Welcome to Brunner & Associates, Inc.

A basic principle in life and work is to under promise and over perform.  Most of us do the opposite.  For example, we optimistically tell our boss that we can complete the project by May 15 and end up delivering it on May 23rd.  Wouldn’t it have been better to have committed to June 1 and completed it on May 23rd?  A few days either way probably doesn’t matter all that much but it is the impression you are creating.

My Lexus dealer understands this principle.  When I go in for service, they say the work will cost $298 and then I see the bill for only $274.  What if they’d quoted $298 and it came out to $322?  A few dollars aren’t a big deal but it leaves an impression.  Psychologically, we feel better when the cost is a little below the estimate than a little above.  Think about this the next time you’re making a commitment.  Under promising and over performing can enhance your reputation.

We spend so much time and energy focusing on past interactions and wishing somehow they had been different.  Many relationships continue to suffer from arguing about, being offended by, and feeling hurt over something that has already happened.  Can we change – even a little bit – what has already occurred?  Of course not!  But we can learn from the past and apply what we’ve learned to actively shaping a better future.  I love what my friend Don says to help folks become more future oriented:  “Let’s give up all hope of a more perfect past.”  Amen.  It is more productive to use our energies to strengthen relationships going forward rather than living in the past.