The Silence of the Lion
August 29, 2009
Last night I watched part of “Remembering Ted Kennedy” on MSNBC. In just a few moments, the person I grew up watching, “The Lion of the Senate”, was larger than ever before. It seems as though he did as many great things out of the public eye as he did before the camera. I was so impressed with his multitude of accomplishments and the tremendous work he did on behalf of the disadvantaged.
I was fascinated by those who spoke so passionately about “Teddy” the father, family patriarch, ardent fighter for healthcare and great lover of the sea. The night belonged to him through the touching words of John Kerry, John Culver, Orin Hatch,Thomas M. Menino, John McCain, Joe Biden and his niece Carolyn Kennedy Schlossberg(more to come). What was so amazing about the politicians was their warmth, humor, admiration, humility and eloquence in speaking about Senator Kennedy. Thru their funny stories, antidotes and tales of behind the scenes negotiations, they spoke as friends, colleagues and admirers of the senate icon. The sounds emanating from their voices were warm, loving and reverent.
As I watched and listened, I couldn’t help but think, why can’t you all be like that all the time? (Or maybe most of the time?, ok-every now and then?) Why can’t you play nice and be as bipartisan while doing the “work of the people”?
Ted Kennedy was a great example of what can be accomplished when we work together towards a common goal.
Politicians seem to always have their game face on, doing battle and obstructing. It’s not pretty to watch or listen to. I know it’s way too simplistic to expect and want so much more from those we choose to lead us, but hey why not?
It’s all about Life-Communicate
August 25, 2009
Today my wife Vickie and I celebrate 34 years of marriage. As the special day approached, we’ve talked about many reasons our marriage has succeeded: our love for each other, the commitment we made, our three sons and our two precious grandchildren.
One reason we don’t speak about often, yet do all day is, communicate. We talk about everything! It’s a key reason our marriage has thrived.
My Communication Workshops are based on eight communication Life Skills. I call them Life Skills because they are about life: in business, relationships, community, social and our beliefs. Life is so much better when we are communicating effectively and really thinking about others.
I think often about what an important role communication plays in our lives. How do I have a conversation with Vickie without eye contact? If I speak continuously without pausing, am I showing regard for her? If I speak without passion, how will she know how I really feel and what I truly believe?
Communication like love and so many other things is often taken for granted. Have you taken a communication inventory lately? Do you communicate with the other person in mind? Do you listen to learn? Do you communicate to influence and inspire?
One of the key reasons for our successful 34 years is our commitment to work continuously on our communication.
Communication, it’s for Life, Love and Happiness.
Write it like you say it
August 23, 2009
Several months ago I was speaking with Rachel Pearson, past president of IABC Phoenix. I had asked her about getting more involved in the chapter. She suggested I volunteer for something that was out of my comfort zone. What could that be? Um, writing! So I volunteered to be the Content Coordinator for the IABC Phoenix Edit Express.
I share this with you because as a Communications Catalyst, it’s assumed I’m a credible writer. Just like anything else, the Communication field has many facets; verbal, written, strategic, media, training and on and on.
My expertise is verbal communications, helping and coaching my clients to be more effective oral communicators. One would not come to me for my editing or written commentary skill. I do feel I am proficient, just not the subject matter expert.
Writing a blog, as Rachel would put it, is out of my comfort zone. It’s so much easier and effective for me, to just say it. I understand the appeal of blogs. One has the ability to reach hundreds, thousands and for some even millions. That in itself can be daunting.
As I’m writing this, it is somewhat easier than I had thought. I’m sure like most things it gets better the more you do it. In my communication workshops, I’ll have participants do a presentation over again several times, knowing they get better each time.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll keep posting and my writing will get better.
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