Tea with McNair

• breathe! creative arts summit: RE-SCHEDULED

        Please Join Me . . . ( Same event, NEW dates )

In Houston, February 27 & 28, 2009, for the annual creative arts summit—now called BREATHE—hosted by Lakewood church. To catch up after the effects of the recent hurricanes that whipped through Houston, this event has just been rescheduled to February. My good friend, Wendell Burton, launched this gathering of artists some years back as a regional CITA (Christians In Theatre Arts) gathering. It has now blossomed, matured, and exploded into a two day event for inspiring, networking, teaching, and encouraging artists of faith from across the spectrum of creative expression.Young and old, enthusiastic novice and skilled professional: all are welcome!

With the new dates for this event—in February—you should all have ample time to make plans to attend this valuable event. Attendance has grown every year, and they are expecting their largest attendance ever. Now that the conference has broadened its scope to encompass more artistic disciplines than the performing arts, consider lending your experience, expertise, and passion ot what I believe will be a grand gathering of actively creative believers.

Visit event web site for BREATHE.

Whoever you are, where ever you are on your spiritual and creative journey, please join us for what is always a delightful, casual, and invigorating time. 

If you are coming in from out of town, plan to stay over night on Saturday (28 Feb.) as I will be performing my one-man play, FROM UP HERE, Saturday night (after the arts conference as concluded) at the Lakewood Koinonia gathering. (Admission is FREE.)

This post is a part of the ever-expanding, unstoppable force that is Watercooler Wednesdays.

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• riddle me this: answer no.1

In my post of 17 September 2008, entitled, riddle me this, I encouraged readers to ask me questions regarding areas of creative expression where they may be stuck and need a suggestion, a bit of advice. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I can try to direct you to sources that do. “Keep those cards and letters coming” or leave your question in the Comment area below.

I may also use questions I have received in recent emails. I will role out my responses over the coming days and weeks. Here’s the first question that came in to the Tea Factory.

Steve K. asks: I'm organizing a week-long consultation for about 20 mission communicators from all around the world...next year in Asia. I want the theme to be "Imagination." What books, blogs, articles, videos, and other resources would you recommend as good sources for inspiration and motivation toward opening up our hearts and minds to using imagination in communicating the global work of God in mission?

McNAIR: Your event sounds exciting, Steve, and it can be a valuable and important experience for the participants. I believe the human spirit is universally creative. All humans enjoy being stirred in the deepest part of their soul. Ministry professionals know this, artists too. I have had the great fortune of addressing professional groups (as well as ministry gatherings) in more than thirty countries as well as international gatherings here in the the U.S. I love the interaction of the chorus of voices and experiences forged in different cultures.

In each of these settings I experienced hearts and minds stirred by challenges to step beyond the denominational traditions and reliable methods of the past when these methods have lost their efficacy. Even when everything is “working fine” we are inspired by the new. Creativity is more than a new logo, re-designed newsletter, or rewritten mission statement. All of those are made possible by new thinking that challenges the assumptions of the status quo. We need risk taking that moves us into the uncharted territories in the future. Isn’t that what the work missions is all about?

In my work as a speaking coach to corporate executives and ministry professionals I am constantly reinforcing and praising their strengths, while also pushing them to go beyond their comfort zone. “If you always do what works, how will you ever discover what really inspires, moves, and transforms your listeners?”

Consider breaking a few rules about how a conference works. Start by providing longer breaks for networking and interaction. Along with formal presentations, require all presenters to make themselves available for Q&A with participants—following their session or in more casual, “conversation pits.” The best conferences I’ve attended (as speaker and attendee) had fewer presenters and lots of interaction time. Too may conferences have big name speakers and artists so that the brochure and website look amazing, but the actually event is the same old sit-down-listen-go-to-the-next-session-and-do-the-same. If an event can be listened to on CD and be the same as being there, it is NOT an event for human beings. The presence of attendees should change the event.

• BOOKS (all are linked at left): on creativity in the workplace you can’t do better than:
- Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie. He spent a life time fighting stubborn tradition and entrenched corporate certainty on staff at Hallmark. His little book is both a delight to read and endlessly inspiring. For anyone who thinks they have little or no imagination and creativity Gordon can change your mind!
- Another small book that’s chock full of insight for powerful creativity is Marty Neumeier’s ZAG. When everyone else zigs, Maty says, “ZAG!” 
- In Madeleine L’Engle’s Walking On Water, creativity & faith come together in a delightful dance—it’s the only book I have read five times. She is brilliant on the subject of imagination.
- Make Your Creative Dreams Real, by SARK, is the best I’ve read for managing, organizing, and getting “it” done—any project that seems like only a dream and needs to be made real. SARK’s newest book, Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper I reviewed HERE. All speakers need to write!

Creative BLOGS, I check with frequently:
- InsideWork.net, infuses business innovation with biblical insight to stimulate change in our work, organizations and marketplace. 
- Guy Kawasaki’s How To Change the World Former Apple “Evangelist” and corporate branding and start-up guru. (Guy is a person of committed personal faith.)
– Change This ::  One of the richest sites around, filled with remarkable, downloadable (PDF) essays to challenge the way ideas are created and spread. You could spend a month reading the great “manifestos” here. It would be a great month.
  TED Talks, contains numerous short videos of the stunning array of speakers at the legendary TED conference (Technology Entertainment Design), including Herbie Hancock, Bill Gates, Frank Gehry, Billy Graham, and many more. Watch them all.

- Trend Watching —great catch-all site, with free email newsletter.
- Gaping Void  is the very original, and most unusual site of creative thinker/cartoonist, Hugh McLeod. He doodles on the back of standard size business cards with captions that are provocative, inspiring, witty, and (occasionally) ribald.

MAGAZINES: Fast Company is the best read for cutting edge business, trends, and social movements—areas that faith leaders (all leaders) need to respond to as they effect our lives.

Communicators: Ken Davis’s book, Secrets of Dynamic Communications, is the best I’ve found. Ken’s now-infamous “S.C.O.R.R.E.” method of preparing and delivering any message with power and focus is the best I’ve seen in thirty years as a speaker and speaking coach. I have taught Ken’s technique and I use to prepare or all my presentations. Ken hosts the excellent, twice-yearly Dynamic Communicators Workshop. http://www.dynamiccommunicators.com/ The DCW website has the book and the “best of” the 5-day course on DVD.

    Finally, and at the risk of sounding self-serving, I would love to be a part of your event as a resource person. Whether it would be to challenge attendees with my Recapturing Your Creative Spirit presentation (now on video),  leading them through my 7 Agreements of Brainstorming process (on the same video), or coaching them in the vital techniques of BEYOND WORDS: How Body Language Can Re-enforce or Destroy Any Presentation. My passport is up to date, call me!

Feel free to contact me with any further questions.

• quote of the day, No. 3,563

"I was sorry to have my name mentioned as one of the great authors because they have a sad habit of dying off. Chaucer is dead, so is Milton. So is Shakespeare. And I'm not feeling very well myself."

Mark Twain

• riddle me this

        Ask me a question.

    Who can help me . . .
        Why do . . .
            How can I . . .
                Where do I find . . .
                    What's the best . . . 

I get a good bit of great and  interesting email from students (usually the sons and daughters of friends or folks who have heard me speak at a conference), also from business executives, church and non-profit leaders, concerned parents, educators, and folks in every imaginable line of work—and more than a few un-imaginable fields of endeavor.

They all have in common the desire to explore deeper, search farther, and grow further in their creative expression and working relationships.

A lot of the questions are similar or close. I will admit to having developed a few "boiler plate" answers that I have written in response to a previous inquiry.  I save it and copy & paste it into the next email, letter, or call that is in the same category.

So, where are you stuck, creatively? Ask me.

No question is too small...What's you favorite brand of sketchbook, felt pen for sketching.... (Good question for someone wanting to do more drawing and wondering what an avid doodler uses.)

No question is too silly. My dad, a life-long, professional educator said only the smartest people ask questions. He said that a lot. Years later I read that one of the key characteristics of the most actively creative people is their endless, unstoppable CURIOSITY. It is the fuel to creative expression.

