Cup of Perspective Vol1 - by Monica H. Kang by Innovatorsbox

Cup of Perspective Volume 1 Copyright © 2019 Monica H. Kang. All rights reserved. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, transmitted, or sold in whole or in part in any form without prior written consent of the author, except as provided by the United States of America copyright law. Any unauthorized usage of the text without express written permission of the publisher is a violation of the author’s copyright and is illegal and punishable by law. All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing in this guide are the property of their respective owners. For permission requests, write to InnovatorsBox, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator” at the address below. InnovatorsBox® PO Box 73231 Washington, DC 20056-32321 info@innovatorsbox.com The opinions are expressed by the Author. Written by: Monica H. Kang Edited by: Heather B. Habelka Illustrated by: Ellen Surrey @yesurrey Interior design by: Monica Escobar Beasley

InnovatorsBox® is on a mission to unlock creativity for all.

04 Intro: Why I created this for you 05 The unknown beginning 06

Never forget why you started.

Take a different seat.

The power to see the future.

You never know what is going on behind the scenes.

That fear is a normal thing.

11 Case for curiosity 12

Why do you do what you do?

Do expectations become reality?

How did you know how I feel?

I’m right 99% of the time.

Someone will always disagree with you.

17 Discovering through questioning 18

Signed Sincerely.

Would/Could/Should vs Did.

You are not alone.

The layers of reasoning and questioning.

22 And I rise again 23

Where there is a will, there is a way.

24 In closing

Intro: Why I created this for you I first read The Little Prince in elementary school. I was mesmerized by Antoine de SaintExupery’s book. He discussed deep, complex matters in simple language. I believe he wanted to ensure all audiences, young or old, could relate, learn, and be inspired to do something different. Today, I collect copies of The Little Prince. I have copies in over 30 languages. And as I read through the story as an adult, I find myself wondering, “Would he have written and illustrated the book the same way if he knew his work was destined to become a classic?” I think a lot about writers like Antoine de Saint-Exupery who have the courage to share their stories—especially when I write the essays that appear in my newsletters. The essays I release bi-weekly to my more than 2,000 members of the InnovatorsBox digital community have been transformative and therapeutic for me. I believe the more transparent I am in my writing, the easier it is for you, my readers to be impacted by the intention of my words. I believe how you write—and why you write—matters. At first, I was worried when I started publishing my essays. As an entrepreneur, author, and professor, I write all the time and I love it. Yet in business, the content we receive in our inbox and our mailbox tends to have a strategic intention to sell. I do not deny the importance of writing to support your marketing and business goals. But if that is all we create, aren’t we just adding more marketing noise to what has become the black hole of the Internet? What if we took more time to write without regret, with honesty, and with a reflection on our inner thoughts?

So I’m glad I’ve held true to my intuition and focused on writing for me instead of marketing to you. Writing these essays is my way of cataloging my new discoveries and thoughts and capturing the excitement that surrounds them. The pure joy I feel once I put these discoveries into words is indescribable. I’ve found that the more transparent I am when I dig deep into my thoughts, the more I hear from readers on how powerfully these messages impact them. My essays have given my readers the courage to step up, to speak up, to create, and to innovate. Ironically, if my one goal was to somehow sell them to be innovative, I may have not been able to inspire them as much as I do now. I share these thoughts with you as you enter my essay collection, Cup of Perspective. I’ve compiled my top essays into two volumes, this one being the first, in celebration of our 100th InnovatorsBox newsletter which was published in May. It is my way to say thank you for your support over the past three years. I hope reading this collection will remind you of, and help you reconnect with your creativity. And I hope my writing will encourage you to share your honest insights with the world. With love,

Monica H. Kang Founder & CEO, InnovatorsBox Author, Rethink Creativity

THE UNKNOWN BEGINNING

Never forget why you started. April 17, 2017 Never forget why you started. Never forget where you started. Never forget where you are heading. There are over 6 billion images being uploaded every day. Tons of memories, data, and information captured online. Knowledge is important, but is more data what you really need when you have only 24 hours a day to breathe? We tend to rush through our routines to the point that we sometimes forget where and why we started something. Honestly, why do you do what you do professionally? What got you first into your field? Do you remember the feeling when you first walked into that interview or when you were offered the job? How have things changed when you look back? When you have an honest conversation with yourself, does your answer surprise you? Was it because of fear and a need to feel safe and secure? Or was because of joy, curiosity, or an undeniable passion? Whatever the case, it is critical that we never forget our beginning—our why. Because what is the point of reaching an ending when you don’t have something to connect back to, or something to celebrate? Remember your why.

