About this blog
I write about communication, leadership and change, drawing on a 30-year career in journalism, public relations and management.
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Author Archives: Jay Morris
‘Blend their sweet music to my ear’
Just before Thanksgiving, I had my last guitar lesson at the Music & Arts store in Springfield, ending a six-and-a-half-year run that had been frustrating, delightful and inspiring. My teacher Matt taught me many things during the time we were … Continue reading
Posted in Happiness, Purpose
Tagged Annandale UMC, guitar, music, music lessons, talent, trumpet
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Content marketing, Star Wars and customer service
If you want to see content marketing in action, the Microsoft Dynamics Blog is a pretty good example. I spend a lot of time on the Microsoft Dynamics and Azure websites for one of my clients. On the Dynamics site, … Continue reading
Posted in Communications, Marketing
Tagged content marketing, customer service, Microsoft Dynamics, Star Wars
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How to make better to-do lists and get things done
Are you a list maker? I make lists all the time—in notebooks, on scratch pads, on the back of envelopes, on my iPhone, in Notes on my computer or just in my head. I keep a running list of topics … Continue reading
Posted in Management, Organization
Tagged deadlines, prioritizing, time management, to-do lists
4 Comments
Managing risk, like change, is a process: 10 tips to follow
An article I recently wrote on enterprise risk management (ERM) is the cover story in the current issue of The Federal Credit Union magazine. While ERM is a topic that probably doesn’t have much appeal beyond financial services, I think much … Continue reading
Posted in Management, Organization
Tagged change management, Credit unions, enterprise risk management, ERM, NAFCU, risk, The Federal Credit Union
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Stand and deliver: how to give impromptu remarks like a pro
You’re at a meeting, a retirement party, an awards banquet, a birthday celebration, a wedding, a funeral—any place where people are gathered. Suddenly you hear your name called. Then the dreaded, “Can you say a few words…” You’re not prepared. You … Continue reading
Posted in Communications, Leadership
Tagged impromptu remarks, public speaking, stage fright, Toastmasters
2 Comments
‘The blissful cloud of summer-indolence’
The other day, when I should have been working, I picked up a paperback that had been lying around the house—Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Normally, I don’t give much credence to book blurbs, but I have … Continue reading
Posted in Happiness, Purpose
Tagged balanced life, creativity, indolence, John Keats, John Steinbeck, Joyce Carol Oates, laziness, Matthew 6:28, Stieg Larsson
2 Comments
So you want to be a CEO?
Last month, an article I wrote on “Tomorrow’s Leaders” landed on the cover of The Federal Credit Union magazine, NAFCU’s bimonthly publication. Back in August, when I was interviewing credit union CEOs for the piece, I shared some of their “secrets” here on … Continue reading
Posted in Leadership, Management
Tagged CEO, communication skills, Credit unions, EQ, feedback, lifelong learner, mentoring, The Federal Credit Union
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Old dogs and new tricks: One generation sharpens another
Last week, Shira Harrington of Purposeful Hire spoke about generational differences at an IPRA luncheon. Listening to her talk, I was transported back to the early days in my career when beat-up old reporters ran PR shops and the typewriter was the … Continue reading
Posted in Careers, Marketing, Technology
Tagged Generation Z, Generations, IPRA, Millennials, selfie, Shira Harrington, Social media, typewriters, Writing
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The Wayward Journey 