reading

‘May I on behalf of everyone at Manchester United who attended your session, thank you for a great presentation. The feedback has been excellent and all very positive, and I know the ideas within your SUMO message are greatly appreciated.’

‘Paul, you did not disappoint. Staff morale needed to be lifted during this period of change and your approach injected new life into our conference. Aside from your truly motivational presentation, we also appreciated the copious amounts of humour.’

‘I know that many people personally thanked you on the night for your inspired message and how they had been challenged to change the way they deal with situations. However, it is remarkable that two months on, the messages that you gave us are still remembered and talked about. Our teaching staff have gone on to give positive “can do” messages to the pupils and frequently refer to SUMO and how we can “Move On” to greater things both as individuals and as a school.’

‘After listening to your presentation I have made some radical changes to my coaching plans and techniques. You have opened up my way of thinking with your extremely motivational and thought-provoking

‘Your day in the store made a big difference. The average score of how people felt able to cope with change moved from 71% to 94%; a great move, especially starting from a reasonable base. Your SUMO ideas are frequently used.’

‘Paul McGee speaks from the heart and has a passion that makes his content even more powerful. This passion isn’t one of those “showman types” but is based on a deep-seated belief in what he has to say and what he has to offer his audience.’

‘Out of all the presentations at the conference, your SUMO principles had the most impact on me. SUMO is spreading like wildfire in South Africa as I tell all and sundry! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.’

‘We live in a complex world. Paul McGee’s messages stand out because they’re clear, simple and above all they work. We have a short time on this planet and we need to make the most of it. SUMO shows you how. By applying these ideas I believe you can make a BIG difference in every area of your life, personally and professionally.’

Paul’s SUMO principles are essential life tools, nothing less. I refer to his seven questions on an almost daily basis. They have been massively useful for dealing with issues both personally and professionally. Paul, I cannot thank you enough.’

By applying the SUMO principles to your life, you will discover how to:

• Define what success means for you

• Be successful AND maintain a balanced life

• Respond honestly and appropriately to setbacks and challenges

• Maintain your motivation after your initial enthusiasm has worn off

• Develop successful relationships with others

• Overcome thinking patterns that can sabotage your success

SHUT UP, Move On - and enjoy the journey.

PAUL McGEE is an international speaker, workshop leader, author of books and audio programmes, and proud creator of SUMO (Shut Up, Move On^®).

Paul’s main aim in life is to help others SUMO, whilst having plenty of fun in the process. He has spread the word about SUMO in 20 countries across the globe. Paul has also worked with major organizations in both public and private sectors world wide. Paul is founder member and fellow of the Professional Speakers Association, a fellow of the Institute of Sales and Marketing and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Personal Development.

When a baby is born there are numerous questions that are immediately asked. Is the baby healthy? How much does it weigh? Have they decided on a name? I’m going to let you into a secret. Authors can be a little bit like parents of a newborn child. Once their book is published, a flood of questions well up instantly. Are the major stores stocking it? Will people find it a good read? Most importantly of all, will it sell?

Well, so far I’ve been delighted with the response to my SUMO book. It seems the messages that I’ve sought to communicate have struck a chord with thousands of people. What has thrilled me has been the range of people who have found the book helpful. One woman told me how her 82-year-old mother had read it (I would have loved to have been present when this lady received a book from her daughter entitled SUMO - Shut Up, Move On) and how her mother-in-law remarked that she wished she had read it when she was 20. Equally, I heard recently from the Director General of the Confederation of British Industry who, having read the book, wanted additional copies to give to some friends and colleagues. He felt that the SUMO ethos was essential for business success.

Although delighted at the response to the book in terms of feedback and sales, I believe personally that the SUMO message needs to spread further. I feel like a football manager whose team has won their opening three matches of the season … it’s a great start, but there’s still a long way to go.

I’m immensely grateful for all the people who’ve contacted me as a result of reading SUMO. Within the first two weeks of the book’s publication, I became wracked with self doubt as to whether anyone would find the book helpful. The following comments, from what were at the time total strangers, gradually helped to replace this tide of uncertainty with a sense of great privilege and personal satisfaction that SUMO was indeed beginning to make a difference.

Paul McGee The SUMO Guy January 2006

Hi Paul, a colleague of mine suggested I read your SUMO book as they wanted to introduce your SUMO principles into the workplace. To be honest, I’m a little sceptical of some of these self-help books, particularly when I knew it was written by a motivational speaker! Well I stand corrected. Having read the book and heard you speak, I’m now a fully signed up convert. Your SUMO principles make a lot of common sense and are written in a way that is easy to grasp and apply to every aspect of life.

Adam Smith,
Director, jjFox

Just wanted you to know that I found your SUMO book both stimulating and instructive. The world of business moves on at such a pace that I believe the SUMO ethos is an essential part of the business persons DNA.

Sir Digby Jones,
Director-General, CBI

I was made redundant on Friday. It was a dull but well paid job - I wallowed (for half a day).

Then, still feeling angry and let down, on my way home, I bought your book in Heathrow Airport and read it from cover to cover while waiting for my flight. I have always been the type of person to see the opportunities when faced with adversity, but your book has given me the insight, courage and determination to pursue my dream career. Thank you!

I recently finished your SUMO book and loved it. I read if looking for better ways to motivate the kids I work with … having finished it, I’m the one who was motivated. I’ve seen the damage we can do to ourselves when we are trapped by our behaviour and past problems. Your SUMO concepts offer an achievable process for overcoming the restrictions of our past.

Loved the book! Was able to pick it up and read it in a day. Got into trouble with my wife though, when I started quoting from it - she’s been telling me much of the same stuff over the past 27 years together!

