I saw this as a comment to one of the news feeds online... I don't know the author and I did not change their spelling or grammar... I am posting purely on the merit of the content... Why do we allow Congress to do what they do? And for so long?
FROM THE COMMENT:
The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.
Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.
Copy and forward this to a minimum of twenty people in your address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
Congressional Reform Act of 2011
1. Term Limits.
12 years only, one of the possible options below..
A. Two Six-year Senate terms
B. Six Two-year House terms
C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms
2. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
What is the next big thing?
In any business we are often forced to ask ourselves, what is the next big thing? I have spent many years in the financial services arena. And from the very beginning of my career, that very question has always been in the forefront.
When I started we made small loans $300 - $1,500 and we asked, "What’s the next big thing?" Then we raised the loan limits... at one point we were actually loaning people up to $10,000 on an unsecured basis... and we asked, 'what's the next big thing?"
Eventually we began to make Real Estate secured loans and we still asked, "what's the next big thing?" Well Loan Brokers became the rage and 'sub-prime mortgages came into vogue... Soon investors developed an appetite for the so-called sub-prime loan and then big banks got into the fray. And still we asked, "What’s the next big thing?"
Then came the implosion of the Sub-Prime market and then the total Real Estate bubble burst... Today the Loan Servicers are now in the forefront, they are dealing with massive delinquencies, loss-mitigation, foreclosures and shadow inventory. And guess what the question is that they are asking? You got it, "What is the next big thing?"
When I started we made small loans $300 - $1,500 and we asked, "What’s the next big thing?" Then we raised the loan limits... at one point we were actually loaning people up to $10,000 on an unsecured basis... and we asked, 'what's the next big thing?"
Then came the implosion of the Sub-Prime market and then the total Real Estate bubble burst... Today the Loan Servicers are now in the forefront, they are dealing with massive delinquencies, loss-mitigation, foreclosures and shadow inventory. And guess what the question is that they are asking? You got it, "What is the next big thing?"
While attending the Mortgage Servicing Conference in Dallas Texas the week of 4/5/2011 the answer included shadow inventories, outsourcing and a new phrase was coined, "strategic default"... that is when the house across the street from you has lost so much value that letting your house go back to the bank is a strategic way of thinking.
So what IS the next big thing? During the conference it was proclaimed that mortgage defaults are no longer delinquency problems but they are marketing problems... there are not enough skilled sales people on the servicing teams that can sell customers on the virtues of loan modifications and the like... Guess what, the servicers will look for more skilled sales people, like the old lending type Account Executives...
What’s the next big thing you ask? It appears we have come full circle. I doubt that we will ever see the undisciplined (and unregulated) days of the past. But I do expect that the mortgage lending business is bouncing back...
And when it has completed its cycle, I have but one question... what is the next big thing?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
7 Invaluable Skills You Learn in Toastmasters
Wow, I cannot beleive that this is my first post of 2011! I must become more active... a post every week at the minimum! At any rate, I found an article by Madeline Kolb that was so good that I am re-posting here...
7 Invaluable Skills You Learn in Toastmasters
by Madeleine Kolb on August 25, 2009
My first real job involved occasional public speaking, and looking back I’d have to assess my performance as “uneven.” Sometimes I was relaxed and confident, other times, quite nervous. Sometimes I connected with the audience, other times, I didn’t even come close.
I was frustrated because I wanted to be a good speaker all the time, not just from time to time. But I’d never had training in public speaking. Until the day–many, many years later– that I got up my nerve and walked into a Toastmasters meeting.
There I was warmly welcomed and sat back to enjoy the proceedings. I went back the next week and the week after and then I joined. That was over 9 years and 70 some speeches ago. As I expected, I became a better public speaker. An unexpected bonus, however, was the other invaluable skills which you learn in Toastmasters.
1. How to write for the ear
Writing a speech is different from writing a report or an article. A speech is more informal, more conversational: You need to write for the ear rather than for the eye. Writing speeches has taught me how to do that. And as an unexpected bonus, it has improved all my writing.
2. How to prepare different types of speeches for different occasions
In Toastmasters, you learn to write and present not just a speech but many types of speeches, such as informative, persuasive, and entertaining. This involves selecting a topic that fits, doing research in some cases, writing and re-writing, putting together any props or visual aids, and then practicing it over and over.
Some examples of titles and types of speeches I’ve given are:
How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver–A Demonstration Speech (using a human prop)
Multi-tasking Madness– A Humorous Speech (which was actually on a serious topic but had a humorous opening and conclusion), and
Travels through Time and Space–An After-dinner Speech (about my love of reading)
3. How to use personal stories in a good way
There’s nothing more effective in enhancing your own credibility and connecting with an audience than using personal stories. People love these stories and learn from them.
In my professional career in technical, regulatory fields, there wasn’t much opportunity for personal storytelling. But in TM I’ve learned to incorporate stories from my personal experience.
I’ve also learned that using personal stories is delicate. And here’s why:
Talking about a terrible personal experience which happened recently–such as a death in the family–is not a good idea. I’ve seen speakers break down while doing this because they’re still processing the event. It’s much too early to speak about it to a roomful of people.
Giving TMI (too much information) makes people in the audience squirmy and uncomfortable, and
Talking about family members in a way which threatens their privacy or trust is not right. I use a lot of stories which include family members, and I’m conscious of the need to be respectful. My youngest child has provided some great speech material over the years, and I have often talked about her. I’ve also talked about my first date with my BF who’s a member of my current TM club. (It was an unusual and wonderful date, but I would never use that story in a speech if it made him even a little bit uncomfortable.)
4. How to conduct enjoyable meetings that end on time
Each meeting has a designated TM who does much of the behind-the-scenes preparation, such as contacting the speakers and others, preparing an agenda, selecting a theme for the meeting, such as School Daze or Singing in the Rain (hey, it’s Seattle), making entertaining remarks related to the theme to get things warmed up, introducing the speakers, and keeping the meeting running smoothly.
And that’s when everything goes well. Being the TM also requires coming up with a Plan B when things don’t go so well, such as when traffic is even slower than usual and the first two speakers are stuck on an interstate highway somewhere.
