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kevindhancock

kevindhancock

CEO, Author, Public Speaker

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Kevin Hancock Addresses the ‘Elephant in the Room’ at the DO MORE GOOD Conference

May 20, 2019 by Kourtney McLean 5 Comments

DO MORE GOOD by Kevin Hancock

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

– Margaret J. Wheatley

May 18, 2019: This past Friday I spoke in Lincoln, Nebraska at the DO MORE GOOD conference.  Don’t you love that title, DO MORE GOOD?!

Do More Good Conference
Do More Good conference stage at the University of Nebraska Innovation Campus

The conference was held at the University of Nebraska Innovation Campus in the shadows of the giant Cornhusker football stadium.  It was an exciting opportunity for me because the event brought in some top business speakers from around the country.  Jay Cohen Gilbert, founder of the B Corporation movement, spoke.  So, too, did Rand Stagen, co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement.

The conference was a call to action for corporations to adopt a mission that was bigger than just making a profit.  Have a purpose that’s bigger than what you make or what you sell.  Stand for something important!  Your corporate purpose should solve a real problem.  These were the rallying cries of the conference.

My talk and personal mission were a good fit for this event.  I spoke about losing some of my voice to SD and then traveling to Pine Ridge where I encountered an entire community that did not feel heard.  The two events combined to give me the inspiration to use a company as a platform to strengthen the voices of others, and to create a culture where everyone leads.  So, my proposal was to create an EMPLOYEE CENTRIC company where the first priority of the business is to enhance the lives of the people who work there, by creating a safe and dynamic space for people to express themselves freely and self-actualize through work.

elephant prop
Kevin Hancock Addresses the Elephant in the Room

At the talk, my mascot was my Ringling Brothers stuffed elephant.  I introduced him as the ‘elephant in the room’, representing the traditional, top down, bureaucratic, power to the center leadership model.  The new model I am advocating for is one in which power is shared and dispersed, so that every voice is heard and everyone leads.

I closed the talk by returning to the elephant.  I acquired him on May 5th, 2017 at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.  I was attending the last-ever performance of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.  It was an historic event –a tipping point in social consciousness.  The elephant, who originally helped make the circus and played the star role, ultimately helped end the circus and bring about its demise.  But, why?  The elephant hadn’t changed…

So, what did change?  Human perception changed.  The well-being of a handful of elephants had become more important to society that an entire iconic industry—the circus.

Do More Good
“Who knew that losing your voice could help you find it? That giving a voice to those not heard creates a better work culture? And that great culture disperses power to its people rather than consuming them?”

This subtle, but super important moment, is a sign of the times and a guide post for business in the 21st Century.  The age of the individual is upon us.  Corporations must do more than simply serve their own objectives.  Specifically, they must become a valued place full of life and growth for the people who work there.  If companies focus on advancing the lives of the people who work there, the people who work there will create—in turn—exceptional experiences for customers.  In this model, profit actually increases, but it becomes an outcome of a higher calling.

Everyone attending the conference received a copy of Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse in their gift bag.

blog follow

Thank you for reading and please help spread this blog to others that might like to follow.  My next book is coming in the Spring of 2020 and my publisher, Post Hill Press, wants me to grow my blog follower ship in advance!  It takes a village to spread ideas and create change.  If the ideas I am writing about are of value to you, please think about your own personal network and share the link to this blog and invite them to follow.

Finally, Rosie Freire, the owner of the Singing Horse Trading Post (where I stay at Pine Ridge) drove down to the conference and attended.  I was able to introduce her to the audience during my talk as one of my personal heroes in business.  What I said about Rosie during the conference and what she thought of the event is the topic for another post, soon to come!

The title of my next book has been finalized and I will share it here with you now…

THE SEVENTH POWER
One CEO’s Journey into the Business of Leadership

Thank you for sharing your voice!

Kevin signature


Kevin Hancock, President + CEO

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News, KevinDHancock, Sioux Indian Reservation Tagged With: : Do More Good Conference, Kevin Hancock, Kevin Hancock Blog, Leadership Thought, Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse

Celebrating today…

June 17, 2018 by Kourtney McLean 1 Comment

Today is a day to celebrate all the good we have done as parents…and to forgive any transgressions…and to contemplate fresh starts when necessary. 

One great thing about life is no matter who you are or where you are there are always past events to be thankful for AND future chances to create something fresh and better.  We always have the choice of celebration, forgiveness, and renewal.  All three are part of a family experience I think. 

Family is all just a chance to learn, love, and grow. 

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News, Sioux Indian Reservation

Holiday Book Sale!

