Philosophy
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
at 9:25am
I was fascinated watching him play. “Get out of you,” I heard a voice say. I watched as he challenged me and how I loved him as he grew into a preteenager. “Get out of you,” I heard the voice say again. I was too busy judging him, pretending that his reality was my own. He became a teenager and I felt him drifting away. “Get out of you,” the voice said yet another time. I finally decided to listen to the voice. As soon as I got out of me, I was finally able see my son for who he was. My eyes were open and I could finally be the dad he needed me to be.
Get out of yourself this week and begin to understand those around you: a spouse, a child, a co-worker or a friend. A Servant Leader sees people through their eyes. Join us and see again for the first time.
Joe Kiedinger
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
at 9:28am
We have a new intern working at About Me International. His name is Anh (On) Tran (Tron). Anh is from Vietnam and I have known him for two years while working with St. Norbert College, of which he is a recent graduate. Anh spent the July 4th holiday with my family up at our cottage, and it was really healthy for Danica and I and the kids to hear about his world back in Vietnam. I asked him if he and his family have any annual traditions. Like most of you, they do. When he discussed their traditions, he was fully engaged and excited. I get the same way when I talk about the traditions that my family has followed over the years.
In reflecting on this idea of “traditions,” I was reminded of how important traditions are for a family in bringing everyone together and the same goes for a company. Do you have regular traditions where you work? At our company, one of the things that we do is a holiday party that is full of traditions. For example, our guests only have about 60 minutes over the entire evening to chit chat and eat, and then it’s on to the party games! I know, it sounds exhausting but it’s tradition! Our other traditions include quarterly Servant Leadership half-day sessions and when a new client signs up we send around a symbolic “GONG.” It’s a gong like you would see in The Gong Show, except it’s a good thing!
What traditions do you have or what traditions can you start? Everyone wants to feel a part of a family or a group. Traditions help to bring commonality to everyone and are important for a rich culture to endure.
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Identify current traditions and start creating new ones!
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
at 9:41am
Have you ever heard that quote by George Carlin? Paraphrasing somewhat, he once said, “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting…‘holy [cow]…what a ride!’” Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s how I want to live my life! It worries me to see folks these days who are afraid to try new things, share their opinions, and rock the boat a little. It seems that society has taught us to fly beneath the radar and go unnoticed because it’s safer to not take risks. But what kind of life is that?
I go by the philosophy that we should be open and honest with everyone and share our ideas; that we harness the greatest creative power when we all work together. And being a Servant Leader sometimes means we need to step outside our comfort zone in order to serve others and contribute to the greater good. We need to share our time and talents in as many ways as possible, even if that means being slightly uncomfortable from time to time when trying new things.
That’s why I started sharing my thoughts through the Prophit Marketing Road Show years back. I knew I had some fresh new ideas that were worth sharing with others so I jumped out onto the stage and shared them. If I hadn’t, I might really regret missing that opportunity.
Personally, when I slide into the grave I want to know that I’ve enriched the lives of others and loved deeply those in my care.
Joe Kiedinger
Action Plan: What risks are you willing to take?
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
at 8:43am
I just finished reading Rascal: Being a Person of Unique Character. The book describes “a rascal” as a trend setter, movement starter and decision maker who makes decisions based on the big picture and all available information, not public opinion. Near the end of the book, there is a Rascal Quiz. The quiz asks something like 135 questions. With each question, you rate yourself from “Never me” to “Always me” to “Discover your Rascal Score.” Through these questions, you are led to experiencing self-education.
Are you thirsty for knowledge? Do you crave it? Having an open and courageous mind can free you from life’s troubles that come your way. Self-taught people have the amazing ability to create, because they take the best and discard the worst of everything they read. It’s OK to begin a book, skim a few chapters and discard it if its contents are not relevant to you right now. We can’t learn unless we are ready, and sometimes we are seeking certain types of information. In these instances, it’s OK to set books aside while in search of specific content you are needing right now. Never throw a book away because you may need it later as your journey grows.
If you are on a journey of wanting to better understand your co-workers, boss or teenagers, keep reading. If this is not your journey at this time, my wisdom ends here. Bottom line is this: You are in control of your own destiny and the quickest way to grow is the old-fashioned way—slowly and deliberately through self-education and focus.
Joe
ACTION PLAN: Next week we have openings on March 21st (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) for Teen Bootcamp! Adults only. Get to know your teen all over again. The mind of a teenager is revealed and how to tap into it. March 24th – an Introduction to the About Me Card System for Business (7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.). These are short, free seminars on 21st century communications based on Servant Leadership. Click here to hold your spot! Click here!
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
at 9:45am
Danica and I went out for dinner the other night and at the restaurant we met a gentleman who cleans company parking lots. He explained that the waste that is generated from people parking in the lots goes straight to the rivers through the storm sewers. His company cleans parking lots every day to make sure all waste is disposed of properly. Furthermore, he explained that the parking lot is your first impression of a business. I agreed it certainly was!
I am simply amazed at how people make a living. Danica and I started looking at other items we use and take for granted: shoe laces, awnings, street lamps, concrete sales, or how about golf tees! I heard that there are only three golf tee manufacturers in the world. One is located in Florence County. Hey, someone’s got to do it! I take nothing for granted. Thank you to all of you whose jobs may be overlooked or misunderstood. Thank you for showing up and serving our needs—whether we realize those needs or just take them for granted!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Take nobody for granted today!