Take a different seat. February 25, 2019 Where do you usually sit when you walk into a meeting or a classroom, get on the bus or train, or attend an event? We are creatures of habit so most of us sit in the same place. It’s where we feel comfortable. The view and our surroundings are what we are used to—and that’s okay. If I always sat in the front of the room, I wouldn’t have appreciated why projecting my voice and using a larger font on my presentation slides is important. If I always took the same walk to work I would have not noticed the new coffee shop that has now become my favorite dessert spot. If I attended the same events I may have never met my lifetime mentor who I talk with for hours. Such simple changes can provide us with new perspectives and opportunities. So why not change it up once in a while? This week, take a different seat and pay close, curious attention. What’s different?

The power to see the future. July 30, 2018 Let’s try two activities. 1. Think of two of your favorite products and ask yourself: Where was that product ten years ago? Where was that company five years ago? 2. Take a look at the past hundred years of human history. What are two things that we still continue to do? I like to ask these questions because they remind me of how fast things change and how slowly other things do. For instance, have you noticed how language, storytelling, and music have always existed? In many cases, these things have played a key role in communicating our values and continue to help us understand the past, present, and the future. I ask bookstores if they ever think there will come a time when the fiction section will disappear since people are increasingly becoming data, tech, and science-driven. But they always respond with a smile and with the data on how many people are still buying fiction and continuing to request it. What about your favorite products? Did they even exist a few years ago? I know that at least a few of my favorite products were ridiculed and tagged as simply a “nice concept” even as little as five years ago. Those same “nice” concepts are now things we spend most of our time with—social media, shared services, and online movie streaming to name a few. This makes me wonder what next big innovations have yet to exist? You may ask, “How can we think ahead and differently about our future?” I encourage you to ask these two questions and reflect on your answers. If we really want to understand what is coming ahead, we need to understand our past, how we got here, and how we let go. What do you see in your future?

You never know what is going on behind the scenes. July 31, 2017 I remember how shocked I was when I learned that my supervisor had to manage hundreds of emails per day—and this was fifteen years ago! “How is it possible to get that many emails?” I thought. “Is this what is means to be a manager?” Today, considering all the email, social media, text messages, and digital platforms we use to communicate, getting hundreds of notifications a day is the new norm. We feel so connected and informed that I think we sometimes forget what is going on behind the scenes. I was reminded of this when I became very sick with the flu. When my email communication slowed down and I had to reschedule meetings, I received some unhappy responses from clients and colleagues. I did not fully explain why my pace of communication was slower than usual, or why I was requesting meetings to be rescheduled. I didn’t feel that was necessary. But their reactions reminded me how I may have, at times, judged others or evaluated situations based on what I thought was true—instead of understanding the whole truth. It’s always our unconscious bias that kicks in when we pass hasty judgment. In this digital age we may never truly know what is happening behind the scenes with our supervisor, our team members, or our colleagues. Building strong self-awareness and deferring judgment as a creative leader or co-worker is very important. Challenge yourself, and your team, to be more mindful, thoughtful, and open-minded. You never know what is going on behind the scenes.

That fear is a normal thing. December 3, 2018 Trying something new is quite an experience. Scary, interesting, exhilarating? You choose which word seems most fitting for each moment. Doing something new means we are out of our comfort zone. No matter how much of a risk taker you are, the initial feeling of fear is normal especially when the stakes at work are so high. Whether you are trying new food, raising your hand for the first time to share your idea, or reaching out to your crush, not knowing what to expect can be an intense experience: •

What if this falls apart?

•

What if this actually works out?

•

Am I really prepared to do this?

•

What if I don’t fit in?

•

What if we don’t get along?

