Is Your Concept of Strategic Planning Dated?

Truth be told, I have been a classic strategic planner for over 20 years. 

I’ve held senior level executive positions in numerous corporate settings with responsibility for facilitating and writing “Strategic Plans"in collaboration with leadership teams and Boards.   I’ve helped numerous small businesses and nonprofits with their strategic planning processes. And people have been happy with my work.

I guess I’m good at it.

And I’ve learned a lot.

So, with all this experience why would I advocate for doing away with classic strategic planning. I’ve made a good living practicing this discipline.

First, I’m a big champion for taking time to pause every year and check in with other leaders and get honest about where the organization is today, and where it is going.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  I’m also a fan of using data and analytics, what we call internal and external assessments, to inform the discussion. This just makes just good sense.  However, I don’t like that it is generally an annual event primarily just with leaders.

I also have difficulty with the output of Strategic Planning.  What often emerges is a plan that looks slick and beautiful on a shelf as executives pat themselves on the back believing they have done their due diligence as leaders.  The problem is that these become static documents.,  Even though as a facilitator, I always emphasize that the plan needs to be dynamic, people get wed to the plan. 

Yes, we want strategic planning to provide direction. We want the plan to reflect prioritization of efforts.  We want the plan to provide focus and clarity. Traditional strategic planning delivers on this promise, but for just a brief window of time. 

Today the world moves too quickly to stay locked into a single plan even when we commit to revisiting it quarterly. From the outset, the plan needs to be nimble and to accommodate change.  It needs to be inspiring and motivating to a workforce that consists of more and more Millennials, and multicultural values. It needs to be an engagement process, a continuous dialog about being responsive to customers, employees, partners.  It needs to be MORE CREATIVE.

Enter “Strategic Visioning.”A process, a discipline of embedding strategic thinking into the DNA of all employees.

It is a process that is more continuous and ongoing, and often led by middle managers and their staff -- those closest to the customer. Sure it helps to get 4-6 strategic directions emerging from a session with top leaders. But this is only a framework, passed on to the rest of the company for a reality check and creation and actualization of tactics.

Fact is, this process creates more ownership and accountability for the strategic vision among all employees.

And innovation ensues.

I advocate for convening “think tank” sessions with top leadership to determine strategic directions, which are forwarded on to mid-level managers for flushing out opportunities around the what, how and when.

I advocate for management training to create a culture of daily strategic thinking.

I advocate for training around creativity and right-brain thinking that leads to out-of-the-box innovations.

I advocate for transparency of data and information with managers around strategic directions.

I advocate for flexibility and pivoting within the framework of strategic directions with permission to make changes.

I advocate for more listening to staff, who may uncover strategic opportunities WITH customers and partners.

I advocate for telling the Emperor, “He has no clothes” – challenging strategies with courage.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Traditional strategic planning needs an overhaul to be more responsive, flexible and accommodate the rapid market and demographic shifts occurring daily in our world today.

It’s time for a new model. It's time for Strategic Visioning.

How a Homeless Army Vet Taught Me the Ultimate Content Lesson on Easter

"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it."

- C.C. Scott

Coming up with a great story idea or content for a blog post ain't easy.

So when I'm desperate for inspiration, which is more times than not, I go to my usual sources. Doing Google searches on a particular topic, reading quotes from the content sages and visiting my favorite IPA emporium all have helped me become a bit more inspired.

But this Easter, I was reminded of how such angst about content is so unnecessary thanks to a US Army Ranger veteran I met underneath the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge.

You see, I was with a group that cooks and serves for friends on the streets here in Portland every other month. Part of our service is socializing with these wonderful souls who are doing the best they can given their circumstances.

Enter Robert. This 40ish sturdy looking and articulate guy told me his story about serving as an Army Ranger in the first Gulf war. How he and his squad of four, on his last day of duty in the "desert," were being dropped into Kuwait to investigate a potential uprising by the enemy.

It was night, of course, and three of his brothers already stood on the ground after being gently dropped from the helicopter that carried them. Now just as Robert got onto the rope to join his fellow soldiers the aircraft came under enemy fire. Bullets whizzed by him and the pilot immediately started moving around to dodge the high-powered ammo coming their way.

As the rope violently swayed back and forth, Robert held on tightly for a few seconds but he carried a fully loaded pack and lost control of his grip landing violently on the ground 60 feet below. Upon impact, he blew out both his ankles and his legs buckled underneath him.

When he regained consciousness, he was lying on a bed in an US armed forces hospital in Germany. The doctors told him two things. First, he was lucky to be alive. Secondly, he would never walk again.

At that point during our conversation on Easter afternoon, Robert glanced away for a moment and then looked me straight in the eyes. He said he informed those surgeons, "That was not going to happen. No way." And then he continued to tell me about his 3 1/2 year odyssey of VA challenges, surgeries, rehabilitation, more surgeries and more rehabilitation.

But guess what? He's on his feet and walking again.

Without a cane.

Without a walker.

Without a limp.

Talk about steely resolve.

And then it really hit me. I finally got it.

That the greatest source of inspiration for content is all around us.

It's called humanity.

The stories of men and women who surround our everyday life serve as powerful reminders that nothing is more inspiring than the journeys so many of us are on.

Stories about life and death. Fortune and poverty. Health and sickness. Love and heartbreak.

So the next time you've hit a roadblock, whether it be for content or for life, let me make a suggestion.

Don't go to the usual places. Push yourself out of your comfort zone.  

Take a walk through downtown. Go the park. Serve a meal under a bridge.

And start a conversation with the people around you. Lean into a chat with someone who may be down on her luck. Engage with a fellow traveler who is nothing like you.

My bet is it will not only fuel your content. It may give you a new sense of appreciation for humanity.

A Spoonful of Creativity Keeps the Doctor Away

 

"Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous."
- Bill Moyers

Snatches of Daily Creativity
Some days just drag…and those are the days I feel more anxious, bored, and even depressed. But there is an antidote.  More research is coming out on the value of just small doses of daily creativity to help energize and generate a positive mood. It helps relieve stress which we know is good for our health. As writer Kirsten Nunez shared, “Creative activities are literally therapy for your mind…and  a creative outlet can really improve your mental clarity.” 

Well, we all can use a little of that during the day. And when we use our right brain to do something creative, we tap into different ways of thinking that help our problem-solving skills at work. So take a moment away from the screen, pull out some markers, pencils or camera and snatch some time to be creative. Doodle. Write a Haiku poem. Take an “artsy” photo. It’s good for you and those around you. 

Take a small break today and be creative! 

It's Time to Weed: Out With Negativity

It has been a record setting wet winter, and the spring vegetation is particularly lush. This… includes the growth of new weeds, some that I have never seen before. I look outside my window and know it’s time to devote a weekend to weeding. 

A time to clean out those plants that offer little to the garden.

It’s actually quite rewarding once the weeding is complete. I do it every spring, and the whole garden feels renewed, ready to produce flowers of beauty. It’s like spring cleaning, a chance to start fresh.

Organizations often need weeding too. Taking the time and effort to renew the team by cleaning out negativity that keeps teams from peak performance and damages morale. 

But sometimes the roots of negativity go deep. They can’t be simply eliminated with a good trowel.

The first step is understanding how the culture permits and allows negativity to flourish. 

According to Gary S. Topchik, the author of Managing Workplace Negativity, “Negativity is an increasing problem in the workplace, and is often the result of a loss of confidence, control, or community.”

Unfortunately, the negativityoften starts at the top – where managers who are critical, accusatory and model a behavior highlighting the flaws of individuals versus the positive traits.  It becomes a work structure that is focused on individual “heroes,” not the team andwhere it is all about winning and competition among staff.  All these factors contribute to a workplace that evokes negativity and fear.

So as a conscientious leader, how can you diagnose negativity so you can weed it out. Here are some indicators:

·         Are rumors rampant in your office?

·         Do you find people gossiping about others?

·         Do you see cliques emerging in the workplace, with people being left out?

·         Are staff members reluctant to volunteer for new projects or committees?

·         Is there more absenteeism than normal?

·         Are there rumblings about favoritism or being passed over?

These are all signs that it’s time to start some interventions. A well-known HR Consultant, Susan M. Heathfield states, “Whatever the cause of the workplace negativity, you must address the issues. Or like a seemingly dormant volcano, they will boil beneath the surface, and periodically bubble up and overflow to cause fresh damage.”

What do healthy companies and their managers do? Here are 8 keys….

