Saturday, October 06, 2007
Making a Difference: A Chat with the Make It Great Guy
I am truly excited to share with you a new category on Make the Most of U called “Making a Difference”; a series of interviews with amazing people who are making a difference in the lives of others. It is a true honor and pleasure to be kicking off this series with an interview with blogging buddy and all around nice guy, Phil Gerbyshak also known as the Make It Great Guy. Phil is dedicated to making each and every day great through his actions and words and if you have not had chance to check out his blog, please pop on over.Pam: Phil, please tell us a bit about Phil Gerbyshak. Who is the guy behind the great blog and book?
Phil: Sure, start with the hardest question first :)
He lives with his wife, his library, and his laptop in a Milwaukee suburb and loves to work with people who want to improve their lives. Phil does public speaking and writes inspirational and customer service articles at Make it Great. He enjoys helping managers be more effective and is the co-editor of Slacker Manager
I am as a child of God, saved by grace, on this planet to change the world, one word, one person, at a time.
Pam: What inspired you to create "Make It Great"?
Phil: I read a few books every year, usually 30 or so. And few have actionable stuff that really hit me in the heart and offer me the tips I need to change my actions. And many people in this world are apathetic at best. That's why they say "have a nice day." So I thought, why not flip things on it's ear, put together the best tips that have helped me, and share them with folks. That's why it's "Make It Great!" instead of "Have a nice day" or "Life is fine."
Pam: What are some ways you personally "make it great" each day?
Phil: I write every day, and most days you can find that writing at my blog. That helps me focus on what's going on in my world and how I'm seeing things. When I look back at what I wrote at the end of the week, I'm often surprised to see where I was when I wrote those.
I also have a big attitude of gratitude. My life is truly blessed, and I focus on those things that are abundant instead of those things that are scarce, and I say thanks for them.
The last tip I'll share is I always watch what I put in my head. I don't listen to much talk radio, watch much TV, or read traditional newspapers. I fill my head with good stuff, because it's not what goes in your mouth that's going to kill you, it's what you put in your head that will.
Pam: Here is a hypothetical situation and a question for you, Phil. Someone comes up to you after a speaking engagement and says, "Phil, my life is not so great. I've had it pretty tough the last 5 years and I have no idea how to make it great. Where do I start and what can I do?" What three pearls of wisdom would you give them to make it great?
Phil: That's a great question Pam. Here are 3 quick tips that you can do to change your mind and make it great!
First, take 1 notebook and write down all the things that you're grateful for. These could be relationships, these could be things, they could be your health, or simply the fact you're alive today. After you're done with the list, say thanks for them. For instance, you might say "I'm thankful to be alive." Every time you feel yourself slipping into despair, look at this list, and repeat the list.
Next, begin at the end and work towards today. Think about your desired outcome. Then take 1 step right now that can move you towards that goal, or 1 step you can do to stop moving you away from this outcome. Every day, review this desired outcome, and take another step.
The last tip I'll share is surround yourself with people who can help you. Identify 3 people in your life that can help you with this outcome. Share what's going on with you, and ask them for help in making it great by sharing resources or simply by periodically asking you how you're doing. Do what you commit to these folks in a cheerful way and ask for help when you need it.
Pam: What's on the horizon for the Make It Great Guy?
Phil: I'm working on a book called The Million Dollar Pizza about the high cost of bad customer service. I'm currently using it as my keynote speech in my presentations, and I'll be launching a blog to support it as well at The Million Dollar Pizza
I'm also putting up a new site with audio, video and more at http://philgerbyshak.com by the end of 2007.
New in the last few months are my contributions at Slacker Manager
Pam: Phil, thank you for sharing a “Make it Great” moment with the readers of Make the Most of U and thank you for making a difference.
Posted by Pam at 3:14:51 PM in Making a Difference (5) | Permalink | Comments (0)
