“…And What Else?” October 2021 newsletter

“...And What Else?”

Newsletter and Thought Starter

October 2021

Success begins by asking the right questions. So why not a newsletter that asks a powerful question… “and what else?”

Hope these insights pierce through the clutter and create a moment to reflect on your purpose.

First Thoughts

This just in. New research claims that a good life does not need to be meaningful. Instead of a life focused on happiness or purpose, a good life is one that is “psychologically rich.” So what’s a psychologically rich life?

According to the research, it is one characterized by “interesting experiences in which novelty and complexity are accompanied by profound changes in perspective.” The researchers went on further to note that individuals with an “openness to experience” were more likely to lead psychologically rich lives.

Hmmm. While the study claims that purpose is not the be-all to a rich life, “openness to experience” may just be the “how” of living a purposeful life. Living a good life is about being open to what life gives us each day and actively pursuing what is interesting over what is not. Think of that as the “how,” while your purpose is the “why.”

Be active. Be open. Be present. But also be a wonderer: what else can I experience?

Thinking Out Loud Blog

I’m Different than You. Except When I’m Not

As I returned to my seat at the restaurant, I saw him. Really, what I saw was his jacket. Then I saw the man. An older man. Older than me, anyway. Sitting by himself. Looking like any other old man sitting at a restaurant for lunch. The jacket? Not just any jacket. A Boston Marathon jacket. Without a thought, I redirected my path to go talk to a stranger.?

The Forty-Two Challenge

Question #12: What powerful questions are you asking today?

The Challenge: Asking questions is easy. Asking good questions? Well, that’s another question.

The next time you need to ask a question of a peer, friend, customer, or boss, pause and think: “how can I make it a powerful one?” One tip: make it open ended. If you’re thinking of a question that forces a yes or no, try re-phrasing and start with “What.” Do you like that idea? Oh wait… “What do you think of that idea?”

Share your reflections on your favorite social channel. #FortyTwoQuestions

Worth Reading

The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

A fantastic, tightly written guide to asking powerful questions (seven of them, in fact) and creating better outcomes. The premise is that giving a little less advice and asking a few more questions is surprisingly difficult, yet (not surprisingly) effective.

Thought Starter: Wondering how to become a more impactful leader? Find opportunities to ask these three questions: 1) What's on your mind? 2) Is there anything else on your mind 3) What's the real challenge here for you?

Worth Watching

The 100-Year Life

Implications of the 100-year life are mind-boggling. Yet the concept is not as crazy as it sounds.

Thought Starter: What is your re-invention strategy? How will you grow beyond your first, second, third career? What more can you create?

Leadership Programs & Services

NEW DISC Workshops

We’re thrilled to offer DISC-based workshops for individuals and teams. In our workshops, participants gain insights to drive new and better behavioral choices leading to greater impact and outcomes.

In these workshops, participants will

Identify and use the strengths of others
Deal with conflict effectively by learning adaptive behaviors
Enhance team work, reduce team conflict, and minimize misunderstandings
Improve communication skills by determining communication styles
Motivate self and others

DISC is the most widely used behavior profiling tool of its kind, supported by decades of research and validation.

Learn more about our DISC Workshops

Final Thoughts

“The Answer to the Great Question... Of Life, the Universe and Everything... Is... Forty-two,' said Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and calm.”

Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

The problem: no one knows the question.

Executive Coaching & Strategic Advising