1.       Practice frequent and open dialog with each employee, listening to their concerns and their opinions.

2.       Become more transparent, sharing organizational changes with employees as you learn of them.

3.       Create an organizational structure that is team based rather than an individual based hierarchy.

4.       Include performance reviews and rewards based on group success, not just the individual’s success.

5.       Be courageous and if there is a “bad egg” in the group, recognize they do not fit within your culture and create a path for their exit.

6.       Host an offsite training session around style differences, and the need to honor and respect the value each one brings to the table. “The sum is greater than any part.”

7.       Don’t forget to look at policies that may be fostering negativity, e.g. work hours, pay, benefits, assignment of overtime hours, comp time, dress codes, office location, flexibility to work offsite etc.

8.       Offer training and development opportunities to ALL staff.  And support staff in career growth,

What are other ways to weed out the negativity?  Please share your ideas.  So we can all have a fresh “garden,” renewed and thriving.

Don't Retreat Into Silence....

The Sounds of Silence…

"Hello darkness, my old friend..."
 – Simon & Garfunkel

Connecting Emotionally
Released in 1966, during the intensity of the Vietnam War, the lyrics of poet /songwriters Simon and Garfunkel spoke to the inability of people to communicate with others, especially on an emotional level --- preferring silence and the comfort of darkness. The words may ring true today, as people confused and troubled by polarizing rhetoric often found on social media, find it easier to withdraw and retreat into silence. 

It’s so tempting to stick our heads in the sand in an attempt to avoid conflict and disagreement with friends and family. Yet, it seems regardless of political position, it is important to reach out and create opportunities for dialogue to better understand one another. It is a time of understanding and education…to learn from others by walking in their shoes. 

Silence can be beautiful, meditative, and peaceful.  But silence is not an excuse for saying nothing about injustice – or not listening to the voices of those unlike us, who are hurting for this is what surely creates darkness.  

Here is their poignant song for those of you who remember. 

Lesson in Authenticity: Will the Real Tom Hering Please Stand Up?

"Why?"

I asked myself over and over as I struggled to write the content for the rebrand of my website.

Is my current version really that dated? Too hollow? Too lacking in emotion?

The litany of questions continued inside my confused content writer head for awhile until I found the real (read: heartfelt) reason.

The truth is, that content was a “lite” version of the contemporary Tom. The “30% less” option of who I am right now. In fact, the old content I wrote over two years ago was just not relevant to me anymore.

It was not the authentic me.

And I knew that without a doubt after crafting my manifesto and discovering my one word (Thanks Evan Carmichael).

You see, for the past three years, I’ve amped up my volunteer game. Call it a sense of purpose, call it about time, but I've been working with several organizations helping the homeless in our community. And the plain and simple truth is that the 8 to 10 hours I put in a month fills my cup, and then some.

Such experience has transformed the way I feel about myself.

And the work I do.

No longer was I solely interested in helping market just any product or service.

For me, it is now all about mission-driven organizations. Businesses, NPOs and benefit companies who seek and work toward a world focused on equity, social justice and environmental issues.

Who believe in and practice the 4 P’s (People, Planet, Purpose, Profit).

Who truly want to make an impact.

And that's what this volunteering thing has done for me.

When you see the faces of poverty up close and personal — from teens to senior citizens, from physically-challenged to drug-addicted, from just barely surviving to hopeless — you can’t help but be moved emotionally. You feel it in your heart. And yes, you feel it in your soul.

Which has everything to do with my new web content.

You see, my earlier website was written from my head. As a result, it had no pulse, no emotion and no reason for anyone to connect. Least of all the organizations I truly respected and wanted to do work for.

But that all changed as I started thinking and truly caring about the humanity that surrounds me. And then, ah-hah, I found the authentic me.

American researcher and author Brene Brown says:

"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are."

I could not agree more.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

"Save something wild, if only your imagination."
- Bonnie Gisel

Spice It Up…
Peace, quiet, tranquility. Something many of us yearn for, particularly in our frenetic personal and professional lives. This is all well and good, but in our search for simple contentment, let’s not forget the pure joy of the imagination…to dream, explore and go “where the wild things go,” to use Maurice Sendak’s memorable prose.

Spice it up and do something unpredictable. Surprise your staff with something out of the norm to make them laugh and have fun. Shake up your wardrobe, try new foods, reach out to someone very unlike yourself. Try a new exercise routine. Be creative and experiment with new ideas and directions.  Maybe even break of few of those stodgy rules you can’t remember why you follow.