December 6, 2016 by Kourtney McLean 1 Comment

Kevin Hancock’s award-winning book, Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse, on sale for $20/each with FREE shipping, or, BUY 3 GET 1 FREE! Now through 12/31/16. Get your newly released 2nd edition copy with new cover & pictures, signed by the author for the perfect holiday gift! Enter coupon code: BUY3GET1FREE at checkout!

nfs_holiday_sale

“I read Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse in record time. I simply couldn’t put the book down. Kevin Hancock’s courage in laying out his vision quest so beautifully and humbly is a true inspiration. It is my hope that all business leaders will heed the message that it is possible to care for our souls and our businesses simultaneously. In fact, for true sustainability and health, we must.”

–Christiane Northrup, MD, New York Times best-selling author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, and Goddesses Never Age

 

“If you had told me a couple of years ago that my friend, Kevin Hancock, would set off on a quest for enlightenment, sparked by a long-distance astrological reading which would lead him to a sweat lodge in a remote Indian reservation well, let’s just say that ‘skeptical’ doesn’t come close to covering it. What happened next is the amazing story Kevin tells here; part history (and not very pleasant history at that), part spiritual journey, part moving portrait of some extraordinary people, and part leadership manual, this fascinating book will touch you and teach you on many levels.”

–Angus S. King Jr., US Senator

 

“Kevin Hancock’s story touched me, heart and soul. As I read his words, I kept having to chase ‘Amazing Grace’ out of my head. The archetype behind that song–the archetype of awakening and redemption–permeates every chapter. His is the kind of tale that helps restore my faith in human nature–and gives me hope for the human future.”

–Steven Forrest, author of The Inner Sky

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News, Sioux Indian Reservation Tagged With: Holiday Book Sale, Kevin Hancock, Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse

Video of Kevin’s Maine Live presentation now posted online

April 30, 2016 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

  1. MaineLive_screenVideos now available online! At the 2nd Annual Maine Live on March 24th, 14 speakers shared their stories of integrity, tenacity, and courage. For Kevin Hancock, CEO of Hancock Lumber Company, that story is about losing his voice to a rare neurological disorder and then finding it again after spending time on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. There, he learned an important lesson about power and the individual.“What if we could create an organization where everybody led?Where every voice felt heard, respected, valued, trusted, and empowered?” Watch now.

In addition to Kevin’s message above, here are a few of our favorite reflections from the day: (click here to watch any or all 14 speaker presentations)

  • Mark Bessire | Portland Museum of Art:  There doesn’t need to be conflict between the traditional and the modern; ideas from both worlds can coexist. There is power in creating meaningful traditions with family, friends, organizations, and communities.
  • Jan Kearce | Lift 360: Ask yourself, “What am I a commitment to?”. Embody your purpose. YOU are enough to make it happen. Re-write your story – think about the obituary you’d write for the life you’re leading; now, think about the obituary you’d write for yourself for the life you WANT to lead.  Take time to pause and reflect; don’t burn yourself out.
  • George Neptune | Abbe Museum: Pass on tradition/language/stories of your tribe, so as to “save it for those not yet born”. Find balance, embrace your two spirits – it is OK to have feet in multiple worlds.
  • Steve Malcom | Knickerbocker Group: Spend time “kicking the dirt”…having conversations about the “What ifs” and “Why nots”. Throw rocks (ideas) out there to make ripples and share ideas; it might take time for them to come back and become reality, but get your ideas out there.  Take time to listen, really listen and be in the present without judging or making an opinion too quickly. The world is a dynamic place that is ALWAYS changing. Look for those moments to find opportunity.
  • Tae Chong | Startmart CEI: Racism is a bad business model. Look at ALL kinds of people as an asset and economic opportunity in a state that is facing a major labor crisis.  A few eye opening Maine stats that Tae shared:
    • By 2022, 1 in 4 Mainers will be over 65
    • 100,000 workers will be needed in Maine in the next 10 years
    • 44 Median Age of Mainer
    • Maine had more deaths than births in 2015
    • Maine is older than Florida
    • Maine is the oldest and whitest state
  • Beth Shissler | Sea Bags: Sea Bags is green in product and process, sourcing USA materials and keeping manufacturing and jobs in Maine!  Look for the FIT in the people you bring to your organization. HR is all about cultural fit.
  • Ben Fowlie | Camden Int’l Film Festival:  Don’t shy away from difficult topics; leverage the arts to spark local dialogue and create social change.
  • Laurie Lachance | Thomas College: “Nia” = purpose.  Let your life unfold down an unintentional path, intentionally, and you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be–but, only if you are paying attention during threshold moments.  Pay attention. Listen. Stop. Pause. Reflect.  Ask yourself, “What are my unique gifts?” and seize the opportunities in front of you.
  • Leslie Oster | Aurora Provisions: Slow down and set a place for yourself at the table.  Sharing your gifts and passion with the world will only be fulfilling if you put a seat at the table for YOU.
  • Sara Shifrin | Gould Academy’s Family Ideas Center: View the library as a room full of ideas, possibilities and thinking – it’s not just a room full of books.  Resist the temptation to find solutions; observe, learn, listen, and employ design thinking to bring new ideas to life.
  • Yellow Light Breen | Maine Development Foundation: There is a distinct difference between feeling comfortable and fitting in. Sector jargon- “internal languages” – get in the way of making change; ideas matter, people matter, and take time to celebrate success. We all like to be on a winning team.
  • Mike Katz | Camp Sunshine: Working with terminally ill children makes one very humbled and reflective. Acts of kindness make a lifelong impact. Volunteer; make a difference!
  • Heather Sanborn | Rising Tide Brewery: Ask the ones you love around you what they want to do in life. “A rising tide lifts all boats” – there is such art and meaning behind naming a child, a non-profit, a business that you are passionate about.  Think about the community and power in “helping a neighbor”, and leveraging the “spirit of collegiality” — the cooperative relationship of colleagues. A collaborative ethos is best; we are all a part of “Team Maine”!

