JJL Forum 2007: Make A Difference
How has your learning already made a difference, or how do you know it will? What is the difference you are learning to make, and what are you doing to make it happen?
We asked you to Stand Up and Be Counted, here where the learning is always joyful and jubilant, for we know that together, WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
You did, and you are. These were your answers for 2007. They are the answers of an optimistic community of lifelong learners.
Difference Maker #1: Courageous Heart, by Dean Boyer, author of Ho‘okipa.
Making a difference demands courageous hearts! In an early copy of Webster’s dictionary (1828), the author points out that courage comes from coeur, the French word for heart:
“Courage is the quality that enables one to face difficulty and danger with firmness, without fear or depression.” Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Dean - Thanks for launching the month with the PERFECT topic: COURAGE. Courage is what we need to face our fears and accomplish our dreams. ~ Tim Milburn
Learn Koa, the Hawaiian Value of Courage, by Rosa Say, author of Managing with Aloha Coaching
The Hawaiian value of Koa is more than bravery and fearlessness. It is also resolution, conviction, and emotional strength. When we manage with aloha, Koa is a value we constantly must draw from if we are to lead with nerve and daring in times when our world largely cautions us to tread lightly. When our own voices of self-doubt caution us to tread lightly. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
I'm wondering if the courage you're talking about here is the courage to believe in your own vision - because if you are stretching, leading, daring to learn to make a difference, your vision will by its very nature be "transcendent", taking people to a place they haven't seen yet or believe it is possible to create or construct. ~ Joanna Young
Anxiety Writes the Script, by Pete Aldin, author of Great Circle
Most of my learning (and perhaps I’m not alone in this!) has not been from books, nor courses, but from Life itself. Events that paint a picture. Failures that teach me what not to do next time. Successes that teach what works. Conversations that help me ‘join the dots’ and nurture new ideas.
It was one of these conversations last year that joined some strands of my reading and reshaped my thinking completely. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Peter! It is most evident that you bring not only an awareness to bias but an awareness to life. "When I’m aware of my bias, I do my best to suspend judgment." Trying to suspend judgment is my favorite, and if successful, most rewarding part. ~ Dave Rothacker
How Smiles and Thank Yous Make a Difference, by Terry Starbucker, author of Ramblings From a Glass half Full
Take a look at the image on the left - how do you feel when you see it? Better still, how do you feel when you caused that big grin?
In my role as a business leader, I believe I'm making a difference when my teammates smile a lot, and when they use the two most beautiful words in the English language - "Thank You". That may seem too simple for some, but it's not for me. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Terry, your posting moves me today. Damn right you made a difference, and a HUGE one. This is what work with aloha is, and what it is supposed to be like for everyone. ~ Rosa Say
Toot Sweetly: Create Your Distinction, by Rosa Say, author of Managing with Aloha Coaching
Here is the biggest impression people have made on me in my thirty plus years of being a manager and coach: We human beings sell ourselves short. Very, very short. We are far better than we think we are, and we are capable of way more than we ever demonstrate. We barely skim the halfway mark of our different capacities.
We are very good at articulating why this happens. We are horrible at doing something about it. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Rosa, Go go go! Tuit suite for the Toot Sweet. I love the expression toot sweet. Let me know what I can do to help you. By the way, I don't mean in a vague ambiguous supportive way...give me an action task! ~ David Zinger
How Learning Increases Your Contribution, by Adam Kayce, author of Monk at Work
I believe learning has a strong tie to contribution. We are like hoses — put a little in, get a little out. But crank up the input, and you start blasting out the other end.
When you’re absorbing knowledge, cultivating wisdom, and conscious of the growth in your life, you can’t help but shower the fruits of your learning on the world around you, sharing what's inside you to make a difference in other's lives. And that’s the essence of contribution. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
"The bigger you become, the more you have to share." I love that Adam. It's a paradox. Because if you keep learning and don't share any of it...you become a smaller person.Learn something to give it away. If your still teaching what you learned 10 years ago...you're stuck...and you're not learning. ~ Tim Milburn
A Harbor in the Tempest, by Dave Rothacker, author of Rothacker Reviews
The land laid a gentle arm around his shoulder, the smell of autumn leaves and damp glacial rock cleared his head and the running creek soothed his raw, trodden upon and tortured heart.
Jimmy grew up in an alcoholic haze that surrounded his parents. Most memories of childhood were banished into a caustic vortex. Except for a few. Time spent with his uncle, trips to grandma's and picnics in the park. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Dave, I appreciated the park and creek and the twist at the end, all that glitters is not gold --- especially if you are a goldfish eaten up by bigger fish. ~ David Zinger
HQI: A Moment of Difference, by David Zinger, author of Strength-Based Leadership and Employee Engagement
Will you make a difference in a moment?
