To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Creativity

What is that one thing…

blog_795784_2899388_1462807567What an awesome picture! This week I am tackling creativity. The term “creativity” just seems to go hand in hand with “childhood.” I’ve been going through the masses of everything I have kept from the boys’ childhood and it has been a BLAST. (Not a fan of the dust and “uck” that accumulates in those basement boxes… but it’s worth it!)

The works from preschool all of the way up to probably middle school has been a treat in seeing their creativity. It makes you wonder why we ever stop using construction paper and glue!

So, today, I think we all need a JOLT of creativity. Let’s have a bit of fun and have everyone think of one thing they miss from their childhood and let us all know in the comments. I struggled with whether mine was the neighborhood kickball games, Marco Polo in the pool, tether ball with my sister (I’m pretty sure I won – hahaha) OR, SWINGING! It’s definitely swinging! For some reason I loved the wind in my hair and using my energy to go higher and higher. I loved this picture, because perhaps the very act of SWINGING allows your mind to think bigger.

Thursday we will talk about some specific ways to get creative as adults. As a hint, it starts with getting yourself in a creative environment. There is some cool information out there and I’ll share some highlights. In the meantime, this CNN article is truly a worthwhile read for us all and a great reminder that we need to encourage creativity!

Maybe my college boys won’t mind having some family nights coloring this summer? HMMM…. Not sure that is going to happen, but I’m drumming up some other ideas to keep the creative energy high! After all, our lives are made up of things dreamed of and dreams often happen when we are exercising our minds!

Definitely read this CNN article if you have time, or bookmark it for later!

(Photo credit: We Heart It)

3 reasons being loyal will improve your year

blog_754715_2832370_1452747244Loyalty! Why be loyal? It seems obvious in some categories, such as relationships.

As a friend, we really need our friends to be loyal and honor our story and support us no matter what happens. As an employer, we really cannot succeed at the top of our game without employee and customer loyalty.  =Starbucks thanks many of us for our loyal support, as do thousands of other businesses nationwide.  Why does it matter?

The statistics in the workplace are pretty astounding. According to the authors of Leading on the Edge of Chaos, the ability for businesses to keep their customers can increase profits 25-125%. WOW! The reliable 80/20 rule is also true in this category according to Gartner from Forbes.com – “80% of your company’s future revenue will come from just 20% of your existing customers.”

For employers, the cost of turnover is dramatic, but we won’t be delving in that category. The purpose of this post is to share not only what I believe to be true about loyalty, but to offer you some facts that may make a difference in your thinking and year! We need to be loyal to our role for own success and happiness. Here are three reasons why:

1. Full value: If we aren’t loyal, we don’t show up with our full value. I can’t imagine not showing up with full value. (Well actually, I had a temporary summer job one year doing something like making boxes…it was awful, and probably scarred me for life on tedious and boring jobs that appear to have no meaning.)  We must find a path that supports our values, passions and enables us to maximize our talents. Our world is counting on us to all come to the table with our full value.

2. Strong & better: When we are truly loyal, we become stronger and better employees, leaders, moms, dads, friends, volunteers, neighbors..I’m always game for getting stronger and better in any category.

3. Healthier: Finally, it’s January and most are focused on their health. Guess what? Scientists have documented that loyalty in relationships and in our career, offer benefits of reduced illness, longer life, higher compensation, more productivity and creativity. Even being loyal to our sports team, (GO KC CHIEFS!), helps reduce anxiety according to the Wall Street Journal! Who knew?

Who needs your loyalty?  Who needs their story honored by your support & loyalty? If you aren’t feeling loyalty to any of your key roles, stop and evaluate if it’s a good role or relationship and begin creating a game plan to up your game or get out!

Energy for the holidays and beyond!

blog_746884_2824011_1450317433As promised, let’s spend a few minutes on the “other” side of energy. The nutrition side of this discussion for some is simply draining, because we all know what we need to do for the most part. So, while I include nutrition in the formula above, I’m going to save that one and focus on the sleep.

In case you didn’t know it already, sleep is the hot health topic for 2016. If you haven’t noticed, I promise you’ll now see the topic on magazine covers, and splashed on your social media channels.

