The Good Citizen in the New World
I am inspired by local leaders, and heroes from all walks of life and decided to use an Idea Guy suggestion of running a series of posts from local heroes. It takes a heroic effort to work with passion & purpose, it takes a heroic effort to make a living and a life and it is time to show off a Columbus, Ohio blog series of hero stories.

David Batstone provides great inspiration on heroship in the recent article on essential for the network society. Click on the link below for important ideas to use in the battle against complacency and mediocrity.

Right Reality - the WAG, David Batstone, Saving the Corporate Soul

Give Till It Doesn't Hurt
Forbes online provides an interesting profile on big giving inThe Most Charitable Companies - Forbes.com.

A good companion article appears in Fast Companies link to The NY Times November 14 article on a cool charitable giving site HOTorNOT.com

Tis the season every day and I find that giving my time and attention to others relieves me of my nagging ego pain.

Living a Full Life
NonProfits4 wrote a good piece on a man I have a hero- fascination with "Peter F. Drucker, Giant, Dead at 95" I am reminded that 95 years is more common but is not promised and that to reveal in the accomplishments of others is a joy.

I sent this out as a humble tribute to Peter Drucker and another thought leader I admire; former United Way President, teacher, author and active change agent -- Mr. Richard Aft.

Vocational Identity
In the Fast Company article Is Your Job Your Calling (extended interview) , two Harvard business psychologists do a remarkable JOB of describing elements of modern "career evolution"

A Beautiful Graphic: TRENDS
Trends, fads, new economy, new paradigm,--several generations struggle with living in a 2005 world. I find comfort in understanding the meaning of the terminology of the day. In the last e-zine Iconoculture: Framework provides a cool clean definition of trends and includes a eye pleasing graphic.

"Nickels and Dimes That Change The World"

If you get a chance tune into WOSU TV34 (Columbus) to view this documentary on micro-credit and poverty. Click on Small Fortunes PBS for more...

BIG BAD DON in little MOOtown

Take your brain over to Don the Idea Guy's new home on the e-range by clicking on
DTIG : Home or from my super friends list. It Rocks!

Non Profit Gathering
I am optimistic that this event is part of the shifting point that generates greater attention to the quality of life for all our citizens. Click on the link to get in on it--I look for BIG MOO in D.C.

http://www.nonprofitcongress.org/

BIG MOO in COWTOWN
There is a great new book coming out called The BIG MOO visit the site Remarkabalize to learn more about 33 great business authors who all fit into one small book. Seth Godin provided the into and more--feel free to visit Seth as well.

Project Zero and Socks
Harvard's Grad School of Education is host to the Project Zero Institute. In the Research Projects article former Faculty member David Perkins talks about the Teaching for Understanding model (tfu). This model is my favorite design for teaching and learning and Project Zero offers a summer program that is mind boggling.

Words and Wizdom
A manager at work once told me "Never complain or explain", and the more I apply this the better my day goes. Since the last post talked about customer service I give you Jeffrey Gitomer's recent comments on customer experience and sales. Gitomer.com

We are all in the game of sales--especially job-seekers and employers. Sales is now a "bad" word for many people who fear it, avoid it or resist the call to improve an important skill in the world of work. There are great books out there that take the mystery and anxiety out of selling.

SHOW and Tell
This year I have had an unusual number of outstanding customer service experiences! I am now more loyal to Verizon, Target, the Y.M.C.A. and thanks to Janis--Chase Visa(Amazon) card. I tend to expect the best in others but I cannot explain this great service roll.
I included a great article from Next Generation Consulting called Why Corporate Culture Counts.

Oh-if you have not checked out Tom Peters Essentials book set they are portable and WOW per usual

Non Profit Biz
Thanks to 4Nonprofits for Good Nonprofit Management Highlighted 4Nonprofits post that features current examples and reminders that nonprofit business is business. In 2005 our community programs & services may not be ready for systemic change, deep change or culture shift. In the meantime examples of "random acts of effectiveness" (not my term) need to be unpacked and examined.

Iconoculture: Framework for A TREND

What an clean, crisp definition of a trend framework --( in other words I think its cool) I find the best trend watchers stay focused on interesting work that is "useful" on the high level and meaningful deep down.

"It may not get better but its gonna get different."
~Unknown

Read it in the funny papers...

I am pleased to see this article in Local News - Battle Creek Enquirer - www.battlecreekenquirer.com about the use of comic art in a school setting. Since the first time I stepped into a phone booth I learn more on the history of the medium. The fact that the modern American comic emerged during the Depression Era is very telling of our collective need for hope and personal meaning.

In Dan Pink's recent book A Whole New Mind I discovered Understanding Comic Books- by Scott McCloud and Don THE IDEA GUY insisted I look at the follow up --Reinventing Comics (thanks guys!)

It is interesting the presence of super hero movies, product references and advertising. Anyone have any thoughts on this...?

