Job Well Done?
A four-question performance review? One that focuses on what the employee is doing currently, instead of the distant past? The consulting firm Deloitte is experimenting with this four-question review model, two of which are yes or no questions. Imagine being judged for the quality of your work, right at that moment. Novel idea.
What if you could replace performance evaluations with four simple questions?
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
How often do you drive by an empty big-box store and wondere if it will ever be occupied again? One company is working to re-purpose these unused spaces as part of their expansion plan. At Home, a re-creation of Garden Ridge, has been scavenging buildings from other chains and now has their eye on JC Penney locations that will be closing in the US. One unique fact about At Home is that they do not sell their products online. Relying on foot traffic, while offering a much larger selection than most other home decor and furnishing stores. These building purchases are not made by chance, but heavily researched ahead of time so that when the sales begin, At Home is ready to bid and buy quickly. Just think of it as recycling on grand scale.
Big Box Retailer Pounces on J.C. Penney’s Closed Stores
What’s your favorite flavor of pie?
Tomorrow is Pi day and I couldn’t resist throwing in a post that deals both with numbers and a tasty treat. So, what will you be doing tomorrow on 3.14.15 at 9:26:53? I’m thinking a nice quiche would be good in the a.m. and then a big old piece of buttermilk pie for in the evening. There is no call for using Pi, 3.14159 in accounting…, but this still counts as a math related post, right? Enjoy your pie day and this article with a little history of both Pi and Pie. After all, this kind of Pi day only happens once every century!
Throwback Thursday | The Pi Day of the Century
Are You Paying Your Broker’s Retirement?
No one appreciates a hidden fee, but do you know exactly where your invested money is going and the amount of fees you are paying your broker? President Obama is currently pushing for new rules in the finance industry that would help put investors interests first. Of course, even the financiers need to make a living and have money for retirement, but just how skewed is their take versus your returns? Might be a good question to ask next time you’re in their office.
The Real Costs Of Managing Your Retirement
What’s Holding You Back?
Ever not answered the phone because you knew it was a creditor trying to collect on your college debt? Over the last many years, education debts have increased while job opportunities declined. This has caused many people in the under-thirty category to be unable to follow the “usual” path of work, home ownership and family. Statics are showing that many people are overwhelmed by debt and underemployed leaving the economy in a precarious place as these groups continue to reduce their spending. How do we create affordable education and jobs upon graduation? And where will this vicious cycle end?
The Ball and Chain of Student Debt
He ‘Monopolized’ Her Time
The story you’ve always heard about Monopoly the board game isn’t quite the whole truth. Who knew that a woman created a version of the game years before Charles Darrow, the depression era “savior” of Parker Brother’s? Elizabeth Magie was quite a progressive woman for her time. She supported herself, didn’t marry until the age of 44 and spent her free time working on a game that would help the world understand how monopolies broke down society and crushed small business. How interesting that a man took what a woman began and made a fortune? Hmm…
Monopoly’s Inventor: The Progressive Who Didn’t Pass ‘Go’
They’re Out To Get Me!
Thin Mints, Samoas, Do-si-Dos, Lemonades… Whatever your favorite, the girls seem to be at every store, down every street and even on college campuses. The Girl Scout cookie sale in Texas ranges from January to early April and during these months, they are out in force. How many times have you heard, “Would you like to buy a box of Girl Scout cookies?” in the last week? Ever wonder where the money goes and just how much each troop makes for standing in the cold day after day, hocking the devilish delights? It’s actually a pretty good deal for all, with incentives such as a free week of summer camp and troop bonuses based on number of boxes sold. Even though this is an old article, it explains the process of cookie money allocation very clearly and shows how the money stays in the area. So, next time you’re out and about, be sure and “buy local.”
Girl Scout cookies by the numbers: Just where do all those dollars go?
We’ve Possibly Reached The “Tipping Point”
When was the last time you were prompted to give a large tip for a small purchase? Ever notice how the opposable iPads gently nudge you toward a higher amount? Where is the line between food cost and tip requirement and are the foodservice industry wages in need of an overhaul? I don’t know about you, but the other day when I left a three dollar tip for a five dollar pot of tea, I wondered.
$3 Tip on a $4 Cup of Coffee? Gratuities Grow, Automatically
I Don’t Think Taxes Cause PTSD
I was fascinated by this article about PTSD and how it has most likely been around since the dawn of man. Known by different names through the generations, such as shell shock in WWI. They even revisited the idea that it was a true illness in Downton Abbey the other night when they were refusing to put a soldier’s name on a memorial due to his “cowardice” since while suffering this malady, he attempted to flee. The name ‘Post Traumatic Stress Disorder’ was recognized during the Vietnam war. Clearly war has always been hell and many who fought were visited by “ghosts they faced in battle.” How will this historic connection aid in our understanding and acceptance for those who currently suffer?