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News Tagged With: Hancock Lumber, Hancock Lumber Company, Kevin Hancock, maine, Maine Home + Design, Maine Live, Maine Magazine, Not For Sale, Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse, Pine Ridge, South Dakota

New York Times Features Kevin Hancock!

March 10, 2016 by Kourtney McLean 12 Comments

KH_NYT2016

The New York Times features Kevin Hancock in their March 9th online article titled, “A Lumber Executive Loses His Voice and Finds Balance”.Writer Jennifer Van Allen recounts the past decade and Kevin’s journey – how losing his voice led to a series of unexpected events, ultimately helping Kevin redefine his role as CEO and share power more broadly within the 6th generation, family-owned organization led by its 458 employees. Anyone interested in learning more about leadership, opening oneself up to new ideas and experiences, and living beyond the definition of  “roles” should take a look at this article and learn more about Kevin’s book.

What a day when the New York Times features your story! It is an honor to share these opportunities and lessons beyond the state, and connect with like-minded leaders around the country. Pick up your copy of The New York Times tomorrow, March 10th and share in our excitement!

POST WRITTEN BY KOURTNEY MCLEAN

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News, Sioux Indian Reservation Tagged With: Hancock Lumber, Jennifer Van Allen, Kevin Hancock, New York Times, Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse, The Seventh Power

Bethel Sawmill – Book Day!

November 18, 2015 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

Books for BethelI spent the day at our sawmill in Bethel, Maine yesterday.  At the end of the work day, I gave each of the 103 people who work there a copy of my book, NOT FOR SALE – Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse!

The day before I had personalized each book…took almost 3 hours!

I wanted to do that as a show of respect.  I never want people at Hancock Lumber to feel like they are only wanted for their physical work.  I want every person to feel important for their ideas and opinions.  That’s really what my book stands for…strengthening voices…at home and at Pine Ridge!

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News, Sioux Indian Reservation Tagged With: Bethel, Bethel sawmill, Employee Engagement, Hancock Lumber, Leadership, maine, Strenghtening voices

Spreading the word!

November 17, 2015 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

19576_280220683595_3109022_nSunday, I did a book talk at the Casco Library (my hometown library)!  1/2 of my former english teachers were there! That was a little overwhelming!  Sold 20 books.

Yesterday we shipped 12 books from on-line orders to 7 different states!

Today I am giving a book to all 103 people who work at our mill in Bethel.  Every voice matters!  In addition, we are hosting a group of medical professionals from Central Maine Health Care at the mill today.  We are sharing lean strategies for making the voices of employees and customers stronger in health care and manufacturing.  I am giving them all a copy of the book!

The word is spreading!  In the end, it’s all one tribe!