The key, when the questions and self-doubt seem endless in moments like these, is to press pause. Pause and remember that it is ok to feel scared about something that is new or unknown. It is a natural reaction. But what’s most important is what we will do in those initial moments. Before reacting or responding ask yourself, with curiosity and kindness, why you are feeling fear. Take a moment to truly reflect on what comes up for you. Have you felt this way before? If so, is there a trigger that is prompting you to feel this way? Remember, understanding your trigger is helpful in processing your emotions and thoughts when it comes to unleashing your creativity. Also, consider taking 24 hours to digest your thoughts before you take action. In some cases, you’ll ultimately decide not to take action. And sometimes it will be a go. Either way, remember that your feelings of fear, hesitation or worry are normal. What is more important is what you do when you face that fear— again and again! 9

CASE FOR CURIOSITY

Why do you do what you do? July 17, 2017 If I asked you this question today, could you answer it for everything you do? With the rise of purposeful living in the workplace, I started wondering how one can truly understand what their purpose is and how to make sense of it. Living a purposeful life is empowering since it makes us feel enriched, happy, and challenged. There is something positively contagious when someone shares, or shows us, how they are living their dream at this moment. But sometimes we no longer know why we do what we do. And at times our reasoning may change because we are changing. Have you noticed what brought you the greatest joy 10 years ago may not be the same today? And that question only makes me ask more questions: How do I know if my purpose will change or stay the same? Am I at fault for not figuring it out fast enough? But then again the person I am today is different from the person I was 10 years ago. I hope I have matured, learned more, gained more insight, and become wiser. And with more knowledge I gain more perspective. My values may be the same but how I approach and define what I find most purposeful may not be the sameâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;like how I feel about my Friday nights. As I get older, staying home to read, rest, and spend time with family takes priority over a night out. So I keep wondering. What, and why, I do what I do today is based on what I know so far. I want to keep asking more questions so that I will draw a bigger purpose and circle of life in the future. You should keep asking new questions too!

Do expectations become reality? May 7, 2018 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your teenage self about your life today? Did things turn out as you had expected? Or are they better or worse? I’ve been thinking a lot about this as I teach my students and speak with young professionals. Their expectations for life, career, and love remind me of the dual effect expectations have on shaping our realities. On one hand, it’s true that when things do not turn out the way I expect them to, I feel disappointed or even frustrated. On the other hand, it’s also true that I’ve been less cautious and more daring in certain decisions I’ve made because I didn’t know what to expect. And taking those risks have helped me grow and be a better version of who I am today. So, it makes me wonder if not knowing what to expect is really a bad thing? Would I have made those same career decisions had I known that I would struggle afterward? Did it help that as a college student I thought that I had everything figured out, even though that is nowhere close to true today? This relationship with expectation is an interesting one when we think about our creative selves. The expectations we have about our creativity, our team’s creativity, and our company’s creativity may, in fact, be a core factor to our creative growth. Studies show how much our will, our thoughts, and our beliefs matter in making our expectations a reality. Do we give ourselves more space and time to believe in our own and our colleagues’ creativity? In truth, we do not know what we do not know. Knowing how much more complicated and fun life is today than what I assumed it was going to be is another reminder to never limit my beliefs. Because what I expect of my creative values is only based on what I know about my creativity today. And what I know today is not the same as what will manifest tomorrow. MONICA KANG | INNOVATORSBOX LLC © 2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

How did you know how I feel? August 27, 2018 “I can see you smiling across the phone!” I remember someone saying that during a phone conversation. We had never spoken before. And yes, I happened to be smiling at that very moment as I was taking notes during our phone call. But how did she know what I was feeling when I wasn’t even saying a word? How often does that happen to you? Someone catching what you are feeling. Understanding our emotions and our nonverbal cues are important. The words we choose matter but so does our facial expressions. Yet, how often do we check-in with our own emotions or with your team’s emotions? People ask me how they can measure their team’s happiness in the office. I ask them if they notice the way people show up on Monday mornings and at the end of the day on Friday. An argument may be that such emotions and patterns at work are irrelevant as long as the work gets done, but this is the very reason why you may be failing to empower your people! Your emotions are contagious. A sense of negative energy gets caught just as easily as a positive one does. Walking the talk with that smile and hand of support could be all it takes to remind your team that you are there to support them. But to do that, you have to first start with yourself. Be curious about yourself when catch yourself smiling or find yourself getting upset. Understand what motivates you, inspires you, upsets you, and discourages you. If you don’t know what ignites or triggers you how can you expect others to? When your positivity radiates because you know how to ignite it, maybe you’ll get caught smiling on the phone, too!