5. How to give supportive evaluations to help other speakers improve
At TM meetings, every speaker gets an evaluation. The evaluator talks about what the speaker did well and suggests ways to make the speech even better. When I evaluate a speaker, I usually try to figure out the one or two things which would help him make the biggest improvement in the shortest amount of time.
An unexpected bonus in learning to give evaluations has been the ability to evaluate others and help them to improve outside of TM. For example, I’ve used my skills to help friends prepare for a job interview. We role-play the interview, and I evaluate my friend’s responses: What she did well and suggestions for improvement in the real interview.
6. How to benefit from evaluations without getting defensive
At first I found it a bit unnerving to be evaluated at a TM meeting, but the take-away message is always supportive: you did some things very well, and here are some things you could do to make your speech even better.
The model for learning to be a good public speaker is the same as the model for learning just about anything. You try it, get some feedback, try it again using the feedback you got last time, get some more feedback, and so on. And it works!
7. How to answer a question you didn’t expect when you don’t have time to think
Most TM meetings have a section called Table Topics where a designated Topic Master asks a question and calls on a member to answer. The question could be anything:
What’s the worse job you ever had? If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? If you could have a different job, what would it be?
The member stands up–and with virtually no time to think–gives as coherent an answer as he can. Doing this every week builds skill in impromptu speaking which is is a huge help in those real-world situations where a co-worker suddenly turns to you in a meeting and says, “So, Arnold, what do you think about this?”
If you want to learn these invaluable skills; meet interesting, intelligent, and very supportive people; and have a huge amount of fun in the process, I highly recommend Toastmasters. To find a group near you, go to http://www.toastmasters.or/g and search on country, state, and city to find clubs in your area.
7 Invaluable Skills You Learn in Toastmasters
by Madeleine Kolb on August 25, 2009
My first real job involved occasional public speaking, and looking back I’d have to assess my performance as “uneven.” Sometimes I was relaxed and confident, other times, quite nervous. Sometimes I connected with the audience, other times, I didn’t even come close.
I was frustrated because I wanted to be a good speaker all the time, not just from time to time. But I’d never had training in public speaking. Until the day–many, many years later– that I got up my nerve and walked into a Toastmasters meeting.
There I was warmly welcomed and sat back to enjoy the proceedings. I went back the next week and the week after and then I joined. That was over 9 years and 70 some speeches ago. As I expected, I became a better public speaker. An unexpected bonus, however, was the other invaluable skills which you learn in Toastmasters.
1. How to write for the ear
Writing a speech is different from writing a report or an article. A speech is more informal, more conversational: You need to write for the ear rather than for the eye. Writing speeches has taught me how to do that. And as an unexpected bonus, it has improved all my writing.
2. How to prepare different types of speeches for different occasions
In Toastmasters, you learn to write and present not just a speech but many types of speeches, such as informative, persuasive, and entertaining. This involves selecting a topic that fits, doing research in some cases, writing and re-writing, putting together any props or visual aids, and then practicing it over and over.
Some examples of titles and types of speeches I’ve given are:
How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver–A Demonstration Speech (using a human prop)
Multi-tasking Madness– A Humorous Speech (which was actually on a serious topic but had a humorous opening and conclusion), and
Travels through Time and Space–An After-dinner Speech (about my love of reading)
3. How to use personal stories in a good way
There’s nothing more effective in enhancing your own credibility and connecting with an audience than using personal stories. People love these stories and learn from them.
In my professional career in technical, regulatory fields, there wasn’t much opportunity for personal storytelling. But in TM I’ve learned to incorporate stories from my personal experience.
I’ve also learned that using personal stories is delicate. And here’s why:
Talking about a terrible personal experience which happened recently–such as a death in the family–is not a good idea. I’ve seen speakers break down while doing this because they’re still processing the event. It’s much too early to speak about it to a roomful of people.
Giving TMI (too much information) makes people in the audience squirmy and uncomfortable, and
Talking about family members in a way which threatens their privacy or trust is not right. I use a lot of stories which include family members, and I’m conscious of the need to be respectful. My youngest child has provided some great speech material over the years, and I have often talked about her. I’ve also talked about my first date with my BF who’s a member of my current TM club. (It was an unusual and wonderful date, but I would never use that story in a speech if it made him even a little bit uncomfortable.)
4. How to conduct enjoyable meetings that end on time
Each meeting has a designated TM who does much of the behind-the-scenes preparation, such as contacting the speakers and others, preparing an agenda, selecting a theme for the meeting, such as School Daze or Singing in the Rain (hey, it’s Seattle), making entertaining remarks related to the theme to get things warmed up, introducing the speakers, and keeping the meeting running smoothly.
And that’s when everything goes well. Being the TM also requires coming up with a Plan B when things don’t go so well, such as when traffic is even slower than usual and the first two speakers are stuck on an interstate highway somewhere.
5. How to give supportive evaluations to help other speakers improve
At TM meetings, every speaker gets an evaluation. The evaluator talks about what the speaker did well and suggests ways to make the speech even better. When I evaluate a speaker, I usually try to figure out the one or two things which would help him make the biggest improvement in the shortest amount of time.
An unexpected bonus in learning to give evaluations has been the ability to evaluate others and help them to improve outside of TM. For example, I’ve used my skills to help friends prepare for a job interview. We role-play the interview, and I evaluate my friend’s responses: What she did well and suggestions for improvement in the real interview.
6. How to benefit from evaluations without getting defensive
At first I found it a bit unnerving to be evaluated at a TM meeting, but the take-away message is always supportive: you did some things very well, and here are some things you could do to make your speech even better.
The model for learning to be a good public speaker is the same as the model for learning just about anything. You try it, get some feedback, try it again using the feedback you got last time, get some more feedback, and so on. And it works!
7. How to answer a question you didn’t expect when you don’t have time to think
Most TM meetings have a section called Table Topics where a designated Topic Master asks a question and calls on a member to answer. The question could be anything:
What’s the worse job you ever had? If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? If you could have a different job, what would it be?
