Burn Baby Burn?

We've heard it since we were kids. It's sage advice, but not always possible in the heat of the moment. I'll tell you a quick story of when I could have burned a bridge, chose not to, and it changed my life completely. 

Over twenty years ago, I was working in an organization going through significant employee reductions. The day came when the envelope was slid toward me on the desk and I was walking to my car with eight years of my career in a box under my arm. 

Life Isn't Fair

I was hurt and angry. I could have called them every name imaginable. My choice was to take a deep breath, force my chin up, and move on with my life. It was incredibly difficult. Three years later, the company called me back and I was there for another seven. 

That original decision not to burn that bridge, propelled me into other opportunities. Most of the other people who were gassed that day, burned the bridge and the river it was on and never worked in the industry again. 

 Lessons Learned

Sometimes we get the short end of the stick and that sucks. But I learned from that experience and many since; if you are a good person and you don't stab people in the back, it will pay back huge dividends. 

I'm working on a project right now that requires me to call numerous people I once worked with, partnered with, did projects with, and I am happy to report they're taking my call. I'm not suggesting every call turns into millions nor am I saying that it's enough to move this project forward on its own.

Your Character Precedes You 

If I had been a complete jerk and burned bridges along the way, those calls would have gone unanswered. Our reputation goes farther than we even know. 

If you're human with people, respect their time, and ask for their advice, you will be surprised what happens. They will help, they will suggest ideas, and they will make other introductions for you.

If we burn bridges, we better be prepared to do a lot of swimming.

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Has Covid Changed Anything?

I strongly dislike parking lots. No one is watching anyone. People have their agenda in focus. Accidents are waiting to happen. Stress begins before you even get to the store. I had to navigate such a place last weekend at the mall.  

In this one trip, my car was almost sideswiped twice; I got the death stare from a woman with kids in the car who was there first when I wasn't even looking at her beloved spot; two guys were standing by their cars screaming at each other over a spot; and I saw four cars parked over white lines to render the spot beside them useless because the driver's were far too important to think about others. 

Lord of the Flies Personified 

Are we all so important not give one second of care to another person? I eventually found a spot far away from the action and headed to the shops. 

As I approached the door, there was a younger couple behind me. I opened the door and stepped aside to offer them the way in first. They didn't even make eye contact and chose another door. The three guys standing in the middle of the aisle discussing what appeared to be nuclear codes couldn't possibly dare shimmy to the left to allow this old dude by so I moved to the other side. 

Old World Order

This isn't about shopping or parking. We are still in the midst of a global pandemic. Despite the crowds and removal of masks, I know vaccinated people still getting covid.  

I suppose I was holding hope we would be a kindler gentler world after experiencing the most dangerous health crisis in a century. I thought we might have created a better place after millions of lives were lost and almost everyone we know got sick.  

Arguing over parking spots isn't evidence of either.

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Be True to Yourself

I was having dinner this week with a close friend and we started talking about past missteps, relationships, jobs, and family stuff. It's so very easy to look back with the wisdom of now but we never get that then so why do we torture ourselves with something in our past we can't change and how we'd do it differently?

She shared a story of a former relationship she thought was based on trust and found it was built on lies. Been there? Yeah, me too. It's worse than coming home to realize someone has broken into your home. In these cases, someone has broken into your heart and trust. How can someone be so selfish and mean? Because some people are selfish and mean.

Watch for Oncoming Traffic

It sounds so blissfully simply to suggest we need to take care of our own needs first. Secure your mask before helping other passengers, they say. And yet we walk into these situations throughout our lives. Perhaps it's an innocent way to put it but if we know the element is hot, we may not want to touch the stove this time. It shouldn't make us mistrust everyone but we may want to heed the warnings this time.

You will run into people who will lie to you; I will as well. You will wonder if it's okay to be true to you; I will too. And the best way we can navigate these challenges it to look back for the lessons, try not to repeat them, and when they show up again, stop them quicker. If they lie to you, they will lie to others and it's not your fault.

Let's not forget ourselves in our own lives.
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Cleaning the Records

Back in January, I had the privilege of speaking at TEDxGuelphU. The theme of the day was "From Theory to Reality". It was a humbling experience because it wasn't a workshop or a conference about business or leadership or marketing; it was TED, which meant it wasn't about selling wares or boasting about accomplishments or sharing an idea in a work environment.

TED is about an idea worth spreading and a chance to share your experience on the hope it will give audience members something to apply to or think about in their lives. In my talk, I share three theories and the roller coaster ride along the way.


