Letter to a Nation

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,
Jack Layton

On August 22, I first read Jack Layton's letter to Canadians. Across political allegiances, Canadians were inspired. I was inspired. Yesterday, children's entertainer, Raffi released a song inspired by Layton's motivating, momentous letter. You can listen to the song here: http://www.childhonouring.org/uploads/Letter_To_A_Nation.mp3

I didn't anticipate the way the song would hit me. I found myself nearly moved to tears listening to Raffi's voice dance through the powerful words left for us, by Jack. Let' not forget this gift that was left for Canadians. 

What are you doing to change the world today?

Relate to Others

 If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. ~Nelson Mandela

Nearing the conclusion of almost 30 years behind bars, Nelson Mandela began to long for a hotplate. He was being fed, and compared to other prisoners – quite well. That said, his jailers rationed too much for lunch and not enough for supper. He had created a solution for himself in saving some of the extra from lunch to have with his dinner – but alas, he had no way to heat it up.

Unfortunately, the guard in charge of the Mandela’s maximum security wing at Pollsmoor prison was none too keen to speak in English and furthermore was not a fan of the black political prisoners. Similar to many Afrikaner men, this guard, LOVED rugby – a sport Mandela had never really been fond of himself. Mandela began reading all he could about the sport that had divided South Africa, in a way, for many years. One day, Mandela came face to face with the guard in a jail hallway. He instantly spurred into a comprehensive discussion, in Afrikaans, I might add, about the various player positions and some recent games. The previously abrasive guard was so enchanted by Mandela that, before long, he was shouting at his minions to “go and get Mandela a hotplate!”

We waste so much time speaking how we think the other person should hear it, rather than thinking about what the best way to the message will be received – saying it in a way that you will only need to explain it once. Tailoring it to each and every person. 

Here's today's homework - think about how you can speak to others in their language today and tomorrow - I want you to try it. Reflect on how outcomes differ from what you've seen in the past and please keep me updated!

Master Your Craft

If it's flipping hamburgers at McDonald's, be the best hamburger flipper in the world. Whatever it is you do you have to master your craft. –Snoop Dogg

We’ve talked about taking action and making a plan when it comes to your goals. One of the goals I continuously work towards is the mastering of my craft. And - not just because Snoop Dogg tells me too.

Why Master your Craft?

 Well, let me answer this question, with a question. Why wouldn’t you?? Don’t cheat yourself – why would you be anything but the very best version of you.

How do I start mastering my craft?

·        Be Curious! (That’s why my friends call me Whiskers)

o   Slow down, and ask questions. I love playing the “what if” game when it comes to my craft. “What if I tried x, y or z, differently - how would my results change...” 

·         Relate your Craft to your Everyday

o   Learn from indirect experiences and allow yourself to be inspired by everything around you. This is going to sound cheesy and I’m almost embarrassed to admit it – but today, on my lunch, I walked down to a little creek for inspiration on team building. What was it about the creek that allowed it to flow so smoothly? And guess what?! I came up with some great ideas! 

·         Practice Make Perfect – or at least better ;)

o   Allow yourself to become an expert by doing the same task, or exercise over and over again. Physiologically speaking, we need this repetition in order for your cerebellum to store the information. 

 

·           Shout it from the Mountain Tops! (Teach others your craft)

o   One of my favourite techniques when orientating a new employee, is to have them teach someone else what they have learned. It forces you to reflect on the knowledge you've acquired, and in turn, reinforces it.