My grandfather used to love telling the story of his boyhood friend Campbell. One day, they were at my great grandmother’s house and she had just baked a delicious chocolate cake. She asked my grandfather if he’d like a slice and he replied; “Yes please!” and she gave him one.
She then turned to Campbell and asked him the same question and he said; “I don’t mind”. She replied; “I don’t mind either” and left the room. No cake for Campbell.
Real or Imagined
Whether this story happened or not isn’t the point. My grandfather was trying to teach his 9 year old grandson to say please and thank-you and if I wanted something someone had offered me, it was okay to accept it.
How often do we do that to ourselves? We send out confusing messages to the universe and wonder why more confusion returns. My grandfather didn’t teach his grandson to take what wasn’t his or be an arrogant self-centered person, he was showing me how to discover what I wanted and be okay with wanting it.
Say What You Mean
Now take the Campbell story into your life, your work, your company, and see how often basic communication breaks down to the point of confusion. We humans try our best but often we don’t communicate very well with each other.
In our relationships, if we aren’t clear, how on earth can we expect others around us to have a clear sense of what we want, mean, or say? So the next time someone offers you a piece of cake, simply say yes please or no thank-you. It’s all you would expect if you were doing the offering.
Thanks Gramps.
__________________________________________________________________
Showing posts with label ask. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ask. Show all posts
April 29, 2019
August 7, 2018
Grandfather's Lesson
My grandfather used to love telling the story of his boyhood friend Campbell. One day, they were at my great grandmother’s house and she had just baked a delicious chocolate cake. She asked my grandfather if he’d like a slice and he replied; “Yes please!” and she gave him one.
She then turned to Campbell and asked him the same question and he said; “I don’t mind”. She replied; “I don’t mind either” and left the room. No cake for Campbell.
Real or Imagined
Whether this story happened or not isn’t the point. My grandfather was trying to teach his 9 year old grandson to say please and thank-you and if I wanted something someone had offered me, it was okay to accept it.
How often do we do that to ourselves? We send out confusing messages to the universe and wonder why more confusion returns. My grandfather didn’t teach his grandson to take what wasn’t his or be an arrogant self-centered person, he was showing me how to discover what I wanted and be okay with wanting it.
Say What You Mean
Now take the Campbell story into your life, your work, your company, and see how often basic communication breaks down to the point of confusion. We humans try our best but often we don’t communicate very well with each other.
In our relationships, if we aren’t clear, how on earth can we expect others around us to have a clear sense of what we want, mean, or say? So the next time someone offers you a piece of cake, simply say yes please or no thank-you. It’s all you would expect if you were doing the offering.
Thanks Gramps, you are still teaching me!
__________________________________________________________________
She then turned to Campbell and asked him the same question and he said; “I don’t mind”. She replied; “I don’t mind either” and left the room. No cake for Campbell.
Real or Imagined
Whether this story happened or not isn’t the point. My grandfather was trying to teach his 9 year old grandson to say please and thank-you and if I wanted something someone had offered me, it was okay to accept it.
How often do we do that to ourselves? We send out confusing messages to the universe and wonder why more confusion returns. My grandfather didn’t teach his grandson to take what wasn’t his or be an arrogant self-centered person, he was showing me how to discover what I wanted and be okay with wanting it.
Say What You Mean
Now take the Campbell story into your life, your work, your company, and see how often basic communication breaks down to the point of confusion. We humans try our best but often we don’t communicate very well with each other.
In our relationships, if we aren’t clear, how on earth can we expect others around us to have a clear sense of what we want, mean, or say? So the next time someone offers you a piece of cake, simply say yes please or no thank-you. It’s all you would expect if you were doing the offering.
Thanks Gramps, you are still teaching me!
__________________________________________________________________
August 23, 2016
Asking and Listening
We admire those who seem crystal clear on their calling, their goals, and their passions. Most of us perhaps just think we are clear. But it can be tough when mortgages and car payments and our myriad responsibilities can crush our day. Corporations often compensate people for being agreeable and not making a fuss.
To get clear, I think we need to stop thinking the answer is one crisp well-crafted sentence. We can get clear by deciding what we don't want to do, who we may want to avoid, who could be a good fit, and how we want to spend the rest of our lives.
Here's an idea; let's reach out to two people tomorrow who will help us and tell us the truth and have that open conversation. Share that big idea you have, get some feedback, and ask them for one idea that may push it forward. Saying no is easy, finding out how is where the work resides.
Let’s be open for real answers.
__________________________________________________________________
To get clear, I think we need to stop thinking the answer is one crisp well-crafted sentence. We can get clear by deciding what we don't want to do, who we may want to avoid, who could be a good fit, and how we want to spend the rest of our lives.