The member stands up–and with virtually no time to think–gives as coherent an answer as he can. Doing this every week builds skill in impromptu speaking which is is a huge help in those real-world situations where a co-worker suddenly turns to you in a meeting and says, “So, Arnold, what do you think about this?”
If you want to learn these invaluable skills; meet interesting, intelligent, and very supportive people; and have a huge amount of fun in the process, I highly recommend Toastmasters. To find a group near you, go to http://www.toastmasters.or/g and search on country, state, and city to find clubs in your area.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Merry Christmas Mr. President
The reality is that our President has spearheaded one of the most effective “Lame Duck” sessions in many years. I find it ironic that the critics complain that he moves to slow, he does not do enough and they also complain that he tries to do too much… the bottom line is that no matter what, the critics will always do what critics do…
And President Obama is doing exactly what he said he would do within the realm of his authority and is working with a Congress that is like pushing a boulder uphill with many of the 535 congress men and women pushing it back down the hill…
By the way, Mr. Obama’s family left for vacation without him… below is what he has accomplished over the past several days;
• START ~ Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
• DADT ~ Repeal of the military "don't ask, don't tell" policy gives a major victory to advocates of gay rights and fulfilling a campaign promise to do away with a practice that he has called discriminatory.
• Food Safety bill passed by a 75 – 23 vote margin
• 911 First Responders Bill
• Stop Gap Budget
It is now time to join your family Mr. President... Merry Christmas to you and your family and thank you for your service to our great nation.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Blaming the Black Man
Jill Quigg, who starred in the 2007 film
"Gone Baby Gone," was arrested Friday
after police were called about a break-in.
(AP)
Sometimes it is easy to write a blog… most of this posting is from an AP news story; A news story regarding a popular trend of the guilty blaming their bad acts on “a black man”… For any one believing that some “cry racism” too much please read on…
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 4:35 am
By: Associated Press
QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — An actress acclaimed for her tough-talking performance in the 2007 film "Gone Baby Gone" is facing charges after she and another man allegedly broke into a neighbor's apartment south of Boston and then tried to blame it on a black man, police said Tuesday.
Jill Quigg, 35, of Quincy, who played the role of Dottie in the movie directed by Ben Affleck, was arrested Friday after police were called about a break-in at a Quincy apartment, according to police.
Quincy Lt. Jack Sullivan said Quigg and Georgios Keskinidis, 28, of Lynn, were stopped near the apartment and told police that a black man had broken into it and was running off with a 32-inch flat screen television and a new computer printer.
"That's when the suspects said they all of a sudden became crime fighters," Sullivan said.
Sullivan said the pair told police they chased the man as he dropped the items and got into a getaway vehicle. The pair also told police they kept the items in Quigg's apartment.
However, Sullivan said witnesses at the scene identified Quigg and Keskinidis as the ones leaving the apartment.
Quigg and Keskinidis, pleaded not guilty Monday in Quincy District Court to breaking and entering during the day, larceny of more than $250 and wanton destruction of property worth more than $250.
Both were released on personal recognizance
How is that for a mental picture… a black man running with a 42” television under one arm and a computer printer under the other, in hot pursuit by these two idiots! "C'mon people!"
There are at least 2 disturbing questions left behind in this fiasco; 1. How damaging is this trend to the profiling and stereotyping of the African American race? 2. If a black man had indeed been charged for this crime, would he have been; ‘released on his own recognizances?’
Rod
Thursday, October 14, 2010
One of the Things I Love About Houston
I have lived in Houston for the past 6 years... One of the things that I loved from the moment that I moved here is the diversity of the city. Houston is the epitome of what it means when we say "melting pot" to refer to our great country!
The Houston Mayor Annise Parker was in attendance along with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee... (Seated at the table next to mine) A lot of money was raised and a great time had by all...
This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending the National Society of Hispanic Professionals "meet and greet/mixer..." it was a tremendous affair that allowed all in attendance to network, with new friends... and build on existing relationships.
The same diversity can be seen in my affiliations across District 56 Toastmasters ... People from all nationalities coming together to encourage and help each other develop their communication and leadership skills. I have met many new friends and continue to do so daily.
Yes, Houston indeed is the epitome of our so called "melting pot"... and I am glad to be a member of this fantastic community!
Rod
Monday, October 11, 2010
Intimidating?!!!
I was having a discussion with my daughter last week and during that discussion she said, "Dad you are intimidating." I said "no way..." She said yes, "you can be intimidating as hell!" I asked, "What do I do that is intimidating?"
She told me, "Dad, all you have to do is walk into a room... it is the way you carry yourself... the way you talk, the way you clear your throat... the way you look at people..."
Readers, I have a question for you... do any of you share her opinion? If so (just for fun) please send me a brief comment on your experience with me... Example finish the following sentences... "When I first met you I thought... or I would never approach you because...
Rod
She told me, "Dad, all you have to do is walk into a room... it is the way you carry yourself... the way you talk, the way you clear your throat... the way you look at people..."
Rod
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Encouragement
I went roller skating with my daughter last Thursday… As always it was enjoyable, the time spent with my loved ones always is… However this day came with a bonus…
While trying to maintain my own balance I happen to notice a little boy about 5 years old. He was having an extremely difficult time staying up right! Every 6 or 7 steps down he went! The little boy was determined but never could make it around the rink without falling several times. This went on for about 15 or 20 minutes.
At one point he just laid on the floor, not injured, but just so frustrated because he knew that he could do it! Just when I thought he was ready to give up, he jumped up again and then down again… His sister, after seeing her brother fall for the umpteenth time… And who could barely stay upright, took his hand and then I witnessed something that warmed my heart and gave me insight to what encouragement is really about.
After taking his hand the little boy was able to make it further around the rink than he had all night. As a matter of fact with the encouragement and support from his sister he gained enough confidence to free his hand and continue around on his own… Both the brother and sister made it a full turn without falling and as they skated toward their grandfather (both extremely excited) down they went!
It was a very cute scene but the message cannot go unnoticed… We all can accomplish much more with encouragement, support and teamwork than we ever can by going it alone.
