Ethos3 had a chance to spend a few minutes with Bert Decker. You can read our conversation below.
1. I have to start with our “classic question,” what gets you up in the morning?
Doing interesting things. My business is stimulating – we really do change people’s lives in our workshops and coaching programs. The blog is relentless – there is always something interesting to comment on that also has a teaching point. And I’m very involved with The Salvation Army in San Francisco – serving others to help themselves. Life is full, God is good.
2. You have quite a resume, what is your favorite business focus (i.e. consulting, writing, coaching, speaking)?
The cliché is true – I like it all. As long as there is a challenge or an accomplishment. Although my focus is on building companies and organizations, I love teaching and preaching. I think though that I like creating best. I used to be a filmmaker before founding Decker Communications, Inc., so probably my favorite time even today is being absorbed in Final Cut Pro for hours on end editing films that move people, which I still do for The Salvation Army.
3. I know you have been exposed to coaching different professionals in different fields, who has been your most inspirational candidate?
There are too many to have just one. Yesterday I was with an executive at Cisco that inspired me perhaps as much as I taught him. My most prominent clients are Chuck Schwab and Nancy Pelosi and they are inspiring in what they have done and who they are. But probably the most inspiring was the young woman who was in one of our seminars years ago. Her name was Susie, and she had always been put down by her sisters, and her peers. After seeing herself on video she said, “Bert, I’m pretty!” Her life was transformed in two days after seeing herself, accurately, on video. That’s inspiring.
4. Since you deal quite a bit with political debates, do you find storytelling a necessary quality for politicians to possess?
Absolutely. Story telling is essential to great communicating. It is the S in our SHARP principles for involving people. For example, two great new communicators on the political scene continuously tell stories – Barack Obama and Sarah Palin. The stories and anecdotes and asides are what people remember – particularly after the political debates. They determine the winner. People buy on emotion and justify with fact – and stories reach the emotions.
5. With the new generations merging into the political arena, do you feel they will lead the country as adequately as their predecessors?
I don’t know. They have more tools and technology, and more knowledge and skills are available so anyone can now lead and be successful. But perhaps more important is will and discipline. I’m not sure that’s a generational thing.
6. Who has been the most influential person in your life?
If I had to name only one person, it would be Jesus Christ. (Not politically correct but that’s the way it is.)
Then my Dad, Milt Decker.
Herb Strauss, whom I was named after.
Chuck Schwab.
Nido Qubein.
7. Entreprenuer..check. Author…check. World-renowned speaker and consultant…check. What’s next for you?
You flatter me, but thanks, it makes me feel good.
A friend of mine from Singapore, Allen Pathmarajah, who is also a renowned entrepreneur and businessman, said, “You’ll thrive as long as you never let your regrets take the place of your dreams.” I plan to continue on – dreaming, doing and hopefully delivering.
