Truemors, Truemorist, Kawasaki

I recall once during college, (I shouldn’t be misleading) when I was enrolled in college, the previous insinuates that I was attending, which regrettably I wasn’t. Anyway, I worked at a local grocery store and was called in for my 90-day evaluation. I wasn’t worried. My attendance was perfect, in fact I worked additional shifts since I wasn’t attending my classes. I was friendly and helpful to the customers, passed weekly produce code tests with flying colors, and my cash drawer balanced to the penny. As expected I received high marks on the little boxes they require you to check off, but when I glanced at the comments it was nearly a page long! What could he possibly have to say about me, it’s only been 90-days?

After reading the sentence fragments meant to, what I can only presume, make me feel inferior I was amused. Management felt that I was not mingling with my co-workers enough, they felt they knew little of me and suggested that I become involved with the company volleyball team. There’s a section for the employee to write their own statement, and I wrote something like this:

“Bred, born and raised in Hawai’i. You already know my name, address, social security number and bank account information. You have a sample of my urine and the results of its contents. I was issued a uniform so you know my shirt size. The company provided it so you also know the combination of my locker. If you were paying attention to my purchases, you also know my tastes in food. And, if you were really paying attention, you’d know my father’s favorite indulgence as well. I am here to work, service the customers and nothing more. I am not looking for anymore friends, and my family is solid. But, since you want to know more about me, I don’t like volleyball.”

I continued working there for almost a year before moving on to another company with a better position, but I never forgot the experience. It made me realize that some people have a rather peculiar jones for acknowledgment, rather attention. I too am peculiar in this way, with Lilinoe! I observed similar traits in others, towards Guy Kawasaki on Twitter. People were almost demanding him to twitter more personal thoughts rather than feed stories posted on his website, Truemors. He’s gracious in understanding others.

All of that rambling to share that this marks my 90-day probationary period as a Truemorist for Truemors by the in-demand Guy Kawasaki. Did I really have a probationary period? Not that I’m aware of, but I did evaluate myself identifying my strengths, areas of improvement and goals as if it were a true evaluation.

STRENGTHS

♦ I believe in the concept of Truemors.

“The purpose of Truemors is to democratize and spread information. First, from a “citizen journalist/editor” perspective it enables you to “tell the world”—within the bounds of good taste and the law anyway. Second, from a reader perspective, it puts you “in the know” about the latest news, rumors, and happenings, so that “you know better” without having to spend hours every day searching for information.”

♦ I respect my position as a Truemorist.

I treat my responsibilities as a Truemorist with the same approach I do with everything else, sincerity. If I wasn’t genuine, truemoring wouldn’t be sensible.

♦ I’m open-minded.

I am ever evolving, growing and plan on being this way for the rest of my life. I accept constructive criticism, able to make adjustments and don’t take anonymous crap from trolls personally.

♦ I respect Guy Kawasaki, his support team and the other Truemorists.

While posting is an individual effort, it takes a team to create success.

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT

♦ Writing style, Grammar.

I’ve been out of any type of formal education for two decades, I know I’ve broken several grammar and punctuation rules. Luckily, I am supported by patient grammar buffs.

♦ Lack of Moderation.

I’ve admitted this before, I’m an extremist especially when I’m interested in something new. Guy reminds me, “Truemors is a marathon, not a sprint.” I appreciate his words because with a young family to support I am hoping to wear my Truemorist hat for a long time.

♦ I need to read more.

A habitual multi-tasker I have also acquired the taste of snacking on information. I religiously read a variety of blogs, however those posts have become snack-sized as well. Lilinoe bought me The Art of the Start last month, I think that’s a good place to start.

GOALS

♦ Focus on organization and time management.
♦ Read about grammar, punctuation, and writing style.
♦ Take a writing course.
♦ Read more.

If you haven’t been reading Truemors, I highly recommend you visit the site. And, not because I’m a truemorist, but as it’s explained, Truemors puts you “in the know” and what I like to describe as “ice-breakers” during those awkward silent moments. I wonder if Chris Brogan, someone I also have much respect for as a social media expert could have used Truemors when he twittered this.