Ericast 236 - Love Languages Reprise

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Over the years you've heard me refer GusDay, the local higher-ed IT technology conference (originally created/sponsored by Gustavus Adolphus College).  This year, the organizers invited former presenters to return and give a repeat/revised version of a previous talk.

So I polled my colleagues about my past offerings and the one mentioned most often was my "Love Languages in the Workplace" presentation from 2008.  So, that's what I gave yesterday, and here's the audio! The slide deck is at emlarson.com/gusday so you can follow along.

GUSDAY REPRISE TRACK

How do They See/Hear/Feel That You Care?

Eric M. Larson

Have you ever gone the extra mile to help people who just don't "get it"? Do you really care about your customers, coworkers or loved ones… yet they don't seem to "feel" that you do? Maybe you're speaking different languages! In this eye-opening presentation for those in customer service and for anyone who is (or has) a supervisor, you'll learn how a simple framework of "love languages" will help you to connect with those around you. Based on Dr. Gary Chapman's best-selling book "The Five Love Languages," this presentation examines the different ways that we feel supported, appreciated, understood or "loved". If you're frustrated when the boss gives you a pat on the back but keeps canceling your weekly meetings, or wonder why users expect you to sit down and watch them follow your instructions, this presentation is for you. You'll see how everyday work – from answering calls about broken printers, to recognizing (or reprimanding) employees – can be more positive and effective when you learn about the different languages hidden around you!

I joke in the podcast that my "presentation persona" will drive some people crazy. And my "podcast persona" will as well, given that this isn't my "best-organized, most-coherent" podcast episode ever.  But, here's the thing (said to myself as well as to anyone who wants to listen to my counsel): This presentation and podcast is infinitely better than a podcast that isn't made about a presentation that isn't given.

Put another way, I'm a huge proponent of what Clay Shirky describes as Cognitive Surplus.  And while I can do better, I'd rather do something "okay" than not do anything at all.  So here it is

I'd encourage you to adopt the same attitude.  Do something.  And here's a self-serving first step:  Call the Ericast Listener Feedback line at 206-339-3742 (a.k.a. 206-339-ERIC) and leave a comment -- good, bad, whatever.  Share your thoughts, and let's build the conversation.

Ericast 235 - Encouraging Cognitive Resonance

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"Rather than trying to get people to see their mental incongruity... and we didn't quite flesh this out."

How's that for a teaser quote?

Yes, we need your help to fill in the gaps of this week's Ericast.  Call 206-339-ERIC (a.k.a. 206-339-3742) with your thoughts and contributions.

Ericast 234 - Early Computing Community!

Click here to listen to this week's episode!

"Back in the day," computer users built a community -- or, built multiple communities depending on their platform of choice.  Today, we can carry on the tradition by reminiscing about those computers and the communities they fostered.  It's circular, but in a totally good way!

Today, TRS-80 and Commodore lovers can live in harmony.  I love Chad's reference to Jim Butterfield, by the way.  Rest in peace, Jim.


Share your own computing or packrat stories (or a combination of the two) with a call to 206-339-3742 (a.k.a. 206-339-ERIC).

By the way, I briefly mentioned three podcasters you should be listening to.  Those were Ray Edwards, Michael Hyatt and Hans Finzel.  In that order.  Then, put the Ericast fourth on your list.  I'll do a podcast on those guys sometime in the future -- they're great additions to your podcatcher subscriptions.  Throw Dan Miller in there, too, if you have lots of extra time -- his podcast is good but tends to run 45+ minutes a week and that adds up.

Enjoy!

BONUS CONTEST:  Call in with the time-stamp of when you can hear my wife step out the front door (which is located right above Ericast Studio A) and win a fabulous prize.  I don't know what that prize will be, but since there's no fee for entering this non-contest I don't think I have to worry about disclosing that.  Closest time wins and in the event of a tie the winner will be chosen randomly, all rights reserved, contest void where prohibited by law, contents may have settled in shipping.