Really Chicken Little? The sky is falling?

Okay…first of all don’t freak out!  There’s no issue here with personal privacy! Your personal information is NOT being strewn all about the web like your dirty laundry on wash day.

Google+ cannot litter the Internet with that…only we can.  (Okay, [...]]]>

Really Chicken Little? The sky is falling?

It’s Not The Sky – Honest!

Okay…first of all don’t freak out!  There’s no issue here with personal privacy! Your personal information is NOT being strewn all about the web like your dirty laundry on wash day.

Google+ cannot litter the Internet with that…only we can.  (Okay, well they could…but that’s a post for another day…let’s stay focused here)

For the last two days I’ve had conversations with folks who’ve decided that Google is the new Evil Empire out to trap the unsuspecting web citizen.

This is not the case.

Google’s strategy has always been first and foremost focused on speed of information.  The speed at which,  relevant information results  are delivered to our fingertips.

‘Fast is better than slow’ has been a Google mantra since our early days, and it’s more important now than ever. The Internet is the engine of growth and innovation, so we’re doing everything we can to make sure that it’s more Formula 1 than Soap Box Derby. Speed isn’t just a feature, it’s the feature.

The Google Gospel of Speed, WORDS BY Urs Hoelzle

How Do I Look?

I know you noticed the emphasis I placed on the word relevant.  Search + Your World is about the information that matters to YOU and your circles of influence.  What’s really important to note here is you get the option to choose.

Let’s take a quick look at how the terrifying new search affects my results.  My keyword is simply photos.

1. I can CHOOSE to have the results delivered reflect my preferences, circles of influence, my presence.  It’s important to note here that I MUST be logged into G+ to select this feature.  You’ll note that in the upper right hand corner, the user icon is highlighted.  I can easily just switch back to worldwide results.  Not quite vanilla, but definitely a far less personalized experience.
2. My connections to other talented professionals, artists, thought-leaders and the world at large are positively impacted.  You’ll see that I follow Trey Ratcliff.  He’s an amazing photo journalist…artist!  BTW You have to check out his site www.stuckincustoms.com.  Now I’m introduced to +Lisa Bentanny.  I have an opportunity to review her work…see if I find value in that potential connection.  This is very simliar feature to what Facebook does to me all day.
3. Relevant photos are not just photos of me.  Although I look AMAZING in the SFIMA Photobooth pic with my buddy +Jeff Cohen.  The images delivered are from my friends and  family, my circles. I was delivered a gorgeous virtual photo album of family and friends.

Don’t Be Evil!

Do I think maybe there’s a self-serving motive here?

You Decide.

I invite folks to join the G+ community, do your research, check out the links I ‘ve provided below.  Understand that you have the power to control the privacy settings on any of these communities.  You can be as “out-there” as you like – or not.  It’s important to note that participating on line will bring with it risks, it’s not a mindless endeavor, it actually requires cultivation.  Let’s all take responsibility for our online presence…build one or don’t.  Please make you own informed decisions.

Official Google Blog:http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/search-plus-your-world.html

"Uhm...that's my stapler..."

During one of my business networking events, I was offered the challenge to blog on the topic of Leadership.  It seemed like a pretty simple challenge, I mean who wouldn’t want a chance to rant about the list of leaders they’ve encountered.  I know from my own experience it’s not all [...]]]>

"Uhm...that's my stapler..."

During one of my business networking events, I was offered the challenge to blog on the topic of Leadership.  It seemed like a pretty simple challenge, I mean who wouldn’t want a chance to rant about the list of leaders they’ve encountered.  I know from my own experience it’s not all it’s cracked up to be – from either side.

When I’ve asked others what they think of their current leaders (management) I’m met with the “armchair quarterback”.  I’m shocked, amused by the frank observations and brutal opinions.  For sure I’ve been guilty of these myself.   Inept management styles always makes me think of the movie Office Space.  Be sure to hang on to that stapler.

So based on conversations like this I ask myself…why in the world would anyone want to take on a leadership role.  It seems like a pretty lonely and thankless job.  If given the opportunity tomorrow which would you choose?  To lead or to follow?  I’m not so sure that everyone would jump at the chance.  It’s often easier to have an opinion than to actually take on the realities of responsibility.

What you do has far greater impact than what you say.”
-Stephen M. R. Covey

prin·ci·ple [prin-suh-puhl]

Noun:  a guiding sense of the requirements and obligations of right conduct: a person of principle.

I can say that with every impactful leader I’ve had the honor to serve under it was clear that they were People of Principle.  I trusted that they genuinely had my best interests at heart.  These leaders understood the challenges and weight of the responsibility while never forgetting they were working as part of a larger team.  I always sensed that they took their role on as a calling, not just a rung on a ladder.

I’ve striven to practice Principle Centered Leadership ever since I was first introduced to Stephen M. R. Covey’s book of the same name in 2001.  It was on the precipice of my first stint in Leadership.  I realized after reading this simple manual for a person of principle that basic laws of the universe guide us in right paths.  Surely this important role was a way to positively impact the world around me.  With that knowledge, how could I not take this opportunity to “serve”?

“Principles are not invented by us or by society; they are the laws of the universe that pertain to human relationships and human organizations. They are part of the human condition consciousness and conscience. To the degree people recognize and live in harmony with such basic principals as fairness, equity, justice, integrity, honesty and trust, they move toward either survival and stability on the one hand or disintegration and destruction on the other.”
-Principle Centered Leadership – Stephen M.R. Covey

The Gentle Red Path www.stuckincustoms.com

So many times it’s hard to “see the forest for the corporate trees”.  Our Principle Centered Leaders will ensure that by remaining faithful to the basics, walking the walk, we’ll  feel confident the paths we share lead to success.

And if we’re not always blessed to be led by those that are “called’ then we have to remember to foster a principle centered workplace.  Regardless of what obstacles may be laid in our paths…we have a chance to make a difference.

Trey Ratcliff - www.stuckincustoms.com

When is the last time you went with your gut?  You know…that strong knowing in the center of yourself crying out “Do It – SAY Something” while the account team drones on with empty noise.  Or worse there’s the fear that Negative Nora who always “poo-poos” your idea,  will somehow [...]]]>

Trey Ratcliff - www.stuckincustoms.com

When is the last time you went with your gut?  You know…that strong knowing in the center of yourself crying out “Do It – SAY Something” while the account team drones on with empty noise.  Or worse there’s the fear that Negative Nora who always “poo-poos” your idea,  will somehow present it as her own.  It’s just better to keep that spark hidden.  Just be quiet so the aggravation won’t rear it’s ugly head from another hi-jacked great idea.

It’s hard to believe that there are folks in our world who would actually be comfortable with snagging ideas and claiming them as their own.  I’ve found that when you hear a someone in your org say, “this is about team think” beware.  For me I’ve found that means you’re about to regret sharing your epiphany with that trusted colleague.  And it’s not because I’ve ever required recognition and a strong pat on the back.  It’s because somehow I feel an injustice being done to the concept or the idea as a whole.

And you’re wondering what in the world am I alluding to?  Well I’m not alluding to anything, I’ll be very plain.  That spark that comes from within you, was meant for you.  It’s like that cold day where you’re just waking up from a deep delicious sleep to see the light coming up over the horizon.  This moment was meant for you.  It’s meant to be plotted out and a course charted by the bearer of the message.  When someone else takes the very tip of the idea iceberg and tries to run with it, it’s usually nowhere near the brilliance it was meant for.

Letting your intuition come into the light and out of the darkness – removing the fear and embracing courageously the whole inspired moment requires hard work.  It’s so easy to run down the hall and blurt out something with passion.  I know because I get so excited by the clear vision of one thing or another.  I feel as though I will burst and must tell someone.  The challenge is to take that excitement, the energy that’s gifted with the light bulb and put it down on paper.  Or put it into a mind map, but get the whole thing put somewhere with your name on it.  

There is nothing wrong with being proud of your work or taking credit for the gift of illuminated intuitive thinking, especially in marketing and brand strategy.  In fact as I’ve already stated, we have a responsibility to get the idea right.  Others will certainly contribute their perception and bring opinions that have value.  If the team is brining great insight to the idea – HELLO collaboration. Now we’re talking about “team think”.

Trust that strong knowing…don’t ignore it.  Embrace, nurture and encourage your spark.

What this really means is…why did I disappear from the “Social Media” scene. What happened?

I’ll tell ya…I’ve had a tremendous load of personal life come crashing in on me. I know…I know…what about transparency, what about “keeping it real?”

