MUSINGS and other writing by Mark Kolke

. . . . . . there is no edge to openness

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MARK SPEAKS

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WHY I WRITE MUSINGS

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MARK'S SPEAKING TIPS

SELECTED OTHER WORK

     
 
NO WORRIES, JUST PROBLEMS
Tuesday, February 15, 2022  
 
 
Problems are the mask, the disguise, that fine line between ordinary and excellence – the partition between happiness and despair. Problems are solutions in disguise, and also fresh opportunities in disguise.
 
Problem-solver is a magical term, an in-demand skill set, a resume bullet-point, and a merit badge that makes your phone ring.
 
When something is broken, you replace it or fix it – you can’t wish it better; you need someone who can make it better. When you have a problem, will you call a problem solver or a planner?
 
Be the problem-solver in a family, and respect will follow. Be the problem solver with colleagues at work, and promotions will follow. Be the problem solver with clients, and referrals will follow. Be the problem-solver in the community, and when you call for help, help will follow.
 
I think it has probably ‘always been this way’ – and not to suggest we pander or suck-up, but the reason people reach out to problem solvers is that people want to associate with people who know how to get stuff done and who don’t just talk a good story – they follow through.
 
We can’t possibly solve every problem, but being the person who is called upon is a form of respect that is earned. So, the secret is to solve more problems, and more people/problems will find their way to you for solving. It seems corny, but I believe it is true. Yes, people turn to someone they know, like and trust – but they call the most competent person first. It’s like that old saying about building a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door.
 
If we want to be valued, we must first be valuable to others.
 
We have one life in which to be of use or value to others or the world – and every day we waste doing anything less is a day we’ll never get back.
 
 
 
 
Reader feedback:
 
GIVE ME A SIGN
It’s unfortunate that we put ordinary people in exalted positions because of a skill, talent, or accomplishment and then expect them to live up to our expectations in all parts of their lives. If people behave badly we shouldn’t be surprised: they were human before we erected platforms of expectation for them. Sexual misbehaviour is a private matter between those directly involved. We have no need to know. We have no right to know. And we shouldn’t care, HM, Calgary, AB
 
 
Some recent talks: Mark Speaks


 


 
 

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