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“Throw kindness around like confetti” Those words appeared on a door people entered to meet their new leader. Seriously? A colorful thought. Definitely appropriate for Pinterest projects. But to guide a group, it’s rather insignificant direction. Or is it? Ignore kindness and the only person who feels good is the one at the top. Progress might occur, but so will turnover. Esprit de corps will erode. Folks will no longer get along. They might tolerate one another, but who wants to stay in that setting? Society has stopped valuing kindness; look around at the results. It needs a comeback. Prioritize kindness and prepare to accomplish more than anyone can hope for or imagine. My daughter Erin knows that’s true. Every day, in countless ways, she convinces her charges that they can, and should, be kind. The earlier confetti reference appeared on her workplace door. She models it, expects it, and sees it work – every year. She teaches Kindergarten; she shares lessons that transcend age. Ancient wisdom clarifies truly important traits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved
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“Let’s live this day well.” Twenty-two years ago, during my cancer battle, Becky and I developed a shorter-term approach to life. When you believe your days are numbered, you determine to make them count. As our young family navigated an uncertain path, we began to live bolder, love stronger, and laugh more. Somehow, life grew complicated and our “this day” focus disappeared. The folder labelled “Someday” grew thick. One day not long ago, someday lost its welcome. We longed to live bolder once again, so we emptied someday into today. I will soon start as part-time team development pastor for the church we attend and love for all the right reasons, and I’ll consult for select nonprofits. This schedule allows generous time to write (finally!). Becky will continue coordinating volunteers for an amazing local outreach agency and will facilitate team training experiences for clients across the country. Together, we will develop parenting workshops. And once again live, love, and laugh like never before. You’re invited, online or in-person; I preach Sunday (July 17) at 9:30 and 11 a.m. https://weareportcity.com/  © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved
“Please describe your job in one sentence.” Everyone on the team of 64 received this instruction. As the new leader preparing to meet each person, this assignment enabled individuals to self-articulate what they do versus knowing everyone by their job titles. The team embraced the challenge; all showed up with a handcrafted single sentence. One description stood out from the other 63. Almost two decades later, it remains easy to recall: I write. Marta, a talented, funny, and oh-so-loveable curriculum writer showcased her serious professional expertise with just two words. Without realizing, she crafted a valuable, evergreen lesson for any communicator. Her ability to share so much through so little inspired a formula worth committing to memory: Brevity = Mastery With equal parts deliberate word choice and desire to communicate well, anyone can write (or speak) like Marta. Doing so requires investing big effort, but not doing so costs more. In a world where anyone can write or say anything at any time, and too many do, Ancient Wisdom hints to a better way: Let your words be few.  © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved
©Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved
Many want to right wrongs; few want to write wrong. In a conversation with my editor, our discussion focused on the undervalued, yet priceless role editing plays. In writing, for sure -- but also in life. Editors read an author’s words and apply expert scrutiny, a process at its best when brutal. Then a corrected version returns to the writer who now faces a choice: Make the changes or ignore them. Personal experience has proven that revisions carry immense value and, therefore, deserve strong consideration. Writers do their best work when they trust their editors to share the truth about what must improve, even when the feedback feels lousy. A similar dynamic happens whenever willingness for scrutiny exists. A board chair once shared advice to help sharpen my decision-making: “Listen closely to people who disagree with you. If no one does, invite someone in who will.” She continued: “The best decisions emerge from hearing truth, not from hearing everyone agree.” Ancient wisdom reinforces the ultimate value of who and what you believe: “…the truth will set you free.”  ©Copyright 2021, David Staal, all rights reserved
Journeys must start somewhere. A nonprofit director faced a difficult donor conversation, unsure if the person would continue to give. She sought advice on how to handle the meeting and heard: “No matter which way it goes, say thank you. Thank you for continuing your support or Thank you for supporting us for many years.” She felt relief like a cool breeze, then dialed the phone. A thousand miles away, a man interviewed for a promotion and awaited the outcome. He felt anxious about how to handle the call and asked for suggestions. “Either way say thank you; for the new job or for the opportunity to receive consideration.” Another cool breeze blew. Saying “Thank you” shows gratitude. And gratitude is a key indicator of joy. And joy is not determined by circumstances -- if a donation happens or a job offer materializes -- or any other winds of change that blow your way. Our world needs more joy, deep joy. Does it really start by saying thank you? Yes, according to ancient wisdom: “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”  ©Copyright 2021, David Staal, all rights reserved
During pre-trip prep, a whitewater rafting guide shared important reminders about listening, bouncing off rocks, and paddling. He also shared priceless wisdom. “Your job is to do what I say right away,” he said. “When I yell ‘hard forward,’ then really dig in. If you hear ‘back,’ then paddle like we’re going in reverse. Anyone know why we will do that?” “Because you tell us to?” said someone attempting humor. The guide ignored the comment. “We need to control our speed. The only way to navigate is to make our raft go faster than the water or slower than the water. When we go the same speed as the current, we go wherever the river wants to take us.” Those words proved invaluable to pilot a class 5 river -- and to navigate life. Go the same speed as everyone around you, and you go wherever the crowd takes you. Prepare to hit rocks. Figure out how and when to dig in or slow down, though, and the journey turns exhilarating. Your choice.  ©Copyright 2021, David Staal, all rights reserved
©Copyright 2021, David Staal, all rights reserved
Two leaders, a decade apart, shared words that 1) built my integrity as a spokesperson and 2) lowered my blood pressure. What did they say? The first advice came while preparing for a press briefing in response to unwanted and distorted publicity. I commented that with the right spin, we could sway the media to our angle. After a quick, biting comment about that approach, I heard a better game plan: “Worry less about how things look and focus more on how things really are.” The second piece of golden counsel dealt with a much different circumstance. Less than a year into running an organization, I called our board chair to announce bad news. A dark financial report caused me to panic, which proved easy for him to discern. His response provided the calm I needed: “Situations are rarely as good as they seem or as bad as they seem.” Neither person gave me a solution. Instead, they shared something timeless and priceless -- the freedom that comes from embracing reality. Nearly a modern edition of the ancient wisdom: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.” ©Copyright 2021, David Staal, all rights reserved  ©Copyright 2021, David Staal, all rights reserved |
AuthorDavid Staal writes, speaks, consults, and has filled a career with executive and leadership positions Blogs/Articles |
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