I’m right 99% of the time. April 8, 2019 That’s how we feel especially in a heated conversation. It’s fair, right? Since we would only say things we know to be true and have thought through carefully. And who is to say my opinion, perspective, and experience is lesser than yours—or wrong? But when we think we’re right 99% of the time the math doesn’t add up. Where does that leave room for error? In a way, this formula is both right and wrong since our opinions are based on our perception—not on the full reality. While you have the right to feel and experience what you see, that does not mean coloring everyone else’s perceptions. This is important when you think about how you communicate values such as creativity. Just because your approach to creativity worked for you does not mean it is the right one for your colleague! If you really want to lead your team to be creative, how are you making space for everyone to be curious and explore what is right for them—not just for you?

Someone will always disagree with you. April 9, 2018 No matter what you do or say, it is unlikely that everyone will side with you. Someone is going to adore that movie you thought was awful. Someone is likely to shoot down a new idea you and your team thought was the most brilliant solution to a crisis. And sometimes someone may disagree with you because they think your opinions are flat-out wrong. At first, this realization can sound harsh but on second thought, it can be liberating. Whether one is a student or a professional, many of us choose not to speak up or raise our new ideas in fear of being incorrect and criticized. That fear can be daunting—it certainly feels drastically different from when we are being recognized, appreciated, and celebrated! However, if we know that there will be different perspectives in the room, why don’t we give sharing our ideas a try? How else will we know what’s possible? Try this: Instead of focusing on the person in the room who you know will support your idea, anticipate and prepare for the person in the room who won’t. Listen to his or her perspective and work to find a middle ground. Instead of feeling defeated or criticized, look at the debate with curiosity and understanding. Perhaps together you’ll find a better outcome! Because in the end, aren’t we all hoping to find better solutions to challenges?

DISCOVERING THROUGH QUESTIONING

Signed Sincerely. February 26, 2018 When was the last time you wrote a letter, email, or even a text with sincerity? I had this thought as I dusted off some old letters and journals from five years ago. Despite the dust, I immediately sunk back in time as I reread those words. Words from loved ones, friends, and even my very own self. It was powerful to feel the sincerity through the 2D of paper. How much time had I spent putting those sincere thoughts onto paper? How much time did my friends and family spend putting those complex thoughts into a handwritten letter? In a time where we spend so much time skimming, reacting, and responding, do we take time to just pause, linger, and think? Or do we give ourselves a pass since there just isn’t enough time? Is that excuse truly enough to keep us from sending a sincere message instead of a hasty, reactive one? What if we all spent just one more minute before we hit reply? Using the expression of sincerity is key because our creations and expressions do not lie. Look at how powerful Anne Frank’s writing has become because of her sincere journaling. Perhaps, this is the reason why I grew so attached to musicians, leaders, or anyone who passionately lived their true colorful lives. They sign their letters, texts, music, and speeches with so much sincerity as if this will be the last—with no regrets or apologies. This is why I tend to spend a lot of time over-preparing before I step on stage—even when I’m familiar with the topic, the client, or the audience. I know that no stage is ever the same. Plus, the more I put in, the more I get out of it—and so do the attendees. That is the magical part of sincerity! What about you? What is one thing you will do with more sincerity today?

Would/Could/Should vs Did. January 28, 2019 What could you do? What should your team do? What would you do? What did you do? Words matter. Actions matter. Here is a poem to reflect on today: ”All The Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas Layin’ In The Sun, Talkin’ ’Bout The Things They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done... But All Those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas All Ran Away And Hid From One Little Did.” —By: Shel Silverstein

You are not alone. November 5, 2018 Repeat. You are not alone. We all need this reminder at times. This message dawned on me as I finished watching Misaeng, a popular Korean TV series about the workplace. (It’s on Netflix!) It’s a series about the daily challenges and joy employees in a corporation go through— regardless of whether they are an intern, a manager or a senior executive. What intrigued me is how each episode shows how all the characters make decisions—what motivates them, discourages them, impacts them, and changes their minds. While the storyline shares a deeper insight into the Korean work culture, there are also a lot of lessons, trends, and challenges applicable to us in general. •

How do you work with colleagues who consistently doubt and undermine you?

