Newsletters
Being journalists by training, our team has the experience to create award-winning informative newsletters — in print and online — that provide interesting, newsworthy articles in a beautiful format. Scroll down for examples.
CAN YOU MANAGE MANGERS?
Can you explain how to write meaningful and measurable performance goals? Can you show us how to tell someone their work is not up to expectations?
I am asked these questions frequently as I interact with business leaders. Immediately, my brain opens the big mental file folder labeled “Managing Performance.”
Whether I am coaching individual leaders, working with a management team, or teaching a class on management skills, nearly everything I communicate falls into this huge knowledge area called performance management.
Why is the job of directing the work of others so difficult? Read on to find out. You’ll also learn about a wonderful new book by Sharon Armstrong, a human resources expert and the author of The Essential HR Handbook.
ALICE WAAGEN IN THE NEWS: Speaking of managing managers, Inc. magazine reporter Darrell Dahl quoted me in his article published on Aug. 23. “Your company’s managers are smart, committed, and passionate. How can you make sure they perform to their potential?” Read the entire article here: www.inc.com.
Enjoy the rest of your summer! I’ll talk to you again in October.
Alice Waagen, President
Workforce Learning
alice@workforcelearning.com.
Read more...
Change is afoot this month with Arizona’s immigration statute, and reporters at the popular Washington, DC publication LegalBisnow interviewed Steve Trow to learn more about what the attorneys at Trow & Rahal think about the Department of Justice lawsuit challenging Arizona’s immigration law.
Steve said: “Congress dropped the ball on immigration reform, but that doesn’t give Arizona the right to run onto the field and pick it up. DOJ needs to get Arizona off the field, then Congress needs to fix our broken immigration system.”
For more information on the Arizona law debate, don’t miss this month’s Immigration Update, which provides additional details about the preliminary injunction that blocked key provisions of the 2010 Arizona Immigration Statute. You’ll also find details about the ICE final rule, which allows for electronic storage of Form I-9; USCIS clarification on the O-1 validity period; and we’ll tell you about the O-1 and P-1 visa petitions to be adjudicated this month.
Also in this issue: You’ll find an article by Linda Rahal, which discusses the controversy surrounding the memo leaked from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Don’t miss it.
As always, we appreciate your comments and feedback. Don’t hesitate to contact us to help you with all of your immigration-related needs.
With best regards from all of us at Trow & Rahal,
Steve Trow, Attorney / Owner / Founder, strow@trowlaw.com
Linda Rahal, Attorney / Owner / Founder, lrahal@trowlaw.com
Cynthia Hemphill, Attorney / Owner, chemphill@trowlaw.com
Read more...
By Scott Golden
Co-Owner and CFO
Scott@Golden-Cohen.com
On August 3, Agent’s Sales Journal reporter Heather Trese published an article featuring my comments about the future of Medicare.
She wrote: Some people, including Scott Golden, chief financial officer of the health benefits consulting company Golden & Cohen, predict that Medicare plans — such as original Medicare with a Part D or Med supp addition — will start to become more attractive as Medicare Advantage loses its luster.
I said: “Whenever you make one product less attractive, you’ll make the other product more attractive. So it does work to an advantage for those who work in the indemnity market.” Click here to read Heather’s entire article.
This issue is incredibly timely. In fact, back in March our monthly newsletter focused on Medicare — an important topic, especially if you or a loved one is nearing age 65. The process is complicated, and try as you might, don’t be surprised if you can’t get all the information you need to understand how to apply, what benefits you will receive, and a myriad of other questions you are likely to have. Click here for details.
Also in this issue:
• You’ll find an article by our accountant Eric Cohen, who asks, “Is it time for a Roth conversion?”
• And check out the 10th chapter in our upcoming book, “You Gotta Laugh: Life in the Trenches of the Health Insurance Business.” In this month’s insurance issue, my wife and business partner Stephanie Cohen and I explain why you need to carefully track and pay your premiums at the same time each month.
From all of us at Golden & Cohen, here’s to your good health!
Stephanie Cohen, CEO, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, CFO, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, COO, jack@golden-cohen.com
Read more...
Chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez are excited to host the first wine dinner at Avenida Restaurant at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10.
Chef Edgar will be preparing four special dishes, which will be paired with four different wines – two from Spain, one from Argentina, and one from Chile.
This delicious menu will include:
Ceviche Trio featuring crab, tuna and snapper
Vevi Rueda 2009 Rueda, Spain
Pan Seared Duck Breast, sweet potato pastelito, guajillo sauce
Conde de Valdemar Crianza 2005 Rioja, Spain
Grilled Pork Tenderloin, stuffed squash blossom, red mole glaze
Valle Azul Malbec 2008 Patagonia, Argentina
Goat Cheese Cheesecake, dulce de leche, passion fruit
Aresti Late Harvest Gewurtztraminer 2007 Curico Valley, Chile
Dinner is only $50.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity).
Make your reservation today: 267.385.6857
Read more...
By Scott Golden, CFO
Scott@Golden-Cohen.com
Over the course of a lifetime, there are certain events that can change someone forever. For me, that moment occurred when I found out that my cousin, Steven Seiden, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. He lived with that disease for 12 years, but finally succumbed in 2002.
I watched him deteriorate, slowly at first and then rapidly. I, like everyone who knew and loved him, felt helpless. But I wanted to be helpful in any way that I could. I visited Steven many times in his final days, and was there for his funeral alongside my entire family.
On that day, I made a decision to become active in the fight against ALS.
I had made a promise to Steven — not verbally, but emotionally. After his death, I got involved with the ALS Association — DC/MD/VA Chapter, and hosted a gala to raise money to help those stricken by this deadly disease. From that point on, I viewed philanthropy in a whole different way. I made it a priority to give both time and money to this cause, and to other good causes, many that are health-related. I feel that I am a better person for it — and that was the gift my cousin gave me.
Every year in October, I now gather as many friends, colleagues, clients, and family members as possible to participate in the DC Walk to Defeat ALS. It is my way of honoring someone who impacted my life so greatly. I invite you to join me! Mark your calendar now for October 17. I’ll meet you at the Old Folklife Festival Area in downtown DC. Sign up here.
Read more...
As we sweat our way through the heat of July here in Washington, DC, we are reminded of the performing artists who all too often sweat their way through the immigration process.
In this issue of our newsletter: You’ll find insights and guidance from Trow & Rahal attorney and shareholder Cynthia Hemphill about how performing artists and organizations can minimize their chances of a denial and/or inherent delays if the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues a request for evidence.
Also in this issue: You’ll find an interview by Attorney Linda Rahal with Human Resources expert Sharon Armstrong, author of The Essential Performance Review Handbook. And don’t miss this month’s Immigration Update, which shares details about the forward movement in the availability of immigrant visa numbers and future projections, cut-off dates, best hiring practices set forth by the Department of Homeland Security, and more.
We appreciate your comments and feedback. We are looking forward to helping you with all of your immigration-related needs.
With warm regards from all of us at Trow & Rahal,
Steve Trow, Attorney / Owner / Founder, strow@trowlaw.com
Linda Rahal, Attorney / Owner / Founder, lrahal@trowlaw.com
Cynthia Hemphill, Attorney / Owner, chemphill@trowlaw.com
Read more...
By Janice Miller, Chairman
City of Fairfax School Board
This school year ended with much celebration at each of our four City Schools. Many of our students achieved at high levels this year in academics, activities, athletics and the arts. We are proud to be able to share some of these accomplishments in this issue of Close-Up Online.
The graduation at Fairfax High School was once again a very special event. I am always happy to sit on the stage and look out at the senior class, ready to go on to the next phase of their lives — so different from the children they were just a few years before.
Scott Mattock, the student graduation speaker selected by his peers, spoke of how much he, his classmates, and the world had changed in the four years that they had attended Fairfax High School (read his speech by clicking inside).
Read more...
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT: 20 Years Later
By Dr. Alice Waagen, president and founder
Workforce Learning
The 1990’s love affair with Total Quality Management (TQM) empowered work teams, process improvement, and other business buzzwords killed the professional manager.
Organizations flattened themselves, removing layers of managers, while distributing their responsibilities to key individual contributors.
This new breed of manager retained its full individual contributor duties while picking up the job of overseeing the work of staff. This concept of “working managers” permeates organizations today and has resulted, in my humble opinion, in a poorly run, overly stressed mess.
Nearly two decades later, we are still reaping the fruits of this flawed logic.
Read more...
By Janice Miller, Chairman
City of Fairfax School Board
jmiller@fairfaxva.gov
Each year, we take time to thank the community members who work with the schools because their hard work and dedication not only make what we do easier — it makes it possible.
Volunteers assist in classrooms, chaperone field trips, help improve the school grounds, mentor and coach children, raise money to fund student activities — and the list goes on and on.
Let me take a moment to publicly thank four community members.
Each of these individuals took on the responsibility of representing the City on Fairfax County Public Schools advisory committees. They attended many meetings, participated in the important work of each committee, and reported on the committee’s work to the City School Board.
They include: Joan Rizak, who represented us on the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities; Laura Welke, who was the City’s representative on the Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee; Pam Jones, who sat on the School Health Advisory Committee; Mitch Sutterfield, former Fairfax High School teacher and the City’s delegate to the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.
Here’s to a great summer! We’ll talk to you again in July.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, send me an email: jmiller@fairfaxva.gov
Read more...
By Scott Golden, CFO
Scott@Golden-Cohen.com
Needless to say, when it comes to the changing world of health care benefits, we are in very interesting times. The economy continues to teeter and unemployment is still high. We are seeing those factors tie directly to health insurance benefits.
I am speaking, specifically, about COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 that was amended as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) signed by President Obama in February 2009.
How it works: “Assistance Eligible Individuals” pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums; the remaining 65 percent is reimbursed to the coverage provider through a tax credit. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage that began on or after February 17, 2009 and lasts for up to 15 months.
A new trend: Although the COBRA subsidy has been around for 25 years, until recently few people opted for it when they left a job. Today, almost everyone who is terminated takes the benefit. It makes sense for the employee, especially in tough economic times when an employee doesn’t know when, or if, they’ll find a new job.
Read more...
Welcome to our newly designed monthly newsletter. Our aim is to provide you with more in-depth articles on hot topics in immigration law.
What you’ll find below: Scroll down to find two feature articles — one by Steve Trow, who offers insightful information on the intersection of immigration and tax planning for high net worth clients; the other, by Linda Rahal, who delves into the controversial Arizona immigration law. As always, we continue to provide you with important Immigration Updates on the law each month (see the column to the right for that information).
About our new website: We are also excited to announce the launch of our new website, www.trowrahal.com, which contains more comprehensive information about our services, as well as visa options and immigration regulations. You’ll find updated content on our key practice areas including: visas for hiring foreign nationals, visas for athletes and entertainers, visas for high net worth clients, avenues for obtaining permanent resident (green card) status, copies of our recent newsletters, and testimonials from our clients.
We appreciate your comments and feedback. We are looking forward to helping you with all of your immigration-related needs. _With warm regards from all of us at Trow & Rahal
Read more...
By Scott Golden, CFO
Scott@Golden-Cohen.com
On behalf of Golden & Cohen, I was invited to attend a recent invitation-only Health Care Reform Summit hosted by The Atlantic magazine. Featured speakers included Congressman Henry Waxman, Henry Aaron of the Brookings Institution, Christopher Dawes of the National Association of Children’s Hospitals, Henry Fineberg of the Institute of Health, and Ambassador Nancy Brinker, founder and CEO of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The event was broken into three panel discussions, which included conversations about “the system,” “the patient,” and finally Congressman Waxman (pictured below) was interviewed by The Atlantic’s senior editor Joshua Green about health care reform.
While I found all of the discussions interesting and insightful, the conversation about the monetary ramifications intrigued me most. Read the entire newsletter to learn why.
Here’s to your good health!
Stephanie Cohen, CEO, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, CFO, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, COO, jack@golden-cohen.com
Read more...
What Do Our Students Really Think About School?
By Ann Monday, Superintendent
City of Fairfax Schools
amonday@fairfaxva.gov
It was my honor to be at the April School Board Work Session where we heard from more than 20 middle and high school students about their perceptions of school.
This annual event is always enlightening, for as administrators we work hard to do the right thing for our students. Listening to their perspective is a welcome experience.
Click inside to hear what the students have to say.
Read more...
Hello, Powerhouse!
Women business leaders bring a powerful difference to the world of work because they tend to view life as an ongoing matrix of interconnected relationships — one that can be leveraged to achieve results.
In my experience, this constant outward focus is unique to women and their approach results in a rich environment that focuses on much more than the financial side of the business.
Yet this constant outward focus can be overplayed and become a liability.
Here’s why: For women business leaders to succeed, they need to focus inward on what brings them success. They also need to ask themselves what causes them to stumble.
In my work and in life I am a huge proponent of strategically planning personal development.
By planning, I mean more than just attending a sporadic conference or seminar. I advocate writing a clear and succinct development goal, which should be future oriented and closely linked with your business goals.
Read the entire April newsletter for useful tips on how to accomplish your goals — and stay sane.
Read more...
By Janice Miller, chairman
City of Fairfax School Board
The fundamental responsibility of any school is to provide a safe and secure environment for learning. This month’s Close-Up Online will focus on how our schools maintain positive environments and promote good citizenship.
Below, you’ll find information from City of Fairfax Police Chief Rick Rappoport, who at our March School Board Work Session shared information from the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force, which showed that community efforts to prevent gang activity are working.
Linda Burke, the Fairfax County Cluster Superintendent who supervises our schools, talked with us about how the County assesses school climate and what is in place in each of our schools to ensure student safety and positive behavior.
Scroll down for a recap of their presentations from Superintendent Ann Monday.
Read the entire issue here.
As always, the City School Board welcomes your feedback. If you have any questions or comments for us, email me at jmiller@fairfaxva.gov.
Read more...
Now that spring has sprung, we invite you to come in and celebrate by enjoying a refreshing Avenida Margarita. They are just $5 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Our Secret Recipe: Avenida Margaritas
Our bartenders Kevin and Kylie have a passion for Margaritas and mix up the meanest version we’ve tasted, starring fresh lime juice. Stop by to try this incredible concoction, but before you do try it yourself at home so you can compare. Cheers!
What you’ll need:
• 4 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. Triple Sec
• 2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 1 cup crushed ice
Here’s how: Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Dance around the kitchen. Pour. Makes 2 servings.
Read more...
We are excited to announce that our first Sunday Brunch was incredibly successful. We invite you to come in and try some of our savory, original dishes that are sure to make the whole family happy.
For starters: There is a delicious Caesar Salad with masa croutons and fried capers, Fruit Salad, Gazpacho, Papusas with tomato sauce and curtido, Queso Fondido (vegetarian style, too), Spring mix salad _with queso fresco, jicima, strawberries, mango vinaigrette, and Tequila lime cured salmon with cilantro potato cakes — each $10, or less.
Our selection of brunch dishes includes: Capirotada Mexican Bread Pudding with honey butter and Zacapa syrup, Chilaquiles with green mole, fried eggs, queso fresco, crema, Frittata Del Dia with home fried potatoes, Grilled Chicken Torta with fried green tomatoes, avocado, bacon and salsa, Huevos Rancheros Tostadas with warm potatoes and refried black beans, and Zucchini Cheese Pastel with Spring Mixed Salad — each $12, or less.
For the kids: Scrambled Eggs with bacon, home fries and tortillas, for $7.
Read more...
In an effort to help the medical provider community better understand how insurance companies work with providers, Golden & Cohen CEO Stephanie Cohen has embarked on a program to bring the relevant parties together to have a meaningful and productive discussion on how to work more effectively together.
“Lack of communication between carrier and provider is one of the major issues in the health care delivery system,” Cohen believes.
On March 24, she kicked off the program with a presentation featuring Debra Carter, Director of Provider Relations for Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia of United Healthcare at the Inova Practice Administration in Alexandria.
“More than 45 people were in attendance for this useful presentation which outlined the tools that are available to each provider — and ways to use them best so we can make the filing process easier for everyone involved,” Cohen explains, noting that much of the presentation addressed how to navigate through United’s system. “Most of the information offered was actually applicable to all insurance carriers. I found it very helpful.”
Cohen adds that what was most interesting was that the goals of both United and the providers seemed to be aligned. “Obviously, the primary goal is to enhance the performance of the health and well-being of the people they serve in each community. United is committed to getting claims paid, and the providers are committed to getting paid for their services. During the group discussion, it was clear to all who attended that communication and teamwork are the key to a successful relationship.”
Alberta Seith, the Physician Liaison at Inova Alexandria Hospital, says: “The meeting drew a large audience that included practice administrators, billing managers and physicians,” Seith says. “Stephanie Cohen gave a detailed presentation that was easy to follow and generated active participation from the group. Participants agreed it was valuable information and they appreciated receiving contact information for additional questions.”
Cohen says she was honored to be able to get these parties together in a very constructive dialogue that can help everyone in the health care system. “I am looking forward to hosting more of these events with additional doctors and hospitals this year.”
Read all about it in this month’s newsletter
From all of us at Golden & Cohen, here’s to your good health!
Stephanie Cohen, CEO, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, CFO, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, COO, jack@golden-cohen.com
Read more...
By Janice Miller, chairman
City of Fairfax School Board
jmiller@fairfaxva.gov
At our last School Board Work Session on February 22, we were privileged to hear a presentation about “Best Practices for Teaching and Learning,” by Fairfax County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Peter Noonan and his colleague, Kim Dockery, the FCPS Assistant Superintendent for Special Services.
In this issue of Close-Up Online, we begin with an interesting Q&A between Mr. Noonan and Superintendent Ann Monday as they discuss how teachers can best build relationships and engage students.
As part of the discussion, Mrs. Monday also talks with Marcy Miller, the former Director of Student Services at Fairfax High, who shares information from the American School Counselor Association on the framework used by our school counseling programs.
Further below you’ll find information from our four City School principals who explain how school counselors and other support staff at their schools are an essential part of the academic team.
Enjoy this issue! It’s filled with insightful information about what makes schools work best. The School Board agrees this approach is critical for student success.
Read more...
If you are turning 65, don’t be surprised if you can’t get all the information you need to understand how to apply, what benefits you will receive, and a myriad of other questions you are likely to have. It’s a complicated process, and one that we spend much time explaining to our clients. Here’s a primer to get you started.
Medicare Part A — Most people will be eligible for Medicare Part A on the day that they turn 65. This is the program you have been paying Medicare tax on over the years. It covers hospitalization, which is now a free service for you, and you should receive notification about the benefit three months prior to your 65th birthday.
Medicare Part B — Another benefit, which covers physician fees, is part of the Medicare plan called Part B. There is a fee associated with this benefit, and depending on your income level and the date you enroll, this will range between $110 to $353 per month. The challenge with Medicare is that there are gaps in coverage leaving the insured with deductibles, significant out-of-pocket expenses and no prescription drug coverage.
Medigap Policies — Luckily, there is private insurance to address the shortcomings of Medicare A and B. These are called Medigap policies, and the cost ranges from about $170 to $250 per month. These plans will cover medical fees only.
Medicare Part D — This covers the cost of prescription drugs. Again there is a fee to be paid, which ranges from $30 to $80 per month. Because Medigap coverage provides different plans, it is important to sit down and talk about medical needs before selecting a plan.
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to call or send us an email: scott@golden-cohen.com.
Read more...
Are you feeling productive? If not, you aren’t alone. As we begin 2010, more and more of my clients are reporting that they are overworked, stressed, and they fear that soon their productivity will suffer.
But consider this: Just last November, in a Wall Street Journal article entitled, “Productivity Soared in Third Quarter,” reporters John Hilsenrath and Luca Di Leo wrote:
The Labor Department said the output per hour of nonfarm workers rose at an annual rate of 9.5% in the quarter, more than four times the average productivity growth rate of the past quarter-century. When taken together with the second quarter’s 6.9% rise, it was the strongest productivity growth rate over a six-month period since 1961. Click here to read the entire article.
Amazing, right? Statistically speaking, the US workforce is actually more productive than it has been in years — despite the rash of layoffs and workforce reductions we saw in 2009.
So here’s my question: Can fewer workers produce more output, and sustain it? If so, what toll will it take on their health, their lives, and ultimately their companies — not just today, but in the future?
Click here to view this month’s Anti-Burnout Guide!
And click here to buy a copy of this great Burnout poster.
Wishing you much warmth and calm.
Best regards, Alice
Read more...
Why Some Small Businesses Are Surviving the Recession
Thanks to being snowed in by the Blizzard of February 2010, we’ve had time to think back on our business and plan ahead for the rest of the year. Taking this long-term perspective is important for any small business, and it’s something we have done since founding our firm in 1992.
In looking back, we realized that the root of our business was in doing what no one else wanted to do — working with small businesses to implement their health insurance plans. The competition was not intense, at least not initially, and it enabled us to build a substantial business servicing the under-served.
This turned out to be a very good business model for us, as no single client could impact our bottom line in a meaningful way. And it provided great stability — something that every business needs.
As we look around at other firms faltering in the current recession, we realize that other factors have also fed our success: we aggressively look for new clients, we advocate for all of our clients’ rights, and we do not overspend.
Over the years we have also run “fire drills” to simulate what we would do if certain events occurred. And some tough decisions were made early in the game. We could have established a business that spent money on things that do not help our clients, such as a sexier office with a fancy DC address and other big ticket purchases — but we did not. As a result, we are profitable and continue to recalculate and position ourselves for success.
Being prepared, and running a lean and mean business, is our simple secret to success. It’s also how we live our personal lives. And we take pride and joy in sharing those secrets with our colleagues and other small business owners.
From all of us at Golden & Cohen, here’s to your good health!
Read more...
By Janice Miller, chairman
City of Fairfax School Board
jmiller@fairfaxva.gov
In the February issue of Close-Up Online, we focus on the development of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in the City Schools, and the impact that this program has on student achievement.
At the City School Board’s January Work Session, Dr. Terri Breeden, FCPS Assistant Superintendent for Professional Learning and Accountability, explained: “A professional learning community is when people work together collaboratively to continuously improve student and adult learning. The fundamental purpose is to focus on learning rather than teaching”.
I found that definition particularly interesting, because it summed up what we’ve known for years: PLCs help teachers do their jobs better.
Click here to read the entire issue.
Read more...
By Janice Miller, chairman
jmiller@fairfaxva.gov
When Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jack Dale presented the FY 2011 budget earlier this month, few were surprised to see the dramatic cuts. We have been hearing for months that next year’s budget will be worse than this year’s – and it looks like this prediction was right.
So in our newsletter this month, our City Schools Superintendent Ann Monday will provide us with an overview of the cuts we’ll likely see next year. You’ll also read about the impact of the potential cuts from the four principals who run the City of Fairfax schools. Simply scroll down for that information.
Before you do, I’d like to share some of the thoughts that FCPS’ Dr. Dale wants the community to know:
- The proposed budget of $2.3 billion includes $104.8 million in program cuts and cost avoidances and $3.4 million in increased and new fees. The cuts and fees reflected community and employee feedback, as well as School Board priorities.
These cuts will have a long-term and far-reaching impact on maintaining our high student achievement and excellence for which FCPS is widely known and respected.
- This is not a budget based on FCPS’ actual needs. That budget would require a $248.4 million transfer from the county. It is a budget based on the fiscal realities of dismal local and state economic conditions.
- Without a needs-based budget, we face: decreasing student achievement, diminishing academic excellence, losing high caliber teachers, eliminating innovative programs, not meeting individual student needs, tarnishing FCPS’ reputation, and negatively impacting business relocations.
Read more...
If you are feeling stressed at this very moment, raise your hand. I’m guessing that if you are a “Type A” personality, as many leaders are, your hand — at least metaphorically — is up.
Now take a deep breath and relax because a new study published in the January issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggests “One Type A Characteristic Lowers Stress.” — Read that article here.
Here’s how: Taina Hintsa and her colleagues at the University of Helsinki analyzed the relationship between Type A behavior and work stress in 752 Finnish workers. They broke Type A behavior into four areas — leadership, aggression, being “hard-driving,” and eagerness-energy.
Although these characteristics were linked to “effort-reward imbalance” — a key contributor to work stress—executives who scored high in terms of their leadership skills actually had lower work stress. And the reason seems obvious once you hear it. Researchers found that leaders have both high work effort and high work reward. They also believe that leaders have high job control and that that may help alleviate work stress.
So I encourage you to embrace your leadership skills and lower your stress level. My bet is that when you do, it’ll not only lower your own stress — but will improve the work environment for everyone in your office.
Read on in this month’s newsletter to learn about our work with the Lincoln Leadership Academy, how President Lincoln has become a fan of Twitter, and mark your calendar for some upcoming important dates.
Here’s to a great 2010!
Steven B. Wiley, president & founder
The Lincoln Leadership Institute at Gettysburg, www.lincolnleadershipinstitute.com
Read more...
Happy New Year! Three weeks into 2010, we find the health care debate in a new, but still unclear, place – especially with the win on Tuesday of Republican candidate Scott Brown in Massachusetts, who beat Democrat Martha Coakley in Tuesday’s special election for the former Senate seat of longtime statesman, Edward M. Kennedy.
We have to agree with the pundits. This marks a critical turning point in the year-long debate about health care reform.
Of course, no one knows exactly what will happen next because the issues are so complex and volatile – including the public option, how to pay for the reform, who pays for the reform, the question of abortion, exchanges, “big” personalities and potential backlash from voters.
From our point of view, it seems that the Democrats have isolated themselves from the Republicans in order to craft a compromise bill between the House and Senate. The hope was to have a bill to the President before the State of the Union address, but with the election of Scott Brown that seems highly unlikely.
What is likely is that the process will be delayed even more and eventually presented as a scaled down version of either bill that has been presented thus far. We will keep you posted as the debate continues.
For now, we invite you to read the interesting articles in this issue of our monthly newsletter:
- Four Ways to Slash Health Care Costs in 2010 by Scott Golden
- ARRA COBRA Subsidy Has Been Extended by Jack Cohen
- Keep those New Year’s Resolutions Injury-Free by Dr. Greg Swistak
- How to Successfully Manage Conflict in the Workplace by Anne Lee
- And in the second chapter of their new book, “You Gotta Laugh: Life in the Trenches of the Health Care Business,” Stephanie Cohen and Scott Golden discuss The Importance of Continuity of Care
From all of us at Golden & Cohen, here’s to your health in 2010!
Stephanie Cohen, CEO, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, CFO, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, COO, jack@golden-cohen.com
Read more...
By Alice Waagen, president and founder
www.workforcelearning.com
In the last issue of Workforce Learning, I focused on how organizations can prepare for the growth cycle ahead in our recovering economy and offered three scenarios for how the recovery may play out. In the weeks since, I’ve done a more analytic survey and asked nearly 150 professionals from more than a dozen different DC-based organizations: “What will you do differently once the economic recovery seems to stabilize?”
A number of themes emerged in the conversations. Clearly, the dependent relationship people have had with their employers has been severely challenged during the last 12 months. In fact, large, seemingly stable organizations like county governments have been implementing forced furloughs and reductions in workforce. The old belief that large organizations offer stable future economic growth is all but gone.
But here is what raised an eyebrow. The number of people who expressed a desire to go out on their own and start their own business was staggering. This may seem counterintuitive, especially after months of economic strife. But the impetus to start ones own business is not economic – it is to gain a better control of their future. Certainly, when you are an entrepreneur, your success and failure resides on your own actions and tactics, not the actions of management far removed from your sphere of influence.
Read more...
Happy holidays from all of us here at the Lincoln Leadership Institute! Gettysburg is looking very festive these days—especially when it’s iced with our first snowfalls of the year.
The holiday season is truly one of joy. In fact, this idea of “what is joy,” has been on my mind lately—not only as we get ready to celebrate the holidays, but also as it correlates to the workplace.
What does joy have to do with the workplace—especially this year, when so many organizations have struggled with our challenging economy? According to a recent Gallup Healthways survey of 100,000 Americans, joy has everything to do with happiness in the workplace for business owners out-rank 10 other occupations in overall wellbeing. Leaders, in fact, say they have lower stress levels and better physical health than those in other occupations.
One possible explanation, according to Harvard professor and blogger Rosabeth Moss Kanter, is that “autonomy, influence and a sense of meaning” are all key ingredients in helping us to find joy at work. She writes “supervisors are better–off than the supervised, and entrepreneurs are the best-off of all.” While we can’t all be entrepreneurs, she suggests we can all act as leaders and project “autonomy, influence and a sense of meaning.”
I couldn’t agree more! I’m a big believer in the idea that exhibiting leadership skills is the surest route to joy at work. What a concept: Leadership can bring joy to the workplace.
Kanter offers a David Letterman style Top 10 list to find joy at work. Why not give it a try? Incorporate joy into your leadership practice. I’d love to hear the results – drop us a line at info@lincolnleadershipinstitue.com and let us know how you have shared the joy!
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!
Steven B. Wiley, president and founder
Lincoln Leadership Institute
Read more...
December 18, 2009 — The City of Fairfax Schools launched its December newsletter today, featuring an introduction by Janice Miller, Chairman of the City of Fairfax School Board. She wrote:
When the City School Board first began working on the Road Map to Academic Success in 2005, our mission was to develop a document that provided information to parents regarding the curriculum students need to take from kindergarten to 12th grade to succeed not only in school — but to be prepared for life.
Spearheaded by former City Schools Superintendent George Stepp, he designed the Road Map over the course of a year with the assistance of Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jan Mulvaney, former Fairfax High Student Services Director Carole Kihm, and other educators from Fairfax County Public Schools.
“The key to student success lies in parents knowing what all the options are for their children,” explains Dr. Mulvaney. “We aren’t advocating pushing students beyond what they can handle — emotionally or academically — but it is amazing to see what they can do given the chance.”
Click here to more about the Roadmap and what the four City of Fairfax Schools are doing to ensure all students are on a path to success.
Read more...
Hello, and welcome to our December news blast. We’re very pleased to announce that this month our own Stephanie Cohen, CEO of Golden & Cohen, was named one of SmartCEO Magazine’s 2010 Smart100 CEOs.
“After another competitive year of nominations, the selection committee has chosen Stephanie Cohen to join an elite group of 100 of Greater Washington’s leading CEOs and their organizations,” announced SmartCEO magazine’s Makenna Coyne. “Combined, this group employs more than 150,000 people, boasts revenues in excess of $9 billion, and has won almost 1,500 business awards. In addition, the group shares a philanthropic spirit by donating time, energy and money to local Washington area charities.”
Each winning company reported revenue in excess of $5 million annually and was selected based on the CEO’s leadership, strategic vision and character, said Coyne noting that Cohen was an obvious choice to be part of the 2010 list due to her initiative to organize and host last year’s DC Health Summit (www.dchealthsummit.com), her charitable work with the ALS Association’s DC/MD/VA Chapter (which helps empower people with Lou Gehrig’s disease), and other nonprofit organizations, and her sheer determination to fight for her client’s rights.
“I am incredibly excited to be acknowledged for the work that I do on behalf of my clients,” says Cohen, who with her husband and business partner Scott Golden has run her firm since 1992. “I have a passion for this work, and truly want to make a difference. I know I can’t change the world, but I can do my part in improving things by helping one person at a time.”
TUNE IN DEC. 19 to hear Stephanie Cohen on Executive Leadership Radio
Stephanie Cohen has been invited to talk about her leadership style and how she and her husband / business partner Scott Golden have built their company into one of the largest insurance brokerage firms in the DC Metro region. Tune in on Saturday, Dec. 19 to WHFS 1580 AM. The show will air from 10-11 a.m. Or, log onto www.bigtalker1580.com.
IN THIS ISSUE
Click below to read about our thoughts on healthcare reform and what it’ll mean to our clients. You’ll also find useful advice from DC attorney Brian Leventhal about the importance of writing good contracts. And new this month we’ll be featuring entries from Stephanie’s new book, “You Gotta Laugh: My life in the trenches of the health insurance business.”
From everyone at Golden & Cohen, we wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season!
Read more...
Hello, and welcome to the new City of Fairfax Schools website, www.cityoffairfaxschools.org.
We’ll be using this powerful online tool to post current information about the four City Schools with the goal of doing an even better job of communicating with our parents, residents and business owners about the good work being done by the students, teachers, and the City of Fairfax School Board.
We’ve also revamped our award-winning newsletter, City School Close-Up. Click here to view the November 2009 issue We hope you find the new layout easy to scan, and as equally informative and useful as our traditional 8-page printed newsletter has been since we created it in 2001. Be sure to sign up here to receive future issues in your email inbox.
In this, our inaugural issue of Close-Up Online, we have very good academic news! The Standards of Learning (SOL) scores for the City of Fairfax Schools are on the rise (see graphs and stories below).
“The City Schools are making good progress academically,” says Fairfax County Public Schools Cluster VII Superintendent Linda Burke, who presented the scores to the City of Fairfax School Board at its October work session. “While test scores do not tell the whole story about the quality of a school, they do reflect how well students are learning the core curriculum.”
Superintendent Ann Monday also explains what those SOL scores mean. You’ll also find graphs of the stellar scores for the City Schools, and an analysis of what they mean for our schools and our students from each of our four City School principals.
We’ll look forward to reaching out to you each month through “Close-Up Online“http://cityoffairfaxschools.org/closeup/, and encourage you to click the “Tell A Friend” tab at the top of this newsletter so all of your friends, neighbors, relatives, and fellow city residents can learn about what is going on in their local schools.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving, and continued school success.
Janice Miller, Chairman
City of Fairfax School Board
Click here to read the November issue of Close-Up
Read more...
I’m sending you this special newsletter this month from my colleagues, Scott Golden and Stephanie Cohen, owners of the Gaithersburg, MD health benefits firm Golden & Cohen.
They invited me to write an article about the importance of stress-free performance appraisals for this, their November newsletter. Since a revised edition of my 2003 book is currently at the printer (The Essential Performance Review Handbook will be out in the Spring), I was happy to participate.
I think you’ll enjoy the following articles that focus on the current health care reform bill before Congress and the impact it will have on all of our insurance rates. Also below is an interesting Q&A between Stephanie Cohen and therapist Susan Richman about how to manage stress during the holidays. Since staying stress-free is so important – in every area from holiday madness to performance appraisals – I think you’ll find Susan’s advice useful and informative.
I thank you in advance for welcoming this special news blast into your inbox, and look forward to sending you the December newsletter from Sharon Armstrong & Associates in a few weeks.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Sharon Armstrong, president and founder, Sharon Armstrong & Associates
Author, Stress-free Performance Appraisals (second edition coming in 2010)
The Essential HR Handbook (www.theessentialhrhandbook.com)
Read more...
Hello, and welcome to the November issue of our e-news blast. What a month it has been in terms of health care reform. As you know, the House of Representatives on Saturday, November 7 passed a sweeping health care bill by a vote of 220-215.
The passage of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, gave proponents of health care reform a step forward. But whether the bill will become law remains uncertain because it’s not yet clear when the Senate will vote on its bill – and if it passes, the House and Senate bills would have to be reconciled into one document and voted on again.
Soon after the House bill was passed, Scott Golden, CFO and co-founder of Golden & Cohen, was interviewed by Sheryl Nance-Nash of Insight magazine on the impact of proposed healthcare reform on the economy. Read that below.
This month, we’d also like to share some expert advice from two professionals that we work closely with.
First, HR expert Sharon Armstrong, owner of the human resourses brokerage firm Sharon Armstrong & Associates and author of Stress-free Performance Appraisals, gives insight into how bosses can better evaluate their employees.
In another stress-free story, therapist Susan Richman answers Stephanie Cohen’s questions about how we can all stay calm during the stressful holiday seasons.
We hope you enjoy their advice as much as we did. Here’s to keeping your life stress-free and healthy!
Regards,
Stephanie Cohen, CEO, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, CFO, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, COO, jack@golden-cohen.com
Visit us online: Golden & Cohen, www.golden-cohen.com
Read more...
Trust. How important is that idea in your organization? Do your followers trust you? How about your customers or clients?
I’ve been thinking about how vital trust is to organizations ever since I saw the findings of the 2009 Trust Barometer, which showed that trust in business is currently at a 10-year low in the US. Interestingly, 4,475 opinion leaders in 20 countries in two age groups (25-34 and 35-64) were sampled.
The survey found that only 17% (that’s one in five respondents) said they trust what they hear from business leaders. What kind of business results are you going to get with a 17% “trust rate”? So, you ask, how can we increase trust in today’s business environment? I would suggest that we heed LLI’s faculty member General Jim Anderson’s advice about being a “vivid, living personal example” to both our followers and those who lead us.
By “being the change we want to see” I’m confident that we can boost the “trust factor” in all of our organizations and that the results will show both at the bottom line and with improved engagement. In this issue, you’ll find a follow up to the article by Lincoln Leadership Institute faculty member Bob Prosperi that we ran in last month’s newsletter. His photos are featured in the local press celebrating the important November 19 Remembrance Day.
Regards to you and yours and wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Steven B. Wiley, president and founder
Lincoln Leadership Institute
Read more...
October 2009 — Here’s a reality check from Scott, Stephanie and Jack, Golden & Cohen. The impact of rising health insurance rates isn’t lost on us. Like most every company in the U.S., this year we experienced a significant increase in the rates for our own staff.
We knew we had three real choices: reduce benefits, increase cost to employees or have the company absorb the increase and keep the employees whole. We selected the last option because we are in the best position to “eat” the cost.
The reason is simple. We want to keep morale high and ensure our employees are focusing on their jobs — not worrying about their health insurance. Like most small firms, employee retention and the well being of our employees is one of our top priorities.
If you are in a similar boat, but made a different choice, we’d love to talk to you because we are hoping to understand what employers are thinking in these tough economic times.
In fact, we are always asking the people we meet about why — and why not — they have health insurance. Read on to find information on the “Top 8 Reasons Individuals Don’t Buy Health Insurance,” and our thoughts on why single people might be making a bad choice. You’ll also learn about an incredibly affordable Rx program we’ll be offering in the next few months, Rx ‘n Go. And, you’ll find “7 Strategies to help working parents stay connected to their kids,” by our new psychology partners, Jessica Kramer, a counselor and therapist Bethesda Counseling Associates.
Until next month, here’s to your good health!
Stephanie Cohen, CEO, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, CFO, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, COO, jack@golden-cohen.com
Read more...
Alice’s Challenge of the Month: What to do now if the recession may, indeed, be at its end? — Economists and media pundits are suggesting that the recession is nearing its end — and I am finally seeing signs in the metro DC area that indeed they may be right. My buddies at search firms and recruiting agencies are getting requests every day to fill more jobs, and prospective clients are looking to me to help them in their management challenges. I’m thrilled to no longer be hearing the words: “yes, we want you — but not now,” but rather, “yes, can you conduct a training session next week?”
It’s a relief to be back in the saddle, but I’m also pondering the lessons learned from this challenge. This is something that I regularly ask my clients to consider, for the exercise of reflecting on the actions that led to a success or failure can contribute to deep learning that will guide you through future peaks and valleys.
So, what lessons have you learned in the last 12 to 18 months of economic misery? How can you use this learning to shape your future? Make a list and ruminate on it, for I am confident that the things you come up with will be enlightening and useful not just today, but in the future.
I’m also in the process of thinking about the road ahead, so read on for some forecasts. You’ll also find my bi-monthly interview with an expert and this month’s profile is John White, president of JD White & Associates, Inc. He is a man I have known for decades and deeply respect for he has more than 25 years experience in Human Resource management and in his answers offers keen insights into the recovery at hand. And finally, you’ll find three of my top picks for this month’s Workforce Learning Book Club.
Wishing you a lift in your business, and a lift in your day.
Dr. Alice Waagen, President & Founder
www.workforcelearning.com
Read more...
President’s Message, October 2009 — Fall has arrived in Gettysburg, bringing with it the beautiful colors of the season.These crisp cool days are a wonderful time to walk the battlefields and contemplate the leadership lessons that abound here in Gettysburg.
A quote from October 3, 1889 by Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain comes to mind:
In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by who great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.
His profound words are that much more impressive when you consider that more than a century later, Budget Travel magazine has listed Gettysburg one of “8 Places Every American Should See.” Look for more information on that honor below.
In fact, we are excited to show off our fair town this month to representatives from Intervet / Schering-Plough’s animal health division, and a large group of Superintendents from our amazing national parks across the country. Their leadership teams will be joining us for our Transformational Journey from Gettysburg program.
And that’s not all that’s happening in Gettysburg.
Read on to learn more about the Pennsylvania Civil War (PACW 150), the Commonwealth’s official planning committee for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War over the next five years. The organization has a fantastic website that is packed with information, including interesting details about the lesser-known leaders of that conflict: http://pacivilwar150.com.
Additionally, below is information about The Wall That Heals, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which Gettysburg College hosted this month. I was especially struck by the fact that we talk about how in the three days of fighting here in Gettysburg there were 51,000 casualties and the wall holds the names of a similar number — 58,000 killed or missing from a much more recent conflict.
These are both wonderful illustrations of how our nation’s history influences us today and can be a useful tool in identifying and refining our own leadership practices.
With my managing director Angela Sontheimer, I wish you a wonderful month filled with strong leadership and courage. We’ll look forward to talking to you again in November.
Steven B. Wiley
President & Founder, The Lincoln Leadership Institute at Gettysburg
Read more...
by Hope Katz Gibbs, communications specialist
and Peter Noonan, FCPS Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services
Creating a set of clear and consistent best practices for student learning has long been a priority for Fairfax County Public Schools. Last fall, the Instructional Services team accomplished that goal by identifying a set of research- based Best Practices for Teaching and Learning that have been proven to increase student achievement and help every FCPS child reach their academic potential.
“We knew that each best practice would need to be applicable from PreK to 12th grade,” explains Diane Kerr, the Fairfax County Public School ESOL coordinator who helped spearhead the initiative.
“We also wanted to concretely define the concepts and terms, so that every teacher, principal, staff member and administrator throughout the entire county has a common understanding.”
Click here to read the Fall 2009 issue of INSIDE.
Read more...
By Scott Golden, CFO and co-founder, Golden & Cohen
Photo: Max Baucus, maxbaucus.info
It would have been tough not to see the headlines this month in the Washington Post and New York Times announcing the big news from Senator Max Baucus, the Democrat from Montana who chairs the Finance Committee.
His slimmed-down price tag of $856 billion over 10 years for health-care reform is a cut from the $1 trillion once proposed. Baucus’ plan also has middle-class American families paying 13 percent of their family income in health-insurance premiums before co-payments, deductibles and other cost sharing. Here’s a look into what we think and why.
Read more...
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, September 2009
September has always seemed to me to be a time of new beginnings the start of cooler fall weather, the start of a new school year. This month, we were thrilled to be part of a new start for the Lincoln Leadership Academy in Allentown, Pa., where I spoke as part of the grand opening ceremony on September 8.
Joining me on stage for the inaugural day of this wonderful new charter school were Rep. Charles Dent (R-Pa.), Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Eastern University President David Black, and our very own Jim Getty, who as always did a great job portraying Abraham Lincoln.
The Lincoln Leadership Academy will provide a holistic education to 250 students in grades 6 to 9 coming from high-risk environments. We are thrilled to be one of their strategic partners. Scroll down to see some photos of the opening.
In this months e-news blast, youll also hear from faculty member Bob Prosperi, who recounts his experience leading President Jimmy Carter, Egyptian President Anwar El Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in September 1978 when they were working toward the agreement that the following year, was signed as the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty at Camp David.
The dignitaries stopped in Gettysburg for a tour and history lessonand some say that their walk through the battlefield led the three men to make the new start toward finding a peaceful solution to their conflict. As we say during our Transformational Journey from Gettysburg program, you never know when a small pebble can turn into a powerful avalanche for leaders.
Read on to learn more and as always, please send your comments and questions to our managing director, Angela Sontheimer, at angela@lincolnleadershipinstitute.com.
Read more...
August 2009 — The future of health reform is making headlines, seemingly daily, so of course it was one of the main topics for our August e-blast. From our perspective as insurance brokers, the health insurance industry was never broken, just sprained. We definitely think the system needs a tune-up, with much less waste and fraud, but there are many ways that this can play out — and everyone involved needs to be responsible for a more positive outcome. Unfortunately, we don’t believe the proposed public plan will work, for a few basic reasons. Read on to learn more.
We also are proud to announce some new partnerships — with ADP and Goodman & Company. And we’re excited to invite all of our clients and friends to an Oct. 22 event featuring author/journalist KATI MARTON and health care publisher ROBIN STRONGIN, who will talk about the future of health care, the Holocaust, and Kati’s life in spotlight. Lastly, don’t miss our tips on protecting yourself from Swine Flu.
We’ll talk to you next month! — Stephanie, Scott & Jack
Read more...
Welcome to the dog days of summer! August is proving to be as hot and steamy as it was back during the Civil War. Fortunately, we have the luxury of taking some time off and escaping to a relaxing retreat for some downtime. My special place is Nantucket. The sea, the surf and island life combine to provide a unique and wonderful place to do some of the critical and proactive reflection that we talk about in our leadership program.
Did you realize that Abraham Lincoln himself had a special summer place where he retreated for reflection, peace and solace during the heat of Washington summers? Beginning in 1862, when the pressures of the war and the summer heat got to be too much, Lincoln would escape to a hilltop cottage on the grounds of the Soldier’s Home, just four miles from the White House.
There he would walk the grounds, read, and visit with soldiers. Some historians believe that he spent one-quarter of his presidency there. Now you too can visit Lincoln’s summer retreat, which was restored and opened to the public just last year. For more information visit www.lincolncottage.org. Read on to learn more from LLI faculty member Matt Pinsker, Lincoln historian and author of a book about Lincoln’s bond with the Soldier’s Home.
I encourage you to take some time to find your own retreat for personal reflection. Maybe it is an island, or maybe like Lincoln’s it’s a grassy hill a few miles from home. Wherever your special place is, take the time to consider where your leadership practice is headed. I guarantee it will be time well spent!
Don’t forget to visit our blog at http://blog.lincolnleadershipinstitute.com/. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!
Best regards, Steven B. Wiley
Read more...
AUGUST 2009 — Just as the London Symphony Orchestra works in harmony to play a beautiful concerto, any successful collaboration can be one of the most satisfying experiences we have as professionals, explains Dr. Alice Waagen in her July-August e-newsletter.
“That’s because when collaborative efforts click, everyone understands and values each other’s role on the project and the unique contribution each person is making,” she says. “In fact, successful collaborative efforts can often be the height of a person’s professional career.”
So, why is it often so hard to collaborate? That’s a great question, especially given the fact that nearly every project in today’s workforce requires an element of collaboration. First, I’ll assess the problem, then I’ll offer some suggestions for how you can be more effective in your collaborative efforts.
The problem with collaboration In my experience, the biggest obstacle to successful collaboration is that egos are often vying for dominance. It’s natural, given the competitive environment of the workplace. The challenge, then, is to understand it and find ways to tackle the problem from the start.
Read more...
The summer is off to a great start here at LLI. We have enjoyed hosting several more Ohio-based teams from Pfizer and welcomed Benco Dental, members of the Inspector General community, and a team from the Office of Personal Management in our leadership program this month.
This month also marks the graduation of our Managing Director, Angela Sontheimer, from Duquesne University. Angela now holds a Masters of Leadership and Liberal Studies. Her thesis focused on viewing the Gettysburg Address through a modern coaching model to show how it functioned as a problem solving document for Lincoln and how it continues to serve as a seminal document that our nation calls upon in times of crisis or stress. We’ve incorporated some of her research into our program and have been having great success with participants using this simple yet effective coaching model in their own leadership practice.
Don’t forget to log our blog at http://blog.lincolnleadershipinstitute.com/. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!
Best regards, Steven B. Wiley
Read more...
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to review our July newsletter. We are very excited to announce that this year, once again we have made the list of the Top 10 largest health insurance firms in Washington Business Journal’s Book of Lists.
We are incredibly proud of our accomplishments, as we have built our business brick by brick. We want to thank all our loyal clients, many of whom have been with us since our inception. We will continue to work hard everyday to make sure each and every client is receiving world-class service and the best possible insurance strategy for their needs and budget. In fact, making Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list just spurs us on to rank even higher — because making this list, or any list, merely reflects the real driver of our growth and success: whether our clients are satisfied and are referring us to their clients and friends.
So a warm welcome to all of our clients, — and potential new clients — with this, our monthly e-news blast. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your health insurance — and to that end, below you’ll find need-to-know information about timely changes in term life insurance, a new health-insurance subsidy for small businesses in Maryland, and the work we are doing with the Greater Washington Association of Health Underwriters. You’ll also find quick summaries of two recent healthcare articles we think you should know about, along with our reactions to them. And finally, we leave you with some parting thoughts on what we consider to be the meaning of success.
If you enjoy reading our monthly newsletter, we’d be thrilled if you would tell a friend. Simply click the button at the top of this page, or send us the emails of anyone you’d like us to reach out to and we’ll extend a personal invitation.
Here’s to your health!
Stephanie Cohen, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, jack@golden-cohen.com
Read more...
Hello and welcome to the inaugural issue of Golden & Cohen’s monthly e-newsletter. We’re also proud to announce that we have a new website, www.golden-cohen.com. It’s chock full of information that you and your employees need to stay fully informed about your benefits.
You’ll also find contact information and details about our team, our press mentions, articles, and excerpts from the book we’re writing, “You gotta laugh: Life and the death-defying reality of the health insurance debacle.”
The newsletters will also be filled with short but interesting details we think you need to know each month.
We look forward to staying in contact with you, and always know you can reach us 24-7 to help you with your health insurance needs. Talk to you soon!
Stephanie Cohen, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, jack@golden-cohen.com
Read more...
June Newsletter: Lincoln Leadership Institute — Hello from Gettysburg! A recent article in The Washington Post caught my eye. It turns out that in a survey of federal workplaces, strong managers rank high.
Entitled Money’s Nice, but a Good Boss Is Better, Post staff writer Steve Vogel wrote in the May 20 article: “When it comes to sizing up the quality of their workplaces, federal workers value strong leadership and straight answers from their bosses more than even pay and benefits, according to a new comprehensive study of the federal workforce.”
The study, based on the Office of Personnel Management’s biennial federal human capital survey taken last year, highlights the importance of having good, strong leadership skills and clear lines of communication. In fact the top-ranking agency in the study (the Nuclear Regulatory Commission) earned good marks “because senior management takes the time to listen to the staff.”
This is something we consistently talk about in our Transformational Journey from Gettysburg program because it seems so easy to just listen — but too often it doesn’t happen in the workplace. As you’ve probably heard me say “listen ‘til it hurts.” I guarantee that it will help you be a better leader, colleague and family member.
Give it a try this month and let me know what happens! Talk to you in July.
Best regards, Steven B. Wiley
As always, send your comments and ideas to our managing director, Angela Sontheimer, at angela@lincolnleadershipinstitute.com.
Read more...
December 2008 — As one can imagine, there was a desire to unite, celebrate, and honor the fallen soldiers during the Christmas of 1863 — especially in Gettysburg where people were still reeling from the incredible loss of thousands of husbands, sons, fathers, and kin.
Traditions we hold dear today — such as Christmas cards, carols, special foods, holding winter dances — all date back to this time. New traditions were also born, such cutting down fir and pine trees that were brought into the home. Unlike today, the trees were tabletop size and arranged with greenery and mistletoe — items thought to bring good luck to the household.
Read More
by Hope Katz Gibbs
photos by Steve Barrett
design by Michael Gibbs
Editor / City School Close-Up
Cover Story, May-June 2007
*INSIGHTS INTO EDUCATION: K-12—THE HIGH SCHOOL YEARS
What students need to know by the end of 12th grade*
FOURTH in a four-part series
This cover story marks the last in our four-part series to help parents prepare for their child’s future by having them “Begin at the End: 12th grade.”
That is the advice of Superintendent George Stepp, who retires June 30 (see page 5 for details). His outgoing wish is for students to work as hard as possible and take the most challenging classes.
“My hope for every City School student is that they take at least three Advanced Placement classes in their four years at Fairfax High,” he explains. “To do that, they need to have worked hard in elementary and middle school, and developed excellent study skills. I promise, though, that their hard work will pay off.”
Fairfax High Principal Scott Brabrand says students also need to be highly motivated. “Many students think of high school as an ending, but it is truly the beginning of independent inquiry and thought. In reality, high school is the end of learning for school’s sake and the beginning of learning for life’s sake.”
Read More
by Hope Katz Gibbs
Editor / City School Close-Up
photos by Steve Barrett
design by Michael Gibbs
Cover Story, March-April 2007
INSIGHTS INTO EDUCATION: K-12—THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS What students need to know by the end of 7th and 8th grade
THIRD in a four-part series
In the last two issues of Close-Up we have offered guidelines to help parents prepare for their child’s future by having them “Begin at the End: 12th grade.”
With that goal in mind, we started our discussion at the beginning. In the November-December issue we talked about the Foundation Years: Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades, and teachers from Daniels Run and Providence Elementary provided tips on what children need to know as they head into 3rd grade.
Then, in the January-February issue, we described the Formative Years: 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, and teachers discussed the milestones students need to hit by end of elementary school. In this issue, we embark on the critical Middle School Years — when students get their first taste of independence and responsibility. On the following pages, the chairs of the science, math, English and social studies departments at Lanier Mi
Read More
by Hope Katz Gibbs
photos by Steve Barrett
design by Michael Gibbs
Editor / City School Close-Up
Cover Story, May-June 2007
Cover Story, January-February 2007
INSIGHTS INTO EDUCATION: K-12—THE FORMATIVE YEARS What students need to know by the end of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Grade
SECOND in a four-part series
Superintendent George Stepp wants to help parents Begin at the End. So in the last issue of Close-Up we offered some guidelines by reviewing The Foundation Years: Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. In this issue we’re tackling the Formative Years: 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.
“The ultimate goal is to keep every door open for students,” Stepp says, and suggests parents do this by envisioning what their kids will be doing the September after their senior year of high school — then start planning accordingly.
“The elementary school years set the stage for how well children will do in the critical middle and high school years,” he says. “They need to be able to read well and they need to have mastered the basics of math. With those skills under their belts, I am confident they’ll be able to take honors and Advanced Placement classes.”
On the following pages, you’ll meet teachers from Daniels Run and Providence elementary schools who offer insights into what children need to master by the time they finish elementary school.
Read More
by Hope Katz Gibbs
Editor / City School Close-Up
Cover Story, November-December 2006
INSIGHTS INTO EDUCATION: K-12—THE FOUNDATION YEARS
What students need to know by the end of kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade
FIRST in a four-part series
In the last issue of Close-Up we talked about the importance of Beginning at the End. For no matter what grade a child is in today, Superintendent George Stepp believes parents need to start thinking about the courses that child will be taking in 12th grade.
“Parents need to envision what their kids will be doing the September after their senior year of high school and start planning accordingly now,” Stepp explains.
To help families accomplish that goal, this article and following three cover stories of Close-Up will focus on Building Blocks: The milestones children need to hit by the end of each grade so they can successfully move to the next level — and eventually take the toughest courses they can handle in high school.
We begin with the first of four Building Blocks: Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade. On the following pages, you’ll meet terrific teachers from Daniels Run and Providence Elementary schools who offer insights into what children need to master.
Each one also suggests a practical tip that parents can try with their children at home to help keep them on target.
Read More
By Hope Katz Gibbs, Managing Editor
Change)Waves newsletter
Client: Social Technologies
Topic: The Future of Virtual Worlds
Book review: Making Money in the Metaverse
When Daniel Terdiman set out to write a book about Linden Lab’s virtual world Second Life (SL), the award-winning CNET News.com reporter was hoping to answer
one basic question: Can you really make money in the metaverse?
The answer is yes, and Terdiman proves how in his 309-page glossy trade book published last October by Wiley. In 11 chapters, he offers a multitude of ideas about what it takes to become a successful cyberpreneur. He also covers the history and economics behind Linden Labs, and even offers case studies and business plans.
But Terdiman doesn’t sugar coat the reality of making money in the land of avatars and sims. “Despite some breathless press reports that suggest that making money in Second Life is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel, that really isn’t true,” he insists. “The reality is that conceiving and running a Second Life business is, in many ways, very much like doing so with any kind of business. Those who do well are the ones who come up with a plan, commit to it, put in the time required, and are willing to be flexible as conditions demand.”
How exactly does all this work and what is the future of Second Life? Change)Waves managing editor Hope Katz Gibbs recently interviewed Terdiman about that and other aspects of his book.
Read more
Read More
By Futurist Andy Hines
and Hope Katz Gibbs, managing editor
Change)Waves newsletter
Client: Social Technologies
Topic: The Future of Youth Happiness
The question intrigued us: What makes 12- to 24-year olds happy today and going forward into the future? We had some basic ideas—we figured that friends and technology would be important to this group. But how did they feel about religion, their parents, fame, and money? We were eager to find out.
To set the stage, our team at Social Technologies read everything we could find about what scientists and psychologists know about happiness. Merging this with our understanding of youth trends and behaviors allowed us to create about a dozen hypotheses about youth happiness.
Then, along with a team from MTV, we sat down with about five-dozen young people at Starbucks coffee shops in Atlanta, Phoenix, and Philadelphia, and began to explore our hypotheses in these informal focus groups.
Soon after, MTV enlisted the Associated Press to add a quantitative component to our qualitative findings. Their researchers polled 1,280 more youths in the 12-to-24-age range, and in late August 2007, published a series of press releases based on this data.
Read more
Read More
By Hope Katz Gibbs, managing editor
Change)Waves newsletter
Client: Social Technologies
Topic: Premier Issue
Anthropologist Helen Fisher on WHY WE LOVE
What is love? Why do we choose the people we choose? How do men and women vary in their romantic feelings? Is there really love at first sight? How did love evolve?
For decades, Rutgers University anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher has been working to answer these eternal questions. The 62-year old has traveled from the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa to Tokyo, Moscow, and back to her home in New York City to determine if one culture perceives love differently than another.
“My research has proven to me that everywhere, people fail into romantic love,” she explains in her current book, Why We Love. “And I have come to see this passion as a fundamental human drive. Like the craving for food and water and the maternal instinct, it is a psychological need, a profound urge, an instinct to court and win a particular mating partner.”
Read more
Read More
A Note from Alice Waagen, PhD
Newsletter: Workforce Learning
September-October 2008
Like many business owners, I’ve been faced with the challenge of wanting to increase revenue—but not knowing exactly how I’d pay for the additional help needed to grow my company. Fortunately, I took the advice I give to others in the article below, “Know when — and how — to hire the right staff.”
You’ll learn how Reston Limousine owner Kristina Bouweiri (pictured right) manages growth at her $15 million company. As for myself, rather than pull anyone on as an employee, I have contracted with nearly a dozen professionals who help me with sales and development, PR and marketing, tech support, and finance and legal issues. I also have a virtual assistant, Susan Devereaux, who makes my life so much easier.
In fact, my director of communications Hope Katz Gibbs and web developer Max Kukoy, helped me develop a new website, which I launched this month — www.workforcelearning.com. I am excited and proud to be able to present all of my articles, announce my speaking engagements, and provide access to past newsletters on this beautiful site.
In this newsletter you’ll meet:
• My colleague Bob Corlett, president of Staffing Advisors, who faced a similar dilemma a few years ago—and not only opted to increase his full-time employee roster, but developed the Results-Based Hiring Process® — a product that helped him gain control over every aspect of the staffing service. As a result, he is fully staffed and better prepared to help his clients achieve their goals. (See the Q&A in our “Ask and Expert” section.)
• Book review: The Essential HR Handbook by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell.
Download the Newsletter in PDF format.
Read More
A Note from Alice Waagen, PhD
Newsletter: Workforce Learning
Summer 2008
If you were making a pizza for dinner, but left off the sauce and cheese, you’d serve a bland lump of dough for famiily and friends. The same thing happens when you provide a leadership development program without the essential ingredients: Time, variety, and a personal touch.
Consider this scenario: A 300-employee Virginia-based data analysis company that served the transportation industry for more than two decades hit a speed bump in 2005. Its legacy computer system groaned under the weight of decades of patched code and costly outages were having a toll on customer service. Although the systems were rocky the employee-base was rock-solid. Most employees were incredibly loyal to the company with the average length of service topping more than 15 years. But the new corporate leaders brought in to upgrade technology platforms had misgivings about the managerial abilities of this legacy staff. Other articles include:
• How to Create Powerful Conversations That Get Results: An interview with leadership development expert Alice Waagen and executive coach Suzi Pomerantz
• Books for Leaders: The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success
Read more
Download the Newsletter in PDF format.
Read More
A Note from Alice Waagen, PhD
Newsletter: Workforce Learning
Spring 2008
One of the most frequently asked questions I am asked by managers is: How can I provide professional development for my staff when my organization won’t fund or support the idea? What a good question, for this is indeed a dilemma. Fortunately, one of the most overlooked ways to provide staff development is by encouraging your staff to volunteer.
In this newsletter, we focus on helping in the non-profit arena—an industry that is near and dear to my heart. Other articles include:
• Is Your Company Driving Away Talent? Try these 25 Creative Way to Reverse the Trend
• Books for Leaders: Forces For Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits
• Join me: The Emerging Leader Institute (ELITE)
Read more
Download the Newsletter in PDF format.
Read More