Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Wed, May 30, 2012
Benjamin Franklin to a young tradesman:
"In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way to the market. It depends chiefly on two words, INDUSTRY (hard work) and FRUGALITY; i.e. waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both.
He that gets all he can honestly, and saves all he gets (necessary expenses excepted) will certainly become rich. If the Being who governs the world, to whom all should look for a blessing on their honest endeavors, does in his wise providence otherwise determine"
Work hard, save as much as you can, and pray that God makes it all work out.
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Tue, May 29, 2012
Decades ago, Whitelaw Reid was the editor of the New York Tribune. The famous William Randolph Hearst was the media baron who was creating a syndicate of media and newspaper outlets around the the United States. When Hearst wanted to buy Reid's newspaper he sent him the following telegram:
Whitelaw Reid, How much will you take for the Tribune? W.R. Hearst
Whitelaw Reid wrote back the following response:
William Randolph Hearst, "Three cents on weekdays, five cents on Sunday." Reid.
Some decisions are easier because you have made up your mind based on your values, vision and morals. If you know who you are, what you are about, and where you are headed you don't have to stress over every call. Maybe the problem is that so few people know what they stand for, and what they are trying to accomplish.
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Wed, May 23, 2012
"Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better." Jim Rohn
When life hits you hard, it's tempting to look around to see if there is someone or something to blame for the challenges you face. It's your parents fault, the economy is struggling, it all started with 9/11, or blame it on your teachers. Finding targets for blame is easy enough, but accepting responsibility for your actions, and for your response to real wrongs that have been done to you, is an inside job.
Better to concentrate on being ready, on being great and generous of spirit, than to look for reasons why you can't succeed and can't be happy.
It takes a lot of emotional strength to deal with your own issues rather than search for convenient places for blame, but in the end you will end up authentic and genuinely strong.
What circumstances in your life are you pushing onto others, when you could and should be accepting responsibility?
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Tue, May 22, 2012
Back when the ipad launched many people thought it was doomed to be a useless piece of technology, a solution in search of a problem. But I've found that the ipad is great for consuming information. I enjoy reading newspapers and blogs on the ipad, as well as watching video and some light email. For reading books I still much prefer the lighter Kindle, which is easier on the eyes and great for reading in bed.
Here are a few apps that I LOVE on the Ipad:
60 Minutes: Having cut the cord on cable television, I was missing my weekly 60 minutes fix. The 60 minutes app more than makes up for it. For just about $5 you get the weekly show and a backlog of older programs. Plus, it cuts out the commercials. It's laid out well, and catagorized for ease of use. It's an A+.
WSJ: for sometime I subscribed to the Wall Street Journal, but a couple years ago I cut the cord on delivery of hte physical paper. Some days when i was out of the office I would miss getting the paper and i always missed the Saturday edition. Then I downloaded the WSJ app, and transferred my subscription to media only. Now I can get it on my ipad, laptop or iphone. In additionn, the WSJ does a great job of adding video content only available on a media device.
ABC: the ABC app has all the programs you enjoy on ABC, and it's easy to use. If you are a Modern Family fan, it's a must.
Flipboard: Flipboard is a program that allows you to sort your news, blogs, and websites based on graphics and images. It's a great way to read the news and catch up on blogs and sites you like to visit. It's visually appealing. Another A+.
PBS: Since I don't have regular TV, I miss all the great PBS shows such as Mystery! and Antiques Roadshow. Actually, with the PBS app, you never have to miss them and they are always easy to watch. The app is well designed and works great.
What Ipad apps would you recommend? I'd love to have a few tips on what works great for you.
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Mon, May 21, 2012
Have you ever had a conversation with someone and felt as though they were a million miles away? Have you had a conversation where you were supposed to be engaged, yet your mind 
was wandering and it showed? If so, and you desire to be the kind of person who is 100% present in your relationships and interactions, then you will benefit from The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane.