Justice For All...
I still do not have a good working definition of the word justice. I frequently hear it in the context of "social justice" or in a situation where a criminal activity is alleged and people need to be "brought to justice." Please send me your thoughts and feel free to draw inspiration from The Justice League Of America - Character Bios --compliments of Steve from UWay who may be aware of the location of the Hall of Justice --a good start

GO TO Print: In this article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy there is an excellent summary of how in the new digital/conceptual age it's not working smarter it's giving smarter. Just click on PRINT in the title to review the article.

Plays Well with Others... Mesh Pit Anyone?

A recent article from M.I.T. Technologey Review blog includes this fascinating article and dialog on "meshes" The New Commonplace - What Don't I Understand About Meshes? This is a term that will see the light of day. I see the concepts that run in tandem with cool ideas about the relationship between emerging technologies and building community.

Take your Boss to Work Day
This pulp western heroes and villains strip from PV Comic Pages goes out to Mr. Kramer who possesses great manager powers. Enjoy the grown up story and keep doing great work!

Work World Trends
This page on work trends is geared towards the young post school crowd though it is just as relevant for any working person, parent or educator. Our Co-op Learning Community :: site features several contributions from "Career Activist" Barbara Moses, Ph.D.

Good Brain Food
I pass this article on to you because I enjoy sharing things that include all of these therms in one place.
Fouroboros Brain, Metaphor, Archetype, Brand. Part I

The Toronto Star Article
I hope you take a moment to review and reflect on a recent article featuring Canadian Career Activist Barbara Moses Ph.d
At what point did we all start rushing around? What year? Month? Week? Why????

The Work of Edward Tufte and Graphics Press
My buddy Dave turned me on to this - art + science = visual delight. There is a sample of photos, sculpture and visual representations of nature and the mechanical world.

The New Heroes PBS
This T. V. series hosted by Robert Redford on social entrepreneurship looks dynamite. I am reminded of Redford in the movie The Electric Horseman with a theme song--"now my heroes have always been cowboys..."

Click on the title to see details and great content on changing the world.

I can hear you now...

I received an effective cold call yesterday and the sales rep went the x-tra mile on price, service and style. I gave him a copy of Seth Godin's new book All Marketers Are Liars after he asked about the book I had in my hand.
He loved the bottled water story on the back of the book and said he planned to visit Seth's blog

props to the company for attracting great talent with real storytelling skill.

The Empathy Economy

Article from BusinessWeek online via Mr. Dan Pink's website. Suggestions:(a) check the article out, (b) buy A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink (c) give someone a complement or share your time--there are many hours in each day.

How to Save the World

Click on Mr Dave Pollard's How To Save the World to open up a quality page on effectivly communicating with human beings. Since it is what we do for work and sport it is a skill that few master though we rely on it just after air, water, and food.
There are a handful of great books on the topic such as Crucial Conversations or The Way we Talk is the Way We Are. See what Dave has to add and then go ahead "tawlk amounst yourselves"

gapingvoid: on transparency

Short and bittersweet. Click on the title to view art and a few core questions.

" You want the truth...?"

HULK'S DIARY THAT IS ON THE INTERNET
The incredible HULK diary--what more can I say?

Buzz Kill
My first reaction to this story on web-based social networking is uh oh--I hear hole punching in an emerging and important concept I see as vital to good work. I do find LinkedIn interesting and the article raises excellent questions.

Thanks CNET and Ms. Woo for bringing the topic out for viewing.

The Buzz Report: Five reasons social networking doesn't work - CNET.com

ChangeThis :: View Proposal !!!

Don " The IDEA guy" Snyder is in the running to post a new Manifesto on the future of radio. Don is a true thought leader and his work is top notch

Please take a moment to click on the Change this link in the title and vote for this Manifesto.

Thanks

How to get the job you want- The Economic Times

This recent article from Accenture provides some basics that are important to keep in mind. The process is simple yet the steps are more like escalators with variable speeds.

Remember that many locate their next work opportunity through a word of mouth contact--usually an acquaintance. The job description is inside you and in order to sell it you first have to spell it.

Katalyst for Khange
I encounter the term creative at work when the goin gets tuff and making difficult decisions sounds like "yes that is our organization's mission buuuut--I think were going to have to be realistic." (translation: status quo till we go down with the ship.

In truth creativity is a discipline to develop mastery of a given craft.

Here is a sample of creativity/mastery = a cool and (truly creative) site my friend Dave sent me.

It is the original rubber wrist band man Kevin the Katalyst --thanks Dave!

http://katalystconsultancy.com/katalyst.php

Creators Article 106
Take a gander at article 106 on Mr. Brill's site. Just more interesting evidence of the creative class/concept age paradigm that challenges us to truly understand the term creativity and see the light--good case for quality R&D.

Winston Brill - Articles

Follow your nose ...

...to Seth Godin's website ( on the right -- "super heroes" ) and check out his new site and book-- both entitled "All Marketers Are Liars." My boss laughed out loud when I told him how to obtain a authentic Liars nose.

Beware of Pesky Passion Blockers
It is too easy to live in a state of distraction and miss out on the good stuff. This article is a good reminder to serious minded community heroes that it is OK to savor a moment and enjoy the ride.

