Archive for 'Quought for the Day'
By Rajesh Setty on Tue 29 Jul 2008, 4:00 AM - Leave Comment
Background:
This is part of the Quought for the Day – 2008 Series.
Quought = Question that provokes thought!
The question I asked thought leaders and my very smart friends is:
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
I will be posting answers (which will be Quoughts) one by one.This one is from Stuart Scott
Stuart Malcolm Scott, CEO and Chief Conversation Starter at Guinnen MacRath, is an architect of business transformation. He teaches, writes, and coaches on the subject of creating powerful conversations to shape change in organizations. During the last twenty years, he has worked with companies on five continents to redesign their business processes, leadership models, and organizational communication patterns.
Scott graduated from Northwestern University in 1977 with a degree in music. He promptly fell through a rabbit hole and found himself in the software business, where he spent years learning everything the hard way. When he realized that doing things the hard way is standard operating procedure in many businesses, he became a student – and later a skilled practitioner – of business process improvement.
He credits much of his effectiveness as a business transformation leader to Virginia Satir, a 20th century pioneer in the field of family therapy. Satir’s models of human interaction give change leaders powerful tools for bringing out the best in people and the organizations they work in. In 2006 Stuart was elected to the board of directors of Avanta, The Virginia Satir Network.
Stuart’s Quought
What do you stand for?
Stuart’s reason for that Quought
A stand is like a platform we create so that others can stand with us. We all stand for something, in the eyes of others. What they think we stand for is what they see when they see us coming. If we are not clear what we stand for, then others won’t be clear either. So they will make up their own stories of who we are.
I stand for the power of conversation to shape our lives. I stand for creating powerful conversations that connect people to each other.
I didn’t know what I stood for when I was younger. Looking back, I can see that at various times I stood for looking good at any cost; for being right at any cost; for making sure others knew how smart I was. Of course, I never admitted to myself or others that this was what was most important to me. I know now, though, that people saw my stands anyway.
I didn’t know what I stood for, what was most important to me. It was if I hoped that someday something would show up that would be worth dedicating myself to. It was as if I was standing on a corner, waiting for a worthy stand to show up and catch my eye.
Except there’s no department store where we can shop for what we stand for. The only way to acquire a stand is to create one, to declare it. I stand for what I say we stand for.
Lots of people no what they stand against. I find more power in creating a stand for something.
A stand is powerful when it attracts others to share it. When we stand for ourselves, we don’t move others to stand with us, and we stand alone. When we stand for others, they stand with us, and we create the power of many working as one.
More Links Related to Stand
1. Using Emergence to Take Social Innovation to Scale, by Margaret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze
2. Thoughts on creating space to host conversations
3. Mark Nepo’s reflections on the art of living
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Mon 28 Jul 2008, 4:00 AM - 3 Comments
Background:
This is part of the Quought for the Day – 2008 Series.
Quought = Question that provokes thought!
The question I asked thought leaders and my very smart friends is:
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
I will be posting answers (which will be Quoughts) one by one.This one is from Erika Andersen
Since 1980, Erika Andersen has developed a reputation for creating learning and change processes and programs uniquely tailored to her clients’ challenges, goals, and culture. She and her colleagues at Proteus International offer practical methods and skills for individuals, teams, and companies to clarify and then achieve their hoped-for-future.
Much of her recent work has focused on organizational visioning and strategy, executive coaching, and management and leadership development. In these capacities she has served as consultant and advisor to the CEOs and top executives of a number of corporations, including MTV Networks, Hewitt Associates, Turner Broadcasting, Molson Coors Brewing, NBC Universal, Union Square Hospitality Group, and Comcast Corporation.
Erika’s Quought:
The question I wish someone had asked me, and one that I ask other people very often, is “So, relative to this challenge you’re facing – what’s your hoped-for future?”
Erika’s reason for the choice of this Quought:
I find (and would have found) this question so valuable because it redirects your attention to envisioning the reality you want to create yourself. Once you’re clear on where you really want to be, you’re much more likely to be able to focus on those core directional efforts that will best move you toward that desired outcome!
More about Erika:
1. Blog: The Simplest Thing That Works
2. Book: Growing Great Employees
3. Company: Proteus International
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Wed 23 Jul 2008, 5:00 AM - Leave Comment
Background:
This is part of the Quought for the Day – 2008 Series.
Quought = Question that provokes thought!
