The Graythorn Group Admires: SparkPeople

SparkPeople only has one tiny little goal. To improve the health and fitness of everyone, everywhere. Nothing major, right? Based on the statistics that they track it looks like they are doing a good job of it (they've counted over 6 billion calories burned and over 8 million pounds lost). So what is it they think they're doing?

At SparkPeople, our mission is to SPARK millions of PEOPLE to reach their goals and lead healthier lives. We offer nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% free... About Spark People

Now that is truly awesome.

The Graythorn Group Admires: Devinder Sharma

There isn't anything we can say that will illustrate why we admire Devinder Sharma better than quoting his "About Me" section on his blog:

Think two decades back, think today, and think two decades ahead. Is this the direction the world should follow? Why can't we make an effort to change the popular discourse, the mainline economic thinking that has only added to global problems? This is what made me begin on a journey in search for the abandoned path to equity, justice and sustainability. My journey begins with the fundamentals -- food, agriculture and hunger. My dream takes me to a vision beyond, in the spirit of gaia and towards a gross happiness index. I too have a dream. And I know we can together change this script. A long journey always begins with the first step. Come, join me.

Kindred spirits.

The Graythorn Group Enjoys Curious Cat

Today while doing other things (which is when most good things happen), we came across the Curious Cat Management Improvement Blog. Since today's top story was a criticism of outrageous executive pay we knew we had found a kindred spirit. Curious Cat, you make us purr.

Creating Magic

Walt Disney himself once said, "Why be a governor or senator when you can be king of Disneyland?" It seems like Lee Cockerell might agree with him. The former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort enjoyed his tenure with the Mouse, and has written up the leadership methodology that he implemented in his new book Creating Magic.

As you may know, the Walt Disney Company is famous for their training program for Cast Members (i.e., employees). But that level of training apparently didn't extend to leadership skills. So Cockerell instituted a new leadership program. Can you imagine that?

You can check out Lee's website at www.leecockerell.com. To get a feel for his philosophy read his most popular blog post, "The Soft Stuff and The Hard Stuff." You can also buy Lee's book in our Graythorn Group Amazon Store.