Spring is about new beginnings, so why not take a walk on the wild side?

Trilliums Teach: Some Things Are Sacred in the Workplace

This past weekend I took a mini-hike in a pocket forest near my  house and discovered the  arrival of spring Trilliums. They always seem so mystical to me – drawing me in with their white or purple petals, but yet feel somewhat foreign and untouchable. 

As a child, when we would go walking or playing in the woods, my mother was always very clear about not picking the trilliums. We could look, admire, but we couldn’t touch. They are beautiful flowers of the spring, but the story goes that if you pick them, they will never grow back. That’s sad for a little kid, and sobering to an adult, as we read about plant species disappearing. I guess the hope is that everyone’s Mom told them the same thing, and we can protect these special gifts from Nature.

Then I started to think, maybe it is just a myth. So since curiosity is my middle name, I looked it up. Here is what Wikipedia told me:

“Picking parts off of a trillium plant, flowers, stems, can kill it, even if the roots are  left undisturbed.  Picking them seriously injures the plant by preventing the leaf-like leaves below the flower  from producing food for the next year, killing the plant and ensuring none will grow in its place.  Some species of trillium are listed as threatened or endangered.  In the US it is illegal to pick them in Michigan and Minnesota.  In New York it is illegal to pick the red trillium.  I also learned that it takes about 15 years to grow a trillium from a seed.  All the more reason why these are so precious."     

So Mama was right. Leave the trilliums alone! 

As I closed my browser, I started to think of things in our workplaces that should remain sacred and not messed with. There are so many different work cultures and environments,  but here are a few practices, that I think are certainly worth not touching:

1. The opportunity to make mistakes. We find powerful learning opportunities when we make a mistake. Let’s not throw out that business practice.

 2. An employee’s right to be quiet during the day…without feeling compelled to chat or engage with everyone.  Some days we just don’t want to talk, and it’s okay to chill.

3.  Ability to stretch, flex, and move around. Employees aren’t meant to sit 8 hours straight.  Research proves it's bad for your health.  People need to move around while at work. It’s a sacred principle that saves companies money in healthcare claims.

4. And my all -time favorite: The Golden Rule within the workplace. Let's keep it sacred and don’t try to justify why we aren’t following it. Like the Trillium, the Golden Rule will become extinct if don’t revere it as something valued and precious.

What are some other universal sacred "trilliums” in the workplace that shouldn’t be touched? Share your thoughts here.

Finding Your Personal "Brand"

"All greatness of character is dependent on individuality. The man who has no other existence than that which he partakes in common with all around him, will never have any other than an existence of mediocrity."
-  James F. Cooper

Your Own Special Recipe:
It may require just a pinch, but we all have that one special ingredient added to our favorite recipe to make it unique and create a dish, beverage or dessert that stands out, different from anyone else’s. The same thing applies to us as leaders. We all have a unique individuality that differentiates us from others.

Call it your personal brand or value proposition. Maybe it is a self-effacing sense of humor. Maybe it is deep sincerity and authenticity.  Maybe it is an extra pinch of kindness. Maybe it is an undying commitment to social justice. Or maybe it is a sense of humility and compassion that creates rapport. It is our identity, that connects us to others, be it staff, customers, clients, or partners. Make that special ingredient a positive one, not a negative one and let it shine from your persona each day. 

Lesson from the Malecon: The Value of "Hanging Out"

It’s a magical hour.

An hour of camaraderie where you see families, friends, lovers, dogs, strollers, wheelchairs and bikes.  In Italian, we call it the evening “passegiata.” In La Paz, Mexico, it’s the afternoon stroll on the Malecon.  Generally, between6 - 7pm just as the sun sets over the bay.

Every city should have a Boardwalk…a Malecon for strolling, connecting, reminding ourselves of community.  It’s an amazing urban design feature creating emotional and psychological benefits. Regardless of age, race or ability, neighbors celebrate the golden moment when life is good and all is possible.  Hope is alive and well as ideas, laughter and goodwill are shared.

Hellos are exchanged, dogs are petted, ice cream is bought, and infants in their father’s arms are mesmerized by the rainbow balloons for sale on the sidewalk. Grandparents (abuelos ) hold the hands of their grandchildren and bend low to whisper stories.

It’s a time when people let go, appreciating the moment of now.

