The Backup Plan April 2014

Leadership Pitfalls

There are many things that comprise a good leader.  A goof leader or manager should be one who people want to follow, they should be individuals who lead by example and who possess both ability and charisma.   Lets face it though no ones perfect and we all have flaws.  It is when these flaws or weaknesses over shadow our strengths that they must be addressed.  For those of you in a position of authority this is especially true as more is often expected from you.  Your shortcomings may be more detrimental to those around you as well as the company you work for.   Below are just a few of the more common leadership pitfalls that should be looked out for.

“Do as I say not as I do.”  This may quite possibly be the worst statement a leader or role model can make.  Managers need to lead by example.  The behavior of the individual in charge must be consistent.  The person in charge must say what they mean and do what they say.

Some leaders have good technical skills or a solid knowledge of the field they are a part of, but they possess poor people skills.  It is important for a leader to be both technically knowledgeable and to also have good interpersonal skills.  As good as you may be at whatever it is that you do, no one can do everything.  It is important to be able to delegate and coach in an effort bring out the best in your subordinates.

A terrible characteristic of a leader is to think they know it all or to be closed off to new ideas.  Don’t be a know it all.   Their is always a millions of ways to do something better and anyone who says differently is a victim of the aforementioned.

Finally don’t bring negative energy to the work place it is infectious.  Negative energy is like a cancer, especially when it’s the one in charge who is giving it off.  A leader must be positive, he or she must inspire, or then how can they possible expect their subordinates to do the same.

These are just a few of the many pitfalls to look out for when managing a team or company.  Remember lead by example do one likes a hypocrite.  It is important to have some modicum of charisma, having a great technical background and no real ability to lead turns a leader into a worker.   Keep an open mind, new ideas are around us all the time and remember to stay positive negative energy is poison.  

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

The Power of Positive Thought

By now we have all heard of books and listened to the speeches made by all of these motivation speakers, psychologists and neurologists in regards to the real power of positive thinking.  This is not some made up phenomenon; this is now something that has been proven by modern science.  If you focus on having a positive out-look and make a conscious effort to rid yourself of all the negative energy and emotion then you will, without doubt, have positive experiences.

What scientists have discovered is that neurological pathways are formed when experiencing emotion.  In other words we learn to feel a certain way just like we learn how to tie our shoes or ride a bike, we learn how to be sad or how to be happy.   Interesting right?  The scary part, and perhaps the great part as well, is that the more often we feel a certain way the easier it is to fall into that same type of mood.  The paths that are most often traveled in your brain are, as you would imagine, the ones easiest to follow.  So if you have chronic depression there is a physiological cause behind that. 

Think of your brain like a road map, with millions of roads leading in all types of directions.  Each one of those roads is an emotion or a learned experience or a memory, the interesting part is that memories can be forgotten, things can be learned differently and we can change our moods, or more accurately we can change our default moods.  It’s not an easy thing to do to reshape these neural pathways but it is certainly possible.  It takes focus, time and desire but the effects are incredible.  This phenomenon proves that we have the ability to shape our lives and we can control not only ourselves but the world around us as well, it comes down to one thing, perspective.  Change the way you think and you will change the way you feel.

The knowledge we have today is staggering and grows exponentially.  We have the ability to completely control our thought process and our feelings, and through doing so we have the ability to change the world around us.  Reality is about perception, things are only bad or scary if you believe they are embrace the power of positive thought and watch the amazing results.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Keens Steakhouse: One of New York’s iconic Steakhouses, Keens is located at 72 W 36th Street and is one of the only USDA Prime-only Steakhouses in the city.  Recently a recipient of The James Beard Foundation 2013 America’s Classics Awards Keens has been open since 1885 and as you can imagine this establishment has an incredible history.  Aside from the historic ambiance their menu is second to none and a prime local for all manor of carnivores.

Le Bernadine: pricy but awesome is a rare acquirer of three Michelin stars as well as The New York Times highest rating of four stars, Le Bernadine was Zagats top pick for 2012.  Located at 155 W 51st St, the menu, the décor and the presentation is incomparable.  Offering primarily French Seafood on their menu there are very few restaurants outside of France itself that can compare. Paris natives Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze founded Le Bernadine in 1972 and it remains at the pinnacle of fine dining to this day.

Benares: Traditional Indian cuisine created by master chef Peter Beck can be found only a short walk north of Time Square at 240 W 56th St, (between Broadway and Eight Ave).  Benares offers a respite from the chaos of NYC and the menu does not disappoint.  Classic Indian fare as well as seafood and amazing vegetarian dishes populate the menu and no matter what your preference Banares will satisfy.

Esca:  Dave Pasternack, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich offer amazing Southern Italian Seaside cooking (spaghetti with lobster).  Creative and delicious, Esca offers traditional Italian fare combined with creative southern Italian seafood.  Try Sicilian style seafood stew, signature antipasti or the extra fresh grilled fish.  You can find this Italian Jewel at 402 W 43rd St at ninth Ave.

Toloache:  Chef Julian Medina presides over this gorgeous and richly decorated Mexican restaurant situated in the theater district at 251 W 50th Street between Broadway and Eight Ave.  Beautiful murals of Mexican vistas are hung on tiled walls and create an authentic and upscale environment.  Executive chef and owner Julian Medina has been perfecting his craft for over 15 years, you could pretty much close your eyes and point at the menu and not go wrong here.  For traditional Mexican dining do not miss Toloache.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick