March 2010

Do you have multiple personalities?

March 1, 2010By

In 2004, archaeologists digging in Israel unearthed the earliest evidence to date of the controlled use of fire — charred wood and seeds — at a site dating back 790,000 years. At least one academic believes this pivotal use of fire originated in part thanks to the proliferation of multiple personalities. “I believe fire was discovered by a group of... read more

Don’t be caught off guard by cultural issues

March 1, 2010By

Your Hispanic employees’ attitudes and approaches to work can create some on-the-job challenges. Picture yourself in this situation: You have an all-Hispanic or nearly all-Hispanic crew. One of the crewmembers isn’t pulling his weight. But you don’t find out about it until you personally visit one of his job sites — or, you don’t find out about it at all.... read more

Memo: The rules have changed

March 1, 2010By

I like watching professional poker on TV. It is especially interesting to me that the young guns consistently beat the experienced pros. I think it’s because the younger guys are not playing the same game as the older guys, and somehow the old pros missed the memo explaining the rules of the game had changed. Something similar is happening in... read more

A Cut Above: David DuBois

March 1, 2010By

Over the past 40 years, Mission Landscape Cos. has become one of the largest landscape companies in the industry. Since its inception, the enterprise has added services and now comprises seven separate entities covering all aspects of the Green Industry. Five years ago, the Irvine, CA-based enterprise began operating as an employee stock ownership plan. President and CEO David DuBois... read more

A goodbye letter

March 1, 2010By

EDITOR’S NOTE: The author’s grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago. She was put on hospice care in February and passed away less than an hour after this article was completed. Dear Grandma, I talked to Mom a little while ago. She wants me to call you, have them hold the phone to your ear, and give... read more

Recover lost time using tracking tools

March 1, 2010By

Is your business stuck in a rut? Are you getting to the end of the day faster than you get to the end of your to-do list? Are interruptions and distractions your constant companions? Keeping productivity high is a constant uphill battle, with frequent plateaus and occasional drop-offs. What you need are tools to keep you moving forward and on... read more