Seeing the Big Picture
“To see the big picture, sometimes you must rise above the puzzle!” – Anonymous In our experience, some clients acquire a training seminar and go home happy. But others, a few, go “All In!” and acquire, install, operate, manage and evolve an entire complex winning system. Puzzle Piece or Big Picture? Seminar or System? […]
Cafes, Wolves, and Training
“Lord Ronald said nothing; he flung himself from the room, flung himself upon his horse and galloped madly off in all directions!” Gertrude the Governess, Nonsense Novels 1911, Stephen Leacock, Canadian Economist & Humorist (1869 — 1944) Does Training or Development owe anything to or benefit from a group environment?Not if you define “personal growth” […]
You Can Change the World
“Everyone thinks to change the world. But nobody thinks to change themselves!”— Leo Tolstoy “We can change the world, rearrange the world. It’s dying to get better!”— Graham Nash,Chicago Examine Your Habits… of Thought, of Word, of Deed because all meaningful change starts right at the center of the individual. The magic is not out […]
The Fusion Experience
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”― Aristotle Isn’t that the point of training? We call it Be, Do, Have. Be: You’re selected to attend training because there’s a skill to learn that will (hopefully) accelerate your career trajectory. It’s up to you to “be” […]
Fusion Remembers
On August 22nd, we mark the birthday of Fusion’s late Founder, Chairman and CEO, Jennifer St. John. We were fortunate to work with someone who valued our contributions, and provided numerous opportunities for professional and personal growth to help us better serve you – our valued clients. We’re proud of what she accomplished in her […]
A Little Nudge
Sometimes you just need a little nudge to feel reengaged and renewed. Recognition, in the form of encouragement and praise, nudges us forward to expand our capabilities and enhance our achievements. It helps raise our confidence and renew our spirit. How will you incorporate recognition into your life and the lives of others? Consider this […]
What is “Being Smart?”
“Smart” might suggest that an individual chooses to be responsible for themselves, their condition, and what they choose to make of it. Rather than being victimized by their station, they take every opportunity to learn, grow and build the structures of character, mind and spirit which will serve them in the long term… The smart […]
A Winning Sales Process
We think everyone should “win” in the sales process – for the long-term. On your next sales call: • Be an “active listener” to uncover your client’s concerns. • Decide if your product/service is right for this client and position it accordingly. • Serve them as a trusted advisor. • Lather, rinse, repeat. This is […]
“Practice Creates the Master”
“Practice Creates the Master.” — Don Miguel Ruiz At first, you can’t do it at all. Then you summon up your courage. Take a run at it. Make a mess of it. Later, with a new subject, in a new moment, you sally forth! And, though not winning any awards, you emerge with an outcome, […]
Rise!
It’s a Communication Wasteland. So Much Noise! And a long stretch between communication moments that move you — that speak to body, mind, and soul. So, how does a rational person conduct themselves? Input: Choose carefully what you allow in. (No Garbage In.) Remember that it’s not all terrible. Hidden amid all the strip malls, […]
Presenting for Results!®
Most People speaking in corporate roles are “Presenting to get through it.” “Presenting to get it over with!” “Presenting to Not Fail!” “Presenting to Check a Box in a Matrix!” Few people are Presenting for Results!® — J. R. St. John (1952 – 2018), Chairman and Founder, The Fusion Group Define “Results!” Everyone who […]
Winners and Losers
“Once I passed the tricky sections, I think I let off the gas pedal a little bit. I just didn’t continue with that aggression all the way to the finish,” the two-time World Cup overall champion said. “That’s where I lost the race. I wasn’t pushing myself as hard as I could have,” she explained, […]
Going Stupid!
“How many times will you repeat your morning routine? Your drive to Work? Your walk into a conference room? Your meetings, reports, e-mails… Is it any wonder that sometimes you “Go a Little Stupid” … and simply float away?” —J. R. StJohn It can’t have escaped your attention that sometimes “People go Stupid.” They seem […]
Getting Great Results!
Two quotes to think about from Jennifer StJohn, Founder of The Fusion Group…
The Stammer
“Whatever you are, try to be a good one!” — William Makepeace Thackeray (1811 – 1863), English Poet & Novelist Bob Newhart (comedy and television legend) once had a challenge from a television network official about the extended length of his comedy show. “Bob, the show is running about two minutes long. If you […]