When I think of the Malecon, I am reminded how often we are challenged to disconnect from our work-lives, carrying the burdens of the day.  And often in isolation of one another. Churning thoughts in our heads.  Worried, stressed, our shoulders feel heavy. It’s time to lighten up.

It’s time for the magical hour…

There is positive energy and even re-invigoration, when we can get out of ourselves, and experience with others, the joy of the commons. A community that is diverse yet connected. It’s good for us both personally and professionally.

Studies on aging also tell us that those who stay connected and “social” live longer and remain healthier.  Having a boardwalk or Malecon, helps creates this reality,  but it’s also important to make the commitment and then take the step to“hang out with others.”

What aboutthose of us without a Boardwalk or Malecon, you ask? Well, here are three ideas to connect socially with people around us:

·         Dog parks are great places to meet neighbors

·         Instead of getting a “coffee to go,” make a ritual of sitting in a coffee shop and even engage with others, rather than just checking your phone

·         Volunteer to pick up litter, plant trees, or clean a neighborhood park 

There are many other ideas and I challenge you to find and commit to your own magic hour.  A time to reach out, smile, and connect with those around us. 

A time to hang out.

It's the Simple Things

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
- Leonardo da Vinci

Let’s admit it. It’s hard to let go of stuff - ideas, processes, habits - that “we own.”  I suppose it’s human nature to take pride in what is ours, of what we contribute as we problem-solve. Yet if we begin to realize that everyone wants their input to be a part of the solution, things soon get pretty complicated and encumbered with everyone’s thoughts.  And with the push to reach consensus, which often means including “everything but the kitchen sink” to reach agreement, clarity is lost.

 I think it’s time to let go of our egos,and pick our battles, for the sake and beauty of simplicity.  It is the clean and simple solutions that may often work the best.  Solutions  we may pass over as we search for intricate and complex ways to address challenges which include “stuff” to keep everyone happy. 

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Who would ever think that Canadian Geese could teach me about stepping outside my comfort zone?

Well, let me explain.

What do you picture when I mention geese? For me, two images stand out in my mind: sometimes, I see a beautiful flock flying in unison as one entity across the autumn sky.Other times, I envision a gaggle of geese in a nearby park while I stand on the periphery trying to navigate messy droppings. In either case, I see them in large groups.

This past weekend, several geese challenged my usual images.

I was visiting our local coffee shop, an inviting spot in an otherwise monotonous strip mall, to drink a latte and read the paper. I looked up and, to my bewilderment, saw two large Canadian geese just strolling, prancing, and sauntering through the busy parking lot, oblivious to traffic and hustle of morning shoppers. They meandered over to the grassy parking strip between cars and—I swear—glanced up very casually at me. Then they went about their business of pecking for interesting tidbits in the grass. 

They seemed very much at ease in a place I figured was way out of their comfort zone. They weren’t scared or intimidated as they hung back, out of the way of motorists.

Their powerful presence in a sea of people and vehicles gave me pause. 

I thought“What gives with the geese?” My practical and rational left brain, reminded me that they probably just wandered over from the little pond in suburbia, about 200 feet away, which was their home. So, I reframed my question in my mind—I wasn’t so much interested in how or why they’d arrived here. Rather, I couldn’t help but wonder how and why they were so comfortable in what seemed to be a threatening, unknown environment.

What happens when we leave our comfort zones in the workplace?

Are there tidbits of “nourishment” waiting for us if we’re willing to stretch beyond our circles? Can we safely leave the security of our departments and explore areas that may be a little foreign? And can we do so with an open mind and willingness to embrace what comes from our new environs—like the two geese?

I believe we can! Here are some tips to help us explore and push against our own comfort zones:

·      Put all expectations of how things should be aside. Be open to different norms and values.

·      Maintain your cool, even when something outside of your comfort zone makes you think and act differently.

·      As you look at departments and staff outside of the safety of your own workplace, consider it an opportunity to learn. Maybe there is a better mousetrap. Ask questions, always respectfully, and consider alternative ways of doing things.

·      And finally, remember that diversity of thought leads to more creativity, and can be quite exciting, especially if the “same old ideas” are starting to bore you, let alone your stakeholders.

Go ahead—step outside of your comfort zone this week! Enjoy a new experience.