Brian Bennet,
Communications Director, UCB Radio

I’m an avid SUMO supporter! Our senior management team were recently given your book and I immediately embraced the ideas/concepts. I’m now running a programme for ‘budding’ leaders of the company and they have each received a copy of SUMO. I’ve even developed a short quiz based on your book and have requested that over the next month, they specifically look for ways in which the SUMO principles will help them in the working/personal lives.

Just want you to know what a huge difference your SUMO book has made to my life. I strive to listen to my Inner Coach now and I truly feel positive and good about myself and my life. I have left the demons and mistakes of the past where they belong (in the past) and I have moved on to living the life I want and deserve. Thank you and keep up the good work.

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed your book. Clients and colleagues (I bought several copies) have found the book to be motivational and entertaining. I particularly loved your personal stories which brought the book alive and made it so easy to read.

Helen Ralston,
Director, Personnel Dynamics

I just wanted to congratulate you on your SUMO book. It was a great read and by far and away the best in the self-help category that I have read recently. I coach people for a living and having read a lot of these types of books, believe many fail because they are too abstract or difficult to put into practice. Your book however, is full of practical things you can do straight away to start to make a difference. I particularly liked the ‘Ditch Doris Day’ chapter.

Reading your book has totally changed the way I think and see things. After going through a lot of challenging life experiences the book has helped me to move on and become a happier person within myself.

David Higgs,
Special Needs Teacher

Having recently read your SUMO book, I decided to buy a copy for each member of staff. I’ve found it easy to read, humorous and above all, practical in the solutions it provides to meet the everyday challenges of life! Thank you.

Beverley Owen, Head Teacher

‘Hi Paul. Every now and then you pick up a book which really hits the mark. SUMO is just such a book; extremely thought provoking and humorous. It’s really had a valuable impact on the way I think and act and I will continue to SUMO! Many thanks.

Phillip Sefton,
Vice President Commercial Operations Europe & International, Qiagen Ltd

I’ve written several books. None however has seen me draw upon the wisdom and support of so many people as this one. I am grateful to Roy Sheppard, who first suggested I write about my SUMO philosophy, and to Steve McDermott for all his encouragement and advice in finding a publisher. As for my three Wise Men; Paul Sandham, Tom Palmer and David Broster, your comments regarding the content and style of this book were invaluable.

I was asked recently who inspires me? Many people do. Paul Scanlon, your words helped me raise my game and provoked me to dream big and take action. I’m humbled by the incredible work you and your team are doing in Bradford, a place I see as my second home. As for my friends at the Professional Speakers Association, life is richer for knowing you all. Thanks also to Commander Kate, because your energy, initiative and creativity has been so vital in helping me to move on in my business. Dave Clifford, you’ve shared my highs and lows as a Bradford City fan, and for that, I salute you!

The Capstone team have been great to work with. I feel privileged to have found a publisher who shares my passion for self-development and who has a willingness to be creative in how these important truths are communicated.

And finally to my family. Your unwavering support sustains me. Helen, my wife, business partner and best mate, you continue to be my rock. Matthew and Ruth, I want you both to know that no father could be more proud of their children than I am of you. It’s an honour to be your Dad (just remember who is in charge of the TV remote control - and it’s not you!).

I spent 13 years at school. I learnt a lot. I learnt about algebra, how to use a Bunsen burner, how bad I am at woodwork, a few things about dinosaurs and the joys of life under the Romans. On reflection though, I don’t feel I learnt much about life and how to make the most of it. I explored the inner workings of a frog, but I never learnt about how to understand myself and other people. I learnt to stand up when a teacher came into the room and to hand in my homework on time if I wanted to avoid detention, but I wasn’t taught how to set goals, manage my emotions or how to handle conflict. For me, school prepared me for exams. It didn’t prepare me for life. I appreciate a lot has probably changed in education now, but that was my experience.

If you asked me 12 years ago, ‘would you like your life to be a brilliant and wonderful experience both for you and those around you?’, I would have answered a resounding ‘yes’. However, if you then asked me how I intended to make this happen, I would probably have waffled on for several minutes before coming to the conclusion ‘I’m not so sure’. But I’ve learnt a lot over the last few years. My answer now would be very different.

Over these next six chapters, you will get to hear what my answers are. They are based on over ten years studying psychology, running my own business and more importantly based on my observations and conversations with tens of thousands of people. My job as a professional speaker and my experience of running workshops on subjects related to ‘people, motivation and communication’ has given me a fascinating insight into what does and doesn’t work in people’s lives. My work has taken me from Tanzania to Todmorden, from Hong Kong to Halifax, from India to Islington and from Malaysia to Manchester. Whatever the country, whatever the culture, I learnt this - people are basically the same. They have similar hopes, dreams and challenges. They want to improve their lives, be happy and create a better future for their children. Of course there are differences, but if you dig beneath the surface, you find overwhelming similarities.

A few years ago I came across the phrase SUMO. I don’t recall who said it but I do remember what it stood for - Shut Up, Move On. To some people this seems like a rather aggressive statement, but let me explain what I mean when I say ‘Shut Up, Move On’. Firstly, I am not suggesting people simply need to ‘get over it’ or ‘pull themselves together’ (although there may be occasions when both these responses are necessary). Neither does it mean ‘forgive and forget’ or ‘just ignore reality and get on with life’. SUMO for me captures the essence of what I believe are the key truths around success and fulfilment. Let me elaborate.

When I was a child I learnt the Green Cross Code. It was a code intended to keep children safe when crossing the road. I learnt the phrase ‘Stop, Look and Listen’. When I use the words ‘Shut Up’, I am encouraging people to stop what they’re doing, take some time out and look at their lives and reflect on how they are thinking and behaving. I want people to listenSU