For good reason, SLEEP according to Arianna Huffington, (publisher of the famous Huffington Post and author of the 2015 release THRIVE), is “the biggest enhancement tool” that we have in our personal arsenal for greater effectiveness. Look for her new book in April on the topic of SLEEP, and for now, take a look at her TED talk on the topic.

Locally, Dr. Michelle Robin is helping us move in the same direction with her 21-day rejuvenating sleep program. I think that sounds like a great idea if you currently are in the majority of depriving yourself of sleep!

I leave you today with some health benefits of sleep found on health.com! My hope is that you will make it a goal to improve your health in 2016 and watch your energy soar!
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  1. Sleep improves memory. During the sleep process you “strengthen” memories or “practice” skills learned while you were awake through a process called consolidation. (I’m all in on consolidation… who knew?)
  2. You’ll live longer and be less stressed. In a 2010 study of women ages 50-79, more deaths occurred in women who got less than five hours of sleep per night.
  3. Sleep curbs inflammation. Inflammation is linked to heart disease and a host of other diseases. Research indicates that those who receive six or fewer hours per sleep a night have higher blood levels of inflammatory proteins. Yikes!
  4. Sleep spurs creativity and sharpens your attention! Love that one!
  5. Sleep helps you achieve a healthy weight. Researchers in Chicago found that dieters who were well rested lost more fat (56%) of their weight loss than those sleep deprived.

3 ways to love what you have

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A big thanks to my son Sam for his help with today’s post. I got hit with that ugly stomach bug I had heard about – yikes! Creativity was not at an all time high, and wanting to stick with the theme this week on ‘Bringing What you Have’ was hard. He stopped studying for finals and shared some great ideas. Here are some insights to get your mind perhaps a bit more focused to have the best holiday season ever.

  1. Recognize What you Have. Make a short list of what you have. Do you have time? Maybe a few extra hours or a student on break? Are you a baker like my friends Alyssa and Amy? A musician like my friends Mark, Becca, Kelly and Cody? Are you an extraordinary decorator like my friends Shelley and Teresa? Are you good with kids? Do you love to hang lights and work in the great outdoors (thanks, Sam!)? An extra hand to help out where needed?

    Here’s my short list:
    – Some extra time to spend with my boys serving the community when they all get home from school.
    – A friendly smile and willingness to throw in some help!
    – I wish I could say I am a baker, but alas, not in this season of my life. I can however pick up a great loaf of bread or some fun dessert at one of many great local bakeries, Sashas, Upper Crust, Three Women and an Oven, IBIS… and deliver it to someone who would love such a treat.

  2. Utilize What you Have. “Whatever we possess becomes of double value when we have the opportunity of sharing it with others.” – Jean-Nicolas Bouilly // It’s pretty easy folks- You’ll have a smile as big and precious as this little girl when you simply act! Utilize those gifts, no matter how small or big they may be! Now is the time!
  3. LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE! It’s the title of the blog and a pretty important thought! Own your gifts! Figure out ways to use them throughout the year to better our world, at work, home and in our community.

(photo creds: Pinterest: darlingcollections.com)

Top books of 2015

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Honestly, this is a huge deal for me to try to identify the top booksI have read this year.  My boys will tell you that I read a book every 10 days or so, and that Amazon Prime loves to visit our front door step! I have however narrowed it down to 10 books! I hope that you will find one or two that you find as inspiring as I did!

