Kevin W. McCarthy

The Professor of On-Purpose

Career & Work

Does This Sound Like TOP Performer?

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In 1998 when I wrote The On-Purpose Business, I shared the concepts of employee engagement on two dimensions: "Technical" and "Tingle."  Traditionally, most employers hired on the Technical merits of a candidate – how well they fit the job description.  With Tingle, the idea was to identify how well aligned the candidate / employee and the company were with purpose, vision, mission, and values.  In short, pay high attention to the culturally fit and cause connection.  The On-Purpose (TOP) Performers are those who bring both Technical and Tingle. 

Truly, I had heads of some very large organizations tell me back in the 1990s that I was wasting their time.  In one case I was hired and fired as a consultant to a hospital service organization to address massive turnover in a low skills job.  By simply rewriting the position posting and advertising to reflect and attract high tingle interest and seeing the job for what it could be, I calculated that my concept was worth over $250 million/year in cost savings system-wide.  Plus, it would have improved patient safety, care, and experience while easing operational tension. A ridiculous "waste of time," huh?

Fast forward now to the SXSW 2011 Conference in this Fast Company Magazine panel interview moderated by Anya Kamenetz and featuring Alexis Ohanian (Reddit), Chris Hoyt (@TheRecruiterGuy), and Scott Belsky (Behance).  Invest a minute and nineteen seconds to see what is discussed as the future of employee engagement. 

As forward thinking as The On-Purpose Business was in 1998, only about 10% of the concepts in this book are approaching the mainstream.  Most of this is because so few people really understand the power in purpose, let alone how to harness it for the good of self and society.

You are ahead of the curve… on-purpose!



 

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On-Purpose Profile: Hugh MacLeod of GapingVoid.com

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permissions granted for use of the above cartoon by Hugh MacLeod

In spite of my classic business education and conservative ways, I have a deep appreciation for artists who tear into the essence of the human condition to challenge the traditionally held views of society.  All is not right since that one bite in the Garden of Eden.

A recent post I saw in Copyblogger.com by Hugh MacLeod inspired me to dig into his story.  His artwork brought a smile of irreverent recognition for the prevalent challenges with so many in the workforce.  Hugh's website, GapingVoid.com, includes a number of edgy "Cube Grenades" that he fiendishly lobs into the lives of his corporate captive audiences.  Take a scroll around his cartoon log. Be sure to subscribe to his daily cartoons for an emotionally explosive reminder of how your work can be a noble expression of your purpose… or not! 

If you're a fan of the hit TV show The Office, then for sure, Hugh's artwork will curl your lips upward.  A bit of parody mixed with a dose of purpose may be just the recipe for prodding you to be on-purpose.

Hugh provides us with a great example of a person with a love and talent for something that doesn't fit the mold of what's expected.  Instead of compromising who he is to become someone he isn't, he's growing who he is in order to be more of whom he can become.  Sure, he's working hard at it!  Sure, you're working hard too.  Hugh provides yet another profile of a person building a life where the inner work and outer work are aligned and integrated in a productive and profitable manner.

Thanks Hugh for your Cube Grenades that blow holes in the facade of living with contented, unexamined mediocrity.  You're encouraging us all to step into the boldness of being on-purpose:  Be Yourself> Prosper> Make A Difference.

On-Purpose Minutes


On-Purpose Profile: Carrie Wilkerson, The Barefoot Executive

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Photo This morning, I kicked off my shoes and listened to Disney Entrepreneur Center. 

Carrie plays in the noble space of helping professionals, business owners, those in career transition, and other self-employed persons work more successfully from home.  She trailblazed her way and is marking the path for others to follow in her footprints. 

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that I’m a fan of the creativity, productivity, profitability, and contribution that starting and owning a small business offers.  Business can be a pure vocational expression of your purpose, and, therefore, an opportunity to be on-purpose.  Because of a similar heart to Carrie, my On-PurposeME program is designed for the SOHO (small office, home office) start-up or running business owner.  You just can’t know enough.

Carrie is a great model for creating on-purpose work at home business.  Sitting in the front seat and I could see it in her eyes. She’s having the time of her life doing good while doing well with maintaining defined personal boundaries and a strong commitment to her marriage, family, and clients.

For years, I’ve been teaching that life balance is a myth.  Carrie shared those nearly identical words with those in attendence.  Coincidentally, my On-Purpose Minute on Tuesday was entitled: Do You Want More Balance In Your Life?  (Be sure to look for the link to my poem: A Balanced Life.)

Here’s my recommendation to you, visit Carrie’s website (click the banner below).  Subscribe to her email and video messages.  You’ll find that she brings a fresh encouragement and spirit similar to me when it comes to being true to yourself and taking the leap into business ownership.

Watching Carrie in action was educational and engaging.  If you are a fan of On-Purpose and fit the target audience of wanting to be a work from home business owner, then jump bare feet first over to Carrie’s website and get a little cyber sand between your toes.

