I admit it. I am a snitch. A fink. A rat. A narc. A weasel. A squealer. A turncoat. A stoolie. A whistle blower. A tattletale.
But WAIT! Before you douse me with your luke warm tall half-skinny half-1 percent extra hot split quad shot (two shots decaf, two shots regular) latte with low fat whip, let me explain.
I love to run and tell people the awesome things I have heard others say about them. In fact, I make it my mission to do so.
Why? Because I know people do a really poor job of dishing out thanks or praise to someone for the work they have done or for simply being the amazing person they are.
I’m not sure why that is. I think some see that as a weakness. Somehow that idea that nice guys or gals finish last seems to prevail even though history would show time and again that this isn’t the case.
Others have that me first mentality. They will only do it when they receive it. These poor souls just don’t realize they could reap tremendous personal gratitude if they could just reverse that thinking.
But I think most just assume the other person already knows “it.” It’s like married couples who don’t say they love each other anymore. It’s not that they don’t (well in at least 50% of the cases anyway), but they make the mistake of assuming the other person just kind of knows this already.
And that is where the real opportunity lies. While we have a vague idea of what others might be thinking about us, we don’t really know what they truly think, because people do an awful job at communicating this with any sense of clarity or passion.
Sure they may say thank you, give you a pat on the back or shoot you that crooked smirk and that creepy wink of the eye that says, “You have done well amigo,” but that really isn’t enough.
So knowing this, I make it my mission to to pass on any an all awesome things I hear about others.
Here is an example of something I did the other day.
I mentioned in Friday’s post that I attended the book signing of Gretchen Rubin, who is the author of The Happiness Project. During her interview, Heather Reisman (owner of Indigo) interjected to say she had just come across the most amazing book called, “The Book of Awesome!” She was so excited and passionate when she discussed the book and the author, Neil Pasricha.
After the interview with Gretchen was over, I went over and introduced myself to Heather and thanked her for the great job she did interviewing Gretchen. I also mentioned that I was a big fan of Neil’s work as well. At that point she said, “You know there is a magical quality about his writing. I think I am going to make his book a Heather’s Pick.”
Note: Heather flags all books she thinks are awesome with a Heather’s Pick logo. It’s like Oprah’s Book Club-Canadian Edition.
She was just so passionate and excited about Neil’s work that I just felt he needed to know.
So when I got home I emailed him. I have attached the email below. It should be noted that I had already exchanged a few emails with Neil which explains the casual tone I use. (Actually I use this tone most of the time in my emails. It dates back to me being 100% Dean.) My previous email made mention that Gretchen was in town for her book tour.
Hey Neil,
OK so first, I talked with Gretchen and she mentioned you were out of town tonight which was a huge sigh of relief for me because in my earlier email I told you she would be at Bay and Bloor…NOPE she wasn’t. It was Yonge and Eglington.
Needless to say I had to break a few laws to get there only 10 minutes late. Anyhow it did dawn on me later that the reason I discovered your blog was because Gretchen mentioned it so you already knew she was going to be Toronto for her book tour. (Whew!)
More importantly dude, she was being interviewed by Heather (gal who owns Indigo) and in the midst of the interview Heather totally plugged your book.
She mentioned she got a copy of it this morning and LOVED it.
Not to spoil surprises, but I talked to Heather afterwords as well and in her words, “there is a magical quality about Neil’s writing.” She even mentioned she was thinking of making it a Heather Recommends book as well.
So what does that mean for you my friend. Someday soon, you will be sitting at Indigo somewhere in Toronto being interview by Heather.
Complete and utter awesomeness: Having a dream come true.
Be well amigo,
Dean
On Friday I got this response from Neil.
To: Dean Dwyer <deandwyer@rogers.com>
Sent: Fri, February 5, 2010 8:54:47 AM
Subject: Re: Gretchen’s Book SigningDean,Can I give you a quick phone call? I owe you more than an email thank you!Neil
We did end up talking for about 2o minutes on Saturday. He was very appreciative of the note I sent and I, in turn, got a chance to learn more about him. He is one quality dude. I am so glad I took the time to share what I heard because I have made a connection with someone who is making a tremendous impact on humanity with his work. My life has been enriched immeasurably as a result.
So here is your mission. Quit failing to be a tattletale of awesomeness. Keep your ears peeled for any great news you can find about others. It could be about a coworker, a friend, your significant other or your child. Hell, it could even be about a complete stranger.
And when you hear that news, be sure to pass it along in as much detail and with as much emotion as possible knowing it will have a profound impact on those who receive it.
I guarantee your life be massively enriched as a result.
To an awesome idea worth quitting,
Dean
ps…I mentioned Neil’s book, The Book of Awesome. It is currently available for pre-order. The book is…well…AWESOME. In fact, I am predicting it will be a NY Times Bestseller. If you have a chance, help support a first time author and local Toronto boy and order your copy today! I know he would be greatly appreciative. Click the link below to order your copy.
