Friend Sanford wrote an insightful piece on how being a jerk just doesn’t work….even and perhaps especially if the jerk happens to be brilliant and RIGHT about saving lives.   Please read his blog “Its Harder to Inspire the World if You are a Jerk”  (What I write below refernces Sanfords article.)

It got me remembering times where I have heard people complaining that “No One Listens.”…and within just seconds of listening to them complain… I know exactly why no one does.   They have an unpleasant tone, approach or spirit.  They are toxic, they are whiners, they present themselves poorly, and often struggle to get to the point.  They want to be heard, validated and even celebrated for their insight…but don’t seem to expend any effort on their presentation skills, language skills or the context that their “listeners” are listening from.  They are jerks…but don’t seem to know it, or wrongly believe that they shouldn’t have to think about how they come across.  In short we the idea holders are often the very biggest barriers to the solutions these ideas might provide because we haven’t yet learned how to communicate them in a way that is palatable to the world around us.

The best ideas don’t always win…. rather the ideas that win are the ones that are best communicated.

Two of my very favorite books on this subject are = Made to Stick and The Leaders Voice

When I think of how this Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis discovery could have saved so many lives if only he had not been such a jerk in how he shared his idea with others…. I am inspired to work harder on improving the way I communicate.  I may not save lives…but I may save some frustration in the lives of others ….and my own.

Kirk out

‎”A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths;

feels your fears but fortifies your faith;

sees your anxieties but frees your spirit;

recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.”

– William Arthur Ward

“To think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral down into ever increasing unhappiness.

To think good thoughts, however, requires an effort. This is one of the things that discipline – training – is about.” — James Clavell, in his novel “Shogun”

No Stinkin Thinking Allowed!

The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular worship leader was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute.

The substitute wanted to know what to play.
“Here’s a copy of the service,” the pastor said impatiently, “…but you’ll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances.”
During the service, the minister paused and said, “Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $14,000 more.

Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up.”
At that moment, the substitute worship leader played “The Star Spangled Banner.”
And that is how the substitute became the new worship leader.

“Life is a kaleidoscope. Turn your head a different angle and see it a whole new and beautiful way.” – Anonymous

Life throws so much at us but we have to keep moving forward, live it to the fullest and remember that whatever happens, it only made you stronger. ~Author Unknown

‎”When you have been through things in life you learn from them, rise above them and learn what is worth it and what isn’t. There will always be someone trying to push your buttons or play dumb with you. Always remember that you have risen above them not to end up under them. Learn to let it go, shrug it off, see how bright you really are and enjoy life.”

– Renee Scalfan

Successful relationships require us to know the other person’s strengths, but it also requires a desire to understand their weaknesses. ~Talknology Tips

~Never put someone as a priority when they only see you as an option~ ♥ (a thought from my cousin Johna)

A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school.
He didn’t want his mother to walk with him.
She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.
So she had an idea of how to handle it.
She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance,
So he probably wouldn’t notice her.
She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbour girl he knew.
She did this for the whole week.

As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs,
Timmy ‘s little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.
Finally she said to Timmy ,
‘Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week?

Do you know her?’
Timmy nonchalantly replied, ‘Yeah, I know who she is.’
The little girl said, ‘Well, who is she?’

‘That’s just Shirley Goodnest ,’ Timmy replied, ‘and her daughter Marcy .’
‘ Shirley Goodnest ? Who is she and why is she following us?
‘Well,’ Timmy explained, ‘every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, ‘cuz she worries about me so much.
And in the Psalm, it says, ‘ Shirley Goodnest (surely goodness ) and Marcy (mercy) shall follow me all the days of my life’, so I guess I’ll just have to get used to it!’

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always
~Author Unknown