My Candle Problem, part 1

I know that a LOT of cyber-savvy folks out there are familiar with TED talks, but I saw one that really punched me in the brain. I am relatively new to TED and everyone I ask about it seems to respond with "Koppel or Danson?"

Okay, if you haven't yet discovered TED, go there now. WAIT! Read the rest of this first so that I didn't waste a bunch of time writing this stuff down! Your outlook on the world will never be the same. I discovered Gustavo Dudamel on TED before his appointment to the LA Philharmonic. I learned on TED that Second Life wasn't just some cool virtual reality thing in a CSI:NY episode. And so on...on every topic smart people (like you!) would find fascinating! I was overwhelmed...at first. Now I love searching TED talks for the relevant and the interesting. Like this one, which is both.

While I was browsing the TED Talks recently I recognized one of the names. Somewhat of a intellectual accomplishment right there! Daniel Pink was the speaker and I first heard about him about a year ago. I watched this video and I began COMPLETELY rethinking how I run my high school band program. You will rethink yours, too. Not your band program, but you know what I mean.

Pink's presents a strong case for re-examining how we motivate others to do things. His example are primarily business-based, i.e., how to raise employee productivity, but it is crystal clear that the education system in this country could learn a lesson or two. I just started reading the book that this talk accompanies and I will have additional thoughts in a few days.

For now, however, watch this!