What is the myth of Charisma? The myth of charisma, according to the book, is that charisma is a gift to a select few. The author argues that this was prepetuated through the centuries by greek mythology. The truth is that charisma, as we currently understand it, is the art of connecting with people through everyday skills such as paying attention, listening, focusing your energy and more. And that those skills can be acquired by anyone.
An expert in human behavior, Olivia Fox Cabane has lectured at Harvard, MIT, Stanford and other places on how individuals can learn the practical skills that help people connect with each other on an emotional level. She certainly comes across as a credible expert and the book is full of practical advice backed up with some good psychological and scientific research. Most helpful was her identifying the barriers in our lives that prevent us from really projecting our warmth, interest and presence with others. Barriers like physical discomfort, emotional crisis, anxiety, social discomfort, and more.
I'm recommending the book, although after reading it I think it might be better on audio book, because it bogs down a bit in the middle. Having said that, I definitely benefited from the information and encouragement in this book.
David Curry.
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Tue, May 15, 2012
Have you ever had someone surprise you with their point of view? The other day a little boy looked at my bald head and said, "Why don't you have hair yet?" After I stopped laughing, I tried to explain that I used to have more hair, but now it's gone. He was genuinely surprised. His perspective was one of a little boy - when you are a baby you are bald, when you grow up you get more hair, so why don't you have more hair?
As leaders and innovators, we need to understand the power of perspective. Some people see the world differently, and that can be a good thing. But often times we don't consider the source of the opinion when we are reacting to it, whether positive or negative. We instinctively value every opinion equally, and that's not helpful or healthy. The quality of feedback various depending on who is giving it.
To help us better understand the feedback we are getting it helps to consider the following questions:
What are they seeing?
Where are they coming from emotionally?
What is their background?
What is their motive?
What is their experience?
How have they been hurt?
How have they succeeded?
Who are they allied with?
How are they right?
Is there a flaw in their thinking?
Is there something I can benefit from their perspective?
There must be a hundred different questions you could ask to help determine if a persons perspective is helpful or just off.
What do you ask yourself when you are receiving feedback?
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Mon, May 14, 2012
There is power in honoring those who gave birth to companies, organizations, structures, and ideas. Why do we celebrate Mother's day with such honor and respect? Of course it's because you love your mom, but it's more than that. In part it's that we respect the effort and committment it takes to give birth to a child. So it is in honoring those who went before you in your work, albiet less personal.
Does your team honor the people who gave birth to your organization? Do you take time to thank those who helped birth something good in your career? Do you take the time to think about those who made what you do possible?
This year the Rescue Mission has been celebrating our 100th anniversary of providing services in Pierce County. We celebrate because we want to honor those who worked hard to give birth to this critally important work. But while we celebrate we are also building gratitude in ourselves and an understanding and respect for the responsiblity we have to continue on. Honoring those who gave birth is part of the development of maturity as a leader and as a person.
Take time to honor those who have helped make you
what you and your organization have become.
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Tue, May 01, 2012
It's always easier to develop superstars from within your team than it is to try and import superstars from other organizations. This is the conclusion of a book that I read last year, Chasing Stars by Boris Groysberg. But it's also in line what with I've found to be true. What makes someone a superstar has a lot to do with the unique context in which they work. It's tough to import that into your organization. But more than that, for non-profits, it's tough to "buy" a superstar. However there are a few things you can do to develop your team.
1. Hire potential. Some people don't have all the stuff on their resume that you might expect, but they've got that special something. Don't over look potential while searching for people qualified with degrees.
2. Build around strengths. If you have a team that is build around job descriptions, you'll have a hard time developing superstars. However, if you are allowing great workers to tailor their jobs around their strengths, you will see people blossom.
3. Promote from with in. Sometimes we're dazzled by what's new, so we go with the person who we just met, but if you want to have an organization filled with top-tier people you'll need to look to move your best people up.
What are other ways to develop superstars within your group?
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org