Authors That Have Shaped Me---Seth Godin

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?     Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us

My introduction to Godin came through Twitter and the buzz surrounding the book TRIBES.  It's a short book but oh so full of power packed thoughts and ideas.  I believe that it is the most marked up book that I have in my library.

What I enjoyed most about Godin was his non-linear approach to the topic.  The book read almost like a "brain dump" of collected ideas that were sketched on a napkin or in a daily journal.  I guess that's why each thought was so concentrated and full of "life".

I read the LINCHPIN book too with as much anticipation as I did TRIBES.  Godin again didn't disappoint with his insights into the changing economy and job scene.

I'd encourage you to pick up a Godin book and then tell me what you think.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Godin's Website
Godin's Blog

Leaders Are Readers

I'm going to read to a 4th grade class this morning. I've been invited to a READ-A-THON after their TAKS test and to talk to them about reading as a life habit.

To be honest, my reading experience and enjoyment was pretty limited up through my seminary days. I only saw reading as an assignment and an order to spit back some information

for a test or exam.

It wasn't until my Walk To Emmaus experience in 2000 that I learned about the importance of reading and Grow Through Study and the benefit of reading (widely) held in our spiritual development. From that time forward I became a "reader eater"--meaning that I would blow through books fast and move on to the next, often times without pondering what I was reading.

However, in the years that followed, I have slowed down a bit and am now more apt to take book reading at a slower pace (except for BORN TO RUN which I read in a day!). Recently I've completed LINCHPIN by Seth Godin and NO MORE MONDAY'S by Dan Miller. I have a stack of books by the side of my bed and on my desk and I'm known to take a book with me to lunch or to a conference so in down moments I can get some reading in.

If you see a book of mine that's marked up or me with a pen, you'll know that I'm digging into the book because it has struck a cord with me. I used to be afraid to do that but now I figure the only way to remember the highlights is to highlight.

In the future I'm thinking that more of our kids will read books from these kinds (see picture) of readers (inlcuding the Ipad) and that print books will become more scarce. I don't know how I feel about that yet--I see both sides, but there's nothing like a good book in your hands to read and understand.

So--what are you reading right now? Do you believe the statement that LEADERS ARE READERS?

Would Shakespeare Blog?

This title isn't original with me. It's a line in Seth Godin's new book LINCHPIN that I'm currently reading. What I enjoy about Godin is his short and concise paragraphs that to me seem like he journaled these thoughts and then they become part of his books.

His point in this section is would artists of old use the modern techonolgy and methods available today if they were still around? Would the artists of old still stick to their old methods, or would their art evolve with the times?

Godin's point (and his opinion) is that a true artist (one who makes an impact and change on people) is always aware of the times and the opportunities and makes the most of the day in order for their art to be impactful. Godin says that if your art does not change people, then it's not art. That's a pretty severe definition of art, but it bears further thought and study.

So, do you think William Shakespeare would blog today? Would he take the methods and mediums of today and use them for his messages and points of discussion about social, political and religious concerns? I think he would. How about you?

Will They Kill The Heretics Again?

Seeing the play last Saturday about JOAN OF ARC reminded me of Seth Godin's statement in his TRIBES book "They used to burn heretics at the stake." Godin's supposition is that today we need to listen to the heretics in order to change the status quo.

Joan was considered a heretic because 1) she claimed to hear from God 2) she took initiative to rescue France from England 3) she was a woman, 4) she challenged the status quo.

Godin supports that thought that in these changing times we don't need to look at "the way things we've always done them" but listen to the heretics who see ways around the status quo. I'm not one to say that our current government actions constitute "challenging the status quo", but maybe just maybe some one will see a way out of this maze that is truly "paradigm changing" and help us break through.

Do you know people you would consider "heretics"? Is that even a good name to call them?

Seth Godin Is Kicking My Tail!

I'm about 3/4 of the way through Seth Godin's book Tribes and man it is kicking my tail. The book reads like Seth's blog with it's short and succinct sayings and thoughts.

I've likened it to a strong bag of tea that you have to let steep in the pot or cup to let it flow through. There are so many dog eared pages that I have in this book it will take me weeks to pour back through them. Believe me, they have brought to mind several blog posts that you will hear about.

In the meantime, see this video about Tribes in God's own words.