Yesterday I had the privilege of giving two presentations for the 2009 Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) Institute. Bob Leveque, VP Manufacturing, RR Donnelley, provided the keynote address entitled, “The Power of Attitude in Tough Times.”

Note to self re: key takeways (some not new):

• We have the ability to think positively, even when it’s difficult.
• Personalized praise of employees (and others) is important.
• Bob is an authentic speaker who practices what he preaches, and is a great story teller.
• Try the change in the pocket deal. (Ask me for the full story.)
• Get the books he mentioned, “No Assholes Rule” and The Super Supervisor by the lady who spent her career as an employee in textile manufacturing.

After Bob’s address, I gave this presentation:

Followed by an impromptu Twitter tutorial with Laurie Wieder before doing this presentation. Remember, I’m not a graphics person so don’t harrass me about the slide theme.

For those of you who were in attendance, what did you learn? What were your key takeaways? The slides don’t convey the full conversation. What was your AHA? And if you weren’t there, what do you think?