So, What's New?
Ellen Degeneres has dog problems, a Bay area congressman's brain stem
is dislodged and he waxed obscene on the floor of the House, and Charles Gibson announced on ABC World News Last Night (18 Oct '7) that there's no news from Iraq–no car bombs, no killings, no . . nothin.' (There are more schools and hospitals open, more clean water and electricity flowing to homes at greater amounts than under Saddam, but that ain't news.)
So much going on in the world. What are you doing today?
Me? I'm job hunting. Really. I love what I do criss-crossing the globe speaking at conventions encouraging attorneys, doctors, educators, high techies, ministers, and writers (next weekend at the South Carolina Writers Workshop in Myrtle Beach, SC.) to Recapture Your Creative Spirit. Those engagements lead to invitations to consult, in-house with various companies. That leads to increased productivity, improved communications–both in-house and with clients and customers–and all around more fun on the job.
I have fun in those jobs too. Even when, as next week in Atlanta, the client is my new friend, Jorge Valdes and his Service Master team who assist folks in restoring their lives after fires, floods and other events of extreme property destruction. Jorge wants to infuse his team with the magic of what they do--restoration of lives. I will spend a day with his staff and a day with insurance agents that use their services. Imagination and creativity can be powerful tools in these circumstances.
Again, I really enjoy my work, but about two years ago, I began to realize that as much fun as it is working with clients from Modesto to Madrid on projects from designing theme parks to high end, valet airport parking facilities, I was really missing being on projects for the entire life of the project. To start with a blank, white sheet of paper and leading a team on to opening day or the launch of a new product is a most rewarding experience. Each is a grand adventure and important work.
I miss that. I will admit that traveling is less and less fun. But I've developed a way to use my imagination to make being in airports GREAT FUN. (More on the secrets of enjoying airport security in a future post.)
So, I am job hunting. I have been at it now for a few weeks with the grand assistance and mentoring of some very smart, experienced, long-time friends. The first step was to get organized in the way I manage my life--files, finances, time, etc. As an artist with a wildly spontaneous mind, this has not been my best trick. I was long overdue for wise and expert guidance from those who are far clearer in these areas.
Enter Judy and Wes Roberts (of Denver, CO) who virtually moved in with me for about eight hours a day for a full seven-day week. 
Judy's organizational skills and gentle coaching are second to none. Wes, a executive counselor/coach/guru/chaplain is, quite simply the toughest angel in the squad. He was in my face and by my side more than I wanted and at least as much as I needed. Wes took me on as a project about two months ago and, among other great assignments, got me walking every day--now one hour a day. Wes also coaxed me back into a long-abandoned habit of setting a daily To Do list that I rigorously attack. Thus providing a much needed focus for my recently diagnose A.D.D. mind. (Don't you agree with me that "A.D.D." needs more D's, or is that just me.) I do not see the attention deficit as an excuse, rather it is the different way I have for processing all the stuff in my life. I am 100% responsible for my stuff. I can get things done. It's deciding which project to attack first, focus, that presents the biggest challenge. (More on my work-arounds to the focus challenge in a coming post.)
Advising on all things fiduciary and financial the ever-delightful and brilliant Steve Musick who brings clarity to the mysteries of money management. Steve loves figuring all that out at least as much as I love speaking, leading creative teams, and the arts. Steve has his own remarkably creative team at Destiny Capital in Golden, Co. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
None of us can do it all. Therefore, each of us must concentrate on what we do best and do that MOST. In areas where we are weak, inexperienced, ignorant, or just plain suck, we MUST get the assistance and expertise of others. If New York City depended on Donald Trump to create Broadway shows, Broadway would be dead in one season. 'Nough said.
So too, I have relied on the expertise of my pal Curtis Fletcher to guide me through the slippery shoals of crafting a resume, researching jobs, and applying online. Curtis suggested my resume was too long and detailed. Not focused (Y'think.)
One friend, reading my packed, two-page resume said, "Now I believe in reincarnation. No one could have done all this in one lifetime." Another friend said, "Wow. You must be tired." The "Curtistis version" is far tighter.
Cheering me along with advice and affirmation have been a chorus of very dear friends. (I started to include a list of names here, but they all know who they are and that I am eternally grateful for their on-going support and enthusiastic friendship.) I will mention a few close-in-touch cheerleaders who I connect with regularly: former Imagineering co-hort, Max Miller; film making genius, MaxPaul Franklin; and author/artist, Susan Kennedy (aka "SARK") my new walking coach/companion.
When I first began thinking about getting back on a regular team imagining, creating, and building projects and services that enrich the lives of others, I sat at my favorite wine bar here in San Francisco and doodled a plan in my sketchbook. After two full pages of big words and lists, I wrote, "Get a job."
Beneath it, I made a list of the first few companies, here in the Bay area, that came to mind where I'd love to work. The first three names were Pixar, Pixar, and Pixar... then Apple, Google, and IDEO. I have applied to all of them at least once, so far and will keep at it. I have a friend at Pixar who, in addition to my online application, hand delivered my resume and cover letter to their "recruiting diva." She and I have already corresponded by email. (Cross your fingers, as you pray.)
It take s a lot of other people to live our lives. It takes a lot of others to get our own work done, our own dreams accomplished. These are big changes and I am dependent on and thankful for those that are assisting in the effort.
Don't go it alone. Do you . . . and get help doing you. In all my creativity workshops I ask, "What do you do best? Do you do it most? Do you do it everyday? Do you do it at all? If not, when will you begin? The world needs you to do you."
"If you don't do you,
you doesn't get done
and the world is incomplete."
Do what you do best. Do that a lot. In all other areas–where you are not great–get assistance from those who do all the other stuff well and love doing it.
Onward & Upward,
McNair
P.S. If you would like a copy of my resume and cover letter, along with a description of what I am looking for, make sure you are on my email list as I will be sending them out in a few days to all those signed up on my email list. I hope to expand my network of contacts. You don't know who knows whom until you ask. I'll be asking soon. Sign up HERE. See "Sign up for email list" at lower right of home page.