A few days ago I posted the following on my ‘FB’ page, “Everything worthwhile that I have accomplished in my life was in direct proportion to the encouragement and support that I received…”
Witnessing this experience tells me that I was right on point! Encourage someone every day and let’s help everyone we touch become the success that they are meant to be!!!
Rod
"Success is in direct proportion to the encouragement we receive"
While trying to maintain my own balance I happen to notice a little boy about 5 years old. He was having an extremely difficult time staying up right! Every 6 or 7 steps down he went! The little boy was determined but never could make it around the rink without falling several times. This went on for about 15 or 20 minutes.
At one point he just laid on the floor, not injured, but just so frustrated because he knew that he could do it! Just when I thought he was ready to give up, he jumped up again and then down again… His sister, after seeing her brother fall for the umpteenth time… And who could barely stay upright, took his hand and then I witnessed something that warmed my heart and gave me insight to what encouragement is really about.
After taking his hand the little boy was able to make it further around the rink than he had all night. As a matter of fact with the encouragement and support from his sister he gained enough confidence to free his hand and continue around on his own… Both the brother and sister made it a full turn without falling and as they skated toward their grandfather (both extremely excited) down they went!
It was a very cute scene but the message cannot go unnoticed… We all can accomplish much more with encouragement, support and teamwork than we ever can by going it alone.
A few days ago I posted the following on my ‘FB’ page, “Everything worthwhile that I have accomplished in my life was in direct proportion to the encouragement and support that I received…”
Witnessing this experience tells me that I was right on point! Encourage someone every day and let’s help everyone we touch become the success that they are meant to be!!!
Rod
"Success is in direct proportion to the encouragement we receive"
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday Best
Elder Goldwire McClendon -
There is a show on BET called Sunday Best... The show is a Gospel Singing competition and this year it features the 79 year old McClendon and all I can say is Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! His performance brought all three judges to their feet along with everyone in the audience... a standing ovation in a competition that favors the young...
Mr. Goldwire shows tremenous vocal variety, fantastic stage presence and a genuine annointing from the holy spirit. My wife and I were literally brought to tears and this I did not mind showing my emotion... I was choked up and could not speak...
Judge Donnie McClerkin was at a lost for words too and only had a "shout" in him... he broke out in a song and a preach... It was truly an incredible experience and I can't wait for trhe next time Elder sings...
For those of you that are on Face Book, I have posted the You Tube video on my FB page...
Praise his holy name and Happy Mother's Day!
There is a show on BET called Sunday Best... The show is a Gospel Singing competition and this year it features the 79 year old McClendon and all I can say is Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! His performance brought all three judges to their feet along with everyone in the audience... a standing ovation in a competition that favors the young...
Mr. Goldwire shows tremenous vocal variety, fantastic stage presence and a genuine annointing from the holy spirit. My wife and I were literally brought to tears and this I did not mind showing my emotion... I was choked up and could not speak...
Judge Donnie McClerkin was at a lost for words too and only had a "shout" in him... he broke out in a song and a preach... It was truly an incredible experience and I can't wait for trhe next time Elder sings...
For those of you that are on Face Book, I have posted the You Tube video on my FB page...
Praise his holy name and Happy Mother's Day!
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Gavel Club Experience
I had an awesome experience today!
I am a of member of Toastmasters International in Sugarland TX... Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.
Today I, along with 3 of my fellow Toastmasters, we conducted a demonstration for a group of young people. They are home schooled students and their parents/teachers are getting them involved in Toastmasters...
The is an minimum age requirement for TM of 18 years of age... So they must participate as Gavel Club members...
I beleive that I had more fun than those young people did... the whole experienced reminded me that there are so many ways to "give back" other than giving monetary contributions...
Rod
I am a of member of Toastmasters International in Sugarland TX... Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.
Today I, along with 3 of my fellow Toastmasters, we conducted a demonstration for a group of young people. They are home schooled students and their parents/teachers are getting them involved in Toastmasters...
The is an minimum age requirement for TM of 18 years of age... So they must participate as Gavel Club members...
I beleive that I had more fun than those young people did... the whole experienced reminded me that there are so many ways to "give back" other than giving monetary contributions...
Rod
Thursday, January 14, 2010
ABCs of A Successful Life
I would like to share the speech that I gave during my Toastmaster's meeting last night... The speech was inspired by the late R&B singer Luther Vandross... Luther was such a soulful singer that he was once challenged to "sing the ABCs" and he put the letters together as if it were a Top 10 hit on the Billboard charts!
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I am no singer, but I do someday hope to be as good of a "Public Speaker" as Luther was a singer. So I decided to try my hand at "speaking" the ABCs...
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The speech is a giant acronym using all 26 letters in the alphabet to inform, entertain, inspire and teach us ways to live a better life... So let's get started!
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Always Be Consistent - Consistency builds trust and trust builds strong relationships...
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Do everything Enthusiastically and Fundamentally - Enthusiasm and Fundamentals build confidence. Confidence builds your future...
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Good Health Increases opportunities - Proper diet and exercise is a must... Not the fad diets that are out there... I am speaking of portion control, instead of eating from a dinner plate use your salad plate, it will help remain conscience of your portions. Exercise at least three days per week, 30 minutes per day. Walking is as beneficial (if not more) than running... It is a great idea to invest in a personal trainer... If you need one call my daughter! :-) Proper diet and consistent execise will reduce health cost and make us all feel better... I have known people that have lost wieght and were able to discontinue medication that was necessary due to their wieght.
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Journal, Knowledge and Life Coaching - Invest in a writing tablet suitable for journal(ing), start a habit of writing down every significant thing that happens to you daily. In five years you will have enough information to write your first book! Develop a thirst for knowledge, read a book every week, enroll in a class to learn a new skill, vow to learn something new every day. Life Coaching is expensive, but if you can afford the investment I suggest that you get involved as soon as possible! I used a (Success Coach) for 2 years and it changed my life. Sue Pistone, of Sue Pistone and Associates helped me to establish my life goals and I am happy to say that with her help I am realizing most of them.