3 Days! Or A Lifetime?
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man. True Nobility is being superior to your former self.” — Ernest Hemingway “These three days changed my life!” — Participant’s evaluation of Fusion’s “Presenting for Results!®” session Where’s it going? This training? Does it imply anything more than the ability to get through a business […]
Dry Cleaners, Shower Curtains & Existential Moments
I got to the dry cleaner late the other day near closing time, and as I walked to the door with that sinking feeling, he showed up at the front door to the store with my really important shirt in his hand. “Saw you coming,” he said, “thought you might need this tomorrow.” Wow! I have come […]
Limits on Creativity
“If I had more time, I’d have written you a shorter letter.” – Winston Churchill British Prime Minister, Author (1874 – 1965) “Talk doesn’t cook rice.” – Proverb Here’s a thought: Without limits, creativity is merely uncontrolled daydreaming – imagine a car without brakes… Life – we’re in it together, which imposes all kinds […]
What’s NOT Being Said
A young woman came to me for counsel. She talked briefly and then sat silently in the chair. I said nothing but watched the reactions she displayed. Slowly she made eye contact with me. “You understand, don’t you?” I nodded. She began to talk more. The lesson here is… Listen for what’s NOT being said… […]
Endless, Cheerful, Repeated Coaching
“Man, you gotta have your head in the game every second of every play. You doze for a second, and the other guys are all over you and that’s the down, the quarter, and the whole game. Too many games, and your career is done!” —NFC Playoff Team Member If a football team went a week […]
The Uses of Not
“Thirty spokes share the wheel’s hub. It is the center hole that makes it useful. Shape clay into a pot. Where the pot’s not, is where it’s useful. Cut doors and windows for a room; the space inside makes “room” for you. Therefore, the profit in what is, lies in the use of what is […]
What a Story!
“A diamond is forever!” — De Beers Corporation I was sitting in an agency conference room in the late 70’s, enjoying lunch and the view of Central Park as my clients discussed their work for De Beers. In the course of the discussion, it became clear the “Diamond Engagement Ring as a Symbol of Undying […]
Ancora Imparo
“And still I am learning!”– Michelangelo “Learning on the job is essential to judging!”– John Paul Stevens, Associate Justice, United States Supreme Court (1920 – 2019) “The New” is upon us! We can cook prepackaged meals in moments, serve them on plates that double as garbage disposal units, diagnose, and treat cancer with internal camera […]
Fusion: the Heart of a Star!
Stars and Corporations are both energized by the same force: Fusion. Our “Sun,” a “Star;” is a “Hydrogen Fusion Engine.” Fusion Formula: Take two atoms of hydrogen, agitate rapidly under titanic gravitational stress, then apply cosmic heat. Caution: Do not over-stimulate or the mixture may explode and engulf the entire solar system; but be sure […]
The Long Now
The Fusion Group is excited to be celebrating our 40th year in business! This is quite a milestone for a small business that was founded by Jennifer StJohn in 1984. This year we will be sharing our Past history – from Fusion wisdom to client testimonials and more! As we look to the Future, we […]
Words of Wisdom
Here’s a concept: your thoughts and interests are yours to create, manage and promote. Ever had a day when the synapses just don’t fire, the neurons seem clogged and constricted, the eyes can’t quite focus, and the mind is foggy? The internal landscape seems curiously unreal and the external landscape, well… Outsiders seem like enemies, and insiders […]
Incremental Improvement
“You can always be a little bit better.” — Drew Brees Former Quarterback, New Orleans Saints Everyone’s nervous about public speaking, at first. It’s not your stock-in-trade. So, it’s not unusual that you find it odd to stand up to speak. There’s that moment when you are introduced — making you feel a little […]
Making & Keeping
Stock offerings are launched by making promises. Lofty stock prices are guaranteed by keeping them! Elections are won by making promises. Legacies are secured by keeping them! Weddings are begun by making promises. Marriages are secured by keeping them! Mortgages are begun by making promises. Mortgage Backed Securities are made valuable by keeping them! […]
Getting a Win!
“So whatcha gonna do?” —Jim Brown addressing Richard Pryor You’ve got this presentation coming up… How exactly do you propose to turn this assignment into a Win, for yourself, your boss, your colleagues in the department, your company, your client, your community and your kids? Your “Constituents.” Whatcha gonna do? Let’s establish what a “Win” […]
Lost in Confusion
“Never invest in an idea that can’t be explained with a crayon.” —Peter Lynch Legendary American Investment Professional (1944 — ) “Be Sincere. Be Brief! Be seated!” —John Hancock American Founding Father (1737—1793) Why such awful, numerous, incomprehensible presentations? There may be a misconception operating out there: “That things can actually be totally and completely […]
The Wisdom of Fusion
1. Sales Riddle: “I can’t work with you until I know that you know what I know.” We think it’s more important to “get” your customers’ issues, marketplace and challenges first rather than trying to push a product, service or feature. “Pull or Counselor” Selling is all about allowing customers to disclose needs (perhaps fears) […]
Wasteland or Garden?
“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice.” —Ayn Rand (1905-1982), Russian-American Novelist, Screenwriter & Philosopher It’s a Communication Wasteland. So. Much. Noise. And a long stretch between communication moments that move you — that speak to body, […]
Exposure vs. Mastery
(Masters Only in Our Minds) “An unfortunate reality of our time is that people have fundamentally misunderstood the nature of ‘Mastery.’” — J. R. StJohn “When we were young, we received a plain white Gi and a belt. Each week, we took the Gi home for laundering and pressing. The belt remained folded in the locker. […]
Keep the Craft!