The question I asked thought leaders and my very smart friends is:
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
I will be posting answers (which will be Quoughts) one by one.This one is from AnnaMaria Turano
AnnaMaria Turano is co-author of the book STOPWATCH MARKETING: Take Charge of the Time When Your Customer Decides to Buy (forthcoming from Portfolio in January 2008) and an Executive Director at Marketing Consulting Associates (www.mcaworks.com), a strategic marketing consulting firm based in Westport, Connecticut. Their clients have included MasterCard, Verizon, Gillette, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Goodyear, Payless ShoeSource, and many other major companies.
AnnaMaria’s Quought:
“Who (not just what) do you want to be when you grow up?”
AnnaMaria’s reason for her choice of that Quought
This question addresses what a child wants to be thought of as an adult – including the unique personality traits and types of relationships/friendships. This question asks a child to describe their desired emotional success which should build on the typical “what do you want to be when you grow up” question which parents/teachers/friends ask a child to help them define their desired career/financial success.
More about AnnaMaria
1. Blog: http://www.stopwatchmarketing.com/blog/
2. Book: http://stopwatchmarketing.com/
3. Consultancy: http://mcaworks.com/
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Tue 22 Jul 2008, 5:00 AM - Leave Comment
Background:
This is part of the Quought for the Day – 2008 Series.
Quought = Question that provokes thought!
The question I asked thought leaders and my very smart friends is:
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
I will be posting answers (which will be Quoughts) one by one.This one is from David Meerman Scott
David Meerman Scott (born March 25, 1961) is an online thought leadership and viral marketing strategist and the author of three books on marketing. Based in Boston, he is a speaker at conferences and corporate events and runs seminars about marketing around the world.
Scott’s ideology “the new rules of marketing & PR” is that marketing and public relations is vastly different on the Web than in mainstream media. He says that the “old rules” of mainstream media (which he asserts do not work on the Web) are about “controlling a message” and the only ways to get the message into the public domain using mainstream media is to buy expensive advertising or beg the media to write about you. He says that the rules of marketing and PR on the Web are completely different. Instead of buying or begging your way in, Scott says anybody can “publish their way in” using the tools of social media such as, blogs, podcasts, online news releases, online video, viral marketing, and online media
David’s Quought:
“How will you create a career that will make you happy?”
David’s reason for his choice of that Quought
When I was young, people talked about work and happiness as two separate things. You worked and that brought in money which you could then use for happiness. But then when I got into the work world I noticed a few people who were very happy AT WORK. How could that be? As I probed, I found out they made a career that made them happy. I’m fortunate that my work now provides happiness for me. I’m glad I found it and I wish someone had asked me about it much earlier. (I have already asked this question of my 14 year old daughter… several times!)
Links about David:
1. Website: www.davidmeermanscott.com
2. Blog – www.webinknow.com
3. David’s complimentary e-book
“The new rules of PR: How to create a press release strategy for reaching buyers directly”
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Mon 21 Jul 2008, 5:00 AM - Leave Comment
Background:
This is part of the Quought for the Day – 2008 Series.
Quought = Question that provokes thought!
The question I asked thought leaders and my very smart friends is:
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
I will be posting answers (which will be Quoughts) one by one.This one is from Dr. Delaney Kirk
Delaney J. Kirk, Ph.D., SPHR is currently a Visiting Professor of Management at the University of South Florida-Sarasota. Previously she taught for 18 years at Drake University. She has conducted teaching workshops at Columbia University, Duke University, University of Washington, Graceland University, University of Nebraska, and the University of Akron, in addition to numerous academic conferences. She was the featured expert for the Chronicle of Higher Education’s online chat on classroom management, and has earned the prestigious Drake University Board of Governor’s “Excellence in Teaching” Award. Her book, Taking Back the Classroom: Tips for the College Professor on Becoming a More Effective Teacher (Tiberius Publications, 2005) is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. She answers questions on teaching and classroom management at www.delaneykirk.com
Delaney’s Quought
“What are you doing to enjoy this day?”
The reason for Delaney’s choice of that Quought
In the book, Stumbling on Happiness, Daniel Gilbert gives examples of how we spend our lives doing things we think will make us happy in the future instead of living in the present. I find myself obsessed with my “to do” lists with little time to go for a walk in the sunshine or spend time with friends. So my question to my younger self would be, “What are you doing to enjoy this day?”
Delaney’s Recommended Links:
1. Patti Digh who vows that, ” In 2008, let’s show up like magic for someone every day. That could mean showing up in a funny hat, a phone call, a small gift, a handmade card, playing Candyland with children instead of checking email, the lighting of a candle in someone’s name and holding them in your thoughts, a sweet letter, a thoughtful note, a reaching out…Show up like magic in your own life. What would that look like for you?
