Friends of Dave #196: taco bell vineyards
Some thoughts on being both humble and confident. But first.....
Before we jump into this week's preamble, I'd like to first acknowledge the recent passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
The news broke just as I was wrapping up this edition, and (I am sure like in many homes in the US) it consumed a good portion of the evening in our house with discussion about the broader significance it will likely have on our country in the coming months and possibly years.
As you all know, aside from a very rare diversion, I prefer to keep this space politics free. We all have enough BS being thrown at us from all sides in this environment these days, who needs more in a free, weekend newsletter?
That said, I'd also like to highlight something: four years ago a number of Senate leaders issued public statements regarding holding hearings on the replacement of Supreme Court justices during an election year. Whether you agreed then or not, the precedent was set.
On Friday, within hours of the Notorious RBG's death, and just 46 days from our election, a statement was issued by Senate leadership on her passing.
Exactly 102 words of this statement were used to acknowledge the contributions that this "extraordinary American" made in service to her country.
Exactly 112 words of this statement were used to justify the intention to reverse those same Senators' previous stance -- one that, if executed, will directly contradict the precedent they previously (and publicly) set.
Think about that. More than half of the statement that was honoring Justice Ginsberg's passing was actually not about her at all.
When will we tire of the win-at-all-costs, tribalistic games being played in this country? When do we start demanding that our elected officials exhibit principles like honor, integrity, decency, leadership and unity?
I'm tired of this partisan shit that has crippled our government and divided our nation, Friends. And, no matter which way you lean, I think you should be too...It's time we all wake up.
And now, on to our regularly scheduled program....
Quick question: how can you be both humble and confident?
With the college football season now upon us and my alma mater poised to play its first game this Fall, I was reminded of the intro I wrote a few months ago about the qualities I found striking in its newly minted, young, first time head coach.
I remembered that humility was the main virtue that immediately stood out from his introductory press conference. It seemed authentic and it immediately drew me in -- here was a guy who was just handed his dream job, and he was understated and genuinely grateful for everything and everyone who contributed to him getting there.
But he was no wall flower. You could also tell he was confident that he was going to build a winning program. He just didn't feel the need to oversell it.
It was cool to watch, but I was also jealous.
In recalling this press conference, I began to reflect on some of the most effective leaders I have encountered in the past and some recent conversations I had been having.
I started to wonder about how does one so easily come across as both humble AND confident?
Honestly, I personally tend to struggle with this balancing act. I'm not sure if it is my energy, my enthusiasm, perhaps the pace in which I move or talk combined with my competitiveness and my natural aversion to being proven wrong, or what. I know at times I have been told I can seem overconfident -- even when I am not trying to be.
As I dug into it a bit, I began to see a pattern emerge where I am more wired to get positive reinforcement particularly when I am selling an idea, a product or even myself. I look for cues like nods, smiles or engagement that shows that someone is buying what I am saying.
Not getting the gratification? It seems like my natural instinct is to sell my point/service/myself more and sell hard. Does this happen to you?
Instead, with certain people and situations, I am realizing that it can be more effective to change tactics by looking to persuade less and learn more. It's not important to score a point every time.
As witnessed with my university's head football coach, you sometimes can more easily score points and exude more confidence by listening and learning more than selling.
Now, it remains to be seen if that strategy can also translate into success on the gridiron. We'll find out soon enough, but if so, we'll have a great Fall!
Enjoy your weekend. You'll find not one but TWO stories mentioning Taco Bell this week -- I don't know how you got so lucky!
XOXO
Dave
Think on This...
Expecting things to be bad is the best way to be pleasantly surprised when they’re not. Which is something to be optimistic about.
Tell someone that everything will be great and they’re likely to either shrug you off or offer a skeptical eye. Tell someone they’re in danger and you have their undivided attention. Good one.
For Your Day Job...
Better hiring leads to better work environments, less turnover, and more innovation and productivity. When we understand the limitations and pitfalls of the job interview, we can improve our chances of hiring the best possible person for our needs. LONG ONE, so I suggest skimming or skipping to the "Making Interviews More Effective" section and digging in there.
Starbucks, Taco Bell, Chipotle: The $290 billion race for the perfect drive-through
Thanks to COVID-19, the drive-through as we knew it is gone. Great look at how customer experience, especially during this period of operational disruption, is driving the next wave of innovation in every industry. FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR SALES, MARKETING AND PRODUCT FOLKS.
5 Stats That Prove Customer Service Enablement Should Be the Next Sales Enablement
It takes 12 positive customer experiences to make up for one negative experience, according to Qualtrics.
The customer service agents on your team—whether you’ve got one or 1,000—are the frontline of your business. They have a significant impact on bottom line and it’s time we enabled them to be exceptional in their customer interactions and careers. Quick read with some interesting sub-links worth checking out as well.
Your Weekly Dose of Randomness...
Taco Bell is now selling its own custom wine
"Yes, I'd like to make that chalupa a combo with the Ghost Pepper Pinot, please...."
The Year Climate Change Got Real for American Wine
Serious article, but takes on a whole new context after reading the one above...
Snake used as face mask on bus
AKA when Snakes on a Plane met Speed.....
Your Smartphone Can Tell If You’re Drunk-Walking
Perhaps, but wouldn't it be more impressive if it could stop people from drunk texting or dialing?
And The Last Word....
The Billionaire Who Wanted To Die Broke . . . Is Now Officially Broke — www.forbes.com
It took decades, but Chuck Feeney, the former billionaire cofounder of retail giant Duty Free Shoppers has finally given all his money away to charity. He has nothing left now—and he couldn’t be happier.
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