As we approach the holiday season and the new year, it’s a great time to reflect upon 2005- where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished, and the differences we’ve made. There’s no greater feeling on earth than knowing that you’ve helped someone reach new heights. The happiest people I know are those that give to and help others.

I’m sure if you’re like me, you have in your mind a “wish list” of things that you’d like to see changed, altered, corrected, done differently, or even done away with.

For the last six years, I’ve always devoted this column to sharing my wish list with you. My hope is that this list triggers thoughts in your mind that will encourage you to view things differently, to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and to have the courage to change things that need changing.

So here’s a list of my wishes.

I wish that . . .

$  wanna-be leaders would understand that no one works for them, they work with them.

$  we would understand that the number one need of Americans is the need to be recognized.

$  every man, woman and child understood that the six most important words in the English language are “I admit that I was wrong.”

$  parents would teach their kids that rudeness is a controllable emotion.

$  everyone understood that their attitude will determine their altitude.

$  all understood that when you stop learning, you stop growing.

$  we realized that when you’re coasting, you’re going down hill.

$  we all understood that gray is not a substitute for black or white.

$  everyone in business understood there is no such thing as “Business” ethics. Ethics is ethics!

$  politicians running for office talked about what they can do and not about what their opponent cannot do!

$  parents would teach their children that if you win or do well, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger.

$  you’d remember that if someone bumps into you, even if it was not your fault, say excuse me.

$  companies would understand that people don’t leave companies, they leave because of their leaders.

$  you’d remember to surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.

$  eeveryone would realize that the more you give, the more you get in return.

$  we teach our kids that there is no right way to do a wrong thing.

$  people would understand that all would realize that chewing gum in public is not a pretty sight.

$  we could all realize that you can’t change what happened in that past. What we can do is learn from it.

$  men and women alike would realize that there is a time and place for wearing flip-flops and shoes with no socks.

$  organizations would understand that success is the enemy.

$  leaders and companies would understand the value of coloring outside the lines.

$  each and every one of you have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Thanks for reading what I write and for your nice comments. It makes whatever time and effort I put into it worthwhile. Look forward to communicating with you in ’06.