“Slow Down…You Move Too Fast”

"Wisely, and slow. They stumble, those that run fast."
 - William Shakespeare

This is a reminder to self, and all those like me, who need to slow the pace a bit and quiet the body and mind. Let me explain:

I’m high energy, productive, quick thinking, and I walk and talk fast. I get things done efficiently and generally ahead of time. True, Corporate America loves these characteristics. But, and there is a huge pause here, these are not necessarily good qualities. The flip side of this persona is impatience to others, and frustration when things don’t move forward according to my time frame.  It’s a personality type that lends itself to stress, worry and even burn out.  

I used to say I was just wired this way, and couldn’t help myself. But that's not the truth. We can choose to slow down, be aware and mindful, without thinking about the next task. It’s a kinder way. And a path to better health. I’m trying with a little bit of inspiration by Simon and Garfunkel's infamous lyrics from the "59thStreet Bridge" song:

Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy

White Truffle Oil, Balsamic Vinegar & Olive Oil: Why Communication Fails

I love variety.

From beer to ice cream, books to sneakers, I always seem to find something to suit my particular taste.

Never has that been more underscored than by my recent visit to a local olive oil and vinegar shop.

I opened the doors and found my eyes greeted with gleaming rows of stainless steel containers holding all kinds of exotic olive oils, vinegars and gourmet truffle oils. Even better, I could sample whatever spoke to my tastebuds.

And so I did.

Which brought up a puzzling question about communication.

How do you truly connect with your audience in this micronized world we now live in?

After all, you might love New England IPAs while I gravitate to Oregon Coffee Stouts. You might prefer mystery novels while I read self-help books. Your political views might go middle-of-the-road while mine lean left.

So how do you make sure your communication is relevant? Here are three critical keys:

1.       First of all, you really need to understand your audience. In this data-centric world we live in, all kinds of research can be found with just a few Google searches. If for some reason you come up empty there, cost-efficient qualitative research can be conducted with a simple SurveyMonkey questionnaire.

2.       Second, talk to someone who is in your audience. Ask them about their fears and concerns. As I've said before, walk in their shoes. Read what they read. Taste what they taste. Feel what they feel.

3.       Third, while crafting your message, make sure you work a common thread through your words, from start to finish. Your research in steps one and two should already tell you what that thread is.

But if you're still stuck and not sure about the underpinnings of your audience, think of the brilliant American psychologist Abraham Maslow. As you know (and he proved more than 70 years ago), everyone wants to:

•    Feel they have a sense of purpose
•    Feel they are loved
•    Feel they are protected

It's a safe bet that through a combination of these three steps, you will be able to communicate with passion and conviction. 

And your message undoubtedly will be memorable.

 Kind of like my tastings of the Black Truffle Oil and Champagne Vinegar.

For our most-read blog post on effective communication, just click here.

Take the Leap

"There are many talented people who haven't fulfilled their dreams because they over thought it, or they were too cautious, and were unwilling to make the leap of faith." 
- James Cameron

Ah…we do love our comfort zone!  After all, it brings a sense of security, knowing what to expect. But it may lull us into maintaining the status quo when a change is “just what the doctor ordered." Stepping into the unknown, whether it is changing jobs or employers, taking a class you know nothing about,  trying a new sport, reaching out to new friends, or making a move, takes courage. But it is through embracing change and stepping outside our comfort zone where we grow and develop.

However, we often prefer to over-analyze, reviewing the pluses and minuses debating with ourselves around making any change. The real test is whether we are willing to “take that leap of faith” and TRUST!  There may be challenges. It may be scary.  Yet, change can be exciting as we see our next chapter, our next adventure. Listen to your intuition. It will give you that nudge and then “go for it!”

"Be willing to step outside your comfort zone once in a while; take the risks in life that seem worth taking. The ride might not be as predictable if you'd just planted your feet and stayed put, but it will be a heck of a lot more interesting." 
- Edward Whitacre, Jr.

Clearing the Cobwebs from the Mind

If you're like me, you have way too many superfluous thoughts crowding your head.

Sometimes we need to clean house and get rid of the cobwebs lingering in those deep recesses of our minds.

I was reminded of this on a recent walk in the woods near my house.  It’s been a rough and stormy winter in the Pacific Northwest.  Snow, ice, record rain and wind greets us daily, and the path we take through the trees gets frequently littered with small twigs and branches fallen from sturdy conifers overhead.  These majestic trees stand strong, straight, withstanding the winter weather.  Perhaps even cleaner with the sturdiest limbs reaching high, unencumbered with the loss of smaller weaker branches, blown down from storms.

