Random encounters chan change everything. Yet texts, tweets, webinars, PowerPoints, overbooked schedules and demanding technologies have become the 21st century distractions that keep us from powerful insights and the incidental connections the world has to offer. We are all running at such a frantic pace, it is rare we take the time (or energy!) to meet someone entirely random who may be full of fresh perspectives, different experiences and even knowledge. It is no wonder that employees are simply yearning for something more.
In the book Is This Seat Taken? Random Encounters that Change Your Life, Kristin S. Kaufman is on a mission to change all that. Through her travels over the years, she has collected many personal stories of these incidental meetings that turned out to be anything but incidental. The leadership and life lessons shared in the book have become a compass on her road to alignment, fulfillment and success.
There are three reasons why I love this book:
- We all have random encounters everyday but just don’t really spend the time thinking about them. Imagine if you kept a record of the people that you meet and what you learned from them everyday? That is exactly what this author did.
- The practical lessons and questions at the at the end of each chapter require you to stop and be present in the moment. Here are a few of the questions that really made me think about my life: Which of your values in non-negotiable? What is your definition of success? What holds you back from offering your undivided attention to others? What gifts might you give and receive if you allow yourself to become vulnerable to spontaneous encounters?
- This book made me stop and think about the people around me. I don’t always take the time to talk to the person standing next to me in the elevator or the cab driver to and from the airport. This woman shared an amazing story and lesson that she learned just by asking a cab driver where he was from. She had the courage to take the first step and he opened up and spilled his guts to her. This story made me realize that many people are just hoping for someone to talk to them and ask them a question or ask them how their day was. Be aware of who is around you. You may only be someone in the world, but to someone else, you may be the world. Never underestimate the impact you can make!
Ready to re-examine those random encounters? Enter to win a copy of the book!
To enter: Leave a comment below with your email address. This giveaway is open to all residents in the US. It begins NOW and ends on December 12th, 2011 at 9pm PST. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 24 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. Good luck!
Disclosure: I was provided me with a copy of the book to review but this did not change what I wrote about the book.
Photos by strakss & VeraVicious
About Anna Runyan
Would love to win this! Thanks!
Thanks for entering Kelly! Good luck!
Would love to get a copy of this book!
Thanks for entering April! Good luck!
I think I could learn a ton from this book – would love to win it!!
kgdouth@gmail.com
Thanks for entering Katie! Good luck!
This book sounds like a great read!
librarian.of.doom(at)gmail.com
Sounds great!!
Great review! I could definitely use this book : – )
shaherawilliams@gmail.com
Networking more is one of my 2012 goals!!!
sheronda.robertson@gmail.com
Making the most of chance encounters is a great way to brighten your day. I’d like to hear more about the author’s. Thanks!
I would love a copy of this book!
Thanks for the chance to win.
I’d love to win this!
Networking is on my list of goals for 2012. Definitely need to think more about talking to individuals!
missy(dot)bentley(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love a copy of this book!
ninachan30@gmail.com
Hi Anna,
How kind of you to offer your readers these books. It shows you care about your audience.
I hope the law of reciprocation makes its way back to you and you get rewarded yourself for your generosity.
bchristiansen@balancedworklife.com
Thanks,
Bryce
Would love to read a copy! Thanks!!
Oh! Cool. I’d love to win!
This looks amazing for a burgeoning career girl! jforman2@gmail.com
this book looks really interesting, i would love to read it!
This book sounds like a wonderful eye-opener. I truly hope to win a copy! Take care.
I would love to read this book! Thanks!
I would love a copy! rachel.leigh.07@gmail.com
Enter me!