What Did You Say?
To Yourself Too often, we talk to ourselves like no one has ever spoken or would speak to us or in a manner we would never speak to someone else. Negative self-talk is the enemy of a fulfilling life by fostering doubt about our abilities and creating a standard for ourselves below our true potential. […]
Hit the Pause Button
A Tall Order? The year is more than half over! What do you have to show for it? This message is not about goal tracking but the vital practice of periodically investing time to think and generate ideas leading to difference-making actions. The level of contemplation required cannot be accomplished when our minds are smothered […]
A Random Act of Kindness Reveals…
Everything Wrong with Me Today’s message is not merely a confession; I invite you into the conversation by interjecting questions requiring self-reflection. Usually, I would not drag someone else down with me, but “Sam” was my able accomplice. Fortunately, he is good-natured and open to sharing this experience to help others. His presence also illustrates […]
Off the Soapbox; Onto the Pulpit
The Groundwork Just writing the title gives me anxiety, as the word “pulpit” has a potentially negative connotation and can trigger a defensive reaction. I hope you trust me enough to hear (read) me out. I do not approach this subject with any moral or religious authority. I have not been perfect (sometimes not even […]
Love Each One…
And Hate Them All? Examples Abound It is the racist White guy who truthfully has Black friends. It is Bob who announced during bible study that he hates White people. While I am confident his proclamation does not apply to me, I accept his words and believe he generally dislikes White people. It was the […]
Here are the “Receipts”
Here are the “Receipts” Mentees secure the most significant value and express the greatest appreciation of mentorship through their actions. Respectfully listen and carefully consider the information provided or discovered, use what you believe is valuable, and disregard the parts you think are inapplicable or incorrect. Mentors do not expect to be followed like an […]
This is How You Do It
How to Work It Mentees, resist the temptation to implore, “Just give me the answer!” Outside of specific subject matter expertise or in perilous circumstances requiring a strong hand, mentors should not even recommend a course of action. You are not a child needing or seeking parental instruction. There are practical reasons for not feeding […]
Starting Off on the Right Foot
Hiding in Plain Sight You can cast a wider net since specific subject matter expertise or a close personal relationship is not required. A mentor may be a member of your cycling group, a former business colleague, a fellow supporter of your favorite charity, etc. A mentor is not a prospective client, as the possibility […]
The Invaluable Relationship
Stating the Case It is simple. Mentorship enables growth you cannot achieve alone. Once you recognize its value, you find it is only appropriate for two “select” groups: those who want more out of life and those who want to give more to life. The Association for Talent Development defines mentoring as a reciprocal relationship […]
A Stumbling Block
Our Natural Tendency Scarcity and abundance are present in every situation; our perspective decides which prevails. I feel like the country and western singer who introduces his next song by mentioning he sees a lot of himself in it and “you might too.” Fortunately, it is an upbeat tune with a hopeful ending. Life encourages […]