Couldn't agree more, Steve. It wasn't until I turned 50 that I realized that my passion was training and consulting (at PR/communications agencies), and coaching executives. I don't regret the years I spent in the PR agency business, as that gave me the foundation to do what I'm doing today. But I sure wish I had figured this out at 45 or even 40. When I speak to young PR professionals, I tell them to turn on their "passion antenna," because that will lead them to the career that will provide the greatest satisfaction.

Steve, 1)I'm CRYING with laughter; 2) The least you could have done was ID the newly-minted Account Supervisor; 3) I am an expert on the dances of the Indian sub-continent, and I can tell you that they were doing the "Dance For The Arrogant PR Dude"! The least they could have done was the "Dance For the Arrogant Integrated Communications Dude"!

This all makes me wonder what kind of incompetent counsel she's getting from her internal communications folks. Someone should have said to her "What kind of message are you sending when you prohibit telecommuting but have an on-campus nursery for your child." Not only should they have said it, but they should have used the tone Elaine Benes employed when she reminded George Costanza, "YOU'RE BALD" And having witnessed it with my own eyes, I strongly agree with Steve's point that when he's "working" from home, the crew at Peppercomm is running at 110% and happy! (However, I do think the "Pin The Tail On The RepMan" game in which they participate on those days might be a tad inappropriate!

Steve, you REALLY should have followed Andrew's advice about never inviting guest bloggers to post here!

That was an important and potentially life saving post, Lia. Just shared via Twitter.

Steve, could you imagine the impact if you could get United's CEO to fly coach during the holidays or CES incognito? He'd probably end up drinking an entire bottle of duty-free Scotch, abusing his fellow passengers, and having to be bound to his seat with adhesive tape. "Fly the friendly skies..."

Thanks, Greg and Laura. So what are you planning on changing in 2013?

I think nothing says "Best Place To Work" like a free staff lunch, catered by your favorite restaurant, McDonald's! Mmmm, who wants another Big Mac TM? Congrats!

"We take out more money from the Federal government than we put in, so we want to secede," said voters from states with the lowest education levels!

Amen, Brother Steve. I know that many leaders believe that acknowledging failure to the team is a sign of weakness. In reality, it's a sign of strength, and makes them more attractive to their followers.

Wait, you mean you're not in the dotcom business? Mazel Tov on the New & Improved. BTW, I'm now going to call you Rep Mann.

I enjoyed your post. When I get messages in which I'm included in the CC line, I always send a polite email asking them to please only use BCC for "mass" emails. and take the time to explain why. If it happens a second time, I send a reminder. If it happens a third time, I mark their email address as "Junk," because that's what they're sending me. If they send me political emails, regardless of their views, I send them a diplomatic, humorous email, telling them "That's What Facebook's For!"

Thought-provoking post, Laura. While it can be a slippery slope to over-generalize, the reality is that the many in this generation have attitudes that are considerably different than Boomers, and especially GenXers. And why wouldn't they? They grew up in a very different world, and were affected not only by technology, but the fact that they were raised by Boomers. I, for one, think that the majority of them are a great generation, who have much to give our workplaces and our communities. Boomers and GenXer managers and leaders would be well-advised to stop lamenting how "entitled" members of this gen appear, and instead, study them more, and develop better strategies to lead, motivate and inspire them. Companies which have done so have reaped the benefits, as pointed out in a WSJ article a few weeks back.

Congratulations to two of the smartest, hardest-working guys in the business. Well, one of the smartest, hardest-working guys in the business, and Steve Cody! I'm confident that with 10,000 more hours of practice, you just may get this strategic communications thing down pat. And tip o' the hat to the brains behind the business, Dandy!

Thanks Kate. It's a pleasure to be your mentor. And if anyone out there is looking for a great mid-level PR professional, Kate's your woman!