Category: Uncategorized

Shameless Endorsement of Blogs

You may think that I’m wasting my time endorsing blogs…since I’m a blogger.  But this is a post on how much insight/education you can get from those who write in the land of blog.  It can help you in your business, personal, spiritual and health life.

I’ve chummed Guy Kawasaki and Seth Godin here quite often.  But I’ve done this because of the FREE knowledge they dispense!  You could ring either one of these guys and ask them what they would charge for a speech or seminar and I guarantee you it won’t be free.  I’ve become a better marketer and leader because I’ve read their stuff. 

I’m compelled to write for the same reasons above.

Here are a few blog posts I think you’ll benefit from today:

Upfront Pain

In our frenzied culture the idea of upfront pain (specifically in one’s destiny pursuits) is not often discussed.  If you don’t believe me, then steer a conversation that way at a neighborhood get together.  You’ll notice the facial expressions change…almost immediately.  A look of dread or skepticism could be one of the reactions you’d get.

I admire those who are willing to accept upfront pain. 

The type of upfront pain I speak of would be like a new musician practicing scales…over and over again while wondering when they’ll ever play something enchanting.  Maybe the high school teacher who wants to connect with her students, but feels like everyday is full of resistance.  Many give up when confronted with these types of circumstances.

Upfront pain is the entrance exam/password to enter greatness.  Meet someone that has experienced and dealt with upfront pain, and you’ll find someone who is authentic.  That’s because they know nothing worth doing comes easy. 

Don’t be fooled by our media that tries to convince you that life is a pain-free offer.  They may not say it openly, but just look at the messages that are sent through various information portals.  They’re not talking about pain and sacrifice.

Shying away from upfront pain is the first step in giving up.

Don’t give up…

The Cost of Betrayal

This clip from "Love Actually" reminds me that there’s always a price for betrayal…not the least of which is the broken heart.

I admire Richard Curtis for capturing this, as well as Emma Thompson’s portrayal.

A strong reminder…

Dumbing Down

Seth Godin’s post on "How to write for a billionaire" provides this quote from News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch.  Maybe he said this between American Idol performances. 

Wow!

Why We Write

"I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor.  What I have in my heart must come out, that is why I compose."

                              -Ludwig Von Beethoven

I’m in Mr. Beethoven’s club. 

Seth Godin has great post from yesterday titled "Do Business Books Work."  He makes some excellent points about how we’ve (the business culture) all but abandon reading for learning and growth.  I am always dismayed by this reality.  Take a book like "Success Built To Last" and the gems of insight that are contained in the writing.  How much would you have to pay these writers to dispense their knowledge in the flesh?  A bunch!  The book is selling for $16 on Amazon.

I think in many ways we’ve fallen into a longing to be entertained rather than be enlightened.  Not every book is worth the "read".  But many are and you’re missing out if you haven’t built a habit of reading.

Here’s a list of tips on building the habit of reading:

  • Evaluate your daily, weekly and monthly schedule.  After the review, substitute entertainment (movies, television, etc.) for reading a book that encourages you to grow.
  • My blog has some books listed (see the right column) that have helped me grow…check those out.
  • Don’t shy away from the upfront pain of building a new habit.  Don’t give up!
  • Read something specific to your needs (sales, God, cooking, engineering, etc.). 

They Really Didn’t Want His Opinion

I know many organizations that say (especially in meetings and presentations) they want candor and open dialog.  But this piece from the The Charleston Gazette shows how organizations can stray far from the spirit of candor.  Specifically, how Kaiser Permanente reacted to a scathing email.

Maybe you would say Mr. Deal should tried a different approach.  I guess you could say that, but I think this story says a lot about the cultish nature of some organizations.  See my post on this from August of 2006.  It addresses some of what happened at Kaiser.

I always think giving your opinion is an art.  You have to know the players, know the pulse of the room, know what words to use, etc.  But in the end, if the company only cares about one opinion (their own), then you might be working for a cult. 

Figuring It Out

Caught this post from Jim Logan on “Making Sense of What, Why and How.”  He’s right and I think there is one additional point to me made; how does experience factor in on learning.

Much instruction today comes from our belief that a “discipline” can be dispensed in one swoop (classroom, seminar, etc.).  Reality says, as humans, we’ve all come to learning with a great deal of baggage…good and bad.  This baggage weighs heavy, but we’d never admit that.  For example, a childhood full of criticism renders many ineffective…even for those who have outward signs of success.  We humans are good at wearing masks and playing the game of “I’m OK, you’re OK.”  Ever wonder why many organizations have a leadership vacuum?

Experience will allow the learner to figure out much on their own.  Simply because experience is a very giving teacher.  Sort of like some organizations incenting people when they make mistakes.  Experience will teach you, if you let it, like no other form of education.  Experience is REAL!

Some years ago when my wife shouldered the majority of responsibility in raising our kids, I could be found telling many people how tough a job she had.  I did this out of respect, love and encouragement.  But it wasn’t until I had to take her role (primary caregiver) on that I truly understood what she did and experienced.  It was only through experience that I learned.

What say you?

A New Operating System for Leaders

A couple of days ago I wrote about Google introducing a new presentation software product.  I’ve been thinking; how about a new operating system for leaders-good and bad ones? 

For the good ones it would help them to move to greatness.  For the bad ones…well you decide.  Regardless, we could implant a chip that would guide and control.  It might rob some of creativity, but we’d certainly get better results.

For better or worse we already have an operating system inside us.  I guess the question is are we really listening to it.  The following is a list of traits, temptations, pursuits, etc. that can infect (like a virus) our operating systems:

  • Fear-most people, and I do mean most, are driven by it.
  • Greed-look at most large organizations who are led by counterfeit leaders and you’ll understand.
  • No Vision-if leaders can only see two feet in front of them, then pity the organization that follows their direction.
  • Arrogance-the belief that its all about me…only me.

So what advice do you have for fixing an operating system that is infected?  I’d love to get your insights.

Pointless Power Point

Seen a great Power Point presentation lately?  Seth Godin has an interesting post on "The worst powerpoint slide ever used by a CEO."  When you look at the slide you’ll understand how far we’ve fallen in our use of communication.

Maybe a better version of Microsoft’s application would help.  Google is looking to add a presentation application to their Google Docs and Spreadsheets offering.  ZDNnet has a post on Google’s plans. 

Maybe we need a software program for leaders that have no vision.  Something that would clue them into their people’s real world sensibility.