  1. Life Is Good – Bert and John Jacobs: Let me tell you that I dismissesd this book several times while walking through airport shops, but finally decided to bite the bullet. I’ve never been a big fan of the “Life is Good” shops (t-shirts, etc.) for some reason, though my sister has always loved them. Now I’m a huge fan! This is a simple book, great story and full of simple life lessons. The brothers and founders of ‘Life Is Good,’ outline the 10 superpowers of a happy and fulfilling life. This is a great one for all ages! Great graduation gift idea!
  2. Essentialism – Greg McKeown: Mark Batterson, my favorite Christian author and also listed below, recommended this one from his summer reading list. The book does not disappoint and is useful for just about anyone trying to survive in our chaotic society. It’s all about a “mindset” versus a task and time management. Solid read!
  3. Fervent – Priscilla Shirer: Priscilla is one of my favorite authors and speakers and this short and simple book on crafting prayer strategies is one to hold on to or buy multiple copies and give away. I believe this book is a part of the resoures for the also now famous movie that came out in the Fall, War Room.
  4. For the Love – Jen Hatmaker: Jen is an author that will have you laughing the entire way through. She approaches the topic of fighting for grace in a world of impossible standards.
  5. Creativity Inc. – Ed Catmull: Ed is a co-founder of Pixar Animation studios (with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter). If you saw the 2015 blockbuster movie Inside-Out, you know why this is a must read. (Inside-Out was simply the most clever and creative movie I believe ever on the big screen.)  It’s really a quite powerful management book.  We all are being called to a higher level of creativity in our roles and this book is sure to take you to a different dimenision in your thinking.
  6. Anything – Jennie Allen: Jennie was a new author to me this year and I am thrilled I read this book. It’s actually a new edition of a book with the same title, with an eight-week bible study added. Essentially, it follows a story of what might happen if we were ready to do “anything” for God and truly walk in his will. It is short and powerful. It will keep you up thinking!
  7. The Boys in the Boat – Daniel James: This book is a true story based on how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit is all about. True grit is a characteristic we all need and you will get lost in this story! Well done!
  8. IF – Mark Batterson: My all-time favorite author- (Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, etc.) nailed another great book! I was lucky enough to be selected to serve on the “launch” team for this book which meant I got an early copy. I loved that opportunity because I truly think Mark’s writing is the best. Easy to read, and a combination of real life stories and use of history and science to bring home the sometimes tough topics. IF is all about possible “regrets” and “what if” possibilities. Mark unpacks the promises of Romans 8 and helps us to become conquerors in this read.
  9. LinchPin – Seth Godin: I wrote an earlier blog on this book which you might want tocheck out here. Seth is simply one of the greatest business authors of our time. He is one you should follow in every social media channel you can find! I have read almost all of his books, and he is a marketing genius. This book is all about being indispensable!
  10. Optimism – Helen Keller: First of all, who knew this book even existed? Thanks to Twitter, someone shared this little gem with me! If you buy one book from this list, buy this one! (I just checked Amazon and it’s $5.99 so a great price as well!)   It will take you less than two hours to get through – probably less – but it is essential for all to read! Now that I looked back on the list, it’s the most unlikely favorite, but the favorite for sure.

(Photo Credit: Life Is Good) 

SIMPLY KC – COOL PEOPLE ABOUND

blog_700735_2752527_1437234082I have had the opportunity to encounter some truly incredible people in Kansas City!  KC is home to midwestern values and people that not only CARE DEEPLY and CREATE INSPIRATION….  but have some MAJOR GRIT.  I’m sure that’s true for many cities, but since this is about KC I’ll stick with these fine folks.

Today I’ll share with you three Kansas Citians that have AMAZED me through the years and I know you’ll love the lessons learned from each of them!

KATHY — Kathy Schikevitz is downright COOL!  I met Kathy a little less than a decade ago and my life is so much better because of her… Here’s why:

  1. She is CONSTANTLY HELPING others.  If we have a friend who has lost a loved one, or just needs help with their daughter’s homecoming dress (or in my case to iron a tuxedo last minute)- big or small, she HELPS.
  2. She is a huge GIVER.  Kansas City is better because of Kathy and her husband Ron- They are active in so many community activities that I can’t begin to name them, but suffice to say GIVING is a key part of CARING DEEPLY!

KIRA — Kira Montuori is one of those people that you walk away, going REALLY?  I am better for having spent time with you today!  I promise!  Here’s some lessons from KIRA and how she CREATES INSPIRATION!

  1. Kira looks at the POSITIVE in everything…Kira has given her professional life to helping vulnerable children- Children who have been abused, neglected… etc.  That is a hard environment.  KIRA makes even that POSITIVE and in the process LIFTS others up!
  2. Kira uses CREATIVITY in a way that elevates the conversation.  She is able to bring out the best in others, raise funds for very important needs, and improve our community.