I don't know all the answers to the millions of creative challenges we all face. I don't even know all the categories. AND, I have many questions I still need answers to, that I hope I will keep searching for. (I actually have always imagined that I will die with an unfinished TO DO list pinned to my purple shirt and a half blank sketchbook under my arm. (I also believe Heaven will have the mother of all art supply stores—where everything is free—and never out of stock!)

Post your questions in the comments section, below. Don't write an essay. I don't need to know your life story in order for us to get at discovering a solution together. Make sure you put your direct email, or blog site, in the response form so I can contact you if I need clarification.

I cannot promise to answer every question, though I will tackle the ones I know something about, post the answers HERE in future posts, and try and direct you to others where my experience is less than what you may need. 

Now, how can I help you?

* A delighted participant in the Watercooler Wednesday blog cycle.

• never forget

What needs rebuilding today?

Were you a bit "short" with a server at at a cafe, coffee spot, or restaurant recently? Go back and take the "good you." (A smile and a big tip will help.)

These are not the big tragedies of life, I know, but I also know that when I am in a sour mood and go out and spread the joy-less-ness, I do not improve. When I choose to be polite, friendly, and civil, it ripples into many lives. I know when I've done this, because upon my return to the dry cleaner, market, or Java Rama, the staff seems sincerely happy to see me. Was it something I said? Probably so.

"Do you fake it, McNair."

Yes, I do! Often. (You do too.) If I seem friendly too you, you get my cheery mood. If it's fake, or trumped up and you feel good about our encounter, isn't that what you want? As assistant manager at two different record stores, I suggest to co-workers that we "put on a smile" with every customer—no matter what. "If they're in a bad mood, try to change them." I noticed that it was very hard for angry customers to remain so when I was pleasant, friendly, and helpful.

I lost track of how many coworkers came to me and said, "It worked!"(Like they had just performed a successful magic trick.)

When I am checking in—airport, hotel, rental car—I am determined for it to go well. If the service person on the other side of my counter encounter is smiling, listens to my needs, and provides good service, that's what we all hope for. If their smile is faked and their good service is a mechanical behavior right out of the company manual, thank God for a good manual (and great training!) I don't care.

My new trick (I've been saying this for years) after a phone enCounter with a service person who has given me good, great or excellent service is to tell them they were great. More and more, they are trained to ask, "Have I served you well today?"

"You were terrific!" I say. (And, for emphasis, I add) "Take the rest of the day off!"

They almost always laugh and,  in person, I get to see them smile. Many times they will say, "Oh, I can't do that."

""Well..." I say, "Do you have a break room, coffee maker, snack machine?"

"Yes, sir." 

"Fine." I say, "On your next break, have TWO sweeteners and get some cookies and share them with a friend."

One of my favorite such enCounters (by phone) was a young man in India. His name was "Jerry" (a popular name in India...phone service centers.) I complimented him and, after he said he could not take the rest of the day off, I gave him the  "...two sweeteners..." choice.

"I will go right now, while I am feeling very good about myself. Thank you, sir."

Today. As we remember the atrocities of 9.11.1, what little bits of kindness, humor, or unfinished business can we scribble on our TO DO list? You and I cannot fight international bad guys today. But we can take on rampant bad moods and bad service.

It's a start.

Feel free to use my, "Take the rest of the day off." Give it only to those who deserve it. And report back how it works for you.

Now go have a good cup of tea with two sweeteners.

    ~ McNair

• a grand moment

It's Watercooler Wednesday Again!

Our founder and chief water bottle tipper, Randy Elrod ( Ethos), has pushed the "Guilty Pleasure Button" to ask for a favorite YouTube video, or three. My immediate reaction was "I am going to waste an hour watching several on my Favorites list to try and pick thee best one to post. I already have a favorite clip from The West Wing posted on my Facebook site.

