Finding Opportunity in Frustration

Moments before the attention span had started wavering.    Now, thoughts drifted, eyelids drooped, head about to nod. Haven’t we all experienced these physical and mental symptoms at conferences, meetings, or classrooms where either the subject matter was dry or the speaker or presenter was less than stimulating? In a momentary state of arousal I pondered the blandness of this encounter.    Why was this particular talk so…boring? I found a reason to listen, not for content, but rather for carriage.    Quickly I noticed the speaker had a large diet of the first person pronoun:   I, me, and mine.    The notepad in front of me transformed into a tally sheet.    Over the next 15 minutes one of these three words made way into the talk 126 times.    An average of once every seven seconds! The lesson to me that day was not the intended subject, but rather about one of the surest ways to destroy a talk, a presenta...

What does the manner in which we use and display our cell phones communicate about us? A couple of teenage girls were sitting together on a bench intensely focused on their cellular devices.    Exchanging laughs and giggles, through closer observation and some eavesdropping I confirmed they were furiously texting:    each other! Initially amused, I further considered the moment.    To be sure there was an element of cuteness and innocence.   Conversely I felt wistful that with the many conveniences offered by modern technology our ability to look each other in the eye and have a fully communicative conversation has been increasingly compromised.    This year I’m resolving to become better and more aware of the outward message I’m conveying to others with how I use my phone.    When seated at a business meeting or lunch where’s my device?    I hope in my pocket.    If it’s on the table might a message...

Retirement ceremonies for public employees often follow a common script.  First of all they are typically funded through a “collection” from co-workers, considerate of possible citizen perception of fiscal misuse.  As a result the usual condiments include some de minimis financial gifts and gift cards, fruit and relish trays, punch, and a sheet cake.  Some colleagues offer testimonials.  The recipient will then utter a few words of appreciation, maybe fight through a little bit of emotion, and since the events tend to be at the end of the day on a Friday, we all go home.   I would characterize the events as nice, certainly nothing elegant. Some time ago Dalton retired from municipal service after a number of years.  He had spent a career working outdoors, often in harsh conditions as a journeyman something or other.  His occupational badge was identified by a bronzed and wrinkled complexion and callused hands...

During this Christmas Season and as we glide towards the beginning of a New Year I am grateful for your having taken the time to read these pieces.  Perhaps the best gift in return for your readership is to: For a change, offer minimal words, and more importantly,  Put a smile on your face. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNKRm6H-qOU I hope your Christmas and holiday season is phenomenal and that you enjoy a graceful dance into the New Year. The Seed Sower

Each of us faces days where we just don’t “have it.”  Those who rely on the spoken word find difficulty with expression and annunciation.  Others that exert themselves physically find their strength compromised and stamina diminished. Writers experience “block.” Athletes such as baseball pitchers can’t seem to direct the ball over the plate; golfers struggle for solid impact with their 2-iron.   When these times occur how do you compensate? I posed this question to an executive client recently.  A bright young man, he was sharing with me his philosophies for communicating with not only peers and subordinate staff, but customers as well.  Highly and impressively articulate during our conversation verbiage seemed to flow effortlessly from his tongue.  It was clearly apparent that he had a remarkable gift for dazzling people with linguistic mastery.  His response to me about compensating for his “off” d...

Life has a rhythm. Sometimes it’s upbeat and snappy; other days it’s a slow methodical grind. I lead several group exercise classes each week as a Spinning Instructor.  One of the critical elements in facilitating a cycling class is establishing a tempo that appeals to the “mind-body” connection of a workout.  Participants will be any or a combination of visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners. Choreography, music, and tempo are important.   For example, while the music of the theme song to “Rocky” blares in the background I might instruct the class to: “Put on light gear...In 15 seconds we’re going to do a 20 second sprint… Visualize  a flat road and  feel  a light breeze…Match the beat of the music you  hear  with your cadence…Let’s go!” Now that you’re either invigorated or worn out, how do we apply rhythm, cadence, and beat to our days? For as long as I can remember weather has held a fascination...