This month at Joyful Jubilant Learning we are looking at making a difference. The topic really got me thinking about how I make a difference and whom I make a difference with. I was thinking very large until I thought of the power of the small.
Jane Dutton has written extensively on positive organizational scholarship. I have learned much about making a difference in the moment from her book: Energize Your Workplace: How to Create and Sustain High-quality Connections at Work. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Oh my David, another book to add to my list! This subject fascinates me and is more timely than you can imagine! Our local culture is unique, and while welcoming and hospitable overall (aloha is quite real!) it can be a big adjustment for someone newly trying to make it their home, especially from the perspective of workplace norms. Doing business requires quite a bit of patience, and generally there is no sale made until a relationship is solidified... ~ Rosa Say
Barnstable Does It Right, by Steve Sherlock, author of Steve's 2 Cents
The Barnstable High School Girl's Volleyball Team is a powerhouse in MA. How it got there and stays on top of its game is the confirmation of lessons for us. ... I think Coach Turco sets forth a good model for life long learning, teamwork, and of course, the success that happens to come along the way. Continued here...
Help! I Can't Learn Anything Because I'm Disinterested, by Tim Milburn, author of studentlinc.
I created a diagram that helps me understand the learning/teaching process a little better...at least from a certain angle. I found that in both teaching and learning, my enthusiasm for the material or the process has an impact on how I learn. And how I teach what I learn.
It's true that while we are learners, we are also teachers at some level. And in order to be effective teachers, we must remain constant learners. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Hi Tim, I couldn't agree more with your perspective and I love the quadrants you developed to illustrate your main ideas. Over I lifetime, I've come to see that if learning is like having a tooth pulled I won't learn all that much. If I can get into the meat of a topic and play with ideas then I really have a takeaway. ~ Robyn McMaster
Realising the power of our words, by Joanna Young, author of Confident Writing
I’ve had a phrase running through my head in recent weeks. It’s been bubbling up in response to those questions you see dotted around the Net and some times demand your attention: about your passion, your purpose, your tagline, your one word, one phrase, one sentence to describe what you do and what you’re about. It’s this: Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Joanna, I love the quote "As you sing your heart’s message to the world"... I'll take the figurative meaning of the word. I have been told too often not to sing (out loud anyway). The singing voice should be passionate. I catch myself from time to time realizing that my intensity level has gone up on some topics, more so than on another. The passion should create awareness for the other individual in the conversation. Wow, they really like/love what they do! ~ Steve Sherlock
Learning to Live Large!, by Greg Balanko-Dickson, author of Small Business Transitions
...This was an unusual step for me. I had never set a BHAG at this level before that day. In fact, I always avoided people with large goals, which I now know as Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) and anyone that seemed to over-hype their business or opportunity.
What I did not realize until recently, is that when people set a BHAG they do it for themselves. To awake themselves from the deep sleep of complacency and mediocrity. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Wow, you really take me back Greg. What a flood of feelings came back in visiting that post again … who knew then that it would spin off into the birth of this blog and community. What a wonder. The right words escape me right now, but I can say that the feeling is entirely delicious, and warmly comforting despite the unknowns that may be before us. ~ Rosa Say
What’s the difference you will make? It’s your choice, by Dwayne Melancon, author of Genuine Curiosity
As I was preparing to write about making a difference for this month's topic, a friend and coworker of mine died unexpectedly. We had his memorial service on Friday, and I began to hear poignant examples of how little things can make a big difference. Some of the things people shared about him included, "Best person I've ever worked for" ..."You could actually tell him the truth about what was happening." ...Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Hi Dwayne, So sorry to hear about your loss...What a gloriously beautiful way to remember someone. I'm sure your tribute to your friend is much appreciated by his family and colleagues. hmmm...what a great way to make a difference...to chhose to care...and to choose to honor others and their contributions. ~ Ariane Benefit
Why I Learn, by Benjamin Bach, author of The Wealth Building Guy
I learn to attract success
I learn to be better, every day
I learn to communicate more effectively with everyone I meet
I learn to develop my philosophy
I learn to enjoy all that life has to offer
I keep learning to feed my curiosity
I learn to give my knowledge generously
Why do you learn? Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
I learn because I can't imagine not learning. There are so many fascinating things in the world! ~ Joann Loos
My Ten Gallon Hat, by April Groves, author of Making Life Work For You and My Beautiful Chaos
I wear many hats. I have my wife veil, a Jaguars football helmet for business, a mortarboard for learning, a Braves baseball cap for fun, and a ten gallon mommy hat.
