Perception....something to think about...How many things are we missing as we go about our daily life and business?
The following is a short version of an actual article written on a social networking experiment conducted by The Washington Post and Joshua Bell. The entire article written by the Washington Post can be found at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later: the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Celebrate Your Successes
I want to share with you a little thing we call "celebrating success."
It's really important that we celebrate the successes of our team members in our companies and even in our homes and/or personal lives. Many times we all just go through the day and we don't really recognize people for some of the tough accomplishments and really excellent work that they have completed. So like today at DCS Netlink, we celebrated one of our team member’s really great accomplishments! What happened was that this team member had been working on someone's computer the day before, and had been able to restore the email that the customer had accidentally deleted. Now, the interesting part is that the e-mail had not been saved nor was a copy of it on the server, so there appeared not to be any method of being able to get the mail back that had been deleted permanently. But, this technician was able to find a way. So with authenticity and genuineness we gathered the team together, we rang our cowbell, and we celebrated his success!
I want to encourage you to think about how you too can celebrate successes using a cowbell or a “pat on the back” for someone doing a really good thing or job. Sometimes it can be just small things, its just very important that we actually take time to celebrate the successes of others and our team members. Especially in this economy, its important to have a good attitude and sometimes we have to act our way into a good attitude, and the best way to do that is to encourage someone else so that they feel better and can act their way into a better attitude as well. Focusing on others and their well-being is the job of a great leader.
Until next time, keep leading with character first..
It's really important that we celebrate the successes of our team members in our companies and even in our homes and/or personal lives. Many times we all just go through the day and we don't really recognize people for some of the tough accomplishments and really excellent work that they have completed. So like today at DCS Netlink, we celebrated one of our team member’s really great accomplishments! What happened was that this team member had been working on someone's computer the day before, and had been able to restore the email that the customer had accidentally deleted. Now, the interesting part is that the e-mail had not been saved nor was a copy of it on the server, so there appeared not to be any method of being able to get the mail back that had been deleted permanently. But, this technician was able to find a way. So with authenticity and genuineness we gathered the team together, we rang our cowbell, and we celebrated his success!
I want to encourage you to think about how you too can celebrate successes using a cowbell or a “pat on the back” for someone doing a really good thing or job. Sometimes it can be just small things, its just very important that we actually take time to celebrate the successes of others and our team members. Especially in this economy, its important to have a good attitude and sometimes we have to act our way into a good attitude, and the best way to do that is to encourage someone else so that they feel better and can act their way into a better attitude as well. Focusing on others and their well-being is the job of a great leader.
Until next time, keep leading with character first..
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Chance Favors a Prepared Mind
Louis Pasteur once said, "Chance favors a prepared mind."
If that statement is true, and I believe it is, then we need to do all we can to make sure we prepare our minds, our families, and our companies for any chance or opportunity that might come along. This is especially true for the work and play that we do on the Internet today, especially in light of our current economic situation.
It is a fact that the Intenet shrinks the global community and brings opportunities that previously could not have been imagined. However, with the global community being smaller and all the responsibilities that go along with that, there is also an inherent risk in collaborating and doing business on the Internet as well.
To help combat the threats, risks, and vulnerabilities on the Internet today, it is very important that we all "team" together to educate and strengthen one another so that we can continue to take advantage of the power of the Internet and not get impacted in a negative way. We oftentimes tell our customers that when they team with us, they actually become part of our Virtual Security Community (VSC).
In order to grow our VSC, we host an annual event called InterSec (short for Internet Security). It is a great event to network and learn all the geeky stuff, but more importantly, we focus on the fact that the weakest link in security is what I call the Human Factor. Yes, the Human Factor is indeed the weakest link. Most folks would then say that means we need more knowledge or more education on firewalls, anti-virus, etc.
That is not necessarily true. In reality, it may very well be the Character and Soft "People" Skills that make us humans the weakest link in security. Think about our economy right now. Most of the problems that have ensued have been due to greed and corporate corruption. Throwing money at the economic issues to solve them does no better than hardening your firewalls, anti-virus, security policies and procedures, etc. if the people we have working for us have Character and Soft Skill weaknesses. The whole problem and challenge must begin in the "heart."
