 Pink is a nationally acclaimed author of five books, including
long-running New York Times best-seller "A Whole New Mind and
Drive." His latest book, "To Sell is Human," is a No. 1 New York
Times business best-seller, a No. 1 Wall Street Journal business
best-seller and a No. 1 Washington Post nonfiction best-seller.
Yet there he was in E-4, "all dressed up" as he said, in T-shirt and
spectacles at his home office, to spend an hour with Professor
Michael Gowin's students. They had just finished reading Pink's "To
Sell is Human."
Pink believes the days of "if-then incentives" are over, or will
be shortly. Instead, he advocates a business philosophy that allows
for autonomy and creativity in employees rather than a bygone system
of routine reward.
"Can you see my bobblehead collection?" Pink asked the class to a
round of chuckles, setting the tone for the hour.
He opened the session with a brief talk about how his works come
about, how the vulnerability of emails and conversations with his
readers, even if it's criticism, helps fuel ideas that get stronger
through those exchanges —
ideas he would not have considered otherwise.
"I appreciated the time Dan Pink took to Skype with our class,"
said Paris Williams, a senior psychology major. "He seemed very
intentional about getting honest feedback from us regarding his
book. He definitely catered to his customer and did not make the
visit all about him."
Gowin, associate professor of business administration, says most
of his students are planning to work in for-profit business sectors.
LCU's Business Administration program prepares its students for
success in the business field by developing Christian character and
work ethics along with business applications and professionalism.
Gowin fuses a distinctly Christian worldview of business with the
expertise of professionals in the field. Last year, his class Skyped
national author, journalist and marketing consultant Chris Brogan.
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 So when Pink asked the students what the "one thing" was that
most influenced them from his book, the ice broke and the
conversational pace he desires with his readers progressed rather
easily.
"The biggest lesson I got from Mr. Pink was his advice to us as
young people," said Bethany Rea, a senior business administration
major. "He told us to always work hard and take more risks because
they will not always be presented to us. He also advised us to truly
care about what we sell or promote —
to be an expert and to treat all customers exceptionally.
"It was a very beneficial Skype session," Rea added. "We heard
from a published author and got advice that will be useful as soon
as we graduate and enter the workforce for ourselves."
Pink's books have been translated into 34 languages and have sold
more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Gowin's Marketing II
Skype visit
with Daniel Pink may be viewed in its entirety on
LCU's
YouTube channel at
www.lincolnchristian.edu.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln Christian University]
Established in 1944, Lincoln Christian
University's mission is to equip Christians to serve and lead in the
church, the workplace, and the world. Today, LCU offers a variety of
degree programs for undergraduate, graduate and seminary students.
Classes are offered on campus, at extension sites and online. To
learn more, visit
www.lincolnchristian.edu.
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