February 2000 - Finding Your Passion

Work to live-live to Work
Over time I have observed that work at it's best provides a way to make a living, an opportunity have a sense of personal accomplishment and a way to contribute to the greater good.
It is impossible to separate work from the rest of life because they are intertwined. It is possible to have a good quality of life by defining personal priorities and setting up good sturdy picket fences(any color will do) around them. I am not saying this is easy but it does not always happen by chance.

I hope that the work/life discussion is not the next paperless office --By the way life is hard and it can be an incredible adventure. I rarely hear people openly acknowledge that the pursuit of happiness is difficult.

Do You Love What You Do? is a short piece from Fast Company that includes an interesting moment in the life of Warren Bennis. Do something you love at work this week...

Funding Blog 101
The key concepts here are communications and creativity. In order to be relevant non-profits community organization need their own ROI or ROCI (return on community investment).

Good Philanthropy has not changed it's basic tenant -invest in sustainable change.
Yes -there is a need for emergency services
Yes - there have always been good community work with donations that are well spent
DO I believe the Trillion dollars "invested "in community work since the War on Poverty have a strong ROCI? NO WAY

Blogging is a cool tool, talking our walk is cool, team players are cool - programs are more visible to donors when they communicate the real stories of faliure and success. ("Truth Telling")

onPhilanthropy - Blogging as an Effective Fundraising Strategy

"Great Minds"
I have been anticipating the new Daniel Pink's book A Whole New Mind and I am not disappointed. As a thanks you for such thought- bending work I have included a link to Mr. Pink's new web site. Go for a visit--good news is good news.

Orange is the New Pink

Workplace Trends Collide

Take a look at David Batstone's article on the state of the middle management's world of dis--ease, and the uninformed American worker-- maybe more of us need more stress and crisis to understand the value of great training programs.

I recommend David's site--good stuff.

Right Reality - the WAG, David Batstone, Saving the Corporate Soul

The Virture of curiosity
" The ability to learn is critical. We can hire employees with ability but current lack of knowledge to train them. We cannot utilize employees who do not respond to training through lack of their internal capacity and motivation to learn "

Barry Farris
Barry Farris and Peter Hill Law Office

From a great little book called Wisdom Inc. by Mr Seth Godin

SUPER SALES Guy

I do not know this gentlemen but I like his Superman pose. We are all in the business of selling in the work a day world.

This is my friendly prompt to all work seekers to check out "Now Discover your Selling Strengths" on tape from the library to take a bit of resistance out of your game.

No-Brainer Selling Tips

Sales, Selling and Sales Phobia

Finding your passion and purpose in life requires presenting yourself to others. We all sell ourselves in the pursuit of meaningful work, yet "I am not good at sales" or "I do not like selling "is something I hear every week.

There are some good books out there that take the mystery and fear out of selling.
Mr. Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Red Book on Selling, The Little Red Book on Sales Questions, The Little Green Book, The Little Yellow Book, The Black Book and The Platinum CHA -Ching, is a little book business blowout and his web material is good medicine for sales resistance and all about taking action.

Gitomer.com : Home Page

Are We There Yet ?
Some have said we are living in the age of anxiety because of the rapid pace of change. It is comforting to know that there is great opportunity for social change in all the chaos and the complexity that modern families face.

This link is more proof that is is still safe to laugh and smile.


Happy Worker :: Everyday Superheroes Action Figures

Best Buy Guy

Check out this recent Accenture article on workforce devlopment at Best Buy. Could this be large scale Knowledge Work effort at the front door of economic paradigm shift?

The Best and the Brightest

How the saying goes...

What do YOU want to be when you grow up?

Is this the right question to the answer we seek ?
Do we have a good working definition for a modern day grown up?

Just thoughts ... what's your take?

Man or Myth?

In America, if you work very hard, with enough determination and persistence, you can become anything you want.

Here is another myth: No matter how hard you work, no matter how much you persist, you'll never become what you want.

(excerpts from intro to Mythology -The D.C. Comic Art of Alex Ross, 2004 Pantheon Books)

This is a great book and a incredible visual story.

Be what you are

What do you want to be when you grow up? Jump into this fray link and enjoy a heroic reply. Can you dig it?

http://fray.com/hope/superpower/

worthwhile is WORTHWHILE !

The magazine about work with purpose passion and profit. Check out this sample from the premier issue and go find a copy.

This is mission possible reading for the reluctant hero...

www.worthwhilemag.com/currentissue/6steps.pdf

Greatest American Heroes
SuperVision is dedicated to every day heroes and those yet to discover their super powers--- the talents, gifts and fascinations inside all mortals. There are no lack of leaders capable of heroic feats of parenting, teaching, and sharing power with others.

One of my favorite Indiana heroes is Principal Pat Bolanos, who passed away after leading a team of visionary teachers, to create a hero-friendly K-12 school. This school in Indianapolis is a testimony to the optimism that is bubbling up more and more...

Check out the Key Learning Community website at http://www.616.ips.k12.in.us/Principal/default.aspx

When you arrive at the site you will find several other unique heroes if you point and click a bit.

Super Powers Activate
which super hero are you?