But for the Watercool gang I have select one of the most thrilliog moments I have ever experienced as an audience member in the theatre. Having been to over 100 palys and musical in New York City—Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and Nowhere-Near-Broadway. A few favorites I have gone back to see a second time, but only one production got me back for a third go 'round. (The third visit was a free ticket from the gentleman you will experience in these two clips. He was one the ensemble cast of nine leading characters and more than a dozen supporting roles in the chorus. Michael Jeter (jee' tur) will be familiar to film buffs for his drag queen turn, dancing on a desk top  in The Fisher King, or his cell mate, a pet mouse, in The Green Mile.)

The first YouTube clip is Micheal Jeter's triumphal moment in Grand Hotel, The Musical. Based in the film from the 1930's, It all takes plae in the Grand Hotel, Berlin. JEter portrays Otto Kringelein, a book keeper who is dying and has come to enjoy his last days in splendor. HERE he is celebrating in the hotle bar with his freind the Baron.

The 1990 Broadway production was directed and choreographed by the master, Tommy Tune. The first clip was actually the great number, We'll Take A Glass Together, restaged at the televised Tony Awards. The second YouTube clip, HERE, is Micheal Jeter winning the Tony for Featured Actor in a Musical for that performance.

Do visit the other links at Watercooler Wednesday.  

• memory test

 

 
This is NOT a pushover test.   There are 20 questions.  Average score is 12.  It will help if you are a Baby Boomer—born between 1946 and 1965 ! If you are younger than that, administer the test to an “older” friend.

This one will be difficult for anyone under 40.  The images in this post may or may not be clues to the correct answers. Try to identify the images as well. Have fun. No peeking!

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways? 
  

    A. Flintstones vitamins 

    B. The Buttmaster 

    C. Spaghetti 

    D. Wonder Bread 

    E. Orange Juice 

    F. Milk 

    G.Cod Liver Oil 
  


2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was... 
 
    
A. Sugar Ray Robinson 

    B. Roy Orbison
    
C. Gene Autry 

    D. Rudolph Valentino 

    E. Fabian 

    F. Mickey Mantle 

    G. Cassius Clay 
  


3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and... 
 
    
A. It's you 

    B. He is us 

    C. It's the Grinch 

    D. He wasn't home 

    E. He's really me an 

    F. We quit 

    G. He surrendered 
  


4. Good night David. 
  

    A. Good nigh Chet 

    B. Sleep well
    
C. Good night Irene 

    D. Good night Gracie 

    E. See you later alligator
    
F. Until tomorrow 

    G. Good night Steve 
  


5. Liar, liar... 
 
    A. You're a liar 

    B. Your nose is growing 

    C. Pants on fire 

    D. Join the choir 

    E. Jump up higher 

    F. On the wire 

    G. I'm telling Mom 



6. Lions and tigers and bears... 
  

    A. Yikes 

    B. Oh no 

    C. Gee whiz 

    D. I'm scared 

    E. Oh my 

    F. Help! Help!
    
G. Let's run 
  
  


7. You'll wonder where the yellow went... 
 
    
A. When you use Tide 

    B. When you lose your crayons 

    C. When you clean your tub 

    D. If you paint the room blue 

    E. If you buy a soft water tank
    
F. When you use Lady Clairol 

    G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent 
  

  


8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and... 
  

    A. Wheaties 

    B. Lois Lane
    
C. TV ratings 

    D. World peace 

    E. Red tights 

    F. The American way 

    G. News headlines 
  


9. Hey kids!  What time is it? 
 
    
A. It's time for Yogi Bear 

    B. It's time to do your homework 

    C. It's Howdy Doody Time 

    D. It's Time for Romper Room 

    E. It's bedtime 

    F. The Mighty Mouse Hour
    
G. Scoopy Doo Time 
  


10. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend... 
  

    A. Stuart Whitman 

    B. Randolph Scott 

    C. Steve Reeves 

    D. Zippy Zoo  

    E. Corky B.. Dork 

    F. Dave the Whale 

    G. Maynard G. Krebbs 
  


 

 

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone... 
  

    A. Over 40 

    B. Wearing a uniform 

    C. Carrying a briefcase
    
D. Over 30 

    E. You don't know
    
F. Who says, 'Trust me' 

    G. Who eats tofu 
  


12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings... 
  