“Body, Mind, Spirit. Craft, Science, Art. There’s a little of each in writing, speaking, performing. Take care that technology doesn’t submerge the craft or the art in your communication!” — J. R. StJohn Welcome to “Rapid World!” Tech has forever changed everything! Type no longer has to be “Set” for a publication. It’s a touch away. You can […]
AND
“It’s not binary! You can be gifted and decent at the same time!” (Woz, talking with Steve) Steve Jobs…the Movie Perhaps the most significant (and insidiously unnoticed) flaw in our over-stressed, hyper-analytical existence is the pernicious tendency to reduce everything to a binary conflict.
It’s Not Your Job to be Brilliant
We are pleased to share an interview with The Fusion Group’s Vice President, Danielle Bolla, published by finews.asia. In the interview, Danielle discusses being aware of your own communication habits: Are you speaking more than you’re listening? Are you guiding clients to implement your solutions with organized, actionable recommendations? Are they able to re-tell your […]
The Mind Follows Where the Eyes Lead
The “Back to Basics” Series “Be. Here. Now.” —Yogic Admonition and Book Title Baba Ram Dass (Servant of God) Enlightened Yogi & Student of Neem Karoli Baba (Also in this life, dismissed Harvard professor Richard Alpert and Co-discoverer of LSD with Dr. Timothy Leary) (1931 — ) “The Mind follows where the eyes lead.” — […]
Making & Keeping Promises
“Love and marriage, love and marriage, Go together like a horse and carriage. This I tell you, brother, You can’t have one without the other.” “Love & Marriage” Lyrics by Sammy Cahn; music by Jimmy Van Heusen Performed by Frank Sinatra Stock offerings are launched by making promises. Lofty stock prices are guaranteed by […]
How it Began
“The End of Story mark ‘–30–’ has been traditionally used by journalists to indicate the end of a story. It is commonly found at the end of a press release. ‘-30-’ may have originated when stories were written in longhand; X marked the end of a sentence; XX the end of a paragraph; and XXX […]
Architects, Culture & Anthropology
The Fusion Group … Built on A Solid Foundation, and Here for You. By now, you know about the recent passing of Jennifer StJohn. She was not only our founder and CEO, she was our friend. We at The Fusion Group are beyond saddened, but our direction is well-defined. Jennifer was a great leader […]
A Celebration of Life
Honoring the Legacy of Jennifer StJohn The amazing life of Jennifer StJohn will be celebrated in a gathering of friends, family, clients, and colleagues on January 26, 2019, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, in the Main Dining Room of the Weston Hills Country Club, 2600 Country Club Way, Weston, Florida, 33332. We invite you to attend. […]
First Principles
“All of us have to learn how to invent our lives, make them up, imagine them. We need to be taught these skills; we need guides to show us how. If we don’t, our lives get made up for us by other people.” —Ursula K. Le Guin This is the first of a series […]
Practice Creates the Master
“Practice Creates the Master.” — Don Miguel Ruis At first, you can’t do it at all. Then you summon up your courage. Take a run at it. Make a mess of it. Later, with a new subject, in a new moment, you sally forth! And, though not winning any awards, you emerge with an […]
Constructing One’s Self
“Without much formal schooling, Washington was subject to condescension from some contemporaries, especially the snobbish John Adams, who disparaged him as “too illiterate, unlearned, unread for his station and reputation.” Washington has suffered from comparisons with other founders, several of whom were renowned autodidacts, but by any ordinary standard, he was an exceedingly smart […]
The Sell By Date
“The first step in liquidating a people is to erase its memory. Destroy its books, it’s culture, it’s history. Then have somebody write new books, manufacture a new culture, invent a new history. Before long, the nation will begin to forget what it is, and what it was…” — Milan Kundera They’re tired. They’ve been […]
Make Yourself Useful!
“Find a need and fill it.” — Henry Kaiser You say, “Can I help?” or “What if I can assist you with that?” And, just like that, you have a job. A company says, “How about a pocket phone that also calculates, searches and provides entertainment?” Just like that, an Industry… Behind both scenarios is […]
Catching the Big Idea
(The continued flogging of last week’s concept…) “Consciousness is like a flowing river. Ideas come floating by… If you fail to catch one, it disappears from view…” — J. R. St.John Does a Document, a Speech, a Presentation, or a Project appear to you initially as a finished artifact, or as a series of components? […]
Swimming in Templates
“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, You must first invent the universe.” — Carl Sagan There’s an arrogant, self-regard among many in the sales business… Probably a good thing though, cause if you weren’t a little over-confidant, you probably wouldn’t have the *&%# to go into an office, walk down the […]
