GQG Insights | Locally to Globally

Questions + Ideas + Collaboration = Synergy

2011-09-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Most people are influenced by the words of others. The words of these individuals, among others, have made a difference to me:

"…there are no answers, only further questions." Saul Alinsky

“Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Our duty, as men and women, is to proceed if limits to our abilities did not exist. We are collaborators in creation.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

A simple answer to a question may be the fast, easy response. However, more often than not, we need to dig deeper by asking more questions to get at the ‘essence’ of the answer.

Too often, we seek ‘the’ definitive answer to a question when, in reality, it leads to more questions and then answers, which prompt even more questions. It almost becomes a self-perpetuating process.

Equally important is exploring ideas. According to research by numerous behavioral scientists, our minds have thousands of thoughts every day. The more we can use our minds to create and play with ideas, the better. By brainstorming and discussing them, we have the ability to create, shape, mold, and adjust ideas to achieve objectives or meet interests.

Most people talk about problem-solving when dealing with a situation. A different approach is generating ideas for solutions. We then have the ability to produce ideas to solve the problems.

Working together, we have the potential to use more minds, eyes, ears, and hands to address a problem or create a solution. These collective talents and collaborative actions can result in better outcomes and more support for them.

Synergy, as defined by American Heritage is “The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.” In other words, the sum is greater than the individual parts or actions.

When we address questions, create ideas, and collaborate during this process, our combined efforts are much better for us, individually and as a whole.

How can you make a difference in working with others?

Best wishes,

Greg Hansen

Community Education: Changing Lives and Communities, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

2011-06-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

There are moments in each person's life, when something happens and your life is changed forever.

A serendipitous moment occurred for me when I met Larry Horyna, who was teaching an Introduction to Community Education class at the University of Oregon in April 1973. Little did I know that course and Larry (who became a friend and my first mentor) would change my life forever, personally and professionally.

Through taking that class, I became a Community Educator. Why, you may ask? It spoke to my mind, heart, and soul. It made sense that we should work together. It exuded passion about making a difference for individuals, communities, and our world. And, it reinforced how we're inextricably connected as one people on one planet.

The Community Education philosophy focuses on community development and individual improvement. The core tenets are:
• Citizen involvement and engagement;
• Coordination, collaboration, and partnerships of public, private, and non-profit organizations;
• Assess local needs, identify resources (local to global), and link them together;
• Maximum use of all human, physical, and financial resources in a community;
• Lifelong learning; and
• Develop and offer programs and services, based upon assessed community needs, for people of all ages.

Community Education was conceived by Charles Stewart Mott and Frank Manley in the mid-1930’s in Flint, MI. Over the years, it has grown from one community to a global movement. Mr. Mott formed the C.S. Mott Foundation, which has invested significant resources over the last 80+ years to advance Community Education from its humble beginnings in Flint to around the U.S. and many courtries worldwide.

Regardless of where you live and what you do, I'd recommend you learn about the Community Education philosophy, principles, and processes espoused by Mr. Mott and Mr. Manley. Community Education was as relevant in the 1930's as it is with the challenges facing individuals, organizations, and communities in the 21st century. Discover how Community Education can help you and your community to pursue and achieve your dreams.

Community Education was embedded into my “DNA”. I’ve been involved from the local to international levels with individuals, organizations, and communities during the last 38 years.

One person with an idea and a willingness to share it with others can change a life, community, country, and/or our world.

Community Education touched and changed my life. Will it yours, too?

Best wishes,

Greg Hansen

Life Lesson: Be Open to Feedback to Gain Insights

2011-01-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

On this 1/1/11, as we reflect upon our lives, especially during the past year, while planning for the next 12 months and beyond, sometimes it helps to draw upon feedback and wisdom of others to gain insights and put everything into a clearer perspective.

Here's a true story, which captures a memorable life experience. On 1/15/96 at 12:20 p.m. (noted the date, time, and other details in my organizer because of the significance to me), I received a telephone call from a close friend and mentor, Bill O'Hearn. I'd seen him the day before and shared my vision and excitement about a business I was starting, which I believed had tremendous potential to be successful as well as make a difference globally.