•

How do you work for leaders when their words and actions do not align with yours?

•

How do you work with employees who are not asking enough questions when solving problems?

•

How do you work in a company that is not open to new rules and ideas?

The truth is, whether as an intern, manager, or executive, many of us have grappled with these questions at certain times in our careers. It is not always easy to work with different people with different interests. At times, it feels like it would be easier to go it alone—to bear the weight of the challenges alone and to accept that we are alone in feeling this way. But I hope in those moments, you remember that you are not alone. Reach out to someone for that help and reassurance. And pay it forward— be there for someone who may be feeling alone. Going together, we can go further.

The layers of reasoning and questioning. June 18, 2018 If we pause for a moment we’ll see many interesting things with opposite truths. For example, isn’t it interesting how our workloads have not decreased, but actually increased, despite technological advancements? Today we take pride in being busy and always being available—while we speak about the need to balance life and health. Technology has supposedly increased our productivity and effectiveness but mental stress, depression, and burnout rates have increased significantly in the past decade around the world. Isn’t technology and innovation supposed to make all our lives easier and simpler? These questions do not have simple answers, but asking them is an important start. If we do not ask, how can we expect to explore and ultimately understand? The things we consider to be normal today were not normal until they became normal. So if we accept the things today ‘as is’ and never question how they came to be, then expecting change, improvement, and innovation becomes unrealistic. Layers of questioning and reasoning can lead us to discovering interesting insights and key findings. How will you muster the courage to ask those questions?

AND I RISE AGAIN

Where there is a will, there is a way. December 17, 2018 Repeat. Where there is a will, there is a way. It’s very easy to remain worried if we focus on only the challenges: limited time, budget, team bandwidth, and resources. Those are all real challenges but simply worrying about them won’t change the situation. Instead, change the focus on what you can change and how. Where there is a will, there is a way. Attitude matters. And our actions led by those attitudes matter more. Three years ago when I was getting ready to build InnovatorsBox®, many reminded me of what I could not do. Bootstrapping? Conducting workshops on intangible skills? Building new client relationships? They shook their heads. But I’m glad I did not join them. And along the way there have been those who remind me of what I can do. Products? Diverse clientele? Global market? A book? A team? I dreamed further. The WAY was never clear but the WILL permitted me to find the most suitable WAY to be where we are today. What about you? Have you taken the courage to step into messy WAYs to follow your WILL? What will you do to follow your WILL and create new WAYs to get there? We need more people like you in this world. Those who see WAYs to do things with their WILL. Thank you for following your WHY!

In closing June 2019 If I’ve left you seeking more answers I’m glad. We can’t get great answers without first asking more thoughtful, and creative, questions. I believe more creativity is urgently needed in all facets of our day-to-day lives. We need: •

Leaders who encourage their teams to take risks.

•

Teachers who guide their students to think differently and solve complex problems with creativity—instead of multiple choice with strict grades.

•

Parents who praise their children’s character, empathy, and open-mindedness instead of their academic grades, job titles, and awards.

•

Communities that create safe spaces to foster diversity of thought.

•

Individuals who are excited to start their days and feel encouraged to creatively express themselves in any field of work—instead of feeling shut down by society’s expectations.

Reconnecting with, and unleashing our creativity is not just good to do, or “nice” to have. Gallup reports that 87% of professionals around the world feel stuck and stressed. Depression and stress lead to suicide and feelings of isolation worldwide. Unleashing our creativity is a necessity if we want our world to thrive economically—and healthfully. Don’t you want to wake up to a day full of hope and possibilities instead of feeling depressed, defeated, or stuck in a structured society? It’s time to get serious about creativity. Become part of the InnovatorsBox® community, connect with us, and share your story. Let’s continue the conversation! Cheers, Monica

Monica H. Kang, the Founder and CEO of InnovatorsBox®, is an international speaker, global advocate, and the author of Rethink Creativity: How to Innovate, Inspire and Thrive at Work.

Monica@InnovatorsBox.com monicakang monicahkang hi.mhk

P.O. Box 73231 Washington, DC 20056-3231

@InnovatorsBox

I N N O V AT O R S B O X . C O M