Here's an idea; let's reach out to two people tomorrow who will help us and tell us the truth and have that open conversation. Share that big idea you have, get some feedback, and ask them for one idea that may push it forward. Saying no is easy, finding out how is where the work resides.
Let’s be open for real answers.
__________________________________________________________________
May 16, 2016
Cleaning the Records
Back in January, I had the privilege of speaking at TEDxGuelphU. The theme of the day was "From Theory to Reality". It was a humbling experience because it wasn't a workshop or a conference about business or leadership or marketing; it was TED, which meant it wasn't about selling wares or boasting about accomplishments or sharing an idea in a work environment.
TED is about an idea worth spreading and a chance to share your experience on the hope it will give audience members something to apply to or think about in their lives. In my talk, I share three theories and the roller coaster ride along the way.
__________________________________________________________________
TED is about an idea worth spreading and a chance to share your experience on the hope it will give audience members something to apply to or think about in their lives. In my talk, I share three theories and the roller coaster ride along the way.
__________________________________________________________________
January 15, 2016
Four Words That Could Save Your Life
Perhaps it's just my experience, but I'm having a lot of conversations lately about life purpose. Those include family issues, ending relationships, money, careers, marriage, fear, and it seems many I know (me included) are asking a lot of deep and difficult questions about the choices they make in their life.
Next week, I'm speaking at TEDxGuelphU and the process has turned into much more than I ever imagined. I was working on my talk and mentioned it on Twitter. Suddenly the flood gates opened. Someone I had never met reached out and offered to help. His name is Jordan Axani and you can see his talk down below.
Dig Deeper
We had a three hour call last week and in short, he tore me to shreds. He reminded me that doing a TEDTalk wasn't like any of the workshops I had done or speaking gigs or radio work years ago. This was different. If you're not familiar, TED stands for technology, education, and design. And the reasons I visit it several times a week is to learn about people's stories and experiences.
As I worked on my talk, it was as if I was telling my story in the third person. A close friend has been kicking my butt for a long while now and between the two of them I feel like I'm in a boxing match that is my life!
Four Words
I've eluded to it a few times here on this site, but the past few years have been a roller coaster and I had thought they were affecting my life now. Was I wrong! It's been a lifetime of habits and actions that have affected now and if you dig deep enough you'll discover the same for you.
More practice, more digging, I'll let you know how it goes next week, but I've discovered four words that could save your life. I've been using them a lot lately and the reactions have been amazing.
Can you help me?
__________________________________________________________________
Next week, I'm speaking at TEDxGuelphU and the process has turned into much more than I ever imagined. I was working on my talk and mentioned it on Twitter. Suddenly the flood gates opened. Someone I had never met reached out and offered to help. His name is Jordan Axani and you can see his talk down below.
Dig Deeper
We had a three hour call last week and in short, he tore me to shreds. He reminded me that doing a TEDTalk wasn't like any of the workshops I had done or speaking gigs or radio work years ago. This was different. If you're not familiar, TED stands for technology, education, and design. And the reasons I visit it several times a week is to learn about people's stories and experiences.
As I worked on my talk, it was as if I was telling my story in the third person. A close friend has been kicking my butt for a long while now and between the two of them I feel like I'm in a boxing match that is my life!
Four Words
I've eluded to it a few times here on this site, but the past few years have been a roller coaster and I had thought they were affecting my life now. Was I wrong! It's been a lifetime of habits and actions that have affected now and if you dig deep enough you'll discover the same for you.
More practice, more digging, I'll let you know how it goes next week, but I've discovered four words that could save your life. I've been using them a lot lately and the reactions have been amazing.
Can you help me?
__________________________________________________________________
April 16, 2015
Do You Want Some Cake?
My grandfather used to love telling the story of his boyhood friend Campbell. One day, they were at my great grandmother’s house and she had just baked a delicious chocolate cake. She asked my grandfather if he’d like a slice and he replied; “Yes please!” and she gave him one.
She then turned to Campbell and asked him the same question and he said; “I don’t mind”. She replied; “I don’t mind either” and left the room. No cake for Campbell.
Real or Imagined
Whether this story happened or not isn’t the point. My grandfather was trying to teach his 9 year old grandson to say please and thank-you and if I wanted something someone had offered me, it was okay to accept it.
How often do we do that to ourselves? We send out confusing messages to the universe and wonder why more confusion returns. My grandfather didn’t teach his grandson to take what wasn’t his or be an arrogant self-centered person, he was showing me how to discover what I wanted and be okay with wanting it.
Say What You Mean
Now take the Campbell story into your life, your work, your company, and see how often basic communication breaks down to the point of confusion. We humans try our best but often we don’t communicate very well with each other.