Am I a cowboy mommy? Well, I have been know to give horsey rides and tote kids piggy back - outside of that, no. But, the hat is a ten gallon one none the less. It is the biggest. It would cover all the others. You notice it the most when it is on and I am noticeably different when it is off. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Wow April, I've never seen feathers in a 10 gallon hat before, but after reading this, I know it's one beautiful hat, and I'm glad to have shared a feather with you. ~ Phil Gerbyshak
"But... I'm Not Smart Enough" by Robyn McMaster, author of Brain Based Biz
That summer, Ellen and I attended a one week session with business leaders, doctors, teachers, and writers at Chautauqua Institution. I found intellectual challenges during the daily sessions so stimulating, I began to rethink possibility of attending university.
There were so many hurdles... such as, passing entrance exams...interviews...finances Once again, I began to question whether I could do it... if I was truly smart enough and if the cost, time, work and effort were worth it. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Great post and fun to find this terrific site.
What an inspiration to launch our Friday. Hey here's my added challenge....
Let's leap into Robyn's insights for a bit of new zip this weekend. Any takers - can thank Robyn for leading the way! Count me in! ~ Ellen Weber
Is there Value in Learning for the Sake of Learning? by Reg Adkins, author of Elemental Truths
In the 1950's Benjamin Bloom developed a lovely pyramid construction to analyze the essence of learning. Ben said learning could be compartmentalized into 7 subordinate components the higher of which could not be reached with out the complete mastery the lower. They went like this: Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Reg, I hear your advice, but I fear, for me, it is already too late... I fear I might already be a purveyor of illicit learning. (What a fabulous job title!) ~ Joanna Young
10 Commitments for Parents (and People who Make A Difference), by Rosa Say, author of Managing with Aloha Coaching
Let me share my clipping with you. It's called 10 Commitments for Parents, and I also think they are good for Commitments as People who Make A Difference. Family Circle called them "Words to Live By."
1. I will always love and respect my child for who he is and not for who I want him to be.
2. I will not burden my child with emotions and problems she is not equipped to deal with, remembering that I am the parent and she is the child. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
What a spectacular list. #10 is perhaps the most challenging of all and represents the way in which parenting actually "matures" and develops US. ~ Pete Aldin
Make A Difference, by Patrizia Broghammer, author of VoIP
We are made of stardust.
We are children of the stars from the very first moment of the Big Bang whence we came.
I am proud of my Simian ancestry.
I like to think that I was once a magnificent hairy fellow living in the trees.
Who would be so silly as to exchange this for the wretched couple in the Garden of Eden?
Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Welcome Patrizia! What a wonderful opening post. A book mark I acquired from a special friend in college that I still use (not for every book, it is getting a bit old as college was so long ago) quotes: "The greatest gift one can give to another person is a DEEPER understanding of life and the ABILITY TO LOVE and BELIEVE IN SELF." Chantau ~ Steve Sherlock
Entrepreneurs Make a Difference: Celebrate and Thank Them, by Greg Balanko-Dickson, author of Small Business Transitions
I am always amazed at the contribution entrepreneurs make to our society. Stop for a moment and try this exercise.
Take a look out the window, what do you see? Businesses, buildings, homes, or cars? A delivery truck? All right, now think about what type of businesses created and built what you are looking at. What did they have to do? What was their vision? Can you imagine a time when those things never existed? How does that make you feel? Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
“My magnificent obsession” is such a great phrase Greg! A new update for the way that I can describe ho‘ohana! When I first read your post yesterday evening, it caused me to make myself a night-time espresso and keep my laptop fired up for a few more hours into the night. ~ Rosa Say
Zombies, by Dwayne Melancon, author of Genuine Curiosity
This month's theme of "Make a Difference," reminds me of one of my favorite "bad movies" of all time: "Hysterical," [review] featuring the Hudson brothers. In this movie, a coastal town is haunted by the widow of an ancient sea captain named Captain Howdy. ... If your job feels like a town full of zombies then the problem -- like in the movie -- may be that you live near a lighthouse possessed by destructive spirit of sorts. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Dwayne - I haven't seen the movie (yet) but I have certainly worked in a world of zombies and the memory alone is enough to make me feel scared... ~ Joanna YoungDwayne, superb analogy! Ironically, I just spoke yesterday to a former teammate who is working for the largest beacon of self destruction in the universe... ~ Dave Rothacker
Notes to Make a Difference by (text) and (audio), by Steve Sherlock, author of Steve's 2 Cents
The collaboration and learning here during this month is quite amazing. I was beginning to panic on what I could add to this impressive discussion. Fortunately, the radio was on. Pat Benetar was belting out:
"We are strong, no one can tell us we are wrong."
