Richard Hawk’s Blog

Hello Again,

Last week, I traveled to Oakland, CA. On the second leg of my trip I sat in the coveted last seat on the plane (aisle). Next to me was a newlywed couple on their way to Hawaii for a 10-day honeymoon. They were both showing the typical affection young lovers do in public (holding hands, giggling, looking adoringly at each other, etc.) However, the husband, Jeffrey, was a bit agitated because he had to check one of their bags before getting on the plane. He got over it quickly and we settled in to an uneventful flight—until just before we landed when Jeff looked at the baggage tag and realized the destination city written on it wasn’t in Hawaii! 

Jeff quickly summoned a flight attendant and they discussed his problem at length. She told him that “Yes, the airline representative had written the wrong airport on the tag on his luggage. And yes, it will probably not be forwarded to Hawaii.” Jeff was livid! He was totally absorbed in the fact that he might not get a piece of luggage for his 10-day honeymoon in Hawaii.

The couple were young, healthy, in-love, had enough money for the vacation (I got to know a bit about them and both were successful young professionals—the new bride, Julie, was starting her internship as an internal medicine doctor and Jeff was an executive at a large business firm). Yet, Jeff was on the way to letting a “bag” cloud the joy of his wonderful situation.

Normally, I don’t give people advice on-the-fly unless they ask for it (or pay for it). But I couldn’t resist at least letting Jeff know that “it is just a bag.” That’s what I told him a couple times. “Jeff, you’re going on an incredible honeymoon with the woman you love and just married and you are going to let “a bag” put you in a bad mood. He turned and looked at me then exhaled and said “yes, you’re right, it’s just a bag.”

I don’t know if Jeff ever got his luggage but I sure hope that if it was wrongly routed that he didn’t let it mar his honeymoon. I do know the experience helped me realize even more that every day is as important as a honeymoon because it could be the last one I experience here. That’s why I plan to keep in mind that when I don’t get what I expected I’ll consider it “just a bag.”

Last week I finished reading The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle. http://eckharttolle.com/the_power_of_now  I enjoyed it. There were parts that didn’t do much for me and a few explanations didn’t seem to have much science behind them. Overall, though, it was worth the time and attention it took to read about such a vital topic in our fast-past, multi-tasking, hurry up society. It also helped me continue to realize that most of my supposed problems and irritations are “just a bag” 

’till next time

Richard

Hello Again,

Two things I’ve learned through experience:  1) Smiles are a universal happy signal and 2) Every sane person wants to be liked.  These truths were amazingly evident to me last week when I was privileged to speak before over 100 leaders from ExxonMobil. There were people there from every continent and dozens of countries.  I had a wonderful time. Though I’m sure I didn’t pronounce every name accurately, I did feel  welcomed during my talk and had a blast during the night-before reception and dinner the night of my talk.  It was also encouraging to see a microcosmic example of how people from diverse cultures can work and play together.

Here’s what the experience helped me to know more deeply about people and how to connect with any audience—it’s all about

being . . .

real. Don’t try to act in a way that isn’t true to your nature.

interested in other people. By being interested in everyone I met last week I learned so much! I llearned about the food people eat in South America; what TV programs are popular in Japan; energy challenges around the world and what the night life is like in Singapore along with many positive personal stories.

upbeat and fun. There is no barrier between people when they are laughing together.  And if you are happy it is contagious.

helpful.  The best talks are the ones that help other people not just show how smart you are as a speaker or prove a point. Though you have to show you are credible, what every audience wants besides having a good time (fun!) is to discover something they can use to evolve as a person.

passionate.  It’s got to matter to you first before you can stir other peoples’ desire to join you in whatever it is you’re suggesting. You’ve got to care on and off the stage.

How about you? What have you found to be important to every audience (person) you share time with.

‘till next time.

Richard

Director—Richard Hawk Inc.

www.richardhawkinc.com

PS: Here’s a link to a song-video entitled “People Want The Same Everywhere” which I enjoyed thoroughly. http://truelovetoo.blogspot.com/2009/05/people-want-same-everywhere.html