Good News on the Doorstep

Joe Cervasio Returns to Cornell's Johnson School of Business for 2011

William H. Garrapy, Assistant Director of the Leadership Skills Program and Faculty Support at the Johnson School at Cornell University, has set Friday, March 4, 2011 for the reintroduction of "Situational Leadership." The Leadership Skills Program is under the Directorship of Ms. Risa Mish, who last year added this leadership content to the elective Leadership Skills Program for graduate level students.

In 2010 Joe Cervasio of Diversified Global Strategies, LLC was invited to facilitate a day-long introduction of legendary Ken Blanchard's work in this area of Leadership Development. As President of Bluegreen Institute from 2002-2009, Mr. Cervasio had driven the interactive leadership modules that "Situational Leadership" features, servicing mid-to top level senior executives. Now the Cornell students have another opportunity to participate in Cervasio's customized version of this landmark leadership skill building program.

Mr. Cervasio is a graduate of Cornell's School of Industrial Relations, as well as having earned his MBA at the Leonard Stern School of Business at New York University. His experiences as a corporate sales and marketing executive in several industries over his 40 year career are featured in his crafting of the Situational Leadership course. A novelist as well, Joe weaves a story-telling style into his teaching techniques that has earned positive responses from his students.

The following accolade comes from a Johnson School student in last year's lecture:

Joe,

Thank you for leading the valuable “Situational Leadership” LSP at The Johnson School this past Friday.  Understanding the difference between performing, managing, and leading, and applying the right leadership behavior based on the development level and task are especially insightful takeaways.

 Your classroom personality was very conducive to learning and your story telling skills are fantastic.  It was an honor to spend time with you and learn about your interesting background, book writing, and your business.  I’ll never forget the Nicky Melito story!

DP

More information on Cornell's Leadership Skills Program at the Johnson School of Business may be found at http://www2.johnson.cornell.edu/currentstudents/lsp/workshop.html

 

 

The Genius of Charles Schultz ... and Snoopy

The Charles Schulz Philosophy  (Scroll thru slowly and read carefully to receive and enjoy the full effect)  The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions.  Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2 Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3 Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant. 4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5 Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners. How did you do?  The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies.. Awards tarnish.. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:  1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!! 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. Easier?  The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials.. the most money...or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most  Pass this on to those people who have either made a difference in your life, or whom you keep close in your heart. 'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia !'  ''Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!"

Don't Miss "Lombardi" on Broadway and HBO

Much is learned from the Broadway play and the HBO special on the late, great coach, Vince Lombardi. Most of all was his concern for the misinterpretation of ... "Winning isn't everthing, ... it's the only thing." The good coach was really speaking of focus, commitment, and concentration, which is surely the winning way of performing that guarantees success in all endeavors. Focus on the field on what you are doing, leave it all there, and there will be no regrets.

Well, Secret #1 in Now or Never: The 11 Secrets of Arimathea, is all about such focus on the moment. While there is so much to respect about the iconic coach from the NY/NJ area, if only his own focus did not blurr as he contemplated the uncertainty of his future games, while ignoring his deteriorating physical condition.

Perhaps, like so many flawed heroes, his own limitations serve his legacy as they teach us today; i.e., Do as I say, not as I did.

Still, in the end, the Super Bowl Trophy is named the Lombardi Trophy... rest in peace, great Coach.