Overcoming Buffaloes, hosted by Dr. Vincent Muli
Kituku is now a weekly radio program on KBXL94.1 FM,
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Issue
Number:
Volume X No. 7 Publisher:
Kituku & Associates Date of Issue:
July 2011
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You
cannot tailor-make the situations in life but you can
tailor-make the attitudes to fit those situations.
- Zig Ziglar
In the last chapter of
Overcoming Buffaloes at Work & in Life, I share a
story that illustrates the importance of attitude and how
it determines everything in your life.
In the fall of 1986, God blessed me with a situation that
should have been a depressing experience. I found a human
hair in my food. It was a blessing in disguise. I had been
in the U.S. for less than a year when I asked a friend of
mine to take me to Denver, Colorado, to look for a car for
my family. We shopped way past lunchtime and about 3:00
p.m., we decided to take a break to find a restaurant. My
friend took me to a place where chicken meals were sold. The
good smell and the appetizing look of the food were beyond
my imagination.
Chicken in Kenya, were I grew up, was very expensive and
many people could hardly afford it. Now, here I was at a
well-known fried chicken restaurant. I enjoyed every bite
with an intensity words cannot describe. But before I
cleared my plate, I noticed a person’s hair. I just wanted
to put the hair aside and continue with my lunch. However,
my friend saw it and immediately asked for the manager and
showed him the hair in my almost finished food. The manager
was so apologetic, but I couldn’t understand what was the
big deal.
Then the manager said the most heartwarming words of the
day, “I will give you another plate of food. We are sorry
for the hair.” I was not sorry for the hair. I was thankful
for it. (Now I wonder how many other times I visited a
chicken restaurant and looked for another hair just to be
blessed with an extra plate of chicken).
On reflection, I have thought of the many situations where
we focus on trivial inconveniences and overlook the
blessings that might be disguised. We complain about a rainy
day at the expense of being thankful for the food that will
be harvested, as a result of the rain, for our survival. We
complain about our jobs instead of being thankful for our
employment, especially in these times of massive downsizing.
We complain about what we don’t have instead of appreciating
what we do have.
Having an attitude of gratitude is a choice we make as
individuals. You can choose to see the “social hairs” in
your life or the extra plates of blessings you get because
of the hairs. Think of the clean water or the fact you may
not have to worry about your next meal or your family or
your health. And don’t forget that if you are reading this
article, you have been blessed with another day that many
people didn’t live to see.
Every
industrious man, in every lawful calling, is a useful man.
And one principal reason why men are so often useless is
that they neglect their own profession or calling, and
divide and shift their attention among a multiplicity of
objects and pursuits.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
These words bring to mind a story of a woman who
purchased a talking parrot that could also sing from a
pet store. A salesman convinced her to buy a fancy
cage that would excite the bird to talk and sing. She
took the bird and the cage home but the bird didn’t
say a word or sing.
As expected, she went back to the store the following
day and explained to the manager what had happened. He
told her that the parrot needed a ladder to climb up
and down thus excite it to talk and sing. Still, the
parrot didn’t do any of that even with the ladder in
its cage. The relentless woman went back to the store
where she was advised to get shinny and hang them
inside the cage. Talking parrots, she was informed,
like attractive environments.
When the woman visited the store again, the manager
could see from her face that something was seriously
wrong. With a soft voice, he asked her, “The parrot
hasn’t talked or sung yet?” Her reply, between tears,
was, “It died.” The obviously disturbed manager asked
her, “Did it say anything before it died and if it
did, what did it say?”
“It asked me,” the woman said, “Is there food where
you buy all these things?”
We must never ignore the basics of life in our
pursuits for a better life. There is nothing wrong
with driving a dependable car or sleeping on a
comfortable mattress or flying first class. But those
things are not the bases of true happiness, inner
peace or inspiration to be a better person.
My work with thousands of people in businesses (public
and private), football teams, homes and churches has
led me to observe certain attributes of life that make
people experience fulfillment and enjoy their
profession or calling.
People who find fulfillment in life are those
who know their purpose--why God put them where they are. The
goals they set are aligned with the big picture of the life they envision.
Their efforts are focused on what matters the most. They devote resources
and energy to simplifying their lives.
Leaving behind past hurts, anger, and the desire
for revenge is a consciously developed characteristic of people who have a
purpose to live for. They know that regardless of how their past
has been, their future is still stainless. They resolve to use the past as a
stepping-stone not a stumbling block. They refuse to let the past hold them
captive or rather they are determined not to let their past be an obstacle
between them and their future.
Purpose-focused people are the chief executive
officers of their own lives—not their parents, teachers, bosses
or peers. They dance to their own drumbeat of life. They don’t blame anyone
else for their situation. They are in charge of their faith, health,
relationships, financial independence, professional and personal
development.
Relationships are the pipes that breathe new
life into a person with a purpose. A personal relationship with
his/her Creator is an experience words can’t describe. An experience church
or religion can only help grow but can’t give. Faith is the basis of their
relationships at home and in the community.
Failure, broken dreams or relationships and
other adversities make purpose-focused people stronger. It’s
devastating to lose a loved one. It hurts to be rejected. Being considered a
failure is a disappointment many can live with. Yet purpose-focused people
have learned to cry, accept their vulnerability and to not make things they
cannot control personal. After reflecting on their circumstances, they find
comfort and courage from relying on their God and taking action instead of
languishing in self-pity.
When:
Live teleconference:
July 21st, 2011
For leaders,
trainers, teachers, coaches, preachers, youth leaders.
The
best leaders…almost without exception and at every level,
are master users of stories and symbols.
- Tom Peters
9 key elements of inspiring productivity with stories
5 must-know benefits of using metaphors for effective learning
3 major elements of presenting stories to employees
How and why to select the right story for a given situation
7 must-include elements to make your story applicable
Proven strategies to make the moral of the story effective
5 styles that employees use to solve conflicts
11 approaches to use stories to solve conflicts
Must-know elements of using stories to turn failure into success
9 ways that metaphors/stories build common ground where diverse teams
thrive
32 pages of electronic handouts with key points and stories to use
immediately and keep for future reference.
An access code for you to listen to the presentation recording at a later
time.
You are invited to learn from Dr. Vincent Kituku, who is
largely credited for bringing the African storytelling
heritage into corporate America, universities and K-12
schools. As an adjunct professor at Boise State
University, Dr. Kituku started a course on African
Folktales. His Making Learning Effective with
Storytelling course for teachers is approved for
continuing education credit by Northwest Nazarene
University. He has been a regularly featured presenter on
how to inspire productivity with stories at the Train the
Trainer Annual Training Conference since 1999 and the
National Speakers Association, where he co-founded the
Storytelling Professional Emphasis Group. He has trained
caregivers and mental health advocates on how to use
stories to heal and to have their cause be heard.
Over the years, Dr. Kituku has trained United Way
volunteers and many non-profit organizations on how to
use stories to create awareness and solicit support
for their causes. But his major impact has been
training leaders, coaches and teachers to use stories
to motivate, challenge and empower workers, teams and
students to believe in themselves, commit to a vision,
become team players, and overcome challenges.
Dr. Kituku, a native of Kenya and a resident of Idaho
since 1992, is an international speaker, author and
seminar leader and the author of over 1000 published
articles.
Your Investment:
This qualifies you to invite all your leaders and staff
members and learn together.
When:
Live teleconference:
July 21st, 2011
WHEN:
MDT:
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
EDT:
1:30p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
CDT:
12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
PDT:
10:30 a.m.-12:00 (noon)
Where:
At your office, home, car or in your workplace conference room
Once you register, you will
receive your audio access code.
Mail
this
form with a check or money order to: KITUKU & ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 7152, Boise, Idaho, 83707
Cancellation terms: You can
transfer your registration to future programs otherwise
cancellation is not permitted or refunded.
This
book was excellent! I completed reading the entire book in
one sitting. The author’s ability to tie leadership,
professional and personal components to his experiences with
water buffaloes, lions, tribes, and the jungle was
incredible. The book is positive and provides motivation
beyond belief. There are so many simple but important
messages in this book that it should be read by everyone. I
provided this book to my husband to read for inspiration in
his personal life even though he is retired. There are
excellent seeds for improving your personal life, your
professional life, and the way you look at life and deal
with the stresses of life.
Bridgit Downing Branch Chief, Incident Support
Branch, WO AQM
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
You will be inspired to:
Set yourself apart at work and in life
Rediscover talents and resources you need for growth
Thrive by repeatedly providing
exceptional service
Call or email
Dr. Kituku for information on keynotes and/or training
opportunities for your organization or conference.
Kituku & Associates is your source. They inspire audiences
with their signature stories. They empower audiences with
practical strategies that can be applied immediately for
professional and personal growth.
Viliami Tuivai, the former B Viliami
Tuivai, the former Boise State football coach, has
joined Kituku & Associates as a motivational speaker.
Coach V (his nick name) has been presenting with Dr.
Vincent Kituku, his speaking coach and mentor, for
several years. He left coaching early this year to
spend more time with his young family. Motivating
people to live up to their potential fits in with his
family schedule.
“Coach V is a dynamic speaker. He captivates audiences.
He leaves everyone who hears him with something to make
their life better” says, Vincent. A native of the
Kingdom of Tonga, coach V has presented to organizations
such as the J.R. Simplot Company, The Idaho Chapter of
Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA),
Arizona Fellowship of Christian Athletes and numerous
colleges and schools.
His message, Characteristics That Yield Championship
Results, has made a popular speaker for corporations where
he address: 10 Steps for Success; The Business Life
Approach; Organizational Success 40-20-40; Underdog
Approach and Vision, Versatility, Victory. Chris Brazil,
2009-2010 Chapter President, Idaho HFMA, Corporate Vice
President, Outreach Services, said, “By combining the
intensity and passion of a football coach, and his
principles of success, he will no doubt leave your
attendees ready to “tackle” life’s challenges. . .”
To book Coach V for your company’s event or school
assembly or to speak at your church, call (208) 376-8724
or email
info@overcomingbuffaloes.com.
You
kept the attention of the audience and people wanted more.
I know I did. You have a wonderful story to tell and with
all that you have achieved and the way you present
yourself and the passion that you speak with make for a
heartfelt yet on point presentation.
Debbie McDonald, Director, J.R. Simplot Company Passionate.
Innovative. Creative. Dynamic. Riveting. Engaging. These
are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Coach
Tuivai. But Viliami’s charisma and clarity of thought set
him apart from any other speaker. Viliami Tuivai is a
human expression of a power point presentation.
Brian Beltramo,
Coaches Ministry Director,
Arizona Fellowship of Christian Athletes Viliami
Tuivai is one of the best, if not the best, motivational
speaker I have had the pleasure of hearing in my 40 year
business career! Viliami creates a unique connection to
his audience with his humble yet dynamic presentation
style. I’ve never seen anything quite like this before.
Randy Taylor,
President Golbon,
The Food Service Operators Resource Powerful,
insightful, real world applications and foundational!
Coach Vil has contagious enthusiasm and a genuine passion
for his message that is apparent to all in the audience.
Coach Vil delivered what I believe to be one of the most
inspirational and impactful presentations we have ever
received on how to achieve success. The core truths are
applicable in every arena - in life, in business, and on
the athletic field.
Kevin B. Rigenhagen,
Managing Director,
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Native of Kenya, Africa, and resident of Idaho since
1992, Vincent has been a featured speaker and
trainer at numerous Real Estate conferences and
training programs. An award winning speaker and
writer, he is one of the less than 7% of all
professional speakers to earn a CSP (Certified
Speaking Professional), the highest award for
professional speakers. Dr. Kituku has worked with
championship sports teams and trained leaders on how
to inspire productivity all the time. What sets
Vincent apart is his ability to weave life
experiences in Africa with corporate America and
culture in providing solutions for personal and
professional growth.
Dr. Vincent Muli Wa Kituku is known as a research-based
motivational speaker. He presents motivational keynotes
and training programs on leadership, employee
motivation, overcoming buffaloes at work (change),
customer service and living and working with cultural
differences. Vincent is the founder and president of
Kituku & Associates, LLC, a business that is dedicated
to developing leaders and employees in business and in
life.
What has set Dr. Kituku apart is the ability to use his
experience in research to evaluate/assess client needs
and then tailor his keynotes/training presentation to
meet their objectives. Harold G. Delamarter,
President/CEO, Prestige Care Inc. said, "Before the
Retreat, Dr. Kituku gained as much information as
possible about our company and the industry we are
involved in. He made telephone calls to management team
members to tailor his seminar very closely to the needs
of our employees and the circumstances they face each
day in the present economy. Dr. Kituku was so widely
received in July, the decision was made to ask him to
return to again present to our company in October."
Vincent's clients list includes Cisco Systems, Micron,
Hewlett Packard, Genworth Financial, US Fish and
Wildlife, US Air Force, Women Council of Realtors and
National Association of Mental Health. He has been the
motivational speaker for the successful Boise State
Football Team since 1998. Dr. Kituku works have been
featured by numerous publications including the
Presentations Magazine, SkyWest Magazine, National
Speakers Association Magazine and many newspapers which
publish his weekly columns. Vincent holds the Certified
Speaking Professional designation that is earned by
fewer than 7% of all speakers worldwide.
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You
cannot tailor-make the situations in life but you can
tailor-make the attitudes to fit those situations.