We are strong and look how much stronger we are getting! Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
This is so cool Steve! Love it! I had to look up the YouTube version to listen to the music – anyone else like me never heard this song before? So catchy! So now I’m game… with more listening since that's what I had to do... ~ Rosa Say
And don't miss the Sequel! If I was a life long learner.
Selling myself short - it's hard to make a difference if you don't believe you can, by Karen Wallace, author of The Clearing Space.
I have been told a lot lately that I need to KNOW it… accept it… feel it... live it.
What’s “it”?
The trusting and knowing that I make a difference in the lives of others.
I grew up not realising that I made a difference to those around me. I felt that it was more of a one-way street, that my friends made a difference in my life. And so I struggled endlessly to ensure I gave something back. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Hello everyone,
The conversations around here over the last few days have been the most amazing, awe-inspiring example of how a group of people can work, write, sing, laugh, cry together... and how that allows us all individually and collectively to open up new possibilities.
There's so much to learn from it, so much inspiration to take from it all. ~ Joanna Young
Learning how to ask great questions, by Joanna Young, author of Confident Writing
There’s an art to asking great questions isn’t there, questions that open up possibilities, that start us exploring new angles, seeing things from a new perspective, wondering: “what if…”
I’m not sure if this counts as a two-footed question but the challenge laid down by the organisers of Blog Action Day is one that really got me thinking: Continued here...
Being the Difference: My Solution to Change, by Greg Provance, author of Change Starts Today
My first introduction to "being" (at least consciously) was when I walked into Alcoholics Anonymous for the first time in New York City, somewhere around 1995. I quickly decided that change was not for me, at least not that kind of change! For seven more years, I recessed back into my "rock-star" life and lived in oblivion to who I was being, numbed by the sweet lull of alcohol, drugs, adrenaline and denial. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Welcome Greg!
You are your journey. And your perspective cuts through the film covering the windows into our own. It is absolutely amazing how much light is in that one little two letter verb! ~ Dave Rothacker
Learn More With ChapterMarks, by John Richardson, author of Success Begins Today
Have you ever gone to a seminar or other training and walked out of the event with little recall of the material presented? I do it all the time. I've tried jotting down notes and make mental pictures but there are usually big erasers at the door that seem to erase my memory. It's frustrating to spend lots of money to go to a seminar only to leave most of the knowledge behind. Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Great article! Great idea! I present workshops for teens, and this is such a simple and effective tool, that I know many of the teens will begin using it immediately. So will I. Thanks for sharing! ~ Ruth
The Secret's In Hitting The Spot - YOUR Spot! by Chris Owen, author of Take A Bite and Apple Tart
The biggest thing I've learned this month is that there are consequences for non-punctuality, or leaving things for Ron! (Whose Ron? He's my mate! Well actually he's Aussie slang for "later on", but that makes him a closer mate!)
So there might be consequences for tardiness! Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Hi Chris, I wouldn't have known you were late if you hadn't told me!!
I enjoyed reading this. I'm finally learning how to find, hit, focus on my spot.
It's the oddest experience because the more I've 'narrowed' the more other things have expanded - ideas, energy, inspiration, creativity, possibility... ~ Joanna Young
Learning to make a difference, by Nick Smith, author of Life 2.0
Have you ever noticed how life is set up as a perfect learning environment? It comes to us in bite sized chunks -- a day, a year or a lifetime -- with a time or season for every step... for experience, for reflection, for synthesis and for rest. We get the opportunity to do what we will, then review it, take stock, wise up.. and then go all over again. And even though we give the transition periods dark names -- night, winter or death -- aren't these still just part of the process.. times of renewal in preparation for the next cycle of learning? Continued here...
Comment Conversation;
Of all you wrote here Nick, this is what jumped off the page for me to personally deal with: “This isn't 'thinking' as such - it's receiving. It's doing the things we enjoy that releases the need to think.. and this allows our creative spark (our 'inner' light if you like) to shine through.” ~ Rosa Say
Making A Difference: A 5-Point Plan of Action, by JJL editor Rosa Say
As of this weekend, our JJL September 2007 Forum draws to a close.
Or does it?
In September, we set our sights on these questions:
How has your learning already made a difference, or how do you know it will? What is the difference you are learning to make, and what are you doing to make it happen?
We received a variety of answers, and I have a challenge for you. Think of getting started with this as your JJL Weekend Project: Continued here...
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