In our relationships, if we aren’t clear, how on earth can we expect others around us to have a clear sense of what we want, mean, or say? So the next time someone offers you a piece of cake, simply say yes please or no thank-you. It’s all you would expect if you were doing the offering.
Thanks Gramps, you are still teaching me!
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
She then turned to Campbell and asked him the same question and he said; “I don’t mind”. She replied; “I don’t mind either” and left the room. No cake for Campbell.
Real or Imagined
Whether this story happened or not isn’t the point. My grandfather was trying to teach his 9 year old grandson to say please and thank-you and if I wanted something someone had offered me, it was okay to accept it.
How often do we do that to ourselves? We send out confusing messages to the universe and wonder why more confusion returns. My grandfather didn’t teach his grandson to take what wasn’t his or be an arrogant self-centered person, he was showing me how to discover what I wanted and be okay with wanting it.
Say What You Mean
Now take the Campbell story into your life, your work, your company, and see how often basic communication breaks down to the point of confusion. We humans try our best but often we don’t communicate very well with each other.
In our relationships, if we aren’t clear, how on earth can we expect others around us to have a clear sense of what we want, mean, or say? So the next time someone offers you a piece of cake, simply say yes please or no thank-you. It’s all you would expect if you were doing the offering.
Thanks Gramps, you are still teaching me!
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
September 4, 2014
Let's Get Clear
I went through an exercise recently with a colleague and friend. We have worked together and been friends for years. We were talking about a bunch of things; life, work, family, goals, dreams, strengths, what we want to do with the rest of our lives. It was a great conversation.
Then he asked; “Are you clear what you want?” I thought he was asking a career question but it was deeper than that. He has two small children and his priorities have shifted. He no longer wants to spend the wee hours of the night behind his desk. He wants to spend time with his kids while his desire to do meaningful work is stronger than ever. But meaningful doesn't mean grinding in the trenches to climb a factious ladder.
False evidence appearing real
Last week, I had a similar conversation with someone I’ve known for years and we ended up talking about the same thing but in the context of our own lives and those around us. He said people are scared. They are scared to make mistakes, take chances, be bold, and truly be innovative.
We admire those who seem crystal clear on their calling, their goals, and their passions. Most of us perhaps just think we are clear. But it can be tough when mortgages and car payments and our myriad responsibilities can crush our day. Corporations often compensate people for being agreeable and not making a fuss.
Does it have to be that way?
To get clear, I think we need to stop thinking the answer is one crisp well crafted sentence. We can get clear by deciding what we don't want to do, who we may want to avoid, who could be a good fit, and how we want to spend the rest of our lives.
So reach out to two people tomorrow who will help you and tell you the truth and have that open conversation. Share that big idea you have, get some feedback, and ask them for one idea that may push it forward. Saying no is easy, finding out how is where the work resides.
Let’s get clear. Let’s ask for help. Let’s be open for answers.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
wikia
March 10, 2013
The Art of Asking
Amanda Palmer rocks! If you don’t know her, go look and learn from this wonderful creative inclusive soul who brims with life and music. Her bands The Dresden Dolls and Grand Theft Orchestra showed how fans will support you through their own generosity in the face of cynicism.
If you want to create a community and connect on a deep human level, watch Amanda’s TEDTalk on the art of asking. She blogs and tweets and connects everywhere she goes and it all started with an eight foot bride and a handful of flowers.
Watch This
Kneale Mann
Amanda Palmer
If you want to create a community and connect on a deep human level, watch Amanda’s TEDTalk on the art of asking. She blogs and tweets and connects everywhere she goes and it all started with an eight foot bride and a handful of flowers.
Watch This
Kneale Mann
Amanda Palmer
November 1, 2012
The Magic of Collaboration
"One home run is much better than two doubles. Design is not what it looks like, design is how it works. Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Stay hungry, stay foolish."
Here’s the rest of the list from October 2012
Focus on what went well this week. The past has passed unless we let it drag us down or we build on it.To my fellow Canadian friends - Happy Thanksgiving. To my American pals - Happy Columbus Day.
Leadership begins with you. Hindsight is a terrible business associate. We do our best work when it doesn't seem like work.
Never underestimate the power of questions. The perfect time will never arrive. Where we stretch, we learn and grow. Leadership is about guiding and helping then getting out of the way.
No one said it would be easy. Keep going. If you feel held back, loosen your reins. Belief in you begins with you.
Provide the guidance for them to lead themselves. Who can you call at 3am if you need them? Who has you on their list?
When did you last take an entire day just for you? Leadership begins with you. Ask them how they're doing and wait for their response. Have a look at your to-do list for this year, how are you doing so far?
Never underestimate the power of collaboration. Don't ask for praise, give it. Yes we can do better. Let's get on that today. If you're looking for inspiration, offer your help to someone who needs it. Share your mind, most can't read it. Say thank-you, often.