Brand Backstory:

Carrie shared that in 2003 her husband, aka Mr. Barefoot, tagged her as the “Barefoot Executive” while she made the career transition from high school teacher to stay at home business executive / owner.  She was running around the home conducting business in her barefeet and he lovingly made the observation.   Carrie made note of his term of endearment.  Three years ago, she birthed her business of helping others make the great escape from the corporate world.

I had to chuckle when she said, “I’m from Texas.  We understand branding.  It is the way we keep track of our cattle and keep people from stealing them.”  It was a great reminder that business branding is rooted in some pretty practical stuff!  With Carrie’s help perhaps you, too, can leave your footprints in the sand… on-purpose, of course.

PS – yes, Carrie Wilkerson spoke to us in her jeans and barefeet!

PSS – Special thanks to my friends Wendy Kurtz and Roy Reed for organizing and inviting me to the event at the Disney Entrepreneur Center. 

Wendy Kurtz is President of Elizabeth Charles a niche PR firm that helps authors, speakers and executives get their message and medium into the media and into people’s lives.

Roy Reed is a Partner in Consensus Communications, a strategic public relations firm whose currency of choice is trust.

On-Purpose Minutes on related topics: 


Is Your Smart Phone Making You Stupid?

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The smarter our smart phones get, the dumber we're becoming behind the wheel of a car.

Teens get blasted for texting and driving, but let me tell you, it isn't just kids.  While I don't text and drive, I do have my unsafe moments of cell phone use.  Those of us who are older and "wiser" are guilty of our own set of cell phone violations – looking up numbers, dialing while driving, reading email, etc…

There's a line in this video, "What is worth losing your life over?  That text message?"  That question stopped me dead in my tracks of cell phone usage.  

You see, even though my car is equipped with bluetooth and I've got two hands on the wheel, I find myself looking up phone numbers, dialing, and pressing send while driving.  No more even just a little distraction for me.  Watch this, join me, and let's live longer, healthier lives while driving safely for us and those other people on the road.

Really!  How busy are you that it can't wait until conditions to text or call are safe?

 

 

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The On-Purpose Leader Experience Preview

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  • Are you searching for answers in all the wrong places?
  • Do you question if you're on the right path for your career or life?  
  • Has your life plan not gone as planned?
  • Are you wondering, Just who am I?
  • How many times have you tried to figure out what you should do with your life and gotten it not right?
  • Do you find frustration has become an all too familiar friend?
  • Do you have a blessed life and want to make it even better?

Sounds like you're ready for The On-Purpose Leader Experience!  Preview it by CLICKING HERE!

Thank you to the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this event.  This On-Purpose Leader Experience will be led from a Christian worldview.

 

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Free Business Tips, Ideas, & Advice for Running (& Starting) Small Businesses and Leading Your Life!

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The challenges of being in business by yourself need not be a burden you carry alone. May I come alongside you for 2 to 4 minutes per week to offer sound business advice and mentoring via a free subscription to the On-Purpose Business Minute and On-Purpose Minute?
 
Every On-Purpose Business Minute packs a practical punch of business ideas, concepts, and tips for your real life challenges of starting and running a business. On-Purpose Minutes help you become a better leader of your life. The better you lead your life, the better you'll lead your business and team. Let's engage in all things business and life. You'll learn how to:
  • Identify and reach more clients & customers. Gain Sales.
  • Use simple business strategies & marketing plans. Work Smarter.
  • Get unstuck and get yourself moving forward. Lead Better.
  • Overcome procrastination and being overwhelmed. Get Moving.
  • Know what matters most. Be Focused.
  • Lead your business from your strengths. Make Better Decisions.
  • Build your business systematically. Be More Profitable.
  • Enjoy and integrate your life and work. Be On-Purpose!

To Subscribe Click Here!

Please watch my invitation to you!

 

To Subscribe Click Here!

May I invest in your business with my best thinking, business tips, and leadership advice? Each video and accompanying text sheds light on real business problems and life challenges we all face. Each is practical, poignant, and intelligent. Opportunities to learn, grow, and build a better business and life abound. Here you can profit and still keep your soul.

  • Every Tuesday you will receive an On-Purpose Minute to help you grow as a leader in life and on the job.
  • Every Thursday you will receive an On-Purpose Business Minute with business tips, ideas & advice to help you lead your business and team to success.

To Subscribe Click Here!

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Sample On-Purpose Business Minutes 
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Michael McMillan’s Pink Bat Movie / Whiteboard

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Michael is a really cool and creative colleague. We connected again recently and he shared his latest message in Pink Bat. This is a book that will color your world differently!

Watch this amazing video of his latest book, Pink Bat, then tell me what you think about it!

Buy Pink Bat at Michael’s site, order it, and, maybe you can get it signed!

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin