From Chapter 5, "Communication- A Lost Art" in Ingredients of Outliers The Listening Stick One man was so convinced that listening had become a lost art that he decided to mount a campaign to restore it. His name was Ben John Joyce, a California-based consultant and entrepreneur, and the founder of The Center for Applied Excellence. Its Mission Statement: “We teach people how to communicate.” His stated position on listening got right to the point. “Listening,” he said, “is a skill that has a dreadfully limited number of truly effective practitioners. We’re not taught to listen in school, … [Read more...]
5 Steps to Great Teamwork
History is replete with the amazing accomplishments of teams: Apollo 13, the survival and rescue of Captain Edwards, sequencing the human genome, and building the atomic bomb, all required near superhuman effort by remarkably focused teams. The ability to work in a team environment is crucial for success in any important endeavor. But, competition is human nature. There is a thrill that comes from working harder, excelling faster, surpassing your peers and becoming the best. Because of this competitive nature, it can be difficult for some people to become a true team … [Read more...]
Lives Well Lead
Max Ehrmann wrote this in 1927. It's simple words and deep meaning has been the cornerstone of many "lives well lead" hopefully mine as well. The Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there … [Read more...]