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People are remarkably forgiving. Given enough time and contrition, we will often forgive people of very terrible sins. Again, the time and contrition are essential to that forgiveness. Why? Celebrities and musical artists and even politicians can often recover from terrible missteps–if given time and ample remorse. However, there is one sin we humans have a tough time forgiving–even after long periods of time. When people are perceived as ungrateful, we have a tough time let

We did not set out to find seven threads. There is nothing magical about the number. But after decades of observation, we could no longer deny the pattern. Whenever we examined a business, organization, product, experience, or individual that seemed to exude the Chummy Effect, we were astonished to find the same seven threads woven through it. Some threads were more visible than others. Some appeared stronger in one place than another. But the threads themselves remained rema

Most of us have a complicated relationship with credit and blame. When something goes well, we hope people notice our contribution. When something goes wrong, we hope they notice everyone else’s contribution. That’s ego. Not monstrous ego. Not chest-thumping, room-dominating arrogance. Just the ordinary instinct to protect our importance, defend our image, and make sure we receive our fair share of the applause. People, in general, like to be appreciated for their work. Anyon