STEVE — Steve Fleischaker is one of those Kansas Citians that represents good ole’ midwestern VALUES and GRIT!  Steve is a family man who lost one of his baby girls to cancer two years ago.  Steve has demonstrated how great faith and GRIT can turn some pretty shitty situations into a BETTER LIFE.   Here’s how he has done that (from my point of view!)

  1. Steve jumped right out front to educate others about his daughter’s situation…. Starting a walk, and much more!  When life handed his family a traumatic situation…he didn’t hide under the covers… He put on “GRIT” and stepped into it-
  2. Steve’s style is collaborative and HONEST –  to me “GRIT” is honesty – “Cater to my success, not my ego…”

Thanks KATHY, KIRA AND STEVE FOR MAKING KANSAS CITY COOL!

Linchpin – a blog book review

blog_682050_2730026_1432573688ARE YOU INDISPENSABLE?
Seth Godin, starts with this as a subtitle. PERFECT PLAY SETH!  I will often do these book reviews because I like to read.    When I read I check mark, underline, and dog-ear the corners of really great concepts… I figured, why not share a bit of this with my readers.  After all, more of my friends would not look at me strangely when I ask them if they would read a book if I gave them one…

So here you go, ENJOY and if you like what you read, go out to Amazon or your local book store and grabthis read –  it is truly a gem.

Random thoughts/extracts/comments and in no particular order:

  1. “You are a Genius” – Seth started with this, I like to think God created us all to be a genius at something!
  2. “I couldn’t have written this book ten years ago, our economy wanted you to fit it, it paid you well to fit in, and it took care of you if you fit in.  Now, like it or not, the world wants something different from you.”  How true is this… we all have to be shaken out of a routine and into new ways of thinking and delivering results to stand out.
  3.  “Stop asking what’s in it for you and start giving gifts that change people.  Then and only then, will you have achieved your potential.”
  4.  “Becoming a LINCHPIN is a stepwise process, a path in which you develop the attributes that make you INDESPINSABLE.”  “Linchpins are the essential building blocks of tomorrow’s high value organizations.”   I like that thought! In my home life, community and workplace!
  5. “We need original thinkers, provocateurs, and people who care.”
  6. “Indispensable businesses race to the top instead.”   On Trader Joe’s…. But Trader Joe’s keeps growing, because the combination of engaged employees, cutting-edge products, and fun brings people back.”
  7. “The web has made kicking ass easier to achieve, and mediocrity harder to sustain. Mediocrity now howls in protest.”    Mediocrity to me is annoying.  Why do it!
  8. “Create something worth talking about.”
  9. “You can see the marketplace as being limited, a zero-sum game”…. Or you can see it as unlimited.  A place where talent creates growth and market increases in space.
  10. “The new American Dream…the one that markets around the world are embracing as fast as they can, is this: Be remarkable, Be Generous, Create Art, Make Judgement calls, CONNECT people and ideas.”
  11. “The competitive advantage the marketplace demands is someone more human, connected and mature.”
  12. “In the space of two generations, we created a consumer culture. There wasn’t one, and then there was…”
  13. “The distinction between cogs and LINCHPINS is largely one of ATTITUDE, not learning.”
  14. What they should teach in school:  “Only two things:
    1.)   Solve interesting problems.  2.)  Lead.”
  15. “An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity and boldness to challenge the status quo.”
  16. “The combination of passion and art is what makes someone a LINCHPIN.”
  17. “The ultimate gift you can give, the one that will repay you today and tomorrow and heal our world, is that gift.  The gift of CONNECTION, of ART OF LOVE OF DIGNITY.”
  18. “Real artists ship” is the entire focus of the chapter titled RESISTANCE- This chapter is awesome- It is all about getting something done and out the door…i.e. SHIPPING.    This chapter is worth the entire book-
  19. “The LINCHPIN is able to invent a future, fall in love with it, live in it, and then abandon it on a moment’s notice.”
  20. The SEVEN ABILITIES OF A LINCHPIN:
    1) Providing a unique interface between members of an org.
    2) Delivering UNIQUE creativity
    3) Managing a situation or organization of great complexity
    4) Leading customers
    5) Inspiring Staff
    6) Providing deep domain knowledge
    7) Possessing a unique talent