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Over the years you've heard me refer GusDay, the local higher-ed IT technology conference (originally created/sponsored by Gustavus Adolphus College).  This year, the organizers invited former presenters to return and give a repeat/revised version of a previous talk.

So I polled my colleagues about my past offerings and the one mentioned most often was my "Love Languages in the Workplace" presentation from 2008.  So, that's what I gave yesterday, and here's the audio! The slide deck is at emlarson.com/gusday so you can follow along.

GUSDAY REPRISE TRACK

How do They See/Hear/Feel That You Care?

Eric M. Larson

Have you ever gone the extra mile to help people who just don't "get

it"? Do you really care about your customers, coworkers or loved ones…

yet they don't seem to "feel" that you do? Maybe you're speaking

different languages! In this eye-opening presentation for those in

customer service and for anyone who is (or has) a supervisor, you'll

learn how a simple framework of "love languages" will help you to

connect with those around you. Based on Dr. Gary Chapman's best-selling

book "The Five Love Languages," this presentation examines the different

ways that we feel supported, appreciated, understood or "loved". If

you're frustrated when the boss gives you a pat on the back but keeps

canceling your weekly meetings, or wonder why users expect you to sit

down and watch them follow your instructions, this presentation is for

you. You'll see how everyday work – from answering calls about broken

printers, to recognizing (or reprimanding) employees – can be more

positive and effective when you learn about the different languages

hidden around you!

I joke in the podcast that my "presentation persona" will drive some people crazy. And my "podcast persona" will as well, given that this isn't my "best-organized, most-coherent" podcast episode ever.  But, here's the thing (said to myself as well as to anyone who wants to listen to my counsel): This presentation and podcast is infinitely better than a podcast that isn't made about a presentation that isn't given.

Put another way, I'm a huge proponent of what Clay Shirky describes as Cognitive Surplus.  And while I can do better, I'd rather do something "okay" than not do anything at all.  So here it is

I'd encourage you to adopt the same attitude.  Do something.  And here's a self-serving first step:  Call the Ericast Listener Feedback line at 206-339-3742 (a.k.a. 206-339-ERIC) and leave a comment -- good, bad, whatever.  Share your thoughts, and let's build the conversation.