The Farm-to-Table Secret to Motivating People

by Peter on July 15, 2010
in Harvard Business

The kitchen was a complete mess. I tried to clean the utensils and machines right after I used them but I couldn't keep up with my own cooking frenzy.

Read more..

How (and When) to Motivate Yourself

I woke up this morning to pouring rain and temperatures in the low 40s. I had planned on going for an early bike ride in Central Park but now I wasn't so sure. I like to get some exercise every day and given my commitments for the rest of the day, this was my only opportunity. But did I really want to get so wet and cold?

Read more..

A Story About Motivation

by Peter on February 3, 2010
in Harvard Business

I was walking back to our apartment in Manhattan, the hood of my jacket pulled tight to keep the rain out, when I saw an older man with a walker struggle to descend the slippery stairs of his building. When he almost fell, I and several others went over to help.

Read more..

How to Make Solving Problems Fun

by Peter on September 15, 2009
in Harvard Business

When my friend Richard asked me to join him in training for a triathlon, I carefully considered his request. For about a second.

Read more..

Stop Worrying about Your Weaknesses

Little Johnny comes home one day, looks down at his feet, and gives you his report card. You smile at him as you open it up and look inside. Then your smile disappears when you see the F in math. You also see an A (English) and two Bs (history and science). You look down at little Johnny and ask, "What happened in math, Johnny? Why did you get this F?"

Read more..

Don’t Live in a Half-Built House

utahhouses.jpgThere is something curious about a group of houses in Utah. They're falling apart. Windows covered with wood. Roofs patched with blue tarp, blowing in the wind. Walls simply missing.

Read more..

Susan Boyle: A Lesson in Talent Management

by Peter on April 22, 2009
in Harvard Business

Susan Boyle, who recently performed on the UK television show Britain's Got Talent, has captured the world's attention. And it's a good lesson for managers the world over.

Read more..