Comments on: Still More 11 Little Secrets

By: Kat Jaibur (@katjaib)

Kat Jaibur (@katjaib) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:26:12 +0000

Oh, I am just loving these 11 Secrets. You had me at #1, too. Even if I don’t always do it. Your #2 gave me flashbacks. I once had a semi-high-powered job where my boss semi-exaggerated my credentials, claiming I was an expert on something and insisting I play along. I spent the better part of a freaking YEAR in meetings trying to figure out what people were talking about, if an “expert” would ask the questions I wanted to ask, and finding creative ways to get the answers without blowing my cover. Pure insanity. And that’s where #4 comes in, because without it…. Also agree big time on #5 & 11. And I’m glad you like my “Intention setting” that Teresa Basich mentioned in her 11. Thanks, Dave.

By: Jason Keath

Jason Keath — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:38:15 +0000

You had me with #1.

By: zach

zach — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:48:53 +0000

Nice list. The sleep one can’t be understated.

I agree and disagree with number four (humor), however.

I agree in the context of an office setting. Keeping things light, sprinkling in some humor, is a reminder not to sweat the small stuff, and to enjoy what you do.

When communicating with your customers (from an advertising standpoint) many companies often fail by making humor the priority and emphasizing their competitive advantage secondary. If you can combine the two, that’s effective marketing. If you’re using humor for the sake of humor, you’ve wasted an attempt to use effective communication.

I realize I’ve probably read too far into what you were trying to say, but this is an issue which I see many companies fail in on a repeated basis.

Thanks for this list however, it’s great!

- Zach

By: J Sawyer

J Sawyer — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:02:12 +0000

If you can’t write funny at work, write funny about what happened at work when you get home:

http://sawyerspeaks.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/the-copier-repairman-farted/

– sawyer

By: DJ Waldow

DJ Waldow — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:13:38 +0000

LOVE this list. My favorite – by far – is the “People usually aren’t mean or stupid” one. It can be easy to dismiss people for what it appears they do or do not know. However, we all have our strengths. We all have our weaknesses. I agree that most people have good intentions. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Often, there are other things going on in their lives that make them *appear* mean or stupid.

Thanks for picking up this meme, Dave. See you in Boston!

Taco Bell. Pizza Hut. Combo.

DJ Waldow
@djwaldow

P.S. When are you adding the “allow me to subscribe to new comments via email” plugin? Hook a brother up!

By: Heidi Ob'bayi @hobbayi, @freshnz

Heidi Ob'bayi @hobbayi, @freshnz — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:01:57 +0000

Dave – Love your new site! And your usual wit! Thanks for sharing.

Here are mine:

1) Do something that scares you – it doesn’t have to be big, just something that causes your pulse to quicken thinking about it – take that trapeze class, lead that panel discussion, go meet your new neighbor.

2) The Power of a Note – as in hand-written, on nice paper/note cards. It’s amazing how far that small gesture goes. I’ve had people say they’ve wanted to thank me for my thank you notes. (no need)

3) Do Toastmasters – O.K., I think it’s geeky – and calendared it as TM – but it really works. And it’s even fun.

4) Just Say YES – By asking you, someone either thinks you’re capable. Or they are desperate. If it’s a little scary, just refer back to #1.

5) Keep building/maintaining your network – You never know where you’re going to end up. Or where they are. It’s easy. Online tools such as LinkedIn, FB, or even twitter work. Offline it can be coffee, holiday cards or a quick phone call. (Yes; it’s fun, too!)