Good Morning,
It has been quite a while since I made the time to pull together some content that I found interesting and worth sharing. Hopefully, you find something worth reading in the links below.
1. First, de-escalate…
Seth Godin is always reliable for some valuable insights. I thought his reflections on customer service in this article were worth sharing. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2018/01/first-de-escalate.html. “The goal is to open doors, not close them.” – Awesome theme for customer service that seems to be counter-cultural!
2. Do You Reduce Stress Or Increase Stress?
I suspect most of us operate in environments filled with people who tend to increase stress. I like Brad’s approach of trying to be the person who reduces stress for others. I hope I can be that person too. https://www.feld.com/archives/2017/11/reduce-stress-increase-stress.html
3. Neil Gaiman on Why We Read and What Books Do for the Human Experience?
This is one of the best articles about reading that I’ve ever come across. https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/08/03/neil-gaiman-view-from-the-cheap-seats-reading/?mc_cid=5173218563&mc_eid=5a8eb02760 Maria Popova’s articles in her Brain Pickings blog are all very long and well researched so set aside some time if you are going to get into her. The part of the article about reading out loud to our children was especially convicting. The section towards the end about imagination is also valuable. I’ve been a big fan of Neil Gaiman as a thinker and an author ever since listening to his 2012 commencement address themed – “Make Good Art.” I’ve shared this video before, but just in case you missed it… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikAb-NYkseI
4. A book that I recently finished – The Road to Character by David Brooks
I started this book many many months ago but got sidetracked for a while. I came back to it over the holidays and found it to be very timely. If the topic is of any interest to you I would encourage you to also check out his website. It is a treasure trove of articles, videos, and book recommendations. It also contains numerous character profiles that may resonate with you.
5. A quote that made me laugh, but only because I have found it to be painfully true…
“The first 90% of a project is a lot easier than the second 90%.”
– Tim Sweeney
This quote seems to be very representative of projects in my work life, but even more representative of any home remodeling project that I ever undertake.
Brandon's Blog 