We are thankful for the year 2016 and look forward to 2017. We appreciate the many supporters that have made 2016 a record year for us. We are now up to 27 companies of the Fortune Top 100 Companies List who we have had the honor to serve over the last 30 years. 
We enhanced our current products in 2016, and developed some new products. We created and tested our 3D Personality on a Flat Screen remote workshop and earned high evaluation marks. We are having fun with our Coaches-in-Cars approach to creating videos in our car … a little like Carpool Karaoke without the singing. We are recording ourselves on the move and also interviewing key senior executives and topic experts as we cruise the highways. You will eventually see insightful interviews in our Learning From Experience series as a part of Change Masters Academy. It’s great fun and very informative. We are completing our pilot of The Sport of Business which will be available in January.
We are looking forward to an even better year in 2017 for all of us. 
The snow arrived in Minneapolis this week, so we have the right natural decor for our holiday celebrations. We wish you a wonderful Holiday Season with a chance to share peace and joy with your loved ones.
We know that the holidays can be difficult for many people. Your small acts of kindness can enhance the life of another and your own life as well. A little more kindness, generosity, forgiveness, civility, and caring is something we can all use.
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”
― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
Some blog messages you might have missed in the last month are below ….
Thoughts
- Never trust an atom – they make up everything.
- I’m TRYING to be independent – but no one will help me.
- There are 10 types of people in the world. Those that understand binary and those who don’t.
- Be nice to nurses – they call the shots.
- Despite the high cost of living – it continues to be popular.
- The past, present and future walked into a bar – it was tense.
How Safe Do You Want to Be?
I recall the decision to start my own business and leave the “security” of a large company. It was a big challenge. It was tougher than I ever anticipated. Had I known in advance … I would have chickened out. It took about five years to throw off my large company paradigms. When I needed office space … I had to find it, and negotiate the contracts. There was no facilities manager to call. So I learned. Looking back … knowing what I know … I would do it again in a heartbeat.
So is it risky to be in my own business? Absolutely. Is it riskier than being a senior leader in a large organization? Probably not. In both cases, it’s about control and options. When I see a leader who has chosen to be … [more]
Let’s Listen to Each Other a Little Longer
During my college years, I spent a summer in London as a part of an internship sponsored by the London School of Economics. It was a great summer in many ways. One of the things I enjoyed most was the animated debates. An evening in the pub consisted of people taking sides on an issue and arguing strongly for that point of view … even when they believed just the opposite to be true. It was entertainment. It was mind-broadening to try to understand people who think differently.
I enjoy debate on the taboo subjects of religion and politics with a worthy adversary who has facts, perspective, and the ability to hear a different viewpoint. As President of the Catholic student organization on my college campus, I completed 52 hours of Mormon indoctrination while openly being clear I disagreed with their fundamental premise that God had abandoned the church because of its many human failings. I partnered with the 30 religious organizations on campus to stimulate public debate about religious beliefs, including non-believers. I benefited greatly from the debate and dialogue. It was healthy and respectful.
“I Disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it“ quote is often attributed to Voltaire. While the origin is debated, there is no question that it is the heart of democracy.
It pains me to see the polarization that I now see in this country. Voltaire would roll over in his grave. I would like to say my love of debate has kept me with Voltaire, and above the fray. It has not. As hard as I try, I am astonished … [more]
Remember That Webpage
When you find a webpage you want to remember, or even make a note on… there’s now an easy option with your iPhone as of IOS version 9.
From the webpage you are interested in, you are able to SEND the webpage to the Notes App that comes with the iPhone. Create a new note. Add your own notes. Save.
Once you have a saved a note, you can look up that information in the Notes App, see your notes, and click on the link to access your saved webpage. Click on image for help video.
We Need More Wholehearted Connections With People
People who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect, have compassion with kindness, for themselves and others, as well as connections with others based on authenticity. It requires a full, sometimes embarrassing, show of vulnerability. Vulnerability is not comfortable, but necessary … the willingness to do something without knowing the outcome … willingness to say “I love you” first without knowing if it will be reciprocated … willingness to be real about our vulnerability.
Many of us run from vulnerability. We struggle to not show our “weakness”. Our suppression of reality shows up with the credit-card fix, overeating, drug addiction, and polarization of our politics and religion. We look for simple right/wrong answers and want to blame someone else for our fears. We try to control reality. We measure ourselves by how much money we make, or the next promotion. We try to be perfect and try to raise our children to be perfect. It doesn’t work.
We have many clients who have been successful in the first half of their careers by hiding their vulnerability. Many do not realize … [more]
Thank you for reading this letter
The purpose is of this letter is to stay connected with you and provide you with information you find valuable. Your comments and suggestions help me focus on your interests. A special thanks to those who give me feedback!
