Being Present: What a gift!

In watching the 911 memorial stuff this morning on CSPAN (yes, I watched CSPAN), I remembered how Melissa woke me up to tell me of the attacks that horrific morning in 2001. My heart still goes out to those who lost loved ones that day. I can't imagine the emotions they experience on this day.

In watching the Pentagon Memorial this morning, I saw President Bush and his wife take time to talk with the families. It wasn't rushed. And they took time to look people in the eyes as they listened.

It made me remember how important it is to be present when we talk or encounter people throughout our day. How many times have we been doing something only to experience an interruption by someone - maybe a coworker or a child or a customer - beckoning for our attention. I understand not every encounter weighs as heavy as talking to someone who's lost a loved one ... the point is how can we make that person feel valued in that moment?

I am going to work on that today. And tomorrow. And the next day ...

What can you do to help someone feel valued today?

NOTE: As I typed this my two of my kids came into talk to me. I stopped my thought process and acknowledged their request. Having A D D is no excuse not to be present.

Back up outta my grill!

Not sure if this would give most a panic attack but . . . Look how those in the back get low and use the legs! I would need a little space in this situation!

How would you handle this situation?

Starbucks - Going back to the basics

Originally posted on Typepad - March 5, 2008

Much has been made about Howard Schultz taking the reigns back leading Starbucks. As a former employee, I appreciate the third place concept but beyond that I appreciate the value Starbucks puts on creating an experience for their customers - with overpriced coffee! Here is an excerpt from his letter to his employees. Read it in it's entirety here. By the way, I love how Starbucks refers to employees as partners.

We are at our best when we are entrepreneurial and courageous, push for innovation and reject the status quo. We are leaders not followers--we leave that for others.

We are the third place in the lives of millions of our customers. We are the coffee that brings people together every day around the world to foster conversation and community.

As Starbucks partners, we are bound together by the passion we have for our coffee and the customer experience. More than 170,000 of us stand for quality and an uncompromising ethical standard. We uphold our guiding principles by demonstrating respect and dignity for one another, and for our customers. (emphasis added)

I read the letter from Mark Waltz's blog.

I know all is not perfect with Starbucks but they do a good job at what they do. Like or dislike The Bucks?

Phil. 1:3

After spending a good chunk of time ('98-'04) with these guys on a regular basis, I've recently have been reacquainted with the genuineness, the coolness, the greatness that is Danny Rhines and Wes Ohaire. More Wes.

Two words: Tri-Fecta (pictured to the right)

If you ever get a chance to meet these guys and eat lunch with them, you need to buy!

Who are two favorite people you like to hang with - with no pretense?


*I am diggin' Joseph Zwanziger and his all seeing eye. Much love the the peeps of TFH.

We all want to belong | Fit in!

This came from the Director of Community at a church in the Midwest. It was a wake up call to be aware of the obvious - and aware that people matter and want to belong. It's up to us to help facilitate that.

"At 8:15 this past Sunday morning, I see this guy wandering in the area near staff mailboxes and the bathrooms. He doesn't seem like he's waiting for anyone. He doesn't stop anyone to ask for direction. (I was one of at least 3 people who walked by him.) He is definitely looking around. Yeah, he is out of place. I don't stop him. I don't inquire. I just noticed. (Not my proudest Director of Community moment!)

Less than 5 minutes later, I now see him in the atrium wandering but definitely uncomfortable. The only other people are a few staff and volunteer leaders setting up for the day, and some GCC regulars meeting early for coffee. He stood out again. He's looking around. Weird. What is he doing?

Wait. He's making a move. He starts walking toward the exit doors with determination. For whatever reason, I now decide that if he has just stalked the place, I should probably say something to let him know he was noticed.

Just as he's opening the second set of doors to reach the cold air, I reach him. "Can I help you find anything?" With a slight dialect of another language, "Well, I was supposed to serve today. It was my first time, but I can't find where I'm supposed to go. So..." Feeling like a complete schmuck, "Ohhhh. We can find the team. Let me help you." Within 2 minutes, we found the team leader, made the introduction, and poof! Connection made! I saw him later that morning serving confidently.

People are uncomfortable when they take a step. It's new. They don't know what to expect. They don't do what seems obvious to us who are already connected. Really! Yes, I know it doesn't make sense. Virtually everyone in the building at that time could have helped him. He only needed to ask. He did not feel comfortable to stop anyone.

Taking a step is a big deal. I want to be noticed - to be significant - to connect - to fit in. At the same time, I don't want to be noticed as different - as not fitting in. I am glad I had this glimpse into the experience of our people. It gives me passion to do all that we can to make it easy for them."