Talking Back
“I don’t care what they say about me as long as they spell my name right.”
-P. T. Barnum
American Impresario
Founder of Barnum & Bailey’s Circus
(1810 – 1891)
It’s a frustrating and demanding pleasure to put out a weekly column/blog. But there are Friday mornings, when the comments come in! We love it when you agree with us, of course. And we’re mystified when you don’t – yet, any response means you noticed and took the time. Thank you for that.
We’d like to make the conversation more convenient, and enlarge the arena as well. While we will continue to publish our work weekly in e-mails through the iContact distributors; in future, you may also follow us on our blog site at http://www.thefusiongroup.com/blogs. There, you may comment (if you choose) by simply registering your email address and holding forth!
Thank you again, and Bring It On!
Dessert: a selection of tasty (and testy) comments from our first two years of publication.
Re: Everybody Hates Training / Cornerstones (2/24/11)
“You zany, mysterious Fusion people got it smack dab right on this one…I recently wrote and delivered a vigorous ontological training session modestly titled, “Mission Clarity.” Concocted in Fusion Format Fashion – is there any other? Would I dare confess, were it true? I noticed a grumpy attendee, row 3. But with grit, and sincerity (sine qua non), we were able to transform Grumplestiltsken, to resounding effect. He cried, poor bugger. For joy, that is. You are right: patience, sincerity, and conviction can make a difference. Keep up the fine work.”
Editor’s response: See “Endless, Cheerful, Repeated Coaching”
Re: The Beginning of Wisdom / Cornerstones (3/11/10)
“For goodness sake, the title page quote is by Socrates not Aristotle!”
Editor’s response: Consulted Plato in this matter and he bears you out…
When the Master Calls, Go In! / Cornerstones (2/9/12)
“Thank you for this very timely and gentle push…”
Come in…
What is Fusion / Cornerstones (3/11/11)
“Will this series also be available in a “Ready, Set, Go!” format?”
Recall “Rules vs. Concepts”? Day 1, module 11…
Restoring Nobility to the Workplace / Cornerstones (3/31/11)
“It’s interesting that your recent Cornerstones letter on restoring nobility in the workplace, is itself the product of a noble purpose. I encourage you to continue with this lofty purpose. The more people hear, see and read about it, the more chance it has of regaining its place in our consciousness. Keep up the good work!”
Noble is… as Noble does!
Don’t Look at the Scoreboard / Cornerstones (1/19/12)
“Well put folks! There’s too much worrying about too many other things. Focus on your job, responsibilities, goals, etc. and move them forward…”
Sell, damn it!
The “F” Word / Cornerstones (12/22/11) – 2 responses
“It was so great!! Thanks for sending it over, I am laughing my “F” ing head off in my office. Thanks for all you did for me, our clients and of course [company name withheld].”
“You couldn’t be more on point. As the world has gone mad, THIS “F” word is one of the more important ones. We, too, at [company name withheld] are bombarded with negativity and a little more FORGIVENESS along with hope, integrity and love are just what we all need to persevere in the year ahead.”
Forgive and be healed…
The Season of the Great Unraveling / Cornerstones (12/1/11)
“I find this email that you sent out morally reprehensible, inconsiderate, inappropriate, and I feel that you have attacked my religious beliefs of Catholicism by injecting an atheistic view into the Christmas season. Please, never send me an email again and please take me off your list.”
Forgive and be healed…
and see “Poised for Outrage…”
It’s a Pitch, Yes! But also a Negotiation (2/24/12)
“I once told a man who wanted to become my client that his previous advisor discounted his fees by 30%. He had at this point in time already been pretty needy in the time department. My response to him, said very thoughtfully and carefully, was that I wanted him to get my very best work, not my work and attention minus 30%. Having that counter pitch on the tip of your tongue, but said carefully and thoughtfully really helps my confidence in situations like that. And of course, I received his business on mutually beneficial terms.”
Shameless attempt at flattery!
In Praise of Brevity / Cornerstones (5/19/11)
“AMEN!”
Yup!
The Wisdom of Fusion / Cornerstones (12/15/11)
“FYI- I love these emails. I really find them thought provoking. Thank you.”
Thanks, Mom.
Madness and the Moon / Cornerstones (11/17/11)
“Thank you for today’s lesson. I really needed to face the day.”
“It’s Showtime, Folks!”
The Blues, Pattern Recognition and “Ready, Set, Go!” / Cornerstones (7/11/11) – 2 responses
“Big blues fan here. Love the analogy – it’s right on.”
“But, I don’t want to die, just want to ride on my motorcycle.”
Arlo lives!
Corporate Culture & the Meaning of Life / Cornerstones (10/20/11)
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel very blessed and so grateful for what you have created and share.”
Awwww…
Instant Karma / Cornerstones (9/29/11)
“Great way to start off a Monday morning (or any day for that matter!)”
Monday to-do’s: make good Karma!
Returning Decorum to Discourse / Cornerstones (9/10/11) – 2 responses
“Very true – we all need to practice it more, myself included.”
D’accord.
“Here, here. Thank you for the voice of the songbird in the middle of the war.”
“All your life you were only waiting for this moment to be free…” – The Beatles
The Circle Game / Lectern (9/15/11)
“How are you ever going to top this one?”
“We’ll wait until it comes around on the guitar.”
Red or Black? / Cornerstones (8/25/11)
“What a great message! I couldn’t agree more regarding your minus/plus analogy when it comes to communication. Thank you for passing this along.”
Of Course it’s Acting / Cornerstones (8/18/11)
“This is absolutely, positively the single BEST … Personal Best … Cornerstones I have had the pleasure of reading – to date. Thank you and BRAVO! And that ain’t no ‘act’…”
No S*%# !
The Eye Cannot See Itself / Cornerstones (8/11/11)
“Really enjoyed and needed this one! Also love the Applications section you keep adding to each newsletter.”
Wisdom is practical, no?
Goldilocks and the Four Managers / Cornerstones (8/4/11)
“Wow. Did you write this to me? About me?”
Yup.
But wait, there’s more!
“Just felt that I should drop you a line to let you know that I’m still a devoted Cornerstones reader. It is such a challenge to keep up with e-mails, but I find it worthwhile to take the time to get my weekly wake-up call from these!”
“I haven’t said this in awhile, but please know your emails always have something to offer and to think about how to incorporate one of your suggestions into everyday behavior.”
Reading your comments lift us to next year’s aspirations!
“I’ve been reading Cornerstones since you began sending the update several months/year ago. I have to admit, I continue to be impressed with the content. The right blend of both timely yet thought provoking information.”
Our recipe of the day!
“I took your course 2 years ago & have been reading your newsletters. Yours are the few I read. Most stuff like yours that comes across my 150 per day email, I delete, but yours are great.”
We hope to be worthy to penetrate the spam filter.
“Thank you for your inspiring emails, which always seem to arrive exactly when needed.”
So did your comment.
“I don’t understand some of these emails, what is the message to us wholesalers and what are you trying to accomplish?”
When the student is ready, the teacher appears…
“Dearest Owners and Staff of Fusion Group:
As you compose the Cornerstones (and other blurbs) I know when you press that “send” button, you wonder if anyone is even reading the words of wisdom you impart. To answer your question YES! WE ARE!!! We actually read and SAVE each and every one – try to apply these “pearls” and hope they never stop. So just when you think the air you are hearing means no one is out here – it’s just a sign of admiration for a job well done – keep up the great work – can’t wait to learn more…”
You (all of you) do our hearts good! Thanks!
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