2. Donna B. Miller who developed this artwork to share with others: “Every day is Day 1. Every single, stinkin’ day. Each one. Today. Tomorrow. The next day. Not as punishment or failure, but as gift.”
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Sat 19 Jul 2008, 11:42 PM - 2 Comments
Background:
This is part of the Quought for the Day – 2008 Series.
Quought = Question that provokes thought!
The question I asked thought leaders and my very smart friends is:
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
I will be posting answers (which will be Quoughts) one by one.This one is from Stephen Hopson
Stephen is a former award-winning Wall Street stockbroker turned motivational speaker, popular blogger, author and the first deaf pilot in the history of aviation to earn an instrument rating. His speciality as a speaker is teaching people how to turn adversity into success and achieve the impossible.
Stephen’s Quought
“Why do you think you were born deaf?”
The reason for Stephen’s choice of that Quought
The reason why I wish I was asked this question is because it would have helped me understand at a very early age that we are all born the way we are for a spiritual and divine reason. Being asked that question would have led me to realize what my purpose was at an early age. It might have led me to accept my hearing disability at a much earlier age.
More about Stephen:
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Sat 19 Jul 2008, 10:15 AM - 2 Comments
Background:
This is part of the Quought for the Day – 2008 Series.
Quought = Question that provokes thought!
The question I asked thought leaders and my very smart friends is:
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
I will be posting answers (which will be Quoughts) one by one.This one is from Dr. Nick Morgan
Dr. Nick Morgan is one of America’s top communication and speech coaches. A passionate teacher, he is committed to helping people find clarity in their thinking and ideas – and then delivering them with panache. He has been commissioned by Fortune 50 companies to write for many CEOs and presidents. He has coached people to give Congressional testimony, to appear on the Today Show, and to take on the investment community. He has worked widely with political and educational leaders. And he has helped design conferences and prepare keynote speeches around the world.
Nick’s Quought
What are the 3 gifts your parents have given you that will be most useful to you in your life?
More about Nick:
1. Book: Give your speech, change the world
2. Website: Public Words
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Fri 18 Jul 2008, 7:27 PM - 3 Comments
Background:
This is part of the Quought for the Day – 2008 Series.
Quought = Question that provokes thought!
The question I asked thought leaders and my very smart friends is:
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
I will be posting answers (which will be Quoughts) one by one. This one is from Sally Pera
Sally Pera is the founder and CEO of PeraConnect. PeraConnect focuses exclusively on personal career building, offering a suite of services for high-level executives and professionals. These include Personal Career Building Services and Career Building Skills Seminars, incorporating ongoing consulting, introductions and business development outreach.
Disclaimer: I am fortunate to have Sally to be a fellow Board Member in one of my portfolio companies Jiffle.
Sally’s Quought
I wish passionately that someone had asked me early on how I intended to raise my children and had required from me answers in detail.
Sally’s reason for choosing that Quought
I have no real regrets about how I managed this, and the world easily sees that my children are pretty amazing, still I think had my levels or awareness been deeper, I might have done things a bit differently and even better !!!!
More information about Sally
Sally Pera: Pera Connect
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Fri 18 Jul 2008, 8:49 AM - 1 Comment
Beginning of 2007, I created a project called “Quought for the day” and requested several thought leaders to contribute a quought for my blog.
Quought = Question that provokes Thought.
The project was VERY successful and well received mainly because of so many interesting Quoughts from several leading thinkers.
My Squidoo lens on Questions has details of all the Quoughts for 2007.
Here is the link to the Squidoo lens:
http://www.squidoo.com/questions
This year, I am continuing the tradition and trying to feature some more questions that will provoke thought.
I reached out to a number of people that I respect and asked them this question
What is ONE question that you wish someone had asked you when you were young? And, Why?
The response of course is another question with a brief explanation.
Think about the question yourself and I will start featuring questions from several other thinkers soon.
Have a great Friday!
Posted under Quought for the Day.
By Rajesh Setty on Thu 05 Jun 2008, 9:53 AM - 1 Comment
Thank you for reading this blog, some other blog and thank you reading anything that you think will help. You might be reading a lot and thinking about what you read and discussing it with your friends. This is all good but without action none of this is good. Bronowski captures this brilliantly in this sweet quote.
“The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation”
- Jacob Bronowski
Posted under Quought for the Day.
Stuart Malcolm Scott, CEO and Chief Conversation Starter at Guinnen MacRath, is an architect of business transformation. He teaches, writes, and coaches on the subject of creating powerful conversations to shape change in organizations. During the last twenty years, he has worked with companies on five continents to redesign their business processes, leadership models, and organizational communication patterns.
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