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
at 9:19am
This great Wisdom on Wednesday comes from Vince Lombardi, who once said, “Not all people are created equal. Some have abundant talents and some have few. It’s not about the talents you were born with. It’s what you do with the talents you’ve been given that matters.” Have you ever heard of someone who has a beautiful voice but has no desire to sing? Or someone who is great at math but has no desire to be a mathematician? There is no mystery as to why these people are often frustrated: They can’t find their purpose in life.
Your purpose in life is directly tied to your God-given talents along with a current and relevant need. That need usually has a little pain inside you that you use to comfort those in need. We all have a purpose inside us. Find that purpose and learn what it is to be free!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Take the time to reflect on your life talents and purpose!
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
at 9:22am
I had a powerful conversation with my 14-year-old teenager last night. He was clearly frustrated with mom and I, so I asked him, “What are three things we can do to be better parents?” He had a few more than three. Danica and I feel we always encourage our kids to be their best. We feel like we recognize each of our unique children’s achievements and help raise them up. Using our words and our optimistic style, we do encourage. However, Alex doesn’t like the way we praise him. He feels it’s insincere and not honest. Using his About Me Card, he was able to express how he interprets our praise in the manner that we choose to express it. He prefers us not to be overly enthusiastic when he’s having a bad day. It shuts him down and gets him upset.
While the details of this conversation are between our teenager and us, the lesson is clear. Many times you think you are showing appreciation when in fact you are doing the opposite. We all interpret words and actions differently. It’s important to have a sit down with your kids and at least ask the question: What are three things I can do differently to be a better parent? If they‘re not ready to provide that answer right away, ask them to think about it and get back to you.
Communication is never easy. However, by understanding what motivates your children, you can learn how to build them up and coach them to be better citizens in the future. How would you like to understand your teenager in 60 seconds for less than $15? Contact me and I’ll show you how!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Ask the question!
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011
at 9:38am
Ah, motivations make the world go around! Understand a person’s motivations and you can create permanent change. Have you ever worked with someone who did something that truly puzzled you? You saw it as weird, inconsistent or untrustworthy? The truth is we have a bundle of nerves in our brains that we inherited from our parents. With our most intimate relationships, these nerves can sometimes kick into gear when we are stressed out or tired. Have you ever seen your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse freak out at times? Do something that just isn’t them? Creepy!
Don’t fear … we all have our quirks. That’s the name society has given to explain these odd and unexpected behaviors. I call our key motivations “our kids.” We carry them with us wherever we go. We take them on vacation, to work and out to eat with friends. They never leave us. When others support these kids of ours, we like them. When someone violates or upsets one of our kids, we push away. I’ve discovered a way for all of us to show each other our kids. After all, just like you’re proud to show off your real children, wouldn’t it be cool to share with someone your motivational kids? That’s the About Me Card! I discovered it quite accidentally. Usually it takes several years to understand what motivates a person—now you can find out in 60 seconds! Check it out at www.aboutmecard.com
Are you a motivator? Do you want to be?
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Download our About Me Card white paper at www.aboutmecard.com! Chat soon.
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
at 9:24am
I get a kick out of the saying, “I was at the right place at the right time!” It’s spot on accurate, but I find that the people who make this claim tend to be at all places all the time. They are always making an effort to be in the right place at the right time. You see, 90% of success is just showing up. Do you realize only a small percentage of people have the guts to show up in the first place? Why the intimidation? Don’t get me wrong … I’ve had my moments of being intimidated by being in the presence of potential clients.
Are you tired of being intimidated? We are all human. Be yourself and make the call. Reach out to those people who could change your life forever and just be yourself. Share your beliefs and your product with them. Give them a chance to say no! The time is now to make new friends. Stop lollygagging!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Pick up that 100-pound phone and call your next best friend!
Thursday, January 13th, 2011
at 9:18am
There is something unusual about this Wisdom wouldn’t you say? What is it? How many of you took notice? It’s Thursday! Today you are receiving Wisdom on Thursday. No, this is not a publicity stunt—I simply goofed up. However, this does have a lesson involved regarding consistency. Some of you (perhaps most) knew right away that there was an inconsistency with the timing of this message. There is a double-edged sword here when it comes to consistency. There is the rule of thumb that says, “If you’re going to serve a bad cup of coffee, always serve a bad cup of coffee. Because as soon as you serve a good cup, people will notice a difference.” Then there is the camp that says, “It’s OK to surprise them once in awhile.” Which camp do you prefer? Perhaps it all depends on the situation.
I’ve heard of the Four Seasons hotels switching it up for their customers. The first time you visit, they ask what you prefer to drink after a day of travel: water, soda, diet soda, what brand, and so on. Then, a few minutes after you arrive, they deliver your beverage to your room on ice. They keep your choice on record so the drink will be waiting for you in your room the next time you visit.
For frequent visitors, the Four Seasons has a system where it intentionally leaves the wrong soda behind. Ten minutes after arriving, these frequent guests hear a knock on the door. Each guest opens the door to find a staff member holding a bucket of ice with that guest’s preferred soda . The staff member then apologizes for the “error” and leaves.
The Four Seasons’ strategy is to make sure the guest doesn’t take the soda for granted. What do you think? Is this smart or is it insincere? Regardless, one thing is for sure: Consistency is king with everything from marketing to relationships to raising kids.
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Where do you need more consistency in your life?
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