Fair enough question to ask. [...]]]>

So many folks have asked…”Where in the world is Christina?”

What this really means is…why did I disappear from the “Social Media” scene. What happened?

I’ll tell ya…I’ve had a tremendous load of personal life come crashing in on me. I know…I know…what about transparency, what about “keeping it real?”

Fair enough question to ask. Here’s my answer…

Waiting...

I’m Weary Let Me Rest!

I don’t mean to be rude…I’m just being honest. Folks who are closest to me  know how hard the last two years have been. I’ve had personal loss that no one should have to bear. I’m grateful that I have my health. My two beautiful sons are doing great. They’re becoming fine young men. I can’t believe that my eldest baby will be 20 this year. Just like everyone says, WOW the time just flew.

However, I’m only just beginning to move forward from the loss of my younger Brother. His passing in December of last year brought me to my knees. It’s all so cliched to say, you just never know when you’ll be told you’re time is limited. But it’s true damn it…you don’t.  I’m praying every day to be reconciled with my regrets. I wish for more time to spend with my beloved Joe…I wish for more chances to have just told him how much he was my inspiration – a hero to me. I’ll be listening to music, tasting some amazing delicacy, feeling a summer breeze across my shoulder…and I’ll miss him beyond description.

I’m only able to move forward these days, because I believe in a glorious heaven. I envision Joe in his Heaven -  sitting in his kayak, with a fishing pole, miles and miles of blue sky, white wispy clouds, clear crystal ocean, and a cold cold beer. I get this sense he’ll turn around and it will only be a moment in time – we’ll all be hanging out clinking our bevs and hugging. He’s waiting with my Grandparents, he’s waiting on the far side banks of Jordan.

This is where I’ve been. I’ve been grieving and recuperating from loss. I don’t have any intentions of walking away from my site or from the 2.0 revolution. I love blogging, I love my connections and the opportunity to create.

When I stumbled into the Social Media scene in 2006 I was overcome with a new energy, like I had found Jesus. Yes…I had a very profound epiphany. I realized that the world as I knew it would never be the same. My relationships could and have been enriched by Social Networks beyond my imaginings. When Joe passed we all expressed our grief by laying our sadness at his Facebook Gravesite. My Brother’s Facebook profile is still active. Occasionally I’ll be prompted to drop him a line cause we’ve not posted on each others wall in a while. Since he was cremated…this is where I go to visit with him. I’m truly humbled when I read the outpouring of love represented in each and every comment. I’m oddly grateful that Facebook gives me this opportunity. It’s like he lives on in zeros and ones and aptly so, since he was a geek extraordinaire who loved to code.

And I’ve been thinking…what’s next?

My blog is www.christinatierney.com. I originally decided to buy that URL, to protect the Christina Tierney brand. I didn’t want the online world to control content. I insisted on creating my own and then manage “my” online presence. But this endeavor has to be more than that. Have I got something to say? Is what I have to say only about my career, what I do to pay the bills? That’s not all that Christina Tierney is. It’s not all that I am.

BUT…

If I run out of things to say, I’ll bid everyone adieu. For now…I’ve still got too much on my mind. I’m still here.

What a great conference…HR Florida 2009 was outstanding.  Even with the economy the turn-out was phenomenal.  I soaked up all the opps I could to discuss the Social Web and our challenges for HR going into the remainder of 2009 into 2010.

I was also able to meet “in-person” a fellow Tweep, Michael VanDervort, [...]]]>

Video Log

What a great conference…HR Florida 2009 was outstanding.  Even with the economy the turn-out was phenomenal.  I soaked up all the opps I could to discuss the Social Web and our challenges for HR going into the remainder of 2009 into 2010.

I was also able to meet “in-person” a fellow Tweep, Michael VanDervort, of Human Race Horses.  He’s a prolific blogger focused on leveraging social mediums as 21st century business tools.  We talked a great deal about how we use Personal Blogging, Twitter and various other platforms to stay engaged in our careers.  His quick insight into the value this brings him personally is just great!  I think this is my best video entry to date.

Be sure to stop by his site and/or connect with him on Twitter @MikeVanDervort.  He’s currently live blogging/tweeting from behind the scenes at The Disney Learning Center.

Thanks so much for sharing with me Mike, and really looking forward to connecting again soon.