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News, Sioux Indian Reservation Tagged With: Bethel, Casco Public Library, Central Maine Health Care, CMHC, Hancock Lumber Company, Lakota, maine, Not For Sale, Pine Ridge

NOT FORGOTTEN

May 29, 2015 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

Not Forgotten!I spoke today at the annual Maine Youth Leadership Conference (MYL) (www.maineyouthleadership.org). MYL is one of my favorite organizations.  Each year it brings 10th grade “ambassadors” from every high school in Maine to come together for a program of leadership development, social tolerance and personal exploration.  For the past two years I have given the Friday morning talk to the group, during which I have shared my learnings and adventures at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

My talk explores five themes:

  1. Overreaching. Those who hold the power in organizations often over reach.  They go too far.  Overreaching has consequences.  The conquest of the tribes of the Great Plains during America’s western expansion is one such example (from which there are still  communities among us trying to recover).
  2. We all come from a tribe. We all come from a tribe (family, neighborhood, community, region).  Our tribes pull on us all to act a certain way and to do certain things.  But we are all here on this earth to individuate; we are all here to hear our own callings and become the person our soul wants to be.
  3. When we serve ourselves we strengthen our tribe. In this respect, being selfish is selfless for when we find the people, places and activities that truly inspire us we give the most back to the world we live in.
  4. When it comes to leadership, less is more. In my talk, I share my story of losing my voice to Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD).  SD is a rare voice disorder that restricts speech.  I acquired the disorder in 2009.  Sometimes I can talk freely.  Sometimes I can’t.  SD forced me lead differently and that turned out to be a blessing.  I have since come to believe that every CEO should lose his or her voice, at least for a time.  When you lose your voice, as the leader of an organization you…listen more, ask questions, pick your spots more carefully and share the leadership stage with others.  I have since become passionate about creating organizations where everyone leads and strengthening the voices of every member of the tribe (be it Hancock Lumber or Pine Ridge).
  5. Mitakuye Oyasin. Mitakuye Oyasin is a Lakota phrase that means “we are all related”.  This concept lives at the center of Lakota spirituality and it has scientific principles supporting it.  Lakota philosophy believes that all things that live, have lived or shall live are related as everything that lives come from and returns to the earth.  All living things are comprised of the same elements and particles.  From the earth to the earth.  It is in this way, for example, that the Lakota viewed the buffalo as their “four legged brothers”.  I have come to believe that Mitakuye Oyasin is a hidden revelation for our planet.  Once rediscovered, the idea changes the way people view the world.  The boundaries we see all around us are actually artificial, not real.  In the end, we are all one tribe even though we have convinced ourselves otherwise.

During my talk I told the students at MYL that after the Lakota were defeated in the 1870’s, they were sequestered out of the way on a series of remote reservations.  For the next three generations, American public policy was to “remake” the Indians so they could live successfully in the white world.  Children were removed from their homes (well into the 1950’s and 1960’s) and sent off to unforgiving Indian boarding school to be remade.  Their hair was cut, their dress was changed, their language and customs were forbidden.  They were conquered then colonized.  The effects of this overreaching are still being felt as the reservations on the Northern Plains are to this day among the poorest and most self-destructive places in America.  In elementary school we are taught that “Columbus discovered a new world” but people already lived here.

My experiences at Pine Ridge have shown me that the people who live there have all the skills and talents necessary rise above the transgressions of the past and to soar like their ancestors.  No one needs to save or fix them.  At the same time, the people who live there need to feel recognized, acknowledged and respected.  “They don’t even know we are here,” is a common theme I hear at Pine Ridge.

At the conclusion of my talk, the program coordinators made me wait as a group of students went out in the hall.  A few moments later they returned with dozens of back packs and school supplies they had organized for me to send to Pine Ridge as a gesture that says “you are not forgotten”.  People cried, smiled and celebrated.  A short while later, my Jeep was loaded with backpacks.

A guy from a  lumber company in Maine and a group of 10th graders from the same state were together reaching out to the people of Pine Ridge saying…we are all related…you are respected…you are not forgotten…be well…go forth in peace.

So cool, I thought to myself as I drove away.  Nowhere in my “job description” at our main office in Casco does it say I am supposed to be talking to students at MYL or increasing awareness at Pine Ridge.  We all need to listen for our callings and not lose ourselves in the 24/7 churn of “bigger, better, more”.  It’s all one tribe and each person on this planet is here to individuate and find their own true path.

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News, Sioux Indian Reservation Tagged With: Casco, Hancock Lumber Company, Kevin Hancock, Maine Youth Leadership Conference, MYL, Not For Sale, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Spasmodic Dysphonia

Not For Sale May 2014

July 10, 2014 by Kourtney McLean 2 Comments

[wpvideo C2pwgmob]

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News

Let The Wind Blow Through You (Me and Pine Ridge continued)

October 29, 2013 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

I am writing a book about the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and the people of Oglala Sioux Tribe who live there.  Along the way I enjoy sharing my experiences through pictures I have taken.  This video follows my third visit to the Reservation where I; participated in a dedication ceremony for a new house that was built from materials our company (Hancock Lumber) donated, attend Pow-Wow and the annual rodeo, visited Black Elk’s abandoned cabin and traveled to the Black Hills to climb Harney Peak where I gave a prayer in honor of Black Elk and the Lakota people.

