Nickelback Hate Harmless?

I love me some Kelly Clarkson.? Love her voice, her authenticity, and her general vibe.? I watch “Kelly-Oke” most days with lunch.? Nobody covers a song like my girl.

Oh… and she talks too much.? On her talk show, she definitely is in the conversation, but I find it charming and again… authentic.??

A few YouTube videos in a row had some comments, “WILL YOU LET THE GUEST TALK KELLY!?!?” Those were the nicer ones, but there were a lot of them.

Next interview I watched, I thought… “Kelly, would you let them talk?”? I was annoyed.

Made me think of Nickelback. The band everyone loves to hate.? I never understood it, but they had become the butt of everyone’s musical jokes.

I recently saw a new documentary trailer for “Love to Hate: Nickelback” on Netflix.

Behind the global hate (all in fun) were a bunch of human beings.? The backlash hurt.? Four friends who loved to make music had families… and feelings.? In the documentary, we hear that even their kids were getting ridiculed at school.? The toll was/is real.??

What’s that got to do with us?? I’m sure most of us do not gossip.? Well, most of the time.? But isn’t it easy to drop criticism when the target isn’t there?? Did that comment really taint the perception of the listener?? Damn straight it did.

In Judaism it is called Lashon Hara -? “speech that harms the person (s) talked about.”

The ONLY reason to talk negatively about a person is to make ourselves look or feel better (superior).??

The irony, it doesn’t.

So next time you find yourself tempted to be negative check yourself:

• What is the purpose of my statement (be honest)?
• Is this feedback the person needs directly?

For a little Nickelback redemption, I’ll leave you with Ryan Reynolds’ take: “Once Upon a Deadpool/Nickelback”

This Week’s Video:

“Drew Dudley : Leading With Lollipops” (6:20m)

Let’s go for the opposite of Lashon Hara and explore the impact we CAN have on folks.? An act of kindness or support will stay with a person for years.

Here is Drew Dudley ’s very moving story that has stayed with me for over a decade.

This Week’s Book:

“A Complaint Free World - How to Stop Complaining and Enjoy the World You’ve Always Wanted” by Will Bowen

Whoo boy… this book was revolutionary when I first read it years ago.? Who knew my dissatisfaction with life was coming from………… me!?!?? I even started wearing the purple bracelet (you could send away for) to remind me to stop complaining.??

Honest to G-d, this book will make you happier.

This Week on The Rising Leader Podcast

Episode 088 | Communication! Communication! Communication!

In this episode, I dive into the importance of communication as the top skill you need to learn as you rise through an organization. Almost every conversation I have with my clients revolves around some form of communication—being more clear, direct, vulnerable, or authentic in your communications, or having to repeat certain messages to get the results, relationships, change, and connections you want.

• Communication is crucial for getting the desired results, relationships, change, and connections.
• If you want something, ask for it. If you're confused, have a clarity conversation.
• Resentment often stems from not setting boundaries or asking for what you want.
• Communicate your vivid vision of what your organization will look like in three to five years to align your team.
• Being grounded and present is essential when having tough conversations, as they are relationship-building opportunities.
• Many resources are available to improve communication skills, including books, videos, and dialogues.
• Finding an author you like and watching their talks on YouTube can be a shortcut to learning new skills.
• Effective communication is the foundation of leadership and organizational success.

That’s it.

Lots of love, and have a great rest of the week.

?

- Mark?