Author: CindyKW

Cindy’s Thought – 09/18/2026

Why I’m Sharing This… What rules do you follow without wondering where they came from?  How do these rules define our perceptions about failing and/or winning?  How do they determine what is “right” and “wrong”?  I am sharing Professor Aaron Dinin’s reel, “The Green Jelly Bean Challenge,” to challenge you to consider which rules you...

Cindy’s Thought – 09/11/2026

Why I’m Posting This… If you use Microsoft Teams or any other app that uses colored dots to “monitor” your online status, you know how irritating it is to see a “yellow” or away dot when you are clearly online and working.  I am sharing this reel from George Stern Leadership to remind us all...

Cindy’s Thought – 09/04/2026

Why I’m Sharing This… Bad days stink.  One tough moment, unexpected delay or interruption, or bad news can derail your entire day.  I am sharing Alexi Pappas’s TED Talk to remind us that bad days can still lead to great results.  It’s a bad day, not a bad life! Google Gemini AI Summary: In her...

Cindy’s Thought – 10/16/2026

Why I’m Sharing This… Stepping out on my own to launch CKW Advantage has been an incredible journey, but let’s be honest—it comes with real, raw FEAR! It can feel completely paralyzing, totally exhilarating, or a wild mix of both on any given day. I am sharing this quote to remind us that we can...

Cindy’s Thought – 10/09/2026

Why I’m Sharing This… We have all used the phrase “not a good fit” for an employee, co-worker, colleague, or partner. It makes us question our hiring decisions and leaves us surprised when they thrive elsewhere. Success often depends on chemistry, climate, and culture. I am sharing this Leadership First post to encourage us to...

Cindy’s Thought – 10/02/2026

Why I’m Sharing This… I firmly believe relationships drive everything. While connections naturally evolve, lasting ones require effort and sincerity. True connection goes beyond networking—it’s about genuinely caring and supporting people, regardless of your professional or personal status. Ultimately, we always remember who cheers us on.  I share this thought to prompt us all to...

Introducing “From Cindy’s Desk”

We are excited to introduce a brand-new feature on the CKWAdvantage.com website. This new main menu item and page, called “From Cindy’s Desk”, will collect all the “Cindy’s Thoughts” I have been posting on our current social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn). We will post these “Cindy’s Thoughts” on our website, just like the “Weekly” articles...

Preparing for Open Enrollment 2027 – Part 2

  Do You Understand Evergreen Enrollment Rules? Last week, in Preparing for Open Enrollment 2027, Part 1, we reviewed the 2027 cost outlook, the new IRS and ACA figures, how to build your enrollment calendar, and your full benefits package. Part 1 also noted that many employees take no action at all and simply roll...

Preparing for Open Enrollment 2027 – Part 1

  Open enrollment is usually the only time all year employees give their benefits a second thought. Even then, they don’t think much about it.  The latest EBRI/Greenwald Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey shows that about half of privately insured adults spend less than an hour choosing a health plan. Plenty take no action...

2027 Employee Benefit Expectations

Heading into 2027, employers and employees face the same problem: rising health care costs. For the first time since 2022, controlling those expenses is employers’ top goal. Employees feel that same squeeze in their monthly paychecks and family budgets. Here is what recent research tells us about what your team actually values right now. 1....