Week 21.47 You Are That Person

My good friend and teacher Harry Kraemer Jr opens his class on Managerial Leadership at Kellogg with the following instruction. "You often hear about those people who do great things, who make a difference in the world. Folks who have a great impact on the lives of other people. Well, guess what? You are those people! Because if you are not those people, then who is?" He then tells the story of Andrew Youn who came up to him at the end of the semester and said "Harry, I think I'm one of those people!" and started ONE ACRE FUND a non-profit that has put together a bundle of market-based strategies to fight rural poverty. In 2020, ONE ACRE FUND maintained essential services for 1.3 million farm families, increasing the profitability of the farmer by 39%. www.oneacrefund.org

For years, I have marveled at this story and been inspired by it. I am not one of those people who moves to Africa and creates systemic change. Recently as I reflected on this story and thinking about what Harry said, it occurred to me that he was not just talking about big bold changes. "That Person" is also the person who improves the lives of the people they interact with, makes smaller changes that have an impact on a bigger scale, or seeks to improve themselves. This reframing has opened up the potential to recognize more ways for me to make a difference. Here is the formula I am working with.

See the Need. We each see the world through our own lens, there is just too much going on to see everything. I may care about the ocean, you may care about the air. I may care about homelessness, you may care about poverty. Whatever you see, whatever speaks to you is what you care about and it is the best place to start your THAT PERSON journey.

Have the Skills. After you see the need and find yourself caring about something that will make a difference, assess whether or not you have the skills to make a difference. If you don't have the skills, that ok! Pick something else that you care about and have the skills to impact. My daughter Lily is a professional chef and uses her skills to combat mental illness by designing cooking therapy programs (www.cookedbylo.com). My friend Nigel established a series of global bike rides and food fairs to support sustainable farms (www.hazon.org). And my friend Alina, the originating producer of Jazz at Lincoln Center, created Music On The Inside, bringing the power of jazz inside prisons to improve the lives of the inmates. Each person took something they knew how to do and applied it to the need they saw.

Want to Make a Change. Seeing the need and having the skills is almost enough, but the magical last step is wanting to make a change. This little bit of inspiration is what pushes us over the edge from wishing something would happen to make something happen. The good news is it doesn't mean you have to dedicate your life to a project like Andrew. You can start local and make a difference in one person's life. The key to being That Person is that you actually take the action to make a difference. And, I would argue, recognize and give yourself credit for the accomplishment.

In life and leadership, we have an opportunity to improve the lives of those around us directly or indirectly. We have the potential to improve ourselves every day. By being open to seeing the need, we can identify what moves us. By considering where we have the skills, we can determine where we can have an impact. And by wanting to make a change, we can make a positive difference. You may already be changing the world in profound ways, or you may be committed to making a difference in yourself. Whatever you choose to do, recognize that you are That Person.

Week 51 of 52 Weeks of Giving: Music On The Inside

Pervasive discrimination prevents successful rehabilitation. One of the most pressing civil rights issues of our time is the disproportionate incarceration of people of color in the United States, particularly black men. Those with a history of arrest or conviction are hampered from accessing jobs, housing, and educational opportunities and these restrictions drive higher rates of recidivism. Correlation between arts education and life effectiveness. Interdisciplinary studies show cognitive, social, and personal competencies are cultivated through arts instruction in prison. Music education gives focus and hope to those in prison and music mentorships in reentry give support and new influences to help those struggling with issues of self-worth find confidence and courage to meet their challenges. As written by one student: “Music on the Inside has given me sure proof that society has not counted us all out. On a personal note, I was very moved to be in the presence of such great artists. They made me feel loved and powerful all at once.”?DONATE | musicontheinside

Thank You Thinkers50

Under the difficult circumstances of the global pandemic, the 2021 Thinkers50 awards were completed with the usual panache, style, and a dollop of wit that is the signature of the Stuart Crainer and Des Dearlove's creation, the most reliable resource for identifying, ranking, and sharing the leading management ideas of our age. While past events have been over the top black-tie galas in London and around the world, this year, these gentlemen found new ways to highlight ideas that have the power to change the world. Most notable was a shift recognition of more global talent, and doubling down on a more forward-facing view of identifying the potential for creating a better future, shifting from a ranking of the top 50 to a ranking of the top 10 plus the 40 #11s. Congratulations to all the winners! Special congratulations to Nankhonde Kasonde-van den Broek?for winning this year's coaching and mentoring award.

Brent Klein, Producer at Methods of Leadership

Over the past three years, the 100 Coaches community has been building a body of leadership content that is as exceptional as it is beautiful. Methods of Leaders is an online leadership education platform that features high-quality, interactive courseware taught by the world’s top leadership educators, coaches, and thought leaders. We have created a virtual “toolbox” of the most current and proven techniques for leadership, and each coach brings something different to the table—a different tool if you will.

The content is readily actionable and engaging, and the platform provides a host of features that deepen and enrich the learning experience beyond just watching a video. With an incredible toolbox of strategies and tips for managing teams, running a business, or even personal happiness, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Please check it out at www.methodsof.com

?Brent Klein has been the creative talent behind the production of the content. He has an eye for lighting and composition and the heart for bringing out the best in exceptional teachers. His passion and efforts are evident in each frame (do we still say that) of the content.

Remembering Dr. Danny Friedland

100 Coaches member Dr. Danny Friedland left this world on October 30th after an especially courageous battle with brain cancer. His joy and passion as a conscious leader has and will continue to impact people around the globe in a legacy of loving-kindness. He will be forever missed and never forgotten. Danny leaves a legacy of kindness, authenticity, and open-heartedness. If you are not familiar with his work, you may want to check out his book from Amazon (Leading Well From Within). Amazon.com: Leading Well from Within: A Neuroscience and Mindfulness-Based Framework for Conscious Leadership eBook : Friedland MD, Daniel: Kindle Store

?And, as always, thank you, Marshall, for making all of this possible.

With love and gratitude

Scott