A zen perspective on how we think about the future
Cleveland’s annual GiveCamp this weekend produced 22 projects engaging more than 200 tech volunteers. They collaborated to tirelessly create an amazing array of websites and apps for appreciative local non-profits, representing a half-million dollars worth of services. It’s another amazing example of generous communities, adding to this already robust emerging social pattern. What is less easily measurable are the rich learning sets and network connections in the tech community that will continue to ripple into the...
I had the pleasure to meet the brilliant and affable Gallup CEO, Jim Clifton, after his talk to the Cleveland City Club. Here are some snippets from his talk. Americans have clearly shifted in their definition of the “American Dream” from family, peace, God and freedom to jobs. Of the 150 million who want jobs, 80% actually have full time work. 30 million people don’t have jobs and 18 million don’t have hope. Some of this is due to the fact that many old jobs are never coming back. Every American is one degree away...
Seeing the Breast Awareness walk this morning reminded me of a recent piece in the NY Times questioning the wisdom of cause related walks and marathons. The idea is that the millions of hours involved would be far better spent building gardens, mentoring students, and fixing houses. They can still be activities generating sponsored donations per hour rather than per mile. There can still be parades, only in this way, they would double in numbers as they would include the happy recipients of the services provided...
What if mainstream media, print or online, practiced a principle that for every country’s story of political crisis, they publish and post a story of progress and achievement. We're talking about stories of innovation breakthroughs, great art, music and films, restaurant reviews, sports victories, obits of amazing people. You get the idea. The message: these are great countries in spite of pathetic leadership.
What is good office workplace design? Here are some principles that factor in. Some conversations require quiet non-distraction Change of scenery is refreshing What people need in and from any space can change Visibility is accountability and accessibility Access to shared virtual spaces reduce the need for shared physical spaces Colors, scents, and light matter to emotional and social energy Can you think of others?
Today was a day long workshop with leaders on the University of North Texas campus, teaching them how to build community among the 40,000 people on campus. People were very excited about the simple principle that conversations are responsible for the differences between thriving and stuck communities. It was inspiring to see a vibrant university embracing the vision of building community where students, faculty, and staff know and look out for each other, learn and share with each other. What would cause more colleges...
Doing random acts of kindness usually requires more imagination than resources. Think about the people you live with, live near, intersect with, and work with. What would be random acts of kindness possible this week that would cost little, if nothing more than time? Think small, think anonymous, think in the moment.
Another tragic rockstar suicide that people publicly share Facebook grief over. When I ask people how many attempted and successful suicides of talented people they had in their neighborhood or village in the last few months, no one knows. Glamorous deaths gets stage lights that common deaths never see. Do thriving communities of the future value rockstars over less glamorized talent in the community? Just wondering.
This weekend’s unprecedented violence in Norway underscores with gross exaggeration the global undercurrents of absolute intolerance of multiculturalism. The drama of these kinds of events are beyond the direct influence by most of us, but, and, all of us daily message clear apathy, antipathy, or sympathy toward the hatred of a planet of diverse cultures. What will your message be today?
10-time author and designer with a focus on change in organizations and communities. HappinessChoice.com. Contact Jack at jack(at)happinesschoice(dot)com
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