I was surprised to read in this article in The Athletic about finding workplace happiness, in their case, in terms of the teams they play on, that two of the most important pieces of advice in Dale Carnegie's landmark book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” originally published in 1936, are the two things I've often declared as my "philosophies of life" as my nephew Skylar begs us to share: Connections and Validation.

"(Joey) Votto was struck by a passage about connection. One of the best ways to reach others, Carnegie wrote, was to offer sincere appreciation. It wasn’t enough to show up; you had to be intentional."

Research by Jane Dutton, an organizational psychologist, has spent nearly three decades researching this, "has suggested that there’s an even simpler way to foster happier work places and more cohesiveness among team members. The answer is in what Dutton calls “high-quality connections,” a term she coined to describe the brief, positive interactions between colleagues.

"Studies have shown that an increase in “high-quality connections” can improve physiological health and increase measures of energy and vitality. It can also increase resilience and coordination in organizations. In other words, fostering more connections may be more powerful than trying to change a company’s culture.

“'This is such a simple idea, but I’ve been stunned at how powerful it is,' Dutton said."

So, what's new is old. Dale, I bow to thee. Glad I didn't try to write a whole book only to find out you already did 90ish years ago. 

And by the way, thanks for validating my philosophy of life, proactively or maybe retroactively. 

I just want to post this link as an ode to my buddy Michael P. Rellahan, the extremely gifted writer who unfortunately is no longer writing columns for the Daily Local News. 

But you can still enjoy any or all of them here:

https://michaelpcolumns.blogspot.com/

 I think most of us have wondered how people could feel that it was okay to actually own people as slaves 150 or so years ago. 

I've wondered if the same mindset allows someone to support Donald Trump as President. Or in any other way.

To me, they are both indefensible and come from the same place.

The question Dems need to ask open-minded (non-Maga) potential voters:

"What upsets you more - the situation at the border or our heathcare system as it currently exists?"

The question Dems need to ask themselves:

"What upsets you more - our healthcare system or trans rights?"

Picture this

 News Item:

Detroit assistant general manager Sam Menzin resigned his post last Thursday, just before the team was planning to fire him for improper workplace conduct. Multiple women, including two Tigers employees, confirmed to The Athletic that Menzin sent them unsolicited lewd photos, some of which date back to 2017. Find out more. Nah, I'm good, thanks. Besides which, I just don't get dick pics. Literally or figuratively. And I am fine with that.

I mean, even if it has all been with m'lovely!

 We've all heard the expression, "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it."

I'm just wondering if it's okay to ignore the best sex I've ever had.

Oh, so like maybe you have a better idea!?

 

"The only sure weapon against bad ideas is better ideas."

- A. Whitney Griswold, President, Yale University, 1954

So, my fellow Dems, it isn't enough to declare President Musk's ideas as bad.

We need to be clear about what are our better ideas.

So far, I don't see enough of that coming from us.