    A. Troy Aikman 

    B. Kenny Stabler 

    C. Joe Namath 

    D. Roger Stauback 

    E. Joe Montana 

    F. Steve Young
    
G. John Elway 
  


13. Brylcream...
    A. Smear it on 

    B. You'll smell great
    
C. Tame that cowlick 

    D. Grease ball heaven 

    E. It's a dream
    
F. We're your team 

    G. A little dab'll do ya 
  


14. I found my thrill... 
  

    A. In Blueberry muffins 

    B. With my man, Bill 

    C. Down at the mill 

    D. Over the windowsill 

    E. With thyme and dill 

    F. Too late to enjoy 

    G. On Blueberry Hill 
 
 

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by... 
  

    A. Clark Gable
    
B. Mary Martin
    
C. Doris Day 

    D. Errol Flynn 

    E. Sally Fields 

    F. Jim Carey 

    G. Jay Leno 
  


16. Name the Beatles.. 
  

    A. John, Steve, George, Ringo 

    B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe 

    C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
    
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo 

    E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
    
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel 

    G. John, Paul, George, Ringo 
  


17. I wonder, wonder, who.. 
  

    A. Who ate the leftovers? 

    B. Who did the laundry? 

    C. Was it you? 

    D. Who wrote the book of love? 

    E. Who I am? 

    F. Passed the test? 

    G. Knocked on the door? 
  

 
18. I'm strong to the finish.. 
  

    A. Cause I eats my broccoli 

    B. Cause I eats me spinach 

    C. Cause I lift weights 

    D. Cause I'm the hero 

    E. And don't you forget it
    
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me 

    G. To outlast Bruto 
  


19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today.. 
  

    A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera 

    B. Smile, you're on Star Search 

    C. Smile, you won the lottery 

    D. Smile, we're watching you 

    E. Smile, the world sees you 

    F. Smile, you're a hit
    
G. Smile, you're on TV 
  


20. What do M & M's do? 
  

    A. Make your tummy happy 

    B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket
    
C. Make you fat 

    D. Melt your heart 

    E.. Make you popular 

    F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand
    
G. Come in colors 


The correct answers:
  

1. D - Wonder Bread 

2. G - Cassius Clay 

3. B - He Is Us 

4. A - Good night, Chet 

5. C - Pants On Fire
6. E -  
Oh My 

7. G -  
When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent 

8. F - The American Way 

9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time 

10. G - Maynard G. Krebbs
11. D - Over 30 

12. C - Joe Namath 

13. G - A little dab'll do ya 

14. G - On Blueberry Hill 

15. B - Mary Martin 

16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo 

17. D - Who wrote the book of Love
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach ("I'm Popeye the sailor man, toot, toot")
19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera

20. F - Melt In Your Mouth Not In Your Hand 


How did you do? Put you score and reactions in the comments section. Email this link to your Baby Boomer friends. My score...20!

Images From top to bottom, left to right: Fred Flinstone, Yogi Bear, Troy Aikman / Pogo, news anchor team Chet Huntley & David Brinkley / Mohamed Ali, Bob Denver as Maynard G. Krebs (from the Dobbie Gillis show), Allan Funt (creator-host of Candid Camera) / swashbuckler Errol Flynn (never played Peter Pan) / Popeye, Tide

• last chance

Is it Autumn yet? It still feels like Summer—Olympics, political conventions, and good corn-on-the-cob (in the wrapper) from my market.

Special Offer: A long time friend has finally pushed me to complete my new Recapturing Your Creative Spirit one-hour presentation. The hard part is done: it has been “shot.” I will post on this blog, sooner than you think, when the finished DVD is ready.

For now, I have just a dozen copies of my very successful video (VHS) IMAGIN!TY: Recapturing Your Creative Spirit. 

This is TWO presentations on ONE VIDEO: “Recapturing...” (the first half encourages everyone to use their original, “factory-installed” creativity, even if they believe they are NOT creative.)  PLUS, the second half of the video, is my fool-proof, powerful brainstorming method to create, solve, design, invent, anything. This is brainstorming that works for any working team. It is a system of creative thinking without arguing or deriding each other, while creating literally hundreds of ideas.