He said, "I need to tell you something. You need to hear it now. I'd prefer telling you in person, but you need to hear it now, so I want you to listen." Bill's a gentle, respectful, and sage soul, so figured that I'd better pay attention even though I was feeling very sure of myself with the new venture. I confidently said, "Okay", and then sat down into my easy chair holding the phone to my ear.

Bill then stated, "Do you remember my second book, From the Heart of a Lion and Other Lessons to Sell By?" I said, "Yes." He then reiterated a lesson about the three phases a sales professional (although they also apply to everybody) goes through in their career, which he'd learned many years ago, and outlined in the book.

He then reminded me "Phase One is 'Unbridled Enthusiasm'." My response was "Oh, yes! That's the juice of life. I love the feeling. It's like you're colt out in a pasture with other horses and no fences. You're frisky, frolicking, and having fun." He commented, "Yes, and that's why we're having this conversation." He continued, "Don't lose your enthusiasm or passion for life, but be careful not to overwhelm people with your zeal." To which, I smugly said, "Okay, so what's the next one?"

Bill reported, "Phase Two is (pausing to clear his throat for affect) 'Complicated Sophistication'. That's when you love to impress people with your competence and confidence. To dazzle them by dropping names and stating facts, figures, data, and opinions." My reaction was "Ouch, I know that one well." To which, Bill said, "That's why we're having this conversation." He continued, "You're at point in life when you don't need to impress people with your intellect, who you know, or what you know." Afterwards, I sheepishly commented, "Do I dare ask what is phase three?" And, his remark, again, was "That's why we're having this conversation!"

"Phase Three," according to Bill, who was speaking calmly and matter-of-factly, "is 'Mature Simplicity'. When someone asks a question or you feel compelled to share something, give one, two, or three bullets and then be quiet. If they ask questions, you can then draw from your vast storehouse of knowledge, broad resources, and extensive network to offer additional information or insights." Upon which, I stated, "Thank you."

Bill's feedback about 'Three Phases' was some of the best advice I've ever received and applied, personally and professionally. While I still occasionally rely on Phases One or Two, my goal is operating in Phase Three whenever appropriate and possible. I'm hopeful his insights will be of some value and use to you.

Best wishes for a great two thousand eleven!

Greg Hansen

P.S. For more than a decade, Bill has written and distributed, Wednesdays With Willie, a free weekly e-mail to thousands of people around the world. In each version, he selects two quotes and then writes a comment about each one. If you'd like to subscribe to them and/or learn more about Bill's four books, too, please e-mail him at bbohearn@cox.net.

2010-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Is your organization reacting too slowly, or anticipating ahead of others?

NHL hockey great, Wayne Gretzky, said the key to his athletic success was following his father's advice to "skate where the puck's going, not where it's been."

As you look over the horizon to where your organization wants to "skate", what are the emerging trends, needs, and opportunities to explore, so you're positioned as a market leader, not a "me, too"?

For example, while Social Media is 'hot' now, what's next? What are the implications to your business? How can you prepare yourself to win?

A look back over the last 15 years, for example in the broad areas of information technology and communications, reveals a few of the then 'big' opportunities, among others:

*World Wide Web
*E-commerce
*Computer telephony integration - personal digital assistants (PDAs)
*Dot.com businesses
*Broadband
*Digital
*Video and multi-media
*Unified communication and collaboration (audio, video, and Web conferencing)
*Sustainability and energy efficiency
*Cloud computing
*Social Media

The question now - what's next? Rather than skating to where the puck has been, is your business anticipating what's next and moving in that direction? How are you gaining and using insights from your target audiences in this strategic process?

As you think about the next 3-24 months, what's most important to your business? Surviving, but actually thriving, in the current economic conditions, locally to globally, requires you understanding your customers and clients' needs and objectives. That is, knowing where they want to go, so they can compete successfully in their marketplace.

It then necessitates you developing, promoting, offering, and delivering them the right products, services, and solutions in the right place, at the right time, for the right price.

Where do your customers and clients want the puck to go? Where is your business skating now? You can anticipate and get there ahead of your competitors and help your customers to win!

To learn more about how GQG can help your organization to succeed, please visit www.gqg-mr.com. We also offer a "coaching" consultation. Please call 503.471.1397 or e-mail, ghansen@gqg-mr.com, to schedule an appointment.

Thanks for reading. Happy skating!

Best wishes,

Greg Hansen