Editor’s Note: I know little about the non-profit "Search for Common Ground" but I'm sure going to find out more soon. This article of the month is a goodbye newsletter from the group's founder, John Marks. While self-congratulatory in parts, it seems a wonderful summary of learning about international social needs and change over the last 32 years. I'm grateful for the perspective Mr. Marks brings.

Editor's Note: I'm not much for parables and the story in this book is no exception. But the learning, the very idea of Question Thinking is very powerful for me. When my friend gave me this book I thought, "I'm a curious guy, do I really need this?." I did and I do. Most people do. Ms. Adams' most important teachings for me were A.) every thought is a question, B.) each question invites me to "choose" or "react" and C.) when I react, I become a "judger" which is not healthy for me or anyone I'm engaged with.

The “Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey” included thirty thousand interviews completed in two waves by researchers at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University. Among other findings, the study states, “Those who gave contributions of time or money were 42 percent more likely to be happy than those who didn’t give.”

Editor’s Note: My sister married an Irish lad, Sean Murphy, in 1970 and has lived most of her life since then in Dublin and Galway. Sean passed suddenly of a heart attack in 1996 the day after Christmas playing golf with his brother in Bandon, the town near Cork where they grew up. At his memorial service, this traditional gathering song was played in his memory and its lyrics haunt me, especially while hearing the amazing tenor voice of Ed Sheeran and remembering my dear brother-in-law.  

At a recent seminar I did on time management, I shared the idea of creating a “not to do” list that was taught to me many years ago. Yep, it’s just how it sounds: after you’ve done your “to do” list, make a little list (I do it monthly) of things you should no longer bother doing. You’ll be surprised how free your heart and your mind become, and therefore more powerful by committing yourself to focus on doing less, better. There’s much more in this great article by Ms. Illich which covers the power of mindfulness practice, a form of which (Vispassana) I’ve been doing since the mid-1990’s.   

Editor's Note: The Paradox of Generosity is a compelling and well-researched book that argues that the regular practice of being generous with our money, time, and relationships enhances happiness.

As I was starting my business, I read a small Ken Blanchard and Norman Vincent Peale book titled The Power of Ethical Management. The lesson I remember most from the book is to treat each associate as if they are a bank account, that is, to consider each interaction with that other person as either a deposit or a withdrawal.

Editor’s note: I know, I’m addicted to these guys. But the songs I’m unearthing now – this from their very first album – arejust so full of meaning. I’m doing a seminar for a friend’s school where she wants her teachers to learn to share their vulnerability so that the young people can feel more comfortable with theirs. And as a result of seeing their darkness, can break into their light.  I will likely either open or close the afternoon’s work with this song.  

Editor’s note: My friend, Jerry Danalchack has been working me through an author on the spiritual uses of the Enneagram, an ancient religious practice. When I bumped into Sandra Walston’s article, shown here, I noticed her use of the practice in business matches well to this month’s article. I’ve used personality tests for over thirty years in business, this may be the next one I try.

Editor’s note:  In this thoughtful book, we’re reminded that like any new “phenomenon” much is done to little effect in the social media business.  Dr. Jonah Berger starts with a fundamental fact:  that word of mouth is still the most effective way toget the word out about yourself or your business.  Then he gives us six lessons (STEPPS he calls them) for gaining digital attention.  His research is extensive and sound but what I like best is that Jonah uses plenty of examples and case histories for every point he makes.