If you want to learn more about interSec 2009, VSC, Character, and Soft "People" Skills, consider visiting:
http://htg.itsuccessmentor.com/dcs/
Until next time, keep leading with Character First! Heidi Ho-
If that statement is true, and I believe it is, then we need to do all we can to make sure we prepare our minds, our families, and our companies for any chance or opportunity that might come along. This is especially true for the work and play that we do on the Internet today, especially in light of our current economic situation.
It is a fact that the Intenet shrinks the global community and brings opportunities that previously could not have been imagined. However, with the global community being smaller and all the responsibilities that go along with that, there is also an inherent risk in collaborating and doing business on the Internet as well.
To help combat the threats, risks, and vulnerabilities on the Internet today, it is very important that we all "team" together to educate and strengthen one another so that we can continue to take advantage of the power of the Internet and not get impacted in a negative way. We oftentimes tell our customers that when they team with us, they actually become part of our Virtual Security Community (VSC).
In order to grow our VSC, we host an annual event called InterSec (short for Internet Security). It is a great event to network and learn all the geeky stuff, but more importantly, we focus on the fact that the weakest link in security is what I call the Human Factor. Yes, the Human Factor is indeed the weakest link. Most folks would then say that means we need more knowledge or more education on firewalls, anti-virus, etc.
That is not necessarily true. In reality, it may very well be the Character and Soft "People" Skills that make us humans the weakest link in security. Think about our economy right now. Most of the problems that have ensued have been due to greed and corporate corruption. Throwing money at the economic issues to solve them does no better than hardening your firewalls, anti-virus, security policies and procedures, etc. if the people we have working for us have Character and Soft Skill weaknesses. The whole problem and challenge must begin in the "heart."
If you want to learn more about interSec 2009, VSC, Character, and Soft "People" Skills, consider visiting:
http://htg.itsuccessmentor.com/dcs/
Until next time, keep leading with Character First! Heidi Ho-
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Are You Going to Finish Strong?
Are You Going to Finish Strong?
In the past, I have shared the "The Go-Giver" philosophy as a alternative method of living our lives. You can learn more about The Go-Giver at http://www.thegogiver.com/.
The Go-Giver philosophy is even more apropo today as we see numerous things happening to us as individuals, our economy and even our culture: layoffs, deaths of mature companies, banking turmoil, integrity issues, breakdowns in trust between many entities, and much more. Sometimes lately it has just been plain tough to keep getting up when you are knocked down....and today, maybe more often than in the past, we may each be experiencing some of those tough hard knocks.
I have decided to try to be an encourager during this blog and share with you a video of someone who truly knows what it is like to fall down and have to work hard at getting up again. Don't give up. We don't realize how great we truly may have it. The most important point is to ask ourselves the question, "Am I going to finish strong?"
As my Mom and Dad always say, "the Sun will shine again tomorrow." That also reminds me
of what Rev. Robert Schuller said, "Tough times never last, tough people do."
Again, it is important to focus on the real question we should be asking ourselves, "Are we going
to finish strong?" In the game of life, it does make a difference how you finish. No matter what the world tells us, you can see the results of greed, corruption, selfishness, etc. all around. Just look at our sports heroes, the leaders in our government, etc. How people "run the race" does
make a difference.
It is my hope that through this story of humility, and "Living Example," more people will act as
living examples to those around them, even if it means that they may not receive anything in
return. The GOLDEN RULE still rules best!
If you want to know more about The Go-Giver, please visit http://www.thegogiver.com. You will find me listed as a walking ambassador. Why not commit yourself to being a walking ambassador for others as well?
I want to thank one of my HTG 15 team members, Roger for this video blessing.
Let's encourage each other and "Keep getting up!" Finish Strong!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqantZJ6WwM
Until next month....Keep Leading with Character First...and be a Living Example of
The Go-Giver!
Heidi Ho-
In the past, I have shared the "The Go-Giver" philosophy as a alternative method of living our lives. You can learn more about The Go-Giver at http://www.thegogiver.com/.
The Go-Giver philosophy is even more apropo today as we see numerous things happening to us as individuals, our economy and even our culture: layoffs, deaths of mature companies, banking turmoil, integrity issues, breakdowns in trust between many entities, and much more. Sometimes lately it has just been plain tough to keep getting up when you are knocked down....and today, maybe more often than in the past, we may each be experiencing some of those tough hard knocks.
I have decided to try to be an encourager during this blog and share with you a video of someone who truly knows what it is like to fall down and have to work hard at getting up again. Don't give up. We don't realize how great we truly may have it. The most important point is to ask ourselves the question, "Am I going to finish strong?"
