Perspective

The newest terrific book I've read, is The Noticer by Andy Andrews.  This birthday present, from a dear friend, is so rich with life lessons that I can't quit touting it to friends. It is a quick 156 page read featuring a wise old man who appears, just as needed, to provide "perspective" to young and old.
His life lessons include:

• Other people's experience is the best teacher.
• Whatever you focus on, increases.
• A true friend brings out the best in you.
• We communicate and receive indications of love as puppies, cats, goldfish or canaries.
• Only 8% of the things most of us worry about are legitimate concerns.
• By examining a single leaf in a forest, you can determine the season and the type of tree.  
• Tiny differences can have huge impacts.
• When you need to accomplish something great, you need an idea and action.
• There is no power in intention, only in doing.
• Choices have far greater consequences than mere mistakes.

Wish I'd Written It

This morning when I was running, an idea emerged.  I considered stopping to note it, but didn't.  Thought it was such a great idea that I would remember it.  I didn't, and have been trying late in the day to recall that flash of creativity.

Notepads, electronic devices, recorders, cameras are all ways to capture and bring to life our thoughts.  Sharing these ideas with our dear ones bring them to life. And, sometimes, our lack of an easy depository keeps the creativity flowing.  

Great Idea

An older associate recently won my heart with an email inviting me to join a small group for a one-time planning meeting for an upcoming event.  Her approach was to indicate that I always have great ideas and she hoped that I would join them.  Her approach made me want to participate and left me sad that I had a conflict.

When we approach someone with a sincere compliment, we can often engage them with a time-bounded opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities.

The great idea is to be able to give others the chance to shine in a way that is mutually beneficial.

Power Packed L

Just add one power-packed "L" to idea and you get to ideal.  The power-packed "L" includes:

• listening
• linking
• learning
• lifting (as in heavy lifting)
• letting go of status quo
• leading
• love - got to have passion
• luck

Idea to Ideal

Unless we actively promote and support the sharing of ideas, we will never achieve ideal outcomes. 

What Do You Think?

Being asked for input for important decisions is incredibly motivating.  We lose the opportunity to actively engage other team members when we omit the chance to incorporate their feedback. 

Bizarre Dream

I rarely remember my dreams.  Recently my vividly recalled dream challenged geography, time, reality and the compassion of others.  My take-aways are:

• Everything matters - though we may not think of the significance, others might
• Everyone matters - I'd not seen the only person I recognized in one segment since I graduated
• Every idea matters - context and content are crucial

Ideas

We all have many ideas each day.  Some have the potential for incredible impact.  Some we need to note that we've considered and consciously opted not to pursue. Other ideas provide for incremental improvement to our lives and to the lives of others.  Those ideas that we don't voice, act upon, share or record for future action that have potential for positive change are costly, missed opportunities.

Ideas are one of our continuously renewable sources for personal, community, national and global economic growth.

By productively thinking and acting we do our part to help our (everything's connected) circle thrive.

Brainstorming

I had an opportunity to participate last evening with a dozen accomplished women in a strategy session to begin planning an event we are hosting in the spring.  It was refreshing and energizing to observe and engage in the group dynamics. Everyone in attendance knew some of the other participants, but no one had met all attendees. A dozen different suggestions and opinions were offered for each topic. Discussions and disagreements were handled professionally.    In a room full of leaders, it was great to see the volley of ideas among truly engaged participants.  Everyone contributed, shared the floor and acknowledged creative options.  The time-bounded agenda was honored and the progress exceeded expectations.
It was obvious that everyone had a common objective to seize the best ideas in order to create a stellar event.

This was brainstorming at its best - egos checked and ideas freely flowing.