They are ready for spring and new growth.

Perhaps we too need to freshenour focus and get rid of those pesky and unnecessary thoughts --  leaving room for the “spring” energy of new directions.  Consider letting go of those unproductive thoughts that serve as detours and keep us from being true to our path, passion, “cause.”

I’ve learned through the practice of mindfulness that old patterns of thinking like those cobwebs in the corners of my house, need to be acknowledged and then cleaned out or ignored (as I often do in my weekly cleaning!)  letting them fall away, like those small branches in the woods.

Too much garbage floats around in my head and it’s time for spring cleaning.

Here is what I am going to do to stay focused with productive and positive thoughts, and get rid of the cobwebs:

1.       Focus on the here and now, and be aware of the experience without engaging the mind

2.       Stop being a “worry wort,” overly thinking about the future and what can go wrong

3.       Remind myself of the best scenarios that can happen, not assume the worst scenarios

4.        Laugh more

5.       Stop focusing on ME

6.       Share kindness every day, and walk in others shoes

7.       Take a walk in Nature and observe, rather than think

Do you practice this "mind clearing" every so often? If so, what works best for you?

To get our book, "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.

Finding the Flow

 

"Igniting your creativity and overcoming your obstacles happens when
you are 'in the flow.'" 
- Deepak Chopra

Call it “in the zone."  Call it “in sync."  We have all been there. Those times when time flies by, when the work seem effortless and all is in balance.  Psychologists tell us when we are in this space, there is clarity of purpose and the mind is not preoccupied and busy with a million other thoughts  that distract. The mind and body are focused.  And it often occurs when we are pursuing our passion…aligned with what we enjoy doing the most…be it practicing our trade, or actualizing “our gifts.”  There is a natural rhythm and time stops, and a sense of calm and fulfillment result.  And when I am in the  zone  I always feel energized.

Yet the reality of life keeps us in situations where “flow” isn’t always possible.  With full candor, it has taken me many years, many jobs to find my sweet spot of flow. So if there is anything I can share, it is to experiment, try different tasks, assignments, and uncover your “art” and your “cause.”  What you discover may surprise you. It’s not always just what you do well professionally. It is discovering  when you’re completely focused, engaged and enjoying what you’re doing. 

“The idea flow from the human spirit is absolutely unlimited. All you have to do is tap into that well.” 
- Jack Welch

To get our book, "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.

Lesson from Mardi Gras: Why Great Leaders Don't Wear Masks

Do you have strong relationships with the people you work with every day? You know, staff, clients and partners?  

Are they willing to help you fight the good fight with whatever challenge your organization faces?

If you can't answer with a resounding "yes," then let's talk Mardi Gras.

Specifically, the party I attended Saturday night in downtown Portland.

Let me set the stage: picture 400 plus people of all ages wearing their splendid costumes. Fancy masks, decorative beads, blinking holiday lights, all circulated throughout the time-tested Tiffany Ballroom. To say I was "wowed" is an understatement.

In fact, I was totally blown away by one couple who dressed as life-like versions of wild blue herons. Tons of creativity on display as these fun, uninhibited folks sipped their rum-laced Hurricanes and danced to the zydeco-fueled music.

Can you say good time?

Interestingly enough, it  got me to thinking about leadership. Or should I say great leadership. And the big question: do we as leaders really take off our masks? Do we ever fully reveal ourselves, warts and all, to others?

My guess is that for the majority of us, we don't.

Which is a pity because we never will create the powerful relationships with our stakeholders needed to fulfill our missions. The relationships that are built on mutual understanding, respect and trust.

But all that can change quickly if we leaders just adopt three simple practices:

1. Take Off the Mask:  Let your employees and key stakeholders know a little bit more about yourself so they better understand you. Uncovering a bit of your past and life story offers them some understanding of who you are. Be authentic. By being vulnerable, it makes it easier for them to trust and respect you.

2. Stop, Ask and Listen:  Ask more about an employee's background. Let them open up about their personal life so they can share their own challenges or successes. It gives you a better glimpse of what they face in their day-to-day lives and if your organization benefits from their unique perspective. Of course, it builds trust.

3. Seek Their Advice: Great leaders know the power of strong relationships. They seek opinions and advice from people all across their organizations. Both Tom Peters in his book In Search of Excellence and Stephen Covey in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People