10 things I learned from Dori Monson

My friend and colleague has gone to The Lord, these are some lessons he left

Image from the Seattle Times who slandered Dori on a fairly consistent basis but chose a great photo of a brilliant, loving, dedicated coach who learned that craft by being a brilliant, loving, dedicated Dad and Husband.

I was taking a soak in Coeur d’Alene lake tonight when the text messages were blowing up my phone. My friend and colleague, Dori Monson had died. That took the sting of the 34 degree water off my mind. Instead, I felt the ache of loss, even though I know Dori is with the Lord Jesus.

After a quick shower to forestall hypothermia, I made this video. I did it so quickly, I failed to notice my Mac chose to use its native mic, rather than my pro mic. Sorry for the bad sound.

10 Things I Learned from Dori Monson

Dori Monson was so smooth at his craft it was was easy to think it was easy for him. He was brilliant and talented but Dori would never let it be easy. What happened behind the scenes will tell you more about how he and Nicole Thomson dominated Seattle talk radio and, even with Nicole’s genius and talent, these were not the difference-makers. The ten things I learned from Dori Monson made the difference (they and his booming charisma — which can’t be taught.)

1. Hustle beats smarts and great voices and sometimes it even beats talent

2. You must re-earn your listener’s respect in every show, they owe you nothing

3. During a radio show there is you and the audience . . . there is nothing else.

4. When you find a great producer do everything in your power to take care of them

5. Give others credit for their work, never lift the effort of others

6. Remember when you got your break and be ready to give a break to others

7. Evaluate every show with a critical eye, pretend you are the world’s coldest-hearted boss

8. Ask questions no one else will ask

9. Don’t be afraid to cry on air

10. For every story and every segment as this question: “does my audience care?”