Your best just got better

Are you sitting with the "right" people?

Put the right people in the room [or, at the table] and amazing things happen.

Last night after work here in London, 5 of us went out to dinner and quickly the conversation went FROM "tell us about California," TO "let's brainstorm ways we can produce educational programming for the bank in a way that engages more learners?"

Jodi and I took the opportunity to share many of the programs we've been involved with creating over the past three years. In fact, just last weekend we were co-presenters during some sessions at PresentationCampLA - a GREAT example of what happens when you "put the right people in the room."

Last night's dinner was very exciting for three reasons:

1) More groups are willing to experiment with "what could be." This is exciting, as we can capitalize on both traditional and "new" learning models to engage more associates in the learning and implementation process. For example, I can take my practice with "Bloom's Taxonomy" of lesson plan building, and add in my own understanding and use of Twitter as a learning tool.

2) It's ok to have a "not perfect" idea. One of the special things about having dinner with people I have a history with, is they know that my idea-generation ability is pretty expansive...Give me a couple of hours, with the right people at the table, and we'll create many more ideas than we could ever implement!

3) And, finally (an extension of #2 above), when I DO pick something to do...Watch out: It will get done! It's amazing when we take the opportunity to Stop...Reflect...Consider...Act...Assess.

So, we'll be back in London in September (and Zurich) and in between now and then A LOT more travel (check out the schedule on the right side of our newsletter page...) as we're partnering with more learning organizations.

The good news about being "learning consultants" is that each group we work with benefits from ALL we see going on out there (and...There is a LOT going on...).

Who knows what you're involved in?

Amazing things can happen...would you agree?

Here is THE question that got me out of bed this morning: "If WHO knew WHERE I am focused, we could positively influence WHAT?"

That is, if we were "here" and needed to get "there," who on our team needs to know we're looking for support, guidance, assistance, ideas and motivation?

Just last night, I was telling my friends about my interest in and support of Kiva.org. We recently "started" the Ojai Kiva Club as an experiment in community. I've been lending to entrepreneurs for quite some time, both informally (friends and colleagues) AND formally (Kiva and other organizations). So, as I described the Ojai Kiva Club about what we're doing, I held their interest for more than a few minutes.

Here's an example of one of the more than dozen loans I've been involved in. So far, only one loan is delinquent, none are in default, one has been repaid, and all the others are making their regularly scheduled payments on time or early.

Almost weekly now, I can go into my Kiva.org account and withdraw OR reloan the funds I have there.

As I ended my day, yesterday, I noticed the "flashing light" of a new e-mail on my phone...When I checked it, I read that one my friends at dinner had already decided to fund more than 10 loans himself! A perfect example: If WHO knew WHAT...they might get involved too!

PS: Now that you know, might you be able to make just one loan? When you do, simply choose the Ojai Kiva Club as your group! You'll get your money back soon enough and get to decide: Re loan or Withdraw? What a cool life, huh???

Thank you, Mr. Klum (...and National Geographic magazine)

What an amazing and inspiring exhibit of some photographs that Mr. Klum has taken over the years.

If you have a chance, go by the National Geographic store on Regent Street and give yourself an hour or so to walk around.

Regardless, get a journal, set aside some time each day, and let your creativity show up...hear what you are thinking, to identify the thoughts to follow; really, the Most Important Things!!!

Maps of the future

Loved this article in the New York Times today!

Dallas to New Orleans...My "job" on Thursday!

Well, I'm going to check one off of the "bucket list" tomorrow!

Yes, that's right! I'm driving from Dallas, TX to New Orleans, LA! This has always been a part of the country I wanted to see. Of course, in 8-10 hours I know that I won't be able to see it all...But, I'm looking forward to some time on the road.

Along the way, I'll be checking e-mail. If you have a "recommended" spot I MUST see, please do send me a note!!!

 jason at jasonwomack dot com

24 hours of commercial airline flights in the USA

So, I've been flying to get to work pretty much once every 5-10 days over the past 9 years. Seeing this "mini-movie" makes my own brain storm with memories of landing on the "right" coast in the early morning (around :15 seconds into the video, watch as the east coast lights up!).

Enjoy!

Friday, 12 December - University of San Diego

I will be onstage at about 8:15am delivering a Keynote Presentation for about 200 leaders titled, "Deliver on the Promise...Now!"

Then, Joe Bruzzese and I are co-presenting a breakout session designed to promote work/life balance, and performing at your best...in life AND at work.

See you in San Diego!

State of Counseling and Guidance in Schools

On Friday, December 12, 2008, I will be presenting the keynote (early morning!) address at the SOLES State of Counseling and Guidance in Schools conference.

If you know of anyone in the following fields, please let them know about this one day conference...
* School counselors
* Counselor educators
* Counselor supervisors
* Graduate students in counseling
* Administrators

10th Annual Forum on the State of Counseling and Guidance in Schools
December 12, 2008
University of San Diego

7:30am Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:00-8:10am Welcome & Opening

8:15-9:30am Keynote Address: Jason Womack

9:30-9:50am Coffee Break/Student Showcase in Action Research

9:50-10:40am Breakout Session #1

10:50-11:40am Breakout Session #2

11:45am-1pm Luncheon with "Birds of a Feather" Table Talks

1-1:30pm Panel Discussion: Looking Toward the Future of Counseling & Guidance

1:40-2:30pm Breakout Session #3: The New CA Standards For Counseling

2:30-2:40pm Refreshment Break

2:45-3:30pm "Job-A-Like" Meetings

3:35-3:45pm Closing & Prize Drawings

4:30pm After Event Networking

Would you like to attend a Mastering Workplace Performance Event? (In Phoenix, AZ)

I am presenting a workshop next week in Phoenix, Arizona.

An organization called High Achievers is sponsoring a 3-hour Mastering Workplace Performance seminar December 4th, from 8am to 11am.

Click to find out more about this event, and to sign up for the presentation.

It is actually an open seminar, and the “price is right!”

If there's anybody there at work who you know would like to come, please pass this along to them.

Also, if you have any other contacts in the Phoenix area, please feel free to pass this along...we’re hoping to “fill the room!”

Technorati Tags:
Personal Development, Mastering Workplace Performance, High Achievers

On to another day of seminar-ing in Europe

On my way to work, I'm reflecting on a wonderful day here in Zurich yesterday!

After spending a good 7 hours out-and-about, including a wonderful, local lunch and a movie (in one of the most amazing movie theaters I've been in ever!), we even got a little snow late in the day!

This is an amazing town, and with a month before the big Christmas holiday, the streets and stores are already in full swing; decorations, sales, and shopping is going non-stop! (Though, I have to admit I was surprised by how many stores were closed yesterday...I mean, I know they all close on Sundays, but...it would seem like with the economy and all...)

So, off to the office at St. Peter's Place!