WHAT IS IT ABOUT “TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM” THAT BRINGS A SENSE OF OLYMPIAN-LIKE FULFILLMENT TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS? This week, Bob talks about the importance of the team vs. the individual in Japanese culture.

Culture, General Business

Naturally, there are some cultural differences between Asian countries, but all seem to believe in putting oneself second to the team, or group, for the betterment of all. I greatly admire that in Asian culture. Japan is definitely among the Asian cultures that subscribe to the philosophy of the team vs. the individual. This is…

WHAT’S THIS BUSINESS ABOUT SUMMER CAMP? Bob considers the positive aspects of business summer camp.

Culture, General Business

For years we’ve had new employees participate in an orientation to gain a greater understanding of our Shamrock. This generally happens six months after an employee has been with us. New employees experience a daylong session to learn about each department, how we integrate among departments to achieve specific goals, and how we effectively work…

ARE SUMMER INTERNS WORTH IT? In addition to the pleasure of having young, fresh faces to cheer up the workplace, Bob says “yes” to interns.

General Business

A good internship creates a classic win-win situation for everyone involved. The biggest benefit for interns is the chance to work with professionals in their field of interest. It also gives them an opportunity to decide if this is the best career choice to pursue. The employer wins, too. Most companies that hire interns say…

WOMEN THE WOMEN OF SHAMROCK MOST ADMIRE

General Business

At the close of this month’s blog topic about influential women, the women of Shamrock came up with their most-admired list and asked me to choose one to focus on for this week. First, there is Spanx’s Sara Blakely, who developed Spanx women’s undergarments. I’ll let the women of Shamrock suggest why she’s so admired.…

MAY BRINGS FLOWERS, MOTHER’S DAY AND POWERFUL WOMEN. This week Bob provides some interesting facts about women in powerful places.

General Business, Holiday

May, moms and flowers. Since this is the month of Mother’s Day and there’s an abundance of blooming flowers, these three naturally go together. As kids, we always scrounged enough money together to buy a card and flowers for mom. My kids always remember their mom on Mother’s Day, and I hope this tradition continues…

DO WE GIVE UP OUR PRIVACY TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA? This week Bob wonders if privacy is a thing of the past in the age of social media.

General Business

 It was bound to happen. I just read that some employers are asking employees for their social media passwords. Of course, this has ripped open legislator arguments on both sides of the fence. I heard it’s Bill, H.R. 3309, would prevent employers from demanding workers’ social networking usernames and passwords — and would have allowed…