Just read this piece in Leaders by Warren Bennis & Burt Nanus

“Managers, for the most part, deal with a mental process known as problem solving. Problem solving involves a problem, a method, and a solution that follows from the problem and method. A creative mental process occurs when neither the problem nor the method, let alone the solution, exists as a known entity. Creativity involves a “discovered problem,” one that needs to be worked out from beginning to end. The highest form of discovery always requires problem finding. This is very like identification of a new direction or vision for an organization. This is the difference we noted earlier between leaders and managers; it is the difference between routine problem solvers and problem finders.”

Thanks Kevin, I am now solving mysteries.

I liken it to some other mentor pupil relationships.

Elijah mentor to Elisha

Saul mentor to David

Socrates mentor to Plato

Aristotle mentor to Alexander the Great

Dr. Jones is as fine as the mentors mentioned (but I have a long way to go to approach the pupils). One of the attributes of Bill is that he continues to actively learn. Bill is an example of the principle of receive, retain, release. This principle/cycle is in all life. Think through something as simple as eating. Receive, retain, release: break any part of the cycle and you have trouble.

Bill has received an astonishing amount of knowledge and wisdom. He retains (and uses) it wonderfully and brings it full circle by lovingly releasing what he knows in word and deed.

Delivering a prepared speech at Toastmasters one evening I opened with the question, “Who has seen the movie Apollo 13?” Everyone nodded in acknowledgment except Bill. I had to stop and ask him about this and he answered, “I was there.” See what I mean?

Socrates had it right when he stated “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I am truly blessed as I exam my life.

Re-reading The Wizard of Ads by Roy H. Williams and am truly amazed how much has changed since the first reading. Roy writes in Paul’s Adopted Son; “Paul Compton is the kindest and best man I’ve ever known. Paul understands the difference between “doing” and “being,” so he never once asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” Paul felt he knew who I was going to be, and for Paul, that was enough.” Kinda wish I understood that last year when I first read it. Grow and learn. See how this fits with the earlier post Where are you? Taking on more rocket fuel has allowed me to reach new heights. One of the keys to growing is in (faithfully) sharing what you are learning.

Ready to blast off? Read and share.

A recent post on DailyLit by Tom Peters speaks volumes to get us excited to answer ‘What are you standing for?’ (and yes, I learned 8 words or less from Seth Godin).

We have the privilege to be the only person who can fulfill the adventure before us. Please be sure to allow folks like Jacquie to contribute to your success. Remember the Japanese Proverb; “None of us are as smart as all of us.”

A.L. Williams ‘All You Can Do is All You Can Do’

Interested in winning? Need a leg up on the competition? Have a desire for greatness? What would you loose by trying this magic formula for winning?

Money - is it there to ‘do it’
Authority - needed to ‘do it’
Need - what is theirs/yours
Timing - does it fit now
Competition - important when providing connections

Remember MANTC. We are always connecting. When we perceive value in providing a connection to our network it brings a new dimension when we pre-qualify our action. Sort through MANTC to answer if the timing is right for the connection. Your effectiveness will skyrocket.

Take hold of this insight and enjoy the ride. The important thing is to connect.

A great modern day philosopher, George O’Kelley (he reminds me of Will Rogers) shared this insight with me concerning people. “Some people have a starter button and some people have a pull rope.”

We can name folks in each catagory and might even reach down to find a pull rope some days. When that happens just pull it faithfully and benefit from the workout. We might even ask for assistance pulling it.

Have fun using your starter button.

I bet Gandhi was familiar with Socrates and this morsel; “Let him that would move the world, first move himself.” Really derived pleasure when reading this recently. Couple this with another wise saying from Socrates; “Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.”

Together we can transform the world.

We reach new heights by building. Build on Anthony Robbins’ proclamation; “If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do and you’ll achieve the same results.”

Really opens up a lot of new growth. The clock is ticking.

I would lay down my life for my family, that is the price I am willing to pay. That is the value I place on my family.

That is one level. How about the chili you eat? What brand do you pick? This is another level along with everything in between each day.

Make yourself more valuable by appreciating the value around you.