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The “Wow” Factor…Brought to you by the U.S. Post Office

February 27, 2015 by Michelle Ray

Cynics may say that you would never expect a public servant to give outrageously good customer service. So let me prove you wrong. Ross, who works at the USPS located in Point Roberts, WA provided incredible service…so good that he puts many corporate retailers to shame.

Despite the fact that Canada Post has an outlet across the street from my house, I deliberately drove 45 minutes to the nearest U.S. border to mail my packages bound for multiple destinations across the United States. You may be asking “why”? Well, from past experiences I can tell you that not only are the savings enormous, the service that I have received at my Post Office across the border is second to none.

Last Friday, Ross delivered a customer service experience that I will never forget. As I placed my packages on the counter and waited for Ross to carefully weigh each envelope, he asked the game-changing question: “Can I offer you the “WOW” factor?” [Read more…] about The “Wow” Factor…Brought to you by the U.S. Post Office

Why New Year Resolutions Fail: Five ways to lead yourself in 2015

December 31, 2014 by Michelle Ray

re·solve verb \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\ :To make a definite and serious decision to do something.

Eat less. Exercise more. Get a new job. Start a savings plan. Ditch your partner…whatever lofty goal you decide to set for yourself, it is likely you will give up before the first month of 2015 comes to an end, if not sooner. Sadly, the statistics aren’t good. Although millions will start the year with the best intentions, only eight percent will achieve their new year’s resolutions.

How does one explain the fact that year after year, the vast majority who set resolutions succumb to the comfort of the status quo?

Remembering the heroes in our lives – Tribute to my father

November 11, 2014 by Michelle Ray

“My legs are swollen and I don’t feel like going up to the coffee shop today.”

As soon as I heard my father utter those words on the telephone, thousands of miles away from his bed in the nursing home in Sydney, I knew that everything was different, even though I didn’t want to believe what was happening. Dad was no longer able to dial my number, so I would call him instead, all too often finding him in his room. Time was slipping away.

Five things you need to know about leading yourself and being happy at work

October 15, 2014 by Michelle Ray

When I came to North America more than 20 years ago, my bubble burst quickly and unexpectedly. Although I secured a good job within a very short time span, my encounter with my new boss, aka Attila The Hun left me disillusioned, disappointed and disheartened. I frequently found myself cowering in the restroom cubicle in order to avoid Attila’s daily tirades and explosive outbursts. I shut down and lost interest in my work, complaining about my crazy boss to anyone who would listen. [Read more…] about Five things you need to know about leading yourself and being happy at work

The trouble with leadership: It’s Time to Lead Yourself First

September 23, 2014 by Michelle Ray

Leadership is always a subject that finds its way into the headlines. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a decline in the high standards that we expect to see from our leaders. Whether we are talking about sports, politics, business or religion, why are we so often profoundly disappointed in our leaders? Why do so many fall from grace and how does it come to pass that character becomes secondary to title?

Do you manage change or does change manage you?

May 29, 2014 by Michelle Ray

Addressing the subject of change instills fear in many people. The very thought of disruption to the status quo brings up feelings of anxiety and distress in many individuals and organizations. Pending gloom and doom consumes the collective consciousness as people grapple with the new reality. Viewing change positively isn’t usually the norm, although it could represent an exciting opportunity to do things differently.

Will I get the biggest bang for my buck? What meeting planners expect from professional speakers

March 31, 2014 by Michelle Ray

While preparing my presentation set-up for a keynote at a recent conference, the meeting planner ran toward me in a panic, apologizing for being pulled in ten different directions, simultaneously. She explained that there were several items demanding her immediate attention. Her committee were in a time crunch, trying to locate the whereabouts of one of the panelists due to appear in a morning breakout session.

Are you feeling the love? Five tips to be happier, productive and inspired at work

February 14, 2014 by Michelle Ray

I will always remember the antics of one of my co-workers whose desk was beside mine at my first corporate job. Dan would saunter into the office whenever it suited him and immediately announce his arrival to the entire staff. In a bellowing voice, he would ask the same question every morning: “Who can I annoy today?” [Read more…] about Are you feeling the love? Five tips to be happier, productive and inspired at work

Do what you love and love what you do

January 22, 2014 by Michelle Ray

This month I had the privilege of working with the Institute of Career Advancement Needs and their client, Paypal. Their leadership conference attracted almost 400 delegates and all presenters were extremely well received. The client wished to demonstrate appreciation for their team of leaders, underscored by the ICAN philosophy: To understand leadership, you must understand people. To understand people, you must understand yourself.

How will you take the lead in your life, your career and business in 2014?

December 31, 2013 by Michelle Ray

The end of a year is always a time for reflection. As each one passes seemingly more quickly that the previous, we usher in a new year with the opportunity to pause and appreciate special moments that occurred over the past 365 days. Focusing on the positives sets the tone for anticipating good things.

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