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I encourage you to read the book ‘Black Elk Speaks’ and stay posted for my book coming in 2014!  Please share this video with others as I am inspired to create more AWARENESS of the history of the Lakota people and more ENCOURAGEMENT for them as they let go of past injustices and build an independent future for themselves, their families and their communities.  The spirit & depth of this video is meant to be watched on an I-Pad or computer (not a phone).  It just requires a quiet 15 minutes for reflection.  Thank you!  Doksa Ake!

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News

An Employee Led Company

October 2, 2013 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

The Maine based construction company Cianbro has a sign up on their conference room in Pittsfield that simply reads, “No one in this room is smarter than all of us.” Another quote I like is, “If both of us always agree, one of us isn’t necessary.”

Back in April I toured every location to sit in on employee focus groups. At each mill and store I sit with 8-9 employees and hear their thoughts on their work experience at Hancock Lumber. I really am interested in people’s perspectives on our company. I describe these sessions as ‘No Judgment Zone’ discussions. I think we can all spend too much time evaluating people’s views to determine if they are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ instead of just listening to what people have to say and respecting their perspective.

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH: There is no single truth about anything. Different people see the same topic from their own unique view. Getting every view heard is critical to gaining understanding. Gaining understanding is the first ingredient in improving.

Speaking up is a team sport. Managers need to ask lots of questions and listen with interest. Employees need to take responsibility for getting more involved in idea sharing and decision making. The more you lead, the better we will do. It is easy to fall into the stereotypical trap of letting the ‘bosses’ make the decisions, but please know that I do not want that for our company. I want you to think of Hancock Lumber as your company as much as you possibly can. What you see and what you think is a really important. The invitation for employee leadership is extended; the more YOU lead, the more YOU speak up, the better WE will do and the more valuable you will feel. We don’t have to agree all the time! In fact, think about how boring and limiting that would be if we did.

I have seen a lot of people get brave, take a deep breath and speak out at focus group meetings and it really inspires me every time it happens!

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News Tagged With: employee led company, Hancock Lumber

Customer Quote

April 5, 2013 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

“Customer intimate companies don’t deliver what the market wants, but what specific customers want. Their employees make sure that EACH customer gets EXACTLY what he or she REALLY wants.”

This is one of my favorite quotes for our business and I use it all the time – it is on pine plaques spread across the company, as well as in my email signature.  Our collective job at Hancock Lumber is to listen to our customers and deliver exactly what they need and want, day in and day out.

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News

Hancock Lumber named MITC Exporter of the Year

April 4, 2013 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News

Working Together

April 4, 2013 by Kourtney McLean Leave a Comment

Accuracy_blog

I have often found in business that the most powerful concepts are right in front of us in plain sight. Builders and suppliers have always “worked together” but today at Hancock Lumber we see a much deeper commitment forming that is redefining what this means. In our new economy ACCURACY and EFFICIENCY are the keys to increasing profitability. When there was more than enough work to go around the supply chain inefficiencies could be dismissed or “out run” because everyone had so much work. Today, improvement comes from better planning and more collaboration designed to get things right the first time.Team sports have been a big part of my life. What I love most about this business is that we need each other to be successful and that our interests are aligned. When an order is filled on time and accurately we both win. When an order is incomplete, wrong or late we both lose. Getting things right is MISSION CRITICAL to you AND to Hancock Lumber.Across our company today I see builders and Hancock representatives coming together like never before to PLAN together to make orders accurate and efficient. In the last four years we have reduced credits (mistakes) in shipping and billing by 66%! In just the last 6 months we have increased our average delivery size by 35%! FEWER – BIGGER – MORE ACCURATE transactions benefit everyone. For our customers, reducing paperwork, reducing credits, reducing shipments simply means more time for YOUR core activity of building, selling and servicing your customers. Together we are making material procurement more streamlined and efficient and I am super excited about the benefits this will bring to our customers and company in the years to come. Time invested to get it right the first time is high value added activity and I see us partnering with our builders like never before to accomplish this. We are truly committed to being BUILT TO DELIVER for you! Thank you for playing a leading role in accuracy and efficiency!

Filed Under: Hancock Lumber News

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