Marc Casciani

Question Mark, or Question, Marc?

I’ll never forget hearing Mrs. Melnick, my 7th grade English teacher, ask, “Question, Marc?” I blurted, “No, Mrs. Melnick, I don’t have a question.” I wondered why so many of my classmates chuckled at my response. The humor was in the fact that Mrs. Melnick, while reviewing punctuation, was referring to the punctuation mark indicatingContinueContinue reading “Question Mark, or Question, Marc?”

Empower People in the Trenches

This week, our team at First National Insurance had a very open, honest and healthy conversation about empowerment. There is a hunger for it at all levels of our organization, which I am thrilled to see. At present, too many decisions are made by top leaders. This has resulted in an unhealthy culture where tooContinueContinue reading “Empower People in the Trenches”

Little Ditty ‘Bout Jack & Diane

Diane: “What do you want to do after college?” Jack: “I think I want to be a football coach.” Diane: “Does coaching football make you happy?” Jack: “If I could get a coaching job in the NFL, then I’d be happy.” Diane: “But what about when you’re actually coaching football? Are you happy then?” Jack: ContinueContinue reading “Little Ditty ‘Bout Jack & Diane”

Perfectly Imperfect

There is something beautiful about a sincere, genuine acknowledgement of imperfection. The fact that we all are imperfect should not take away from the standard of perfection. It should not prevent us from aspiring to become of perfect character, that is to possess the “fruit of the spirit” qualities: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,ContinueContinue reading “Perfectly Imperfect”

Humble Pie

Eating humble pie is like eating liver. It does not taste very good, but it’s good for you. Some facts about humble pie: Ego and humble pie do not mix. They are like oil and water. Ingredients are: Wisdom Love Patience Humility It can only be served in relationships. You can’t eat it alone. AfterContinueContinue reading “Humble Pie”

The Sound of Quiet

The sound of quiet is my favorite sound. Do you know what it sounds like? When I am able to hear it, here’s what happens: I do my best thinking. I connect with God and build my relationship with him. I am able to see how God is in working in all things for myContinueContinue reading “The Sound of Quiet”

Serving Behavior

Fact or fiction? You are who you are because you chose to be that way. Fact. You might be saying, “nonsense”. I’m a product of my parents, my childhood, my education (or lack of), my circumstances. I agree with you that those things are variables in your life that have shaped you. However, I’m askingContinueContinue reading “Serving Behavior”

The Good Fight Habit

Reflect on this: Do you make a habit of fighting the good fight? That is, do you stick up for and defend doing the right thing? There are three keys in being able to do it: Discerning what’s right Ignoring what’s not right, i.e. the distractions Having the physical and mental energy to fight DiscerningContinueContinue reading “The Good Fight Habit”

Active Patience

Good things happen when we’re patient, but only if we remain active. What? Active patience? That’s an oxymoron. Not an “empty” active where you’re just doing things to stay busy. Rather, an “intentional” active where you’re meaningfully serving others. Carve out daily quiet time for yourself to reflect on who and how you can serve.ContinueContinue reading “Active Patience”

The Promise of Accessibility

One of the keys to success in today’s professional climate is making your clients and colleagues feel you are accessible. If they feel accessible, then they feel heard. If they feel heard, then you’re telling them they matter. Their opinion of you and loyalty to you is a function of your accessibility and feeling heard. ContinueContinue reading “The Promise of Accessibility”