As my Mom and Dad always say, "the Sun will shine again tomorrow." That also reminds me
of what Rev. Robert Schuller said, "Tough times never last, tough people do."
Again, it is important to focus on the real question we should be asking ourselves, "Are we going
to finish strong?" In the game of life, it does make a difference how you finish. No matter what the world tells us, you can see the results of greed, corruption, selfishness, etc. all around. Just look at our sports heroes, the leaders in our government, etc. How people "run the race" does
make a difference.
It is my hope that through this story of humility, and "Living Example," more people will act as
living examples to those around them, even if it means that they may not receive anything in
return. The GOLDEN RULE still rules best!
If you want to know more about The Go-Giver, please visit http://www.thegogiver.com. You will find me listed as a walking ambassador. Why not commit yourself to being a walking ambassador for others as well?
I want to thank one of my HTG 15 team members, Roger for this video blessing.
Let's encourage each other and "Keep getting up!" Finish Strong!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqantZJ6WwM
Until next month....Keep Leading with Character First...and be a Living Example of
The Go-Giver!
Heidi Ho-
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Sports Hero and Mentor Disappoints
Our Society today clearly puts too much emphasis on success. We make heroes out of sports figures that excel, but then we expect them to be perfect in every way. The latest news report focuses on Michael Phelps who is undoubtedly the greatest swimmer and Olympian in history.
With all the accolades and success he has had, it is difficult to understand why he would risk all of that to smoke some "dope." Noone may really know. Perhaps it was peer pressure. Maybe he was lonely....many "idols" in the sports world comment on the fact that they were famous and very popular, but very lonely and wanted more than anything to belong. No matter the reasoning, the fact that Michael smoked pot was unmistakeable since it was caught on camera.
The gymnastics athletes we coach were very disappointed and were able to clearly outline which of several pillars of character in the Character Counts program Michael violated in smoking pot. These athletes, even though gymnasts and not swimmers, were greatly disappointed.
However, the silver lining (if it can be found in this) is that Michael did not lie or try to cover up this incident. He took responsibility for his own actions, and apologized. He even promised not to let that happen again. He did the right thing, but as we all know, actions speak louder than words. So, we will see what the future holds for this bright star...but one thing is clear....Character does Count more today than ever....and Michael did show some character in admitting fault. I am hopeful that Michael will go on from here and become a great leader by example in character and life.
Visit http://www.charactercounts.org/ for more information on the 6 Pillars of Character.
Until next time...keep leading with Character First...Heidi Ho.
With all the accolades and success he has had, it is difficult to understand why he would risk all of that to smoke some "dope." Noone may really know. Perhaps it was peer pressure. Maybe he was lonely....many "idols" in the sports world comment on the fact that they were famous and very popular, but very lonely and wanted more than anything to belong. No matter the reasoning, the fact that Michael smoked pot was unmistakeable since it was caught on camera.
The gymnastics athletes we coach were very disappointed and were able to clearly outline which of several pillars of character in the Character Counts program Michael violated in smoking pot. These athletes, even though gymnasts and not swimmers, were greatly disappointed.
However, the silver lining (if it can be found in this) is that Michael did not lie or try to cover up this incident. He took responsibility for his own actions, and apologized. He even promised not to let that happen again. He did the right thing, but as we all know, actions speak louder than words. So, we will see what the future holds for this bright star...but one thing is clear....Character does Count more today than ever....and Michael did show some character in admitting fault. I am hopeful that Michael will go on from here and become a great leader by example in character and life.
Visit http://www.charactercounts.org/ for more information on the 6 Pillars of Character.
Until next time...keep leading with Character First...Heidi Ho.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Internet Security and Life
With the two upcoming InterSec 2009 Seminars in Rice Lake and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I want to let you know that there will be more to these conferences than Internet Security discussions and presentations. Yes, there will be some "geeky" stuff, but I and our Team at DCS Netlink have always been about our techy work while at the same time remembering constantly that life is more than techy, geeky "stuff." Testimonials from InterSec 2008 really help to focus in on the fact that we have three main goals with our Internet Security Conferences:1. Internet Security and inviting others to join our Virtual Security Team (VST) to help us keep America secure both now and in the future.2. Secondly, it is about bringing together people and companies that realize their line of work is what makes their living, but as the saying goes..."we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Several of our speakers will be presenting and helping our attendees to learn better how to create that balance between their personal lives and their businesses. Last year, I spoke on "Leading Your Teams from Success to Significance." Afterwards, many told me that they understood now why they had chosen to come...even some that had no interest or understanding of techy, geeky, security stuff. So, Life Skills will be a major priority and that is the most significant difference between our conference than other security conferences.3. The 3rd reason for this conference is to get people together and help them realize that together they can do more than as an individual and/or one company. There is so much value each person has to share with each other. It is more blessed to give than to receive...many attendees and presenters know this law of the universe and will be sharing how to get connected with others and not concern themselves with the "worldly" mentality that says "get all you can get."
