Our place in this world

I need it, I want it, I gotta have some motivation!!!  Or as the Rolling Stones might say..."I can't get no, motivation!" 😆 A lot of days, especially now that it's winter here in the midwestern U.S., I really struggle with finding the motivation to get my butt up and moving.  Move, sweat, pick up something heavy, repeat.  This is what I know I should do, this is what I want to want to do, but this is what I'm struggling with. So, with that in mind, what do you do to find your motivation?  Following uplifting people online helps me, but not those young guys/girls who are uber fit and perky, ugh, that is not me, I'm nearly 50!  I mean those with encouraging words, with stories, etc., those seem to help me.  Also, the biggest thing that helps me is routine.  I am a creature of habit.  If I can get into a set routine, five days a week, I do so much better with everything in my life.  And going back to my high school and college sports...

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!  Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

As many of you know I recently left DST on December 14, 2019, after more than seven years leading global talent acquisition.  I'm happy to announce that I have accepted the role of Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Lockton Companies .   I will be based out of their headquarters on the Plaza in Kansas City, MO and will be starting in Q1 2019.  I am very much looking forward to a fresh start at this exciting company.  Watch my social media channels over the coming months to see what we're up to. To learn the Lockton story, click here .  #LocktonLife

Today is my last day at DST.  It's bittersweet.  I've given my time, my energy and my dedication for more than seven years.  But, life is a story, full of chapters, and it's time for my next chapter.  Thank you to everyone I've had the honor and pleasure of working with over the years.  DST was hard at times, very hard, but it has been good for me and my family.  Thank you for a great chapter in my life. All the best! DK

After much back and forth, my wife and I have finally decided on our travel plans.  Instead of 30 days in one place, we will break up our travels between two countries and a home improvement project.  One week in Cabo San Lucas beginning the day after I'm laid off and two weeks in Costa Rica in January.  Between trips, we will be remodeling our master bathroom as well. I'm looking forward to time with my wife, to traveling and making memories, and to some manual labor in my bathroom as we tear everything out and start over with tile, etc. Soon I'll have an announcement about what I'll be doing in 2019.  In the meantime, here's to time away! Best to you all! Doug and Stacey

It seems a rare thing to have a corporate culture where it's ok to fail.  Cultures governed by fear appear to be the norm.  It's cultures like this that breed stagnation as employees are afraid to take a risk or step out and do the right thing for fear of failure and ultimately rejection and/or demotion.  Instead, employees do the safe thing, they seek permission for everything and stop thinking for themselves.  This kills productivity and ultimately reduces customer service and satisfaction...and profits. Cultures that are governed by encouragement, ingenuity and a passion for taking care of the customer above all else thrive.  But to do this, corporate leadership must be intentional about the culture they are creating...and modeling.  It should be OK to fail.  Employees should never  get in trouble if they make a mistake because they were trying to do something for a client — leaders should want people to make decisions, not just be paralyze...

I remember being in high school, especially when I was a senior, and the last month or so of school was coming up before graduation, I lost motivation for my studies. In fact, MANY of us lost our motivation.  People referred to it as "senior-itis".  Webster defines "senior-itis" as a supposed affliction of students in their final year of high school or college, characterized by a decline in motivation or performance. Now I'm an adult and in the final days of my time here at DST and I've found that "senior-itis" is still a real thing.  Coming in on time, staying focused and being productive even when there is little to do is proving more and more difficult every day. So here's to a new chapter once this one closes that will give me renewed purpose, drive, and passion. And until then, I'm ready for the last day to hurry up and get here! :)

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

For months I haven't felt valued at work, but recently I've been interviewing with several different local companies.  I must say, it feels good to be valued.  When people want to know your opinion and believe that you can assist them to be better than they are, that feels good.  To know that you have experiences, knowledge and a point of view that is of worth...that is very reaffirming. Today, I encourage all of you to interview somewhere so that you too can reaffirm your self-worth and you never know, you might end up with some bargaining chips at your current job or you might even land a new job. You are VALUABLE!

I hope you have a great autumn!