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Inspired to Move

We all want our lives to have meaning. We all stumble along the way. We all get stuck and scared. Reflection can be powerful if we look to the lessons we need to learn. But action is the response required to prove we've learned them.

This isn't about busy or activity, this is about focus and progress. We're all working hard but are we working smart toward our goals? Are we creating what we want in our life and for those around us? I can't speak for you, but I know there's a ton I've done wrong, and a long journey ahead. How about you?

Being true to you and what you want to do. 

This is about laser focus on goals and dreams. This is about not letting up when roadblocks appear. This is about staying with it when it gets tough. This is about removing excuses, getting out of my way, and moving forward while you work on you.

Some may roll their eyes. Some may say it’s not possible. Watch and judge for yourself.


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Kneale Mann | Leadership Strategist, consultant, writer, speaker, executive coach facilitating performance growth with leaders, management, and teams.

Alpha Mind System

Lessons from Lance

One of the biggest stories of the week was a man finally admitting to all the allegations and test results which disgraced his sport and supporters. For years, Lance Armstrong was defiant and arrogant. His bullied and sued people who threatened his kingdom and alleged the very behavior he now admits to be true.

Without compelling evidence it's doubtful he would have ever confessed. Irrelevant but Armstrong didn't act alone. There have been many willing participants on the payroll. It took an orchestrated team effort for years to pull this off.

Optics and Opiates

Lance Armstrong was the face of a sport that could no longer look the other way. Like many in cycling, he used banned substances. And like many before him, it was time for his punishment. But in the interim, he and many around him including networks and sponsors made a fortune.

After being stripped of his seven Tour de France wins, an Olympic bronze medal, and the exodus of all sponsors, his foundation Livestrong was the last to distance itself. If he had never won a race, 80 million yellow bracelets may not have been sold to help many in need. But let's hope the foundation’s good work continues.

What Really Happened

Did we witness a self-professed deeply flawed man beginning to finally come clean and apologize? Was this also about millions of angry fans and supporters realizing it was too good to be true and their thirst for a hero will have to be quenched another day?

Many outside the core fan base would be unfamiliar with the cyclists who have been caught cheating dating back to the 1800's. Without a search engine, most of us have never heard of any of them. But in the 1990's, the sport needed its Jordan or Gretzky. Armstrong seemed happy lead to that peloton at any cost.

No Dopes Allowed

The 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame nominee list included; Craig Biggio, Jack Morris, Jeff Bagwell, Mike Piazza, Tim Raines, Lee Smith, Curt Schilling, Edgar Martínez, Alan Trammell, Larry Walker, Fred McGriff, Don Mattingly, and Rafael Palmeiro. But the induction committee and sports writers ruled there would be no entries this year.

The list included four additional names which dominated the story. Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Roger Clemens didn't make it in because of doping allegations. But if their records were improved by drugs, why do we care about them over the other nominees? It couldn't be because of their performances could it?

Glass House is Crowded

I have no sympathy for Lance Armstrong, other names mentioned here, or their vast networks of co-conspirators. But if we are shocked by athletes who cheat, we can always rule with our wallets. And if we support anyone, we should probably ensure they only live on vitamins and a good diet before we build our soapbox too high.


Kneale Mann

livestrong | own

Life Is But An Instant

Ah Summertime!

There are readers of this space all over the world so I won’t assume it is summer where you are or your summer experience is the same as those in my part of the world.

We've had a lot of unsettled weather this year. Rain virtually every day since April. But it's summer and I ain't complainin'!

The Expectations of the Season

This all has to do with a quieter simpler time when the sun burns the morning dew and shorts are the preferred garment. Where complaining about the heat is secretly enjoyed because of the secure knowledge that snow is coming too soon enough.

Summertime is reserved for time off and families, playing golf and afternoon naps. It’s that sacred time of year – especially if you live in a four season climate - where winter comes only too quickly. April through October are the months for living.

July 2009 Won't Be Forgotten

On July 6, a colleague I knew for more than 20 years took his own life. The shock will never subside. In the wake of this horrific unthinkable event have been countless rekindled relationships. Is it fate that someone’s life is cut short and people are brought back together? Is it meant to be? I can’t get my head around this one.

Then this past Friday, a friend found out that someone he knew passed away suddenly at the tender age of 27.

What Is The Lesson Learned?

I think it is to stop complaining about the rain or the cold or the money or the stuff that is simply not important and focus on each other.

August is here, enjoy every last second of it with the people you enjoy.

@knealemann
Let’s create experiences, not campaigns.

image credit: farm2.static.flickr.com