Finally, I want to let you know that we will be having several very special speakers and "Life Coaches" as I call them sharing with us. One of them is Guy Doud. Guy was my mentor while I was growing up. We were in Boy Scouts together and he helped me to understand the real value of living for others. Guy is also, as I understand it, the most popular speaker ever on the James Dobson Focus on the Family Radio show. So, don't miss this opportunity to hear Guy let you know why it is important to be a "Moulder of Dreams." Guy wrote a book with that title some years after he became the 1986 National Teacher of the Year under President Ronald Reagan. Consider joining us during this conference...it will make a difference in your security posture on the Internet, your business, your family, and your life. To learn more about Guy visit: http://www.guydoud.com.- Heidi Ho
Finally, I want to let you know that we will be having several very special speakers and "Life Coaches" as I call them sharing with us. One of them is Guy Doud. Guy was my mentor while I was growing up. We were in Boy Scouts together and he helped me to understand the real value of living for others. Guy is also, as I understand it, the most popular speaker ever on the James Dobson Focus on the Family Radio show. So, don't miss this opportunity to hear Guy let you know why it is important to be a "Moulder of Dreams." Guy wrote a book with that title some years after he became the 1986 National Teacher of the Year under President Ronald Reagan. Consider joining us during this conference...it will make a difference in your security posture on the Internet, your business, your family, and your life. To learn more about Guy visit: http://www.guydoud.com.- Heidi Ho
Friday, January 30, 2009
DDoS attack boots Kyrgyzstan from net
DDoS attack boots Kyrgyzstan from net
Posted on January 30th, 2009 by DCS Edit
The fact that another entire country can be knocked off of the Internet just re-enforces the fact that cyber security goes deeper than just the “little” homeuser. See the article below for more info on the latest cyber attack against an entire country.
By Dan Goodin in San Francisco • Get more from this author
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/28/kyrgyzstan_knocked_offline/
Posted in Security, 28th January 2009 19:57 GMT
“The central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan was effectively knocked offline for more than a week by a Russian cybermilitia that continues to flood the country’s internet providers with crippling data attacks, a security expert said.
The attacks, which began on January 18, bear the signature of pro-Russian nationalists believed to have launched similar cyber assaults on the republic of Georgia in August, said Don Jackson, a researcher with Atlanta-based security provider SecureWorks. The attacks on Kyrgyzstan were so potent that most net traffic in and out of the country was completely blocked during the first seven days.”
This is another good reason for people and companies to come together and share how we can strengthen and protect ourselves better from cyber threats today.
Visit http://intersec.dcsnetlink.com to learn more and register for this important Internet Security Seminar.
Posted on January 30th, 2009 by DCS Edit
The fact that another entire country can be knocked off of the Internet just re-enforces the fact that cyber security goes deeper than just the “little” homeuser. See the article below for more info on the latest cyber attack against an entire country.
By Dan Goodin in San Francisco • Get more from this author
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/28/kyrgyzstan_knocked_offline/
Posted in Security, 28th January 2009 19:57 GMT
“The central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan was effectively knocked offline for more than a week by a Russian cybermilitia that continues to flood the country’s internet providers with crippling data attacks, a security expert said.
The attacks, which began on January 18, bear the signature of pro-Russian nationalists believed to have launched similar cyber assaults on the republic of Georgia in August, said Don Jackson, a researcher with Atlanta-based security provider SecureWorks. The attacks on Kyrgyzstan were so potent that most net traffic in and out of the country was completely blocked during the first seven days.”
This is another good reason for people and companies to come together and share how we can strengthen and protect ourselves better from cyber threats today.
Visit http://intersec.dcsnetlink.com to learn more and register for this important Internet Security Seminar.
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