Audio Tidbits for Informing, Entertaining, Learning and Just for Fun
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This episode of Audio Tidbits focuses on philosophy and perspective. Of course, it includes a good measure of Kevin’s music, with the tips and perspectives interspersed. We all have our perspective that is not quite like that of anyone else. That perspective shapes our philosophy, how we view the world and how we think it works or doesn’t work for us. I think you will enjoy the music, the perspectives, and a chance to relax as you consider how things work for you.
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Getting it right isn’t easy but is one of those things that just has to be done. Getting it wrong is a lot easier but means that you never get it right. Yes, you get to choose. Get it right or get it wrong; but that doesn’t seem like much of a choice. Even so, too many of us make the getting it wrong choice.
In this episode of Audio Tidbits, there are three tips for getting it right. You may be surprised to find out just what it takes to choose “right,” to keep it between the lines. While you consider your choices, there are also three tunes that will relax and put you in the state of mind to make the best choice for you.
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If you follow the “news,” – as do I – there is a lot more to worry about than to be happy about. Let’s first do our worrying. Here are ten things we might want to put on our worry list.
1. Whether or not the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Attorney General and most everyone heading the executive branch of our Federal government are serving the public interest or simply self-dealing and using their positions to further themselves and their financial backers.
2. Whether global warming is a real and present danger, proceeding unchecked on a course to cause permanent and irreversible harm to the home planet, or if the potential risk is being wildly exaggerated.
3. Whether the economy is basically sound and unlikely to faulter, or if recession and difficult times are just around the corner.
4. Whether immigration is good and adds to the fullness and richness of our culture and economy, or if it is dangerous and threatens our safety and livelihoods.
5. Whether our schools and colleges are successfully educating our children and young people in ways that prepare them for productive lives in the real world, or if those institutions are only raising the literacy of the more affluent and talented children and young people while neglecting the needs and interests of the less affluent and less talented majority.
6. Whether government will halt the deterioration and neglect of our public facilities and lands or continue to ignore their worsening condition.
7. Whether mass killing, community violence, drug – child – and family abuse, and personal danger will continue to fester, or if our governments and communities will come together to act to reduce and perhaps even stop these facts of American life.
8. Whether having enough to eat, a safe place to live, an adequate education, needed healthcare, and life’s fundamentals will always be contingent on wealth status, or if someday everyone will get a fair shot at the golden ring.
9. Whether Congress will ever get around to dealing with the real issues and concerns of most people – at least most people I know, or if our politicians will continue to be mostly focused on who will win the next election.
10. Whether our democracy is actually at risk and some people really are above the law, or if all the hubbub is just so much smoke to keep us from noticing that nothing is being done about the things that truly are of concern to me and perhaps to you too.
I’m thinking that it wouldn’t be all that difficult to list ten more worries. Your worries are likely not the same as mine, but I have no doubt that you could easily add ten more to your list too. And I haven’t even opened the door to the rest of the world where there are plenty more reasons to worry. But for now, let’s think about our reasons to be happy. I’m sure I have at least ten.
Continue reading “The News Makes Us Worry – The News Makes Us Happy”
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Audio Tidbits is back with some fun, including three tunes from Kevin and a couple of tips for making a difference to people who make a difference to you. Please enjoy.
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It’s time for a change. Welcome to the new and improved Audio Tidbits. In this episode, I have included three tunes from the library of Kevin MacLeod. Listeners have asked for more from Kevin and it’s here for you. Not to be disappointed. There are also two tips that will help you Make a positive difference with people who matter to you. This time, you hear about Bridge Burning and are reminded that there is never a good excuse for bad manners. I hope you enjoy the show. If you have any thoughts to share about the new format, please share them with me at Gary@GaryCrow.net. Enjoy!
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Here’s another cool tune just for you. I am still testing Hosting and thought I might as well share it with you. Enjoy.
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This cool tune is here only to test Hosting. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. Have a listen.
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Intercept1 has intercepted another communication from the Aliens Amongst Us. In this transmission, one of the aliens amongst us is on what appears to be a rant. He focuses on the fundamental inequity among the people of America and specifically on what he sees as a hidden example of the powerful exploiting the weak. In this transmission, the alien amongst us is taking aim on youth athletics and in particular athletics in our schools. He reports on an example of what appears to be the exploitation and perhaps abuse of a young girl in cheerleading practice. The alien amongst us thinks it is but an example of more general exploitation of young athletes by adults who are primarily interested in promoting their own status and prestige. Please listen and consider what you think about the validity of his rant.
In this episode of the Audio Tidbits Podcast, the podcasting team has a speed round of little tips for you. Along with the quick insights, you get to enjoy a lively musical interlude to provide a chance to consider the tips. I think you will find one or two little gems that may be just what you are looking for today. Please enjoy.
In this episode of Audio Tidbits Podcast I return to six leadership styles I shared with you in an earlier podcast. In this episode I discuss the leadership style of President Trump and consider which of the six styles best characterize his leadership style. I also share some thoughts about how well he does as a leader using his preferred style. I conclude that he is a master at the motivational/values leadership approach.
Our intrepid hunters have tracked the Great Mouse to this peaceful setting where they find the Great Mouse and its companion having a well-deserved rest. The hunters are surprised but can certainly relate to the need for rest. The presence of the companion should have been expected but nonetheless catches the hunters a little off guard. What to do? After a quick consultation, they choose to silently slip away. The hunt for the Great Mouse will continue, but not today.
In this episode of the Audio Tidbits Podcast, you learn everything you need to know about negotiation at home, at work, or wherever you are when the time comes to make a deal. The skills you will develop will facilitate your being more effectively assertive, being a better problem solver, and being a better conflict manager. Developing the skills is sometimes tedious and requires a lot of practice. The payoff is both substantial and positive though. At first, it will be useful to move through the negotiation process in a step-by-step manner. With practice and experience, you will gradually get to a point where effective negotiating is second nature to you and is not something that requires a lot of detailed activity. At first though, it is important to develop a negotiating plan and to seek out opportunities to practice. It is a little like learning to play the piano. Learning how is tedious and time consuming. Being able to play well however, is a very satisfying thing indeed. PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES What do you want that I have, control, or can do? As odd as it may seem, this is frequently the step that inexperienced negotiators leave out. Very specifically, what do you want that I have? Here, we are talking about things, about concrete and tangible objects. What do you want that I control? Here we are talking about opportunities, resources, time, or other less tangible “things.” What do you want me to do that I can do? Here, it is important to think in terms of things that anyone with my skills, in my position, and with my resources “can do.” In very specific terms, what do you want from me? With “it” referring to what you want, can I actually give it to you? This is another…
It's being just one of those things does not make it any the less sad. Actually, that may be the saddest part of it all. (This episode is back by request.)
This episode of the Leadership shop Podcast shows you the elements of proactive leadership. It gives you the opportunity to consider your approach to leadership and evaluate the extent to which you are a proactive leader. The members of the podcast team take turns presenting the elements so please listen and decide how your leadership fits with proactive leadership.
As a project transforms from an ad hoc initiative by a concerned group of people to a mature human services agency, there are many points at which things can and often do go astray. These range from the relatively minor and inconsequential to points where the process shifts significantly off the intended track. What the Initiators intend is only more or less realized. At times, the result has little but a vague relationship to the original intent. Let's explore the creation process for human services agencies and see how things go right and how they go wrong. …
Let's get started (Compliments of www.QuoteGarden.com) with Louisa May Alcott who said, Very gay they were with snow and sleigh-bells, holly-boughs, and garlands below, and Christmas sunshine in the winter sky above. All faces shone, all voices had a cheery ring, and everybody stepped briskly on errands of good-will. Norman Vincent Peale joined in, Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Carol Nelson added, Christmas is a time when you get homesick — even when you're home. Roy L Smith was there too, He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. Of course, Charles Dickens brought his unique perspective, I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. W J Cameron was also along with a thought for careful consideration, Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year — and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. Burton Hillis makes us smile, The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree, the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. And along came Andy Rooney to remind us not to get in too much of a rush to clear the happy evidence, One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly.…
Whenever we are in a new situation or starting a new relationship, it's usually time for a little ice breaker. This is never quite so true as at work with a new co-worker. This episode of Audio Tidbits Podcast shares the ice breaker Ava used with her new colleague. You may find it may work for you.
Doing the right things right, the first time, on time, every time may indeed be our theme song. It likely comes as no surprise we are now singing that old song in reference to serious relationships. "Relate the best you know how, every chance you get." A truly serious relationship is not a now-and-then, if you feel like it or have time proposition. Neither is it a place where less than your best will do, unless you do not care about risking the relationship. Sure, that level of effort and commitment benefits your significant other. You do it for them; and that is certainly thoughtful of you. More to the point though, giving it your best shot every time is in your very personal self-interest. Do it for you.
How often do you find yourself just sitting around with a few friends and the conversation gradually dies? At first it is comfortable but after a while, it starts to get awkward. You can't think of anything to say. Do we have a deal for you. The team has gotten together to share two hundred and fifty two oldies but goodies to say to jump start the conversation. We know that you have heard them all before but having them handy can't hurt when you are at a loss for words. Relax. It takes a while. Press play. Here we go.
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When dealing with people at work or at home, do you find yourself at a loss as to what to do or how to proceed now and then? If not, good for you, but if you are merely human like the rest of us, here’s a bulletin for you. There are always things to say, things to do.
Here are ninety-three that you can pick from the next time you find yourself in a pinch. Just pick one, any one, and go for it. They all work in a pinch. If you have five minutes to explore the full set, it’s always okay to select the exact one that best fits what’s happening right now. If you are feeling rushed, just pick one and go for it. Either way, you will never again be at a loss as to what to say or do.
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For this episode of Audio Tidbits, the title is the message. The point is quick but critical to your success. Listen and learn how.
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Leaders have many responsibilities, but there is one responsibility that shapes everything else. That is how they use the power and control that comes with leadership. This in turn relates to many areas of responsibility, but none is as important as decision making.
In this episode of Audio Tidbits, I explore leadership and decision making. Included here are levels of decision making. Within this range, there is what we may think of as the decision-making bottom line. That is the decision that few expected and even fewer think is the right decision. How do skilled leaders handle the decision-making bottom line? That is where our discussion leads. Please join me on the journey.
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Skilled leaders deal with many types of people and situations every day. They know that they can’t just react to those people and events. That would be letting those people and those events call the shots, determine the game. That is what skilled leaders always try to avoid. They want to call the shots, want to lead. What is the alternative? Skilled leaders are proactive. In this episode of Audio Tidbits, I share some examples of what it means to be a proactive leader.