Memorandum 2022

As we reflect on another strange year. I remember last New Year's Eve saying that there was hope 2022 would be a bit more 'new normal' and yet here we are still dealing with a global pandemic and no shortage of uncertainty. So let's be kind to each other and make 2023 the best we can together.

"It's often said that life is strange, oh yes, but compared to what?"

Steve Forbert 

Life was unstable before 2020 and it will remain unstable. So all we can do is live our best lives, try our level best, take care of each other, and keep what's really important alive in our hearts. That's certainly better than the alternative. 

Let's also remember some we lost in 2022.

_________________________________________________________________

Calendars and Reflections

I'm not sure about you, but I get reflective this time of year. I know we can make plans in April and course correct ideas in August, but it's the end of a year and it's as good a time as any to take stalk and get clear. 2017 was a year for confusing elections, technological advances, straight talk about harrassment, and all the events in each of our lives.

As we look back on the year that has almost passed, let’s reflect on the most important element of our lives – our relationships with each other. Money comes and goes; jobs and homes change, but nothing can replace the important people in our lives, love, home, and family. For me, this was a year of challenges, successes, strong career work, and spending time with people I love.

Cheers to you and yours!
__________________________________________________________________

Recruiting Your Company

As an executive recruiter, I spend a lot of my time speaking with people who are gainfully employed and for the most part happy where they're working now until I call them. Many say no thank you. Some say tell me more. And a few say yes eventually.

It's interesting to be in those conversations after we discuss the opportunity and company because execs want to know what kind of company and what type of people work there before considering a career move.

Here are five simple yet telling questions you can ask your team, owner, boss, or company and it will tell you everything you need to know.

What do we stand for?

How do we help?

Where do we impact?

Why do we do what we do?

What will we not do?
__________________________________________________________________

Clearing our Lens

It’s right there every day. You may recognize it but do you heed it often enough? Do we pay close enough attention to the lessons that touch our lives?

One definition of perspective is a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. You and I could look at the same situation with a different interpretation. Your experience may be a factor. My attitude may alter my standpoint. But the important question is, do we do anything about it.

Point of View

We know life can be fragile but perhaps we go through our day without thinking too deeply about its meaning. Of course, we can’t spend every moment over thinking it all and overwhelm ourselves. How do we strike a balance to ensure we aren’t flippant about the essential elements in our lives, work, and relationships?

One way is to take a few moments each week to make a physical list of things we’re thankful for and balance that against the stress and busy of our everyday lives. The daily duties, deadlines, and stress seem to take up more of our consciousness than the important elements that shape our experience.

We might spend too much time complaining and wishing things were better rather than embracing the aspects that really are going well. Perhaps some perspective when we focus too much on the unimportant while forgetting the essential.

I think it's worth a shot.
__________________________________________________________________

Relationships Take Work not Labor

It’s Labor Day in North America, the day when most people take the day to breathe before the busy fall hits and kids go back to school and the stuff we pushed away all summer become realities again.

As we reflect on the summer that has almost passed and the upcoming fall, let’s reflect on the most important element of our lives – our relationships with each other. Money comes and goes. Jobs and homes change. But nothing can replace the important people in our lives in love, home, family, and work.

Cheers!
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
New Book out in 2016 – Details soon!

I'm Feeling Reflective

My life has changed dramatically in the last 18 months. There is conventional wisdom that states we endure a few events in our lives that cause major upheaval and stress. They can change us, inspire us, hurt us, depress us, or any combination. Those include; a death close to us, a significant illness, the end of a long relationship, substantial career shift, selling a house, and moving to a new city.

I don’t put too much significance on dates but last January a long relationship ended and a year ago today I secured my first major move to a new city. Since then, I have moved cities again. My career has shifted. My relationships are stronger. I’m in a different space than I was this time last year. Some have remarked, I’m a different guy.

Life gets busy. Life goes fast.

We rarely make the time to slow it down for just a few moments to reflect on what is going well and what we have accomplished. Then carefully make a list of what we want next and down the road. I’m feeling especially reflective today because of the date.

The last year and a half has been a whirlwind and it was time to stop and take stock. Some of the events that have happened in your last year may have gone right by without you even noticing.

I stumbled onto an interesting site this week that outlines what happens in our world every second...

• 4 babies are born and 2 people die
• 100 lightning strikes have struck the ground
• 16 million tons of water has evaporated from the Earth’s surface
• 2.8 million emails are sent
• More than 100,000 Google searches are performed

So 4,730,400 seconds ago, my life began a very different and interesting path. There's no telling what the next 31 million will bring but it was worth stopping for a few moments to remember the overcome challenges and well-earned victories. And most of all, the people who stuck around for the ride.

Something you may want to do some time.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit

Stream of Subconsciousness

What will they think? Think then do. Do what you love. Love what you do. Do not listen to negative people. People are more important than services or products. Products don't make the person. Personal growth is a daily event. Eventually you will find your passion. Passion is no ordinary word.

Words can heal and hurt, it's our choice. Choices can be the difference. Differences are necessary for a successful team. Teamwork is at the core of successful business. Business is about people. People should give more than receive. Receiving help is a sign of strength. Strengthen your focus. Focus on who's important in your life. Life is about now. Now is the time for us to move.

Moving will make us grow.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | Leadership and management consultant helping leaders, teams, and companies get clear on their goals and results.

istock

12 Years Since

12 years since that crisp blue Tuesday morning sky was shattered. 12 years since confusion commenced while anger and fear increased.

12 years since terrorists cut almost 3,000 lives short and injured 6,000. 12 years since, there have been many tragedies, wars, victims, and death.

12 years since we remember where we were that fateful day. 12 years since we vowed we would be kinder and gentler to each other. 12 years since we were reminded of the fragility of life and to live every last moment.

12 years since, there have been many happy moments, great victories, and incredible advancements. 12 years since we promised to be better to each other.

12 years since, let's keep that promise.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann

September 11 Memorial