Author Archives: Rusty Rueff

About Rusty Rueff

Rusty Rueff, author of purposed worKING. Rusty Rueff is the former Chairman Emeritus of The GRAMMY Foundation in Los Angeles. He most recently completed the successful 16 month leadership role as Coordinating National Co-Chair for Technology for Obama (T4O) for the reelection of President Obama and ten-years of Board service and President of the Board of Trustees of the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Corporately, most recently Rueff was the Chief Executive Officer at SNOCAP, Inc. until the acquisition of the company by imeem, Inc. in April 2008. Before joining SNOCAP in 2005, he was Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Electronic Arts (EA) from 1998 until 2005. He was also with the PepsiCo companies for more than ten years, with the Pratt & Whitney division of United Technologies for two years, and in commercial radio as an on-air personality for six years. Rusty holds an M.S. in counseling and a B.A. in radio and television from Purdue University. In 2003 he was named a distinguished Purdue alumnus, and he and his wife, Patti, are the named benefactors of Purdue’s Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Visual and Performing Arts. He is a corporate director of Glassdoor.com and runcoach. He is the co-founder and Executive Committee Member of T4A.org, serves on the Founding Circle of The Centrist Project and a founding Board Member of The GRAMMY Music Education Coalition. He is also the co-author of the book Talent Force: A New Manifesto for the Human Side of Business. Rusty and his wife, Patti, reside in Hillsborough, CA and Charlestown, R.I.

day 591: Displacement: Part 3, Harsh Words

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We all know the language that we use at work has a huge influence on our reputation and our ability to influence, be successful and also be an example to others. Let’s assume that if you are reading this that you have already committed to (or are working on) removing words that we know to be not acceptable in living the type of life that we desire. So, since those words have been eradicated then let’s explore the other words that just because they don’t come in four letters, can be just as damaging. What we want to have flowing from our mouths are words of encouragement and words that reinforce an optimistic and uplifting sentiment. But, in order to have those words be the natural stream that flows we have to remove, or displace, those words that do not set that tone. These words, which are much harsher, have to go away in order for the other better words to become a part of our regular vocabulary. If we constantly use harsh or bitter words then the same mouth will struggle to be filled with kindness, gentleness or encouragements. It would be so much easier if one size fit all and there was a list of words that we could practice removing to make room for better others, but it doesn’t work that way because each word for each person means something different and even what we think is easy and not harsh, can be interpreted to be so with different people. This is why we have to work so hard to replace and displace the words that others would think harsh. We each know what the most obvious words are, but we have to dig into ourselves to know which ones mean “what” to others. Paul says that they just have to go; “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words…”. Today, take a few minutes to think about the words that you have been using and which words, directions, criticism, or sarcasm have you been using that have to go so that the other good words have room to grow? Removal of harsh words can be a real game changer in how you can interact and have better relationships with others.

Reference: Ephesians 4:31 (New Living Testament)