If you are a Millennial this is what you need to know about me...

There was a time (which I admit seems like many lifetimes ago) where I was actively involved in hiring and working with people at the very, very end of the Gen X tail and at the very beginning of the Millennial generation (or in those days what we affectionately called the whY Generation) — frankly I'm not sure the distinction even matters because they all came to the table with great potential. It was a time of "high adventure"... with countless memories and stories that come with that kind of swashbuckling.

One such memory involved us in a classroom with everyone seated in that classic U shape arrangement listening to one of my colleagues at the front of the room; another colleague and I were seated at the back observing. As we were whispering to each other (which I will admit can be rude), a person close to us turned and said, "You're judging us aren't you?"

There was a moment of confusion and then I looked at her and said, "No we aren't". Then I motioned for her to pay attention to the front, looked back at my colleague, and stopped whispering (well for a little while at least) — again I will reiterate the whispering was a little rude. I will never forget the question though (or the concern that could be heard in her voice).

Now fast forward a little more than a decade when just last week I was talking to a Millennial about his website; when I asked for the web address he said sure, and then went onto ask me not to be "judgy". 

I think maybe it's time for some clarification, and to set the record straight when it comes to me.

For the record —

• Of all the generations I've worked with so far I like the Millennials the best. 
• I never judge when I'm having a discussion (or working) with Millennials — sadly, I wish I could say the same when it comes to Boomers.
• I'm not a "hater"; I don't "bully", and I'm generally not "mean".
• I'm respectful.
• I have opinions (and if I'm honest, more opinions than I have earned the right to have)
• I believe "candor" is important.

I think it's important to call out the last point because it's crucial to understand what candor is not. 

Candor is not "bullying", or being "judgy", or being a "hater", or any other word you decide to use when you don't like what is being said (or you disagree). If I candidly offer you constructive input and you say I'm being "judgy" or a "hater", et cetera, et cetera — well that's on you; not me.

I will always offer a safe and respectful place, and will not judge (or hate, or bully) — even when you don't like what I have to say.

That doesn't happen so much in the "real world" because as we all know, it's a "judgy" place.

Dedicated to L, R and A.

iamgpe

MOMENTS — a lesson for someone who always has a fucking opinion

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the 50th anniversary of my grammar school — Sir Wilfrid Laurier Public School. It wasn't a reunion per se but more of an invitation to come visit the school, celebrate its 50 years in the community, and spend three hours getting lost in the memories of my childhood.

I visited my grade one classroom, saw the office where I got the strap (for throwing snowballs up in the air and letting them land on my head no less), and looked out over a lonely baseball diamond where we played ball at lunch — all against the backdrop of how students are being taught today compared to the fuzzy memories of my past.

In my old grade six classroom I saw something on the wall worth a second (and even a third) look —  it was a piece of chart paper that offered insight on OPINION (written with the steady hand of a teacher, and looked surprisingly like it could have been written fifty years ago).

In a world of so called fake news, opinion that masquerades as news, a constant stream of information that's impossible to sift through, and bullshit jamming up the internet, I was encouraged to see (up on the board in big letters and bright colours) that opinion is more than something that's simply said (usually many times and very loudly) until sadly, it becomes believable fact.

As someone who is quick with an opinion, this piece of chart paper offered insight on OPINION that was a clear reminder (and lesson) for what makes up a good opinion — and anything less (in my opinion) is just adding to the bullshit that is jamming up the internet. 

It is true when they say you are never too old to learn (or relearn) something — and it's definitely more fun when you are learning it with the memories of a 10 year old boy.

iamgpe

The bullshit that is personal branding...

It struck me the other day that the whole idea of "personal branding" is bullshit, and also so very marketing — and this is coming from someone who has spend a fair bit of time in the "field of marketing". Although, I would also be the first person to say you need to develop your "personal brand" (and yes a bit of a contradiction is presenting itself).

Before you call bullshit, hear me out — and believe me I shall be brief.

The Internet has given rise to many things in such a short period of time; 50 % good and 50 % not so good — and we have all adapted. One of things that has taken off is the concept of personal branding, and although not a new concept, it has very much accelerated because it is next to simple to get a great photograph of yourself, create a YouTube channel, and set up as many social media feeds as you can handle — and if you are reasonably calculated, present yourself in the perfect light, and with the perfect personal branding. Sadly, most will be taken at face value if it looks great and if it's entertaining. Sadder still though, there's also a collective understanding that under the thin veneer that is the internet, there lives an expectation that not everything is really as truthful as portrayed — and we seem to be alright with it. Another example of the adaption to the Internet I suppose.

Becoming lost is the word reputation (and maybe even the concept); you know, the overall quality or character as seen or judged by people. Reputation is a word of substance — something that takes a long time to build, and sadly if you are not careful, can be lost quickly (and maybe never recovered). Your reputation is built upon your character and abilities, and although sometimes masked for a little while, will always truly represent who you are. The personal brand is forever nebulous and changing based on the environment that fosters it, while reputation is solid and built on your character and capability.

Maybe all I am really trying to get across is that if your personal brand is not built upon your character and abilities (your reputation if you will), then it simply is all just bullshit.

iamgpe

PS — For those who may not be familiar with the term

bull·shit [ˈbo͝olˌSHit]

NOUN — stupid or untrue talk or writing; nonsense.

VERB — talk nonsense to (someone), typically to be misleading or deceptive.