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Most No(s) are Opportunities for Probing - In sales and in life when someone tells you "no", what they are saying is that you have not given them enough information to say yes. It is your opportunity to ask questions designed to find out what they really want and what they need. Ask them opened ended questions that will elicit the most information... Ask how who, what, when, where why. After proper probing you will be armed to give the information needed to gain the yes you want...
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Quitters never win and winners never quit - sometimes it is just necessary to step out on your faith. What I am saying is that over my career I have seen so many people quit on things in their lives and miss out on the blessing that was intended. People quit jobs, quit school, quit on relationships and in the sad cases of suicide quit on life. When we quit we never know what might have been... don't quit!
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Remeber, Success Takes Undersatnding - You must understand your purpose, you must understand your people (employees and customers) and you must understand your purpose. I have seen so many businesses suffer because people at all levels did not understand these things. High employee turn over, loss of business... it is imperative that we take the time to get this right...
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Visualize Winning Every day and X marks the spot - "If you can conceive it and beleive it, you can acheive it!" Visualize being the winner that you are, every day! And X marks the spot just means that you must start where you are, use what you have and do what you can...
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You - Contrary to popular belief, life really is 'all about you'... a bit of narcissism is healthy. You don't have to look any further than what happens when we board an airplane. The flight attendant always advises, "In case of loss in cabin pressure, the oxegyn masks will drop. In that unlikely event, please put on your own mask first, then help others around you." The bottom line is that you will not be good to anyone else until you take care of yourself. Zig Ziglar always says, "You can have everything in life that You want, if You will just help enough other people get what they want." So yes even when you help others... it is all about you!
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Zip it! (Tiger Woods not withstanding) Although he would have benefitted greatly from this advice! But what I am talking about here is that we must learn to listen to each other. We must learn to use our 2 ears and 1 mouth in proportion. We must know when to Zip It! When to be quiet... heck it is in the Constitution! You have the right to remain silent and everything you say WILL be used against you! (Well that is what my wife tells me all the time!) Well it is time for me to zip it... I hope that you have found the material as useful as I have and I hope that the information will add value to your lives...
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Thank you...
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
I think this is awesome so I decided to post it… This is also the name of the new movie out on South Africa's Nelson Mandela....
"Invictus"
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole;
I thank whatever gods may be; For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chanceMy head is bloody; but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears looms but the Horror of the shade; And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll; I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
My Toastmasters Ice Breaker Speech
The goal of the Ice Breaker speech was to speak to the group about myself and this is what I said...
Dance With My Father
"Several years ago, Luther Vandross recorded a song entitled; "Dance with My Father.” I know that I am supposed to speak about myself, but I could not begin to speak about myself without speaking about my dad… You see, my dad saved my life…
I would like to tell you how… When I was 18 years old, I was unemployed, and I was not in college and had no direction for my life… Without going into the gory details of one particular evening, my dad came home from his job and there I was at home… my girl friend was upstairs.
Dad came home, loaded me and my girl friend into his car drove my girl friend home, (The funny part is that I had my own car) and took me to a hotel… Dad took me to a room on the second floor; he advised me that he had paid for two nights. He handed me two one hundred dollar bills, shook my hand and said, “Good luck son.” And he left me in that room. (My dad was the inventor of tough love…)
After the door closed, I started to cry… I happened to look up and see myself in the mirror and at that moment I stopped crying… And made two decisions; first, I would never cry again and that I would never be broke… I am now 54 years old and I can honestly tell you that I was wrong on both accounts.
The next day I went out, got myself a job and found myself a place to live… About a year later my girl friend and I got married; I went to school at night and earned my Associates Degree…
I am proud to say that my wife and I will celebrate our (can’t tell you which) wedding anniversary next year…
We have a beautiful 26 year old daughter who is a graduate of Indiana State University; our son is 23 and a senior at Marian University in Indianapolis IN… We have a beautiful granddaughter, “Sanyia Elyse”… and now I know why people used to say we ought to have our grand-kids first…
I enjoyed a 30 year career in the mortgage business and all that time was seniority with the same company.
My mother and brother live in Detroit Michigan with most of our family and both have been a blessing to me…
My dad developed “Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease” and he passed at the early age of 66 years old… While Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease, it does sometime have its lighter side… dad was already in a nursing home because he had began to lose his memory and was wandering around… we would often pick him up from the nursing home on the weekends and take him home… on one such trip (even though he no longer remembered our names) we happened to pass by that hotel. Dad got a “gleam” in his eye as he pointed to the hotel, then he smiled and pointed to me as if to say, well done son, well done… My dad passed away in 2002 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease…
We miss dad very much and have many memories, but I will never forget the night that he saved my life, and I only wish that I could; “Dance with My Father Again…”"
Dance With My Father
"Several years ago, Luther Vandross recorded a song entitled; "Dance with My Father.” I know that I am supposed to speak about myself, but I could not begin to speak about myself without speaking about my dad… You see, my dad saved my life…
I would like to tell you how… When I was 18 years old, I was unemployed, and I was not in college and had no direction for my life… Without going into the gory details of one particular evening, my dad came home from his job and there I was at home… my girl friend was upstairs.
Dad came home, loaded me and my girl friend into his car drove my girl friend home, (The funny part is that I had my own car) and took me to a hotel… Dad took me to a room on the second floor; he advised me that he had paid for two nights. He handed me two one hundred dollar bills, shook my hand and said, “Good luck son.” And he left me in that room. (My dad was the inventor of tough love…)
After the door closed, I started to cry… I happened to look up and see myself in the mirror and at that moment I stopped crying… And made two decisions; first, I would never cry again and that I would never be broke… I am now 54 years old and I can honestly tell you that I was wrong on both accounts.
The next day I went out, got myself a job and found myself a place to live… About a year later my girl friend and I got married; I went to school at night and earned my Associates Degree…
I am proud to say that my wife and I will celebrate our (can’t tell you which) wedding anniversary next year…
We have a beautiful 26 year old daughter who is a graduate of Indiana State University; our son is 23 and a senior at Marian University in Indianapolis IN… We have a beautiful granddaughter, “Sanyia Elyse”… and now I know why people used to say we ought to have our grand-kids first…
I enjoyed a 30 year career in the mortgage business and all that time was seniority with the same company.
My mother and brother live in Detroit Michigan with most of our family and both have been a blessing to me…
My dad developed “Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease” and he passed at the early age of 66 years old… While Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease, it does sometime have its lighter side… dad was already in a nursing home because he had began to lose his memory and was wandering around… we would often pick him up from the nursing home on the weekends and take him home… on one such trip (even though he no longer remembered our names) we happened to pass by that hotel. Dad got a “gleam” in his eye as he pointed to the hotel, then he smiled and pointed to me as if to say, well done son, well done… My dad passed away in 2002 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease…
We miss dad very much and have many memories, but I will never forget the night that he saved my life, and I only wish that I could; “Dance with My Father Again…”"
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Selling; Art or Science? Or both?
Selling is a cross between an art and science… It is an art because some people become good enough at it that it truly takes on an art form… We say they are born salespeople. Then there is the science of selling that indicates that the principles of openings, presentations and closings culminate into a sale whether you are a natural born sales person or not.
I am writing this blog to show that it does not matter whether you have a natural talent or if you have to work at it, combining the natural talent with the science of selling will make everyone even better…
I have used a compilation of information from Stephan Shiffman’s, “The 25 Most Common Sales Mistakes… And how to avoid them” as well as Rosalie Maggio’s, “How to Say It” (Choice Words, Phrases, Sentences & Paragraphs for Every Situation).
In Corporate America it is easy for these vital principles to become dwarfed by a company’s own policies, procedures and guidelines. There are always scripts, guidelines and rules that are designed for consistency, and this certainly makes good sense. However sometimes; when it comes down to delivering on the script, these rules take away all ability for the end user to “make it their own” …
This article will give you strategies that you will be able to integrate into your company’s established programs…
Mistakes we make;
#1. Not being Obsessed– This is a big one! Stephan Shiffman says, “You must like what you are doing for a living (selling) enough to become obsessed with it. Not fifteen-hours-a-day obsessed, but rather "I - have – absolutely – got – to – do - this – right – day – in – and – day – out obsessed."
He talks in terms of Obsession, Utilization and Implementation… Obsession requires a repetitive, second nature approach to sales… (The science) Utilization means utilizing everything at your disposal to increase your success. In a way it is being obsessed about getting the most from your environment… Implementation means just doing it; making the effort in the first place. All the sales books in the world will not help you if you do not try.
He talks in terms of Obsession, Utilization and Implementation… Obsession requires a repetitive, second nature approach to sales… (The science) Utilization means utilizing everything at your disposal to increase your success. In a way it is being obsessed about getting the most from your environment… Implementation means just doing it; making the effort in the first place. All the sales books in the world will not help you if you do not try.
#2. Not Listening to the Prospect – You must let the prospect speak about him or herself; the information you’ll receive as a result is invaluable. Always ask needs based questions and when your prospect wonders something aloud, give the person enough time to complete the thought. When your prospect asks you a pointed question, do your best to answer succinctly—then listen for the reaction. Allow the prospect to complete their sentences, never interrupt them. (Always allow them to interrupt you at any time in order to get more info from you).
#14. Trying to convince rather than convey – You have to commit to understanding the problems and concerns of the prospect, not steamrolling over them. And you have to work from there to show; to demonstrate, in a compelling way-how your product or service can address their relevant concerns. Mr. Schiffman’s 25 Most Common Sales Mistakes is a must read for all that want to succeed in sales.
“How to Say It”; Rosalie Maggio’s book is also a must read for the successful salesperson… I have shared some gems below… but you must read the book to get the full benefit… These gems can be integrated with your normal scripting… Consider them like seasoning for your sales recipes… I.e. these gems will “spice things up!”
“Sincerely sorry to hear that…”
“Until you are completely satisfied…”
“I hope you know how sorry we are for the problems you’ve experienced with this order…”
“I certainly do apologize for…”
“I am not excusing our/my errors, but…”
“Acquaint you with…”
“Add a new dimension to…”
“All of this at your fingertips…”
“Gives you your choice of / the opportunity to…”
“I think you will discover…”
“You will be joining the select company of those who…”
“Can make a dramatic difference to you…”
“Take advantage of this opportunity…”
“We expect a tremendous response to this offer, so…”
“We want to make it as easy as possible for you to order…”
Folks, these little ditties are but a microcosm of the information that is available to you in order to help you hone your skills and to help you turn your natural skills into the science and art of selling… the principles of selling work and I strongly encourage you to become obsessed with learning as much as possible about your chosen field. There are many books and seminars out there on the subject don’t stop until you have tried them all!
“A little something extra”;
If you don’t believe that how we say things makes a difference, consider this excerpt from Zig Ziglar’s “Closes, closes, closes… he speaks of an 8 word statement that takes on a new meaning depending upon which word the emphasis is placed on… The statement, “He did not steal money from her purse” try it, it is fun!
· “(He) did not steal money from her purse”
· “He (did) not steal money from her purse”
· “He did (not) steal money from her purse”
· “He did not (steal) money from her purse”
· “He did not steal (money) from her purse”
· “He did not steal money (from) her purse”
· “He did not steal money from (her) purse”
· “He did not steal money from her (purse)”
I am sure you can see how important the way we say things are as it relates to our success… Zig also says always ask for the sale and have fun selling!
Rod
Monday, May 25, 2009
Should Michael Vick be allowed to play football again?
To that question I say yes... Should he be allowed to own pets? Well that would be a different question...
I just finished reading an article and ensuing comments on Michael Vick’s release from jail after serving his sentence for promoting and participating in dog fighting. People still are calling for his head… When he played football many thought he was an excellent player, and many bought his jersey and other apparel… his team and his sponsors made a lot of money from his name… many of you reading this blog may have even coveted him for your fantasy football squad… and there are also as many people that thought he was over-rated.
What I am having trouble believing is that there are so many people out there that are so intolerant... I don't advocate that we should have tolerated the crime that Vick committed... quite the contrary.
But I do believe that our system of justice works better than any in the world and our system sentenced him to jail as penance for his crime... Whatever gains he received from his football career and the illegal dog fighting has been lost... His name has been totally and completely tarnished... He has filed for bankruptcy and now, even though he has paid what many will agree is more than his proverbial debt to society; many want him to serve a life sentence by suggesting he not be able to work in his chosen field?!!!
We are not saying he should not be allowed to own dogs or other animals… we are saying he should not play football! I am sorry, but this makes no sense to me…
I love dogs, and would not dream of mistreating my two… But Michael Vick did not create the business of dog fighting, he participated in this illegal act and got caught… he was cruel to the dogs and even killed some of them and he pled guilty and he accepted his punishment. It does not matter if he was an over-rated player or the best quarterback that ever graced the field... what matters is that he has charged for the crime and paid more for his crime than most… he should be allowed to move on... If we don't want to see him play football then we don't have to buy a ticket, or we do not have to tune in our TV sets... "Let he who is without sin..."
The reality for Mike Vick is that we live in a capitalistic society and money will (as it did when he was worshiped for his athletic ability) make the final determination… I would only hope that Mr. Vick will do more for animals in general and dogs in particular, than he did before all of this surfaced… he could become a card carrying member of PETA and use his celebrity to continue speaking out against the cruelty of animals. This would certainly do more for animals and society than refusing to allow him to make a living doing what he knows…
Good luck to you Mr. Vick... I believe you have paid enough…
I hope you resume your career and if you do, I hope you are prepared for the people whose opinion will definitely differ from mine…
I just finished reading an article and ensuing comments on Michael Vick’s release from jail after serving his sentence for promoting and participating in dog fighting. People still are calling for his head… When he played football many thought he was an excellent player, and many bought his jersey and other apparel… his team and his sponsors made a lot of money from his name… many of you reading this blog may have even coveted him for your fantasy football squad… and there are also as many people that thought he was over-rated.
What I am having trouble believing is that there are so many people out there that are so intolerant... I don't advocate that we should have tolerated the crime that Vick committed... quite the contrary.
But I do believe that our system of justice works better than any in the world and our system sentenced him to jail as penance for his crime... Whatever gains he received from his football career and the illegal dog fighting has been lost... His name has been totally and completely tarnished... He has filed for bankruptcy and now, even though he has paid what many will agree is more than his proverbial debt to society; many want him to serve a life sentence by suggesting he not be able to work in his chosen field?!!!
We are not saying he should not be allowed to own dogs or other animals… we are saying he should not play football! I am sorry, but this makes no sense to me…
I love dogs, and would not dream of mistreating my two… But Michael Vick did not create the business of dog fighting, he participated in this illegal act and got caught… he was cruel to the dogs and even killed some of them and he pled guilty and he accepted his punishment. It does not matter if he was an over-rated player or the best quarterback that ever graced the field... what matters is that he has charged for the crime and paid more for his crime than most… he should be allowed to move on... If we don't want to see him play football then we don't have to buy a ticket, or we do not have to tune in our TV sets... "Let he who is without sin..."
The reality for Mike Vick is that we live in a capitalistic society and money will (as it did when he was worshiped for his athletic ability) make the final determination… I would only hope that Mr. Vick will do more for animals in general and dogs in particular, than he did before all of this surfaced… he could become a card carrying member of PETA and use his celebrity to continue speaking out against the cruelty of animals. This would certainly do more for animals and society than refusing to allow him to make a living doing what he knows…
Good luck to you Mr. Vick... I believe you have paid enough…
I hope you resume your career and if you do, I hope you are prepared for the people whose opinion will definitely differ from mine…
Saturday, May 9, 2009
TSA - Not exactly on top of their Airport Security game
I traveled to Boca Raton Florida last week for business... it was my fourth trip in the last 5 weeks... I consider myself an experienced traveler... I pack my liquids in a quart size baggie... I take off my shoes, my belt... I remove my laptop from my carrying case and I place my cell phones and any other metal objects in the little bowls provided. I manage to do it all without holding up the line in the least...
But others are not so experienced and I watched an elderly lady trying to get through the check point... At first it was actually rather amusing... She first caught my eye because I noticed the very big hat she was wearing... As she approached the detector the TSA person asked her to remove the hat...
She complied and to the surprise and amusement of everyone that noticed, she had on a second hat, took that one off and had on a third! Apparently she was trying to carry her hats without having to pack them! It was very funny... but after I had gone through the check point I looked up and they still had the lady at the check point rummaging through her bags... this lady was about 80 years old and no more a terrorist than I am!
At this point I was more than mildly annoyed... But this is our system and they are doing this for our protection right? Yeah right! I finished putting on all of my gear and as I was putting my laptop in the bag I noticed that I had forgotten to take something from the bag... see below...
But others are not so experienced and I watched an elderly lady trying to get through the check point... At first it was actually rather amusing... She first caught my eye because I noticed the very big hat she was wearing... As she approached the detector the TSA person asked her to remove the hat...
She complied and to the surprise and amusement of everyone that noticed, she had on a second hat, took that one off and had on a third! Apparently she was trying to carry her hats without having to pack them! It was very funny... but after I had gone through the check point I looked up and they still had the lady at the check point rummaging through her bags... this lady was about 80 years old and no more a terrorist than I am!
At this point I was more than mildly annoyed... But this is our system and they are doing this for our protection right? Yeah right! I finished putting on all of my gear and as I was putting my laptop in the bag I noticed that I had forgotten to take something from the bag... see below...
Are you nervous yet?
Folks, not only did I pass through the Houston airport with the "letter opener" above... but I brought it back home through the Fort Lauderdale airport...
While I am glad that I did not have to go through the aggravation of them finding my letter opener... I would hope that the TSA would do a better screening job on what we take through the check points and less time harassing 80 year old patrons... Someone passing through with the letter opener above would certainly be able to do more harm than an 80 year old with a few hats...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Free Speech - Sometimes Cost Plenty
I know that many of you have seen and or heard more than enough of the cartoon published by the New York Post...
^
I defend the 'right to free speech'... But as a realist I know that even though the speech is free, someone usually has to 'pay a price'...
^
The police have just shot what is supposed to represent the rabid monkey that attacked the lady in Connecticut.
^
One thing that has not been talked about a lot is that on page 11 of the paper is a picture of President Obama signing the stimulus bill into law and on page 12 is the cartoon in question...
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The New York Post says that there was nothing racial intended. I want to know what you think...
^
What do you feel the post was really trying to say to us? What is the price tag on this type of rhetoric? Did you see the humor in it? How did it make you feel personally? Please post your comments in the comment section of the blog...
^
Rod White
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Don't Get it Twisted - Prominent Republicans Endorse Obama
This morning Colin Powell joined a long list of Republicans that have endorsed Democratic nominee Barack Obama for president of the United States...
It was not to long ago that America pegged and begged Colin Powell to run for President... he respectfully declined the notion... So it goes without saying that Mr. Powell is well respected on both sides of the aisle...
You might be wondering, "Rod, what's your point?" My point is that in spite of all of the negative campaigning from the McCain camp, there are many voters, Democrat and Republican that know the true measure of the man...
The following Powell quote is from the Associated Press;
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Powell said both Obama and Republican John McCain are qualified to be commander in chief. But he said Obama is better suited to handle the nation's economic problems as well as help improve its standing in the world.
"It isn't easy for me to disappoint Sen. McCain in the way that I have this morning, and I regret that," Powell, interviewed on NBC's "Meet the Press," said of his longtime friend, the Arizona senator.
"But I firmly believe that at this point in America's history, we need a president that will not just continue, even with a new face and with the changes and with some maverick aspects, who will not just continue basically the policies that we have been following in recent years," Powell said.
"It isn't easy for me to disappoint Sen. McCain in the way that I have this morning, and I regret that," Powell, interviewed on NBC's "Meet the Press," said of his longtime friend, the Arizona senator.
"But I firmly believe that at this point in America's history, we need a president that will not just continue, even with a new face and with the changes and with some maverick aspects, who will not just continue basically the policies that we have been following in recent years," Powell said.
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Ladies and Gents, Mr. Powell is not alone - the list of Republicans for Obama is long;
- Former Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee
- Fairbanks Alaska Republican mayor Jim Whitaker
- Former GOP Representative from Iowa - Jim Leach
- Virginia GOP Gov. Linwood Holton (1970 - 1974)
- Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan
- Bill Ruckelshaus - served with both Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan
- Susan Eisenhower, daughter of Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Julie "Nixon" Eisenhower - daughter of former Republican President Richard M. Nixon
- Republican Representative from Maryland - Wayne Gilchrest
In addition to the above, the above, the following Republican Newspapers that backed Bush in 2004 are now backing Obama in 2008;
- The Houston Chronicle
- The Austin American Statesman
- The Denver Post
- The Chicago Sun Times
- The Kansas City Star
- The Southwest News-Herald (Ill)
- The Atlanta Journal Constitution
- The Salt Lake Tribune
As a registered Democrat and Barack Obama supporter along with the millions of other Obama supporters, I know that we cannot all be wrong... But just for safe measure we should all understand that with this much Republican support that when Barack says that he can "reach across the aisle for bi-partisan support, that he is doing more than campaigning... he is telling it like it is... When Colin Powell says that Obama is the best choice for getting us out of this financial quagmire he is telling it like it is... When I tell you that this historic race transcends the race, age and gender issues I too am telling it like it is...
So let's not get it twisted, we are at a precipice... not to elect the first African American President, or the the first female Vice President... these are forgone conclusions... We are on the precipice to get our country's economy, and foreign affairs in order...
If the recovery of our economy and the restoration and maintenance of our proper place in the world is important to you, then your vote must be cast for Barack Obama...
My name is Rod White and I support Barack Obama
Friday, October 10, 2008
Age, Race, Sex and Religion
Age; John McCain
Race; Barack Obama
Sex; Sarah Palin
Religion; Catholic, Christian, Pentecostal
It appears that we may be getting close....
"Let's not judge people by the color of their skin... if you must judge, judge by the content of a person's character"
Race; Barack Obama
Sex; Sarah Palin
Religion; Catholic, Christian, Pentecostal
It appears that we may be getting close....
"Let's not judge people by the color of their skin... if you must judge, judge by the content of a person's character"
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Book Review - Laws of Lifetime Growth
I read a very good book this weekend... It was a quick read but had a powerful message. the name of the book is The laws of Lifetime Growth, Always Make Your Future Bigger Than Your Past...
The book was written by Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura...
My favorite chapters were;
The book was written by Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura...
My favorite chapters were;
- Always make your performance greater than your applause
Sullivan and Nomura use a great analogy that can serve well any any business... They are speaking of actors in a play... their premise is simple; "The true sign of a talented performer is that he or she can perform their same material over and over and make it seem different every time. Therefore, each performance offers a unique learning experience to the performer and a chance to test his or her skills in this new situation. But it has to be viewed this way for the learning to occur."
- Always make your gratitude greater than your success
"What we appreciate, appreciates. We see the value in the people and things through proactive gratitude. Once we see this value, we naturally treat these people and things with great respect."
- Always make your confidence greater than your fear
"Transforming fear into action... The biggest challenge to leaving our comfort zone is always fear: fear that we will fail, fear that someone will discover that we are not as good as they thought we were, fear that we'll lose something important, fear that people won't understand what we are doing-the list goes on. Confidence is the ability to transform these fears into focused thinking and action."
- Always make your questions greater than your answers
(By far my favorite) The duo suggest that we embrace what we don't know... "To keep asking good questions, you have to give up any fears you might have about not already having the answers or appearing ignorant. However there's another way to look at this. If you value great questions more than you do great answers, then whether or not you know the answer is immaterial."
As I said this is a great read with a lot of practical applications no matter your occupation... If you are truly interested in personal growth then this book is just the ticket!
Happy Reading!
Rod
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