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As regular readers will recall, I have been writing a lot about the idea of “gurus” out there who promote themselves as the be-all, end-all authorities for this-that-and-the-other-thing, and contrasting them with “who-dos,” which are people who are out there putting their passion and purpose to work, to change the way we do things in higher education, with social media, in helping people in their careers, and other ways that have positive impacts on society and the world.

Last month, I was glad to applaud our friends over at BreakDrink for their efforts to create free and low-cost-of-entry professional development programs for student affairs professionals, and for their groundbreaking attempt to put together a podcast network of sorts serving the field.

As I said in the introduction to this concept, I would like to take nominations each month and announce a “Who-Do” of the Month.

The Process

Here’s how I would like to do this:

  • I’ll put up a post, like this one, once a month, asking people to submit nominations. Ideally, I’d like to take them in the comment section, so people can read all the good things about those nominated.
  • I’ll post a poll on the blog about a week later with persons nominated
  • People will vote.
  • I will review nominations and votes and have a discussion with an advisory committee (which I am currently putting together-more on the makeup of that, once I have people lined up.)
  • The last week of each month, I will announce the “Who-Do” of the month.
  • In the latter part of Spring semester, I will have a process announced for selecting the “Who-Do” Highsman (get it?) award for the year.

Nominate Someone Now!

Please take a few minutes between now and next Tuesday at noon to nominate someone who deserves recognition, and to tell the world why you see this person as defining the spirit of the “Who-Do.” If you want to send the nomination directly to me, e-mail it to sean@higheredcareercoach.com and I will post some of the essential pieces here, so people can at least know who was nominated and why.

Have an Idea for How I Should Structure the “Highsman” selection?

Send me your ideas. I’d love to hear them, and I want to make this process engaging and fun. I’m looking forward to reading the nominations!

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How to Tell a “Who-Do” from a Guru: Part 2

by Sean Cook 05.12.2010

You know, there are many, many cartoons that depict a seeker going to the mountaintop to ask a wise guru for advice, only to be met with questions. The punchline here shouldn’t be lost on you…this is how people learn.

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It’s the End of the World as We Know It, And I Feel Fine

by Sean Cook 05.03.2010

Have you set aside aspects of yourself as you pursue the “next steps” in your career? Are there ways to incorporate these aspirations and skills into your current job? What risks are you willing to take to create more fulfillment in your life and career?

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Do What You Value!

by Sean Cook 04.23.2010

Doing what you value is a powerful idea that should carry over into your everyday life and your work.
Here are some ways I am trying to live up to my own expectations.

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Is Your Life Just a Footnote in the Cosmic Scheme of Things? Or Something More?

by Sean Cook 04.04.2010
Thumbnail image for Is Your Life Just a Footnote in the Cosmic Scheme of Things? Or Something More?

The story of astronaut Edward Galen Givens is just one from the many people related to NASA, and to some, his life and career will seem one footnote on one page of one chapter of one book about mankind’s quest to explore the stars and the mysteries of the universe. But to me and to members of my family, and to those who knew him, Galen’s life and career represent something far greater: the archetypal quest to discover your life purpose, reach your potential and perhaps to push beyond into uncharted territory, where the greatest learning can begin.

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