3 Keys To Help Young People Track Progress On Goals

On the way back from a gig in Brooklyn, N.Y., my flight was delayed. Same old story, right? Nowadays it seems as if I have a better chance of seeing a two-legged dog walking upright like a human than I do of seeing an entire round trip flight with no delays. As they say on Twitter:

#SomethingIsWrongWithThat

There were no problems with the plane, the weather, or the crew. I was on the seat, the seat was on the plane, the plane was on the runway, and the runway was on… lockdown.

[VIDEO] Duncan Nugget #36: Individuals and Issues

Whether it’s parents fussing at children, students complaining about teachers, co-workers arguing, or couples fighting, conflicts often end with a stack of hurt feelings and enraged people.

If you really want to resolve the conflict, it’s not cool to say things like: “You idiot! How stupid can you be?!”

But what if he really is an idiot?

I feel your pain but, even if you’re dealing with a genuine idiot, those types of statements actually make things worse because they are value judgments about the individual.

When resolving conflicts, focus on the issue, not the individual; the problem, not the person.

Think about it. It’s easier to resolve the issue or problem, when you avoid making value judgments about a person. Instead, focus on the aspects of the issue you want to resolve.

Million-Dollar Question:
When dealing with conflict,
do you focus on the individual or the issue? 

______________________
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

A Lesson On Belief From A Two-Legged Dog

A few years ago, I caught a glimpse of a talk show and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I started talking to myself. (Don’t act like you’ve never talked to yourself.)

Did I just see what I think I saw?!

Yeah, I did. I saw a two-legged dog walking upright like a human!

Now, I don’t know how you would’ve reacted, but it tripped me out. I was flabbergasted. The dog, named Faith, was born with two-back legs, but only one, severely deformed front leg. Because of atrophy, that leg was eventually removed.

[VIDEO] Bullying Prevention Message: Build People Up

Duncan Nugget #319:
When you build people up, you build yourself up.

SUMMARY: In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month (October), Al talks about why you can’t bully your way to success.

Million-Dollar Question:
Do you spend your time tearing people down
 or building people up? 

__________________
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

[VIDEO] Duncan Nugget® #136: Who Is Motivating You?

Before a recent speaking engagement, a superintendent of schools and I had a conversation.

“We’re glad you’re here. These students need some motivation.”

“I’m here to help, but I don’t really motivate people.”

“What do you mean? You get students motivated. That’s why we hired you.”

“Don’t worry. They’ll be motivated. I’ll do what I do best—give them tools to motivate themselves.”

“Oohhh… Well…I guess that’s even better!”

Yup. That is better because the person who is waiting for someone or something else to motivate him will be left behind.

It’s your life. Get motivated. From within. Self-motivation, also known as intrinsic motivation, is a valuable asset on your path to success.

Being self-motivated is one of the top characteristics that employers want in their employees. They want self-starters—people with initiative.

Self-motivation could be part of your competitive advantage.

Million-Dollar Question: 
Are you sitting around waiting for
somebody else to motivate you?

_______________________________________

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Featured Video (Week of 9/1/13)

Duncan Nugget® #60: Present Yourself In High Definition
Click here for activity, discussion questions, and the original post.

Al Duncan Keynotes 2013 Kansas State University Kickoff Convocation

Join the K-State College of Business Ambassadors as they kickoff K-State’s Professional Advantage program with this year’s keynote speaker Al Duncan. Mr. Duncan—an award-winning youth advocate, publisher, and international authority on soft skills—will talk about the steps necessary for students to start “Building A Competitive Advantage in the 21st Century.”