Step out of your comfort zone where you can grow.
Kneale Mann
apple
October 7, 2011
Developing Your Offline Business
Nice to Tweet You
If you work hard, remain open to all possibilities and build a connection, it is astonishing how many people will help you. Each connection is a person, not just another number to add to our LinkedIn profile.
The digital universe can connect us with people who can help us, work with us, hire us, befriend us and collaborate with us. In the last five years, I have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of people and not all through quick clicks and shares. It takes time but it's well worth spending if you take the connection to the next step and get to know the people you bump into in cyberspace.
Digital Will Only Help So Far
You may say it's the power of social media but that is just the starting point. We bump into hundreds, perhaps thousands of people every day and make no connection. It is when we set up a call or meeting and get to know each other outside of the busy online world and connect as people that the power begins to be realized.
The in-person meeting or phone call will never be diminished and should never been removed from your business plan. It is the single tactic that can crush you or help you.
I can't speak for you, but I know I need to pick up the phone more often!
Often companies don’t put forth the effort because they don't want to put forth the effort. They can point to other reasons but perhaps they don't care to hear what customers are saying about them. The world is shrinking yet the basics have never been more critical – reading, writing, partnerships, service and being human.
Drop the tweet and pick up a phone
Kneale Mann
image credit: rachelcreative
original post Apr 2011
The digital universe can connect us with people who can help us, work with us, hire us, befriend us and collaborate with us. In the last five years, I have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of people and not all through quick clicks and shares. It takes time but it's well worth spending if you take the connection to the next step and get to know the people you bump into in cyberspace.
Digital Will Only Help So Far
You may say it's the power of social media but that is just the starting point. We bump into hundreds, perhaps thousands of people every day and make no connection. It is when we set up a call or meeting and get to know each other outside of the busy online world and connect as people that the power begins to be realized.
The in-person meeting or phone call will never be diminished and should never been removed from your business plan. It is the single tactic that can crush you or help you.
I can't speak for you, but I know I need to pick up the phone more often!
Often companies don’t put forth the effort because they don't want to put forth the effort. They can point to other reasons but perhaps they don't care to hear what customers are saying about them. The world is shrinking yet the basics have never been more critical – reading, writing, partnerships, service and being human.
Drop the tweet and pick up a phone
Kneale Mann
image credit: rachelcreative
original post Apr 2011
April 6, 2011
Your Biggest Business Advantage
Nice to Tweet You
If you work hard, remain open to all possibilities and build a connection, it is astonishing how many people will help you. Each connection is a person, not just another number to add to our LinkedIn profile.
The digital universe can connect us with people who can help us, work with us, hire us, befriend us and collaborate with us. In the last 48 hours
I inquired about three projects with a small handful of people.
I met all but two of them online, I have spent time with three of them in person and four were strangers a year ago.
Digital Will Only Help So Far
You may say it's the power of social media but that is just the starting point. We bump into hundreds, perhaps thousands of people every day and make no connection. It is when we set up a call or meeting and get to know each other outside of the busy online world and connect as people that the power begins to be realized.
The in-person meeting or phone call will never be diminished and should never been removed from your business plan. It is the single tactic that can crush you or help you.
I can't speak for you, but I know I need to pick up the phone more often!
Often companies don’t put forth the effort because they don't want to put forth the effort. They can point to other reasons but perhaps they don't care to hear what customers are saying about them. The world is shrinking yet the basics have never been more critical – reading, writing, partnerships, service and being human.
Do you think it might work?
Kneale Mann
image credit: gruntled
If you work hard, remain open to all possibilities and build a connection, it is astonishing how many people will help you. Each connection is a person, not just another number to add to our LinkedIn profile. The digital universe can connect us with people who can help us, work with us, hire us, befriend us and collaborate with us. In the last 48 hours
I inquired about three projects with a small handful of people.
I met all but two of them online, I have spent time with three of them in person and four were strangers a year ago.
Digital Will Only Help So Far
You may say it's the power of social media but that is just the starting point. We bump into hundreds, perhaps thousands of people every day and make no connection. It is when we set up a call or meeting and get to know each other outside of the busy online world and connect as people that the power begins to be realized.
The in-person meeting or phone call will never be diminished and should never been removed from your business plan. It is the single tactic that can crush you or help you.
I can't speak for you, but I know I need to pick up the phone more often!
Often companies don’t put forth the effort because they don't want to put forth the effort. They can point to other reasons but perhaps they don't care to hear what customers are saying about them. The world is shrinking yet the basics have never been more critical – reading, writing, partnerships, service and being human.
Do you think it might work?
Kneale Mann
image credit: gruntled
