to click on the “Provide Feedback” option right bellow the message. My Summary page was being held hostage until I complied with PayPal’s demand to complete their survey. [Read more…]

PayPal: Here’s That Debit Card You Didn’t Ask For

PayPal: Here’s That Debit Card You Didn’t Ask Forby Chris Banescu –
Today I received the PayPal Business Debit Mastercard that I didn’t ask for and didn’t want. A few weeks ago PayPal notified me of their decision to issue this debit card for my account. They did not bother to ask me first. They didn’t request my permission first. They didn’t give me the option to opt in. They sent it to me anyway.

First Email
Originally PayPal sent an email informing me of this “new benefit to your existing PayPal Business account” which they decided was good for me. They made that decision based on my “history as a PayPal customer.” PayPal’s long-winded email (six paragraphs long) touted the many benefits of this new card. No clear option to opt in or opt out was evident anywhere. No large or visible button or bolded “Yes, Send It” (opt-in) or “No Thank You” (opt-out) link was provided. [Read more…]

Get Busy Living!

Get busy living, or get busy dyingby Chris Banescu –
Life is hard, for everyone. It’s a constant battle to stay grounded and deal with adversity. To endure and thrive, we must continually sharpen our souls and minds, strengthen our tenacity, discern truth, avoid dangers, and solve problems. We must fight to stay healthy, balanced, and sane.

Seeking the company and counsel of good and decent men and women helps us on our journey. Experience and wisdom allow us to discern the truth and live in reality. Courage gives us the determination to accept the truth and take action.

Learning continually allows us to adapt and change. Reading good books gives us the knowledge to know what to do. Discipline allows us to consistently, creatively, and rationally deal with problems, find pragmatic solutions, and move toward meaningful goals. [Read more…]