Something To Say

  By Greg DeShields Unlocking the Power of Your Strategic Plan: Making Implementation Work As some fiscal years come to a close and other mid-year budgets are evaluated, the pivotal role of Implementation Strategy aligned with organizational goals and optimizing resource allocation for continued success becomes evident. This understanding empowers and instills confidence in business leaders, enabling them to make informed decisions about their strategic plans. According to a 2022 Cascade app blog post, 40% of companies say they are good or excellent at using lessons from successful strategy implementation to inform future strategy development. However, other statistics suggest that many organizations fail to execute their strategies effectively. For example, a 2023 LinkedIn article states that 95% of strategic plans fail, while a 2022 Harvard Business Review article says that 67% of well-formulated strategies fail due to poor execution. Generally speaking, Strategy Implementation c...

  Civic Duty: Responsibility toward the society or place in which you live.   As my third and final blog installment third and final blog installment about Civic Duty and volunteering for the Board of Elections, the primaries took place last week in my home state of New Jersey.   Across the state, a diverse group of volunteers were put into action, united by a common purpose. Our duties transcended political affiliations and party lines. We were tasked with upholding the integrity of our democratic process, ensuring that every vote is counted and every voice is heard. In the heat of partisan politics, it's easy to forget that we are all united by a common purpose: to serve our communities and uphold the principles of democracy.   My recent 15-hour volunteer experience for the Board of Elections was not just a duty but a profound journey of personal growth and understanding. Working alongside fellow volunteers from the Republican and Democratic parties, I was stru...

I am committed to fulfilling my Civic Duty by acting upon my priority to make a difference. Civic Duty is a cornerstone of democratic societies, ensuring people's voices are heard and respected. Volunteering for a board of elections is a significant and impactful choice among the many ways, as a citizen, I can contribute to my community. This act not only strengthens the democratic process but also enhances community engagement and trust in the electoral system. Volunteering for a board of elections is crucial in the smooth and fair conduct of elections. As a volunteer, you learn the responsibilities associated with registering voters, verifying the accuracy of voter lists, setting up polling stations, assisting voters on Election Day, and counting votes. Your contribution is not just meaningful; it's vital to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. What you do is integral to making the process fair and transparent, creating a truly impactful and meaningful influence o...

  Skål Philadelphia 70th Anniversary a true Celebration!  "To Fellow Skalleagues Everywhere!   Happiness! Good Health! - Friendship! - Long Life! - SKÅL!" Awards have a lasting impact on the tourism industry for several reasons. They highlight outstanding achievements that can help to: Set Industry Standards : Awards set quality benchmarks and elevate the standards of customer service, innovation, and sustainability. Organizations strive to meet these standards to gain recognition and achieve competitive advantages. Increase Visibility : Winning prestigious awards increases brand awareness and attracts new customers. Potential travelers are often influenced by award wins when choosing travel providers. Boost Employee Morale : Recognitions serve as a powerful motivational tool. Employees take pride in their work and are motivated to excel further when their efforts are acknowledged. Build Trust : In a crowded marketplace, consumers tend to trust organizations that have rec...

  Father (Wayne) and Son Bartenders In the world of hospitality, bartenders and mixologists hold a special place, infusing creativity, expertise, and flair into every drink they serve. From ancient civilizations to modern-day cocktail lounges, bartending has evolved into a respected profession, with skilled artisans crafting unique libations that tantalize the taste buds and delight the senses. Join us as we raise a glass to these mixology masters and celebrate their invaluable contributions to the food and beverage industry. The art of bartending, a practice traced back to ancient civilizations, has a rich and storied history. In those times, skilled artisans would blend wines, herbs, and other ingredients to create flavorful concoctions. This early form of bartending laid the foundation for what would evolve into a sophisticated craft over the centuries. Techniques and recipes were passed down through generations, creating unique and innovative drinks that continue to captivate a...

  In higher education, adjunct instructors are the unsung heroes, each bringing their unique blend of experience and expertise to shape students' academic journeys. This semester, I am an adjunct instructor at the Community College of Philadelphia, and I am deeply committed to dedicating my time and knowledge to teaching Introduction to Hospitality Management. In this blog and as the semester concludes, I will delve into the invaluable contributions of adjunct instructors and the pivotal role of community colleges in empowering students to thrive in their chosen careers. Community colleges have long been a cornerstone of the American higher education system. These institutions provide students with the opportunity to pursue a diverse range of educational and training programs at a remarkably affordable cost. Unlike traditional universities, community colleges are laser-focused on preparing students for the workforce or for transferring to four-year institutions, making them a pract...

  In today's rapidly evolving landscape, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a moral imperative and a transformative strategic advantage for organizations across industries. As a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) with extensive experience spanning academia, non-profit, corporate, and government sectors, I have witnessed the profound impact of DEI initiatives in driving meaningful change. In this blog, I share insights from my journey and offer guidance on managing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite the challenges and pushback to inspire you to embark on this transformative journey.   The current state of DEI involves considering multiple dimensions, including progress made, ongoing challenges, and emerging trends. There has been a notable increase in awareness and focus on DEI across various sectors, including corporate, educational, governmental, and social realms. For instance, some organizations have implemented mentors...