Helping Ordinary People Accomplish Extraordinary Things
Influencer Lesson No. 7: If you are on the outside looking in, you may have only one chance. On a couple of occasions I have talked about the time my elementary school classmates invited me out to play ball and after the game while talking one of my classmates gave me a compliment. Instead of …
I recently talked about the two main components to motivation desire and fear. For most people, fear dominates. This has favorable and unfavorable ramifications. Our fear of imprisonment, social admonishment, and danger overcomes our desire for the stuff in other people’s houses. This is a big factor as to why so few of us perpetrate …
Vlog #24 – Influencer Lesson No. 5 – Overcoming Fear Read More »
Today I would like to talk to you about how to overcome imposter syndrome. Dr. James Watson, co- discoverer of the double helix configuration of DNA, has said a number of things—many of them controversial. But one of the quotes that I find fascinating pertains to the topic of innovation. I’ll paraphrase here: “If you …
All human motivation generally reduces to two emotions desire for a better future and fear of a worse one. When it comes to influence, both emotions are powerful catalysts for action, but influence is most impactful when our messages carry elements of both. Self Authoring Dr. Jordan B. Peterson has become a household …
Others’ Deliberation I have a confession to make. I struggle with having patience so people can catch up to me. Innovators often begin with a vision in their minds. This vision is developed through active and passive thinking that takes place over months, years, and decades in some places. In your mind, you have played …
Communication I teach a course to undergraduate students on the fundamentals of communication. When I first begin the course, I ask a seemingly simple question. What is the purpose of communication? Usually the answers range from to be understood, to connect with others, or to inform. While accurate, these responses usually get close but rarely …
Most of us like to pride ourselves on making decision using reason, evidence, and cold hard facts. But research has told us that this really isn’t the case. Sigmund Freud & Captain Kirk I sometimes give a talk to groups discussing this phenomenon. I start by discussing how Sigmund Freud postulated that in our head, …
Vlog #19 – Influencer Lesson 3 – Captain Kirk’s Intuition Read More »
Bogle and Walton In my first book, The Influencer, I discuss the story of Bob Bogle, one of Sam Walton’s lieutenants who was determined to convince Mr. Walton to open up his new “big box” store. Bogle wanted to capitalize on Walton’s name and reputation by calling the new store Wal-Mart. Sam Walton; however, …
Vlog #18 – Influencer Lesson 2: People are Persuadable Read More »
I sometimes enjoy watching reality tel evision. Though you can’t expect much bargain basement television, any show that follows people living together over extended periods will eventually capture the fatigued participants in heated spats. These moments are always captured as these shows documenting otherwise mundane interactions interesting. These moments usually become the lens through with …
Vlog #17 – Fatigue Releases our Inner Three Year Old Read More »
How to accept a compliment is a lesson that is much more difficult to learn than you might expect. Someone takes the time to tell you that they appreciate something about you. Obviously, you have done something right and you have built some goodwill with whoever has just complimented you. Your next words are important. …