Gaining ground
Making connections that move people
Mark Scharenbroich is an Emmy® award winning keynote speaker and humorist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His message helps people become more engaged in their work and their lives.
AWARE: How did you decide to name your organization Nice Bike?
SCHARENBROICH: Quite by accident, I stumbled onto the Harley-Davidson company’s centennial event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I had flown from Minneapolis for a speaking engagement and had rented a Ford Taurus for my trip. Once on the road I was suddenly surrounded by thousands of black-leather, bandana-wearing Harley riders. They had traveled from all parts of the world to celebrate 100 years of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I’ve never been on a Harley, nor have I ever dreamed of owning a Harley. But that day, in my beige rental car, I wanted a Harley. I wanted to be a part of the Harley gathering. As I watched the interactions from biker to biker, two words surfaced that seemed to create a great connection. A stranger would walk by a rider, glance at their Harley and simply say, “Nice Bike.”
AWARE: What did you take away from the experience?
SCHARENBROICH: I realized that beyond the basics, people have two core needs. Number one: We need to belong – to a family, a tribe, a faith community, a great company, a united team, a group of motorcycle riders. Secondly, we need to feel connected. We all need to hear, “Nice Bike,” which translates to “I see you, I hear you and I appreciate you.” In effect, it says you belong and you are important. It says this community is a better place because you’re in it. “Nice Bike” is a manager taking the time to let you know how much you mean to an organization.
AWARE: How does this translate into making meaningful connections?
SCHARENBROICH: Nice Bike is two words with three parts. First it is an Acknowledgement of others. It’s letting people know that who they are and what they do matters. Acknowledgement is giving as much value to the front line worker as you would to an upper-level manager. Secondly it is Honor: Nice Bike is honoring people and knowing what’s important – not to ourselves – but to them. It’s offering a heartfelt affirmation and validation. It’s giving a sincere compliment, not because of what it will do for you, but because of what it will do for the other person. It’s serving others with a sense of passion. Third it’s the way we Connect: It’s creating a bond – large or small – that makes a difference in the life of someone else.
Let me cite an example. I spoke in Chicago for Encompass, a national property-casualty insurer. Following my presentation the president of Encompass, Cynthia Young, came back to the podium to thank everyone who’d worked so hard to put the meeting together. She asked each of the 12 planning team members to stand up, and said, “I want to thank each and every one of you for putting so much time into making this meeting a turning point for all of us.” Cynthia went on to share something about each person’s life. She talked about their hobbies, their families and their service in the community – something unique about each person. Young acknowledged, honored and connected with every member of her team that day.
AWARE: Can you give another Nice Bike example?
SCHARENBROICH: Yes. I attended a 40th birthday party for a friend, Tim Line, who is married to Lori Line, the virtuoso pianist. In the middle of the party, Lori gathered everyone together for a toast to Tim. Tim then introduced each of the guests and told how they were connected to him. He recognized everyone and said how honored he and Lori were to have them in their lives. It was Tim’s night, but he really made it about his guests. It was a true Nice Bike experience.
AWARE: What you’re saying is that Nice Bike is about much more than motorcycles.
SCHARENBROICH: Yes, it is. Nice Bike is about making meaningful connections and making a difference in someone’s life. Make the call, write the note or send an e-mail to acknowledge, honor and connect with someone. It could be a stranger, a co-worker or a family member. Acknowledge, honor and find a way to connect with them. Find out what they value and Nice Bike them. It makes for a fun ride.
Scharenbroich’s book Nice Bike; Making Meaningful Connections on the Road of Life, (2010) EchoBay Publishing, Minnetonka, Minnesota is available on his web site, www.nicebike.com or on Amazon.com.
