Leadership. There has been a lot of talk about it lately, or more to the point the lack of it. In common talk it is defined as “Doing or standing for the things I like” far more often than is useful. But most people will agree that the inability for our US Government to do something about a large deficit coupled with a lack of support for genuine growth comes down to a lack of leadership.
Are you experiencing good leadership? Can you even define it?
Regardless of your answer, please read Erik Hare's thoughts on the subject. Here's an excerpt:
What is Leadership? It is an understanding of how to organize and accomplish things in a complex world. The lack of leadership we see at the top is merely a reflection of the lack of understanding of leadership throughout our society, which is to say how to think strategically. Perhaps we should listen more to those trained in the military, but we could also listen to the wisdom of Lao Tzu from Tao Te Ching 17, written 2,500 years ago:
The existence of the leader who is wise
is barely known to those he leads.
He acts without unnecessary speech,
so that the people say,
“It happened of its own accord”.
That’s a leader who teaches the lay of the land ahead. That’s a leader who understands Strategy. What do you think?
In follow-up to Friday’s lecture on storytelling, my guest speaker, Erik Hare, wrote about one of MLK’s less mentioned talents: his gift of oratory. In Cadence, Erik writes:
The craft of Dr. King’s life came equally from the homilies of sermons and the bubbling reaction of the crowds who came to listen. There was much more to him than the careful cadence of measured speech, the poetry of language set on fire in the hearts of those around him – yet it was essential to the movement.
And it was a very different culture that greeted me as a female in the early ’60s — just out of college with an honors degree in economics and no place to use it. I quickly found that job opportunities for women were heavily skewed to teaching, nursing and secretarial work.
Fortunately, Paine Webber took a chance on me, and I became the first female securities analyst in the state. On one condition: I would sign my recommendations “MC Nelson.”
Read or does one Experience Facebook? Primp’s description of their deeply discounted dress. I can imagine myself wearing it to the summer baby shower I know I’ll be attending or dinner around town with my husband. My point? The dress is plain, stylish, yes, but still plain. The story, the occasions–they have power.
What is there not to love about this camel dress? Not only can it be worn throughout winter with black tights, pumps and a blazer… it’s the perfect combination of conservative and chic for summer weddings! The best part? Currently marked down from $90 to $45!
Read: St. Paul author, Claire Bischoff’s recent blog posts about her vocation to study theology. Regardless of your beliefs, read it to appreciate her gift of language, cadence, and organization.
But that is not how it works for vocation. There are no better or worse callings from God. There are simply callings that match our gifts and talents and others that do not. I do not burn with a love of the sciences, thus I would have floundered trying to get through science courses on the way to medical school. There are other people called to do that work.
Watch: MPORA’s and local media coverage of Redbull’s Crashed Ice races in St. Paul. There’s nothing like being there, but seeing a race from start to finish is amazing.
Somehow I “lost” my favorite video from Saturday night. I thought I watched it on MPR on my iPhone, but no Google search will provide it. If anyone finds a 2:46 long video showcasing the final race and the entire race track pulsing with light, send me the link.
This video comes a close second. Claudio Caluori explains his racing technique and highlights the course’s challenges.
Storytelling is paramount to successful marketing. It humanizes the product or service being promoted.
In Integrated Marketing Communications (MKTG 2350) students blog their thoughts on marketing in an effort to learn social media theory, master blogging technology (WordPress.com and Twitter), and tell an evocative story.
Storytelling is the most difficult.
Even though I blog frequently, looking at an empty page intimidates me. However, I know my stories (Cassoulet, Shopping Small, and Mango doughnuts) capture my reader’s attention far more than a recitation of facts.
Teaching storytelling is as much as art as actually telling one.
Thankfully I know a lot of raconteurs.
Friday night, local teller of tales, Erik Hare, shares his expertise with my students. He’ll be talking about the following:
Walls do talk to St. Kate’s alumna, Teresa Boardman. She tells stories about housing, real estate, and plumbing valves to source clients to work with. They find her St. Paul real estate blog via Google and hire her because of her obvious expertise.
Welcome to Pub School, a new venture with local writer and social media strategist, Erik Hare.
Here’s what you get from a Pub School Social Media Workshop:
A finished communication plan worked out for your unique business.
Practical, working knowledge of social media tools.
Methods for evaluating social media away from the trends and hype.
How do we do all that? Here’s how:
A social “brainstorming” system
Active participation
Proven methods and practical examples
A relaxed pub location
Coaching rather lecturing
Did I mention that the 3-part series is only $75? You can attend 1 for only $30! We’re meeting at Merlins Rest in Minneapolis and The Happy Gnome in St. Paul.
