What does it matter? It is in the past!

I love this clip from Disney's The Lion King. I love it because, as a consultant and a leader, I have often encountered what I call "History Professors." These are the people, and we've all met them, that always judge their future by their past.

They pontificate about how "we've tried this before and it didn't work" or "Why even try? Nothing ever changes around here!" These are usually seasoned veterans who have "been around the block" and "been there, done that, got a T-shirt and a souvenir mug." They can easily de-rail a project or a meeting, and often take a sort of twisted glee from doing so.

How to deal with them? Easy. Be prepared for them.

I love this clip because most people have seen it and when I relate it to them, it often makes them smile when they take a minute to reflect and try to see things a different way. At the very least, it breaks the tension and allows a moment to consider the future....to consider what good might come from our project or meeting.

As Rafiki says: "Yes. The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it....or learn from it."

So, all you Simbas out there....What are YOU going to do?

Remembrance / Veteran's Day

Two Flags over Niagara
Originally uploaded by Rasheed

Today we remember those who served their country. I am doubly blessed to be celebrating here in Canada where they observe Remembrance Day with solemn reflection on the sacrifice of the men and women who have nobly served their country, just as we remember our veterans

Remember too today that one of the few nations who have stood by us in our fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and the world are our Canadian friends

To them I say thank you for your service and your sacrifice. God bless those who have served and bring those still serving home swiftly and safely to the ones they love and who miss them so much.

I've been away too long!

Hello everyone!

Sorry I have been gone so long. I realized I should get back to blogging on a regular basis so I figured I'd start with this video I shot and posted on YouTube.



I happened to be in the right place at the right time to witness the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Torch Relay. How cool is that?!?

More importantly, when I posted this, I received a comment from a viewer. It turns out that the viewer just happened to be the girl in the video running with the torch! Pretty cool, but also a modern life lesson.

You see, I had no idea she would see this and be so grateful. I just posted it to share with my family.

How often in your life do you do things for one reason, only to find that the things you did impacted people in a way you never thought of? In this digital age, so many things on the Internet are reachable by millions. In fact, the Web has made the world smaller, closer, more immediate.

In our lives, the examples we set, or do not set, sometimes reach well beyond our original intent. When that happens in a good way, it can be surprising and often impact our lives and the lives of others in ways we never imagined.

So, it is with this thought I return to this blog and hope you visit often.

Cheers!