The entire video is designed and has been used as a teaching tool with your staff, project team, and even your family.

These last few videos are available first come, first serve to the first 12  folks who send in an order. At this time we can only do orders by check. Ordering details HERE on my personal website, www.McNairWilson.com.

[ The NEW Recapturing DVD we are producing will NOT include the brainstorming session. It will be a the full, one-hour presentation of "Recapturing..." There will be a separate DVD created as a companion to my new brainstorming book, TH!NK UP: The Productivity Playbook.]

I also have about 15 copies left of my book, RAISED IN CAPTIVITY: A Memoir of a Life Long Churchaholic. When they’re gone, that’s it. Even my publisher has run dry.

I will be happy to inscribe books to any name you request.

Order video & book together and pay only ONE shipping fee ($5.) Think about getting either of these for a friend or co-worker whom you can imagine benefiting from these resources.

Feel free to email me to request we hold a tape and book till your check arrives.

Email: [email protected]

• r.s.v.p. not requested

Thursday nights, rain or shine, year 'round we gather around a fire —usually outdoors—in Dave’s backyard. Around the open fire pit we share stories, favorite books, legal opinions, wine, and pipe tobacco. The guest list is not set, never quite the same, and always fascinating.

Even though we are in the spacious backyard of a pastor, it might as well be a local pub, or church basement. In fact it is a little of both. We are attorneys, teachers, high tech managers, public speakers, and, at times, their grown sons. Membership requirements: show up, whenever you can and want to. Even when I am busy, tired, or don’t feel like sitting in the cold till midnight, I want to be there.

Though I am a good storyteller, I never feel any pressure to share. It is more conversation than presentation. We might tackle the great themes of life, or the latest political goings on in a season of more than enough political goings on. Even so, the tone is more amiable than argumentative, cross-wits more than crossed swords.

We are just guys enjoying the raillery of our growing friendship. And though we are sittin’ behind a pastors house, we do not all attend his church. Some attend no church. Even when eight or ten show up, there is always an empty seat. I can’t help but think we keep one open for the one we’d all love to show up with an urn-full of His now-famous “End-of-the Wedding Red.”

I know we’d let Him tell a story of two. And if he needs it, I always have an spare pipe in my bag and plenty of China Black to fill the bowl. I  might even let him draw in my sketchbook.

Just as Pastor Dave requires no R.S.V.P. to join this group,the Creator’s only requirement is that we show up. 

See you tomorrow night.

[ Today's post is part of Watercooler Wednesdays.]                                   

• balance

A few years ago I attended an outstanding workshop on the business of being a speaker/consultant. The event was titled The Odd Couple as it was taught by two of the very best in the business: Dr. Alan Weiss and my friend, Patricia Fripp, who did not agree on every point along the way. (Much of this is about your style and personality.) Spending time with either of these two enormous personalities would have been worth the time and fee, but their tag-team teaching style was a delight to watch and gave added emphasis to their insights. It was a great learning and social experience. I often refer to my notes from those two very full days—nearly three years after the seminar.

Go to Alan's Summit Consulting website. Look for Free Resources and sign up for his free and priceless newsletter. I am always glad when Alan's Balancing Act shows up in my inbox. The latest edition begins with some classic Alan Weiss Techniques for Balance delivered in short, pithy paragraphs. Here are a couple favorites:

Walking Out

"Understand that in many cases you can simply "stop." You can leave a play or a movie that is annoyingly bad; you can depart from a party that is dull or raucous; you can announce that you've learned all you need to at a meeting, and can now adjourn; you can say, "It was wonderful running into you, but my appointment awaits." Why prolong pain?"

Getting to Perfect, or Not

"If Hollywood's collective genius can create a $100 million film which flops at the box office, I don't see reason to exactly beat yourself up if you choose a lousy vacation spot, cook a poor meal, or scratch the side of the car. Stuff happens. Get on with your life, and don't let a momentary poor judgment create a lifelong depression."

Hey, it's Labor Day, work on something that makes you happy. Try doing it badly at first.

McNair