Tavis Smiley

"An inexhaustible good nature is one of the most precious gifts of heaven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of thought, and keeping the mind smooth and equable in the roughest weather." – Washington Irving

"No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit." – Helen Keller

Not that long ago there were meetings held at my workplace that were a joy. There were six of us who regularly met twice a week to discuss changes and concerns at our workplace as team leaders.

Due to a good leader and great team members, we had strong, positive discussions. There were frustrations and occasional catcalling regarding some company decisions, but overall we realized that if we wanted to invoke positive change, it began with our own selves. We worked together to promote those positive attitudes.

I was never certain if it was our team leader or one of our team members, but one of the two brought a box of cards to the meetings for several weeks of meetings. The box of cards was filled with positive thoughts provided by a man named Tavis Smiley. Each of us would take a card. We would go around the room and each would read the thought and explain how it applies to us on either a personal basis or as a team leader.

Does it sound corny? Sure it does. Go ahead and sigh and shake your head. Still, it was effective as a “pick me up”. We really began to enjoy our meetings, not just because of the cards, but by developing a positive attitude as a team. I have participated in many meetings where there was a nearly visible cloud in the room. In our room, there was nearly visible sunshine.

Was that solely due to Smiley and his cards? Of course it was not solely due to the practice. It was due to the team. We bought in and encouraged each other and made our jobs enjoyable. The cards were simply a helpful conduit.


Tavis Smiley was new to me, but has been speaking about politics and a positive attitude for years. Beginning with a commentary on a Los Angeles radio station back in 1991, Smiley has worked hard to grow his career that has included at least three books with titles such as “Doing What’s Right” and “Keeping The Faith” (I have read none of his books, yet.), and hosting and producing a program for the cable channel BET for close to five years.

Today, Tavis Smiley is busy with a radio program on NPR, a television program on PBS and a radio commentary on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show”. He also has a podcast available through public broadcasting that includes clips that come from his NPR program.

This past week, his program had a very diverse group of interviews. Potential presidential candidate Mark Warner, newsman Bill Moyers and musician Bradford Marsalis were among the guests. What drew me to his site were the “Podcast Extras” with such jazz stars as Stanley Clarke, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Jay Beckenstein and Julio Fernandez of the group Spyro Gyra.

In my view, the interviews are insightful. The music he includes on the program is excellent. His enthusiasm is infectious. Tavis Smiley has been developing a career for twenty years, but the best is yet to come. People may want to reject the positive attitude of Smiley as juvenile or silly, but if you listen carefully you realize that he is genuine. Check out the link I’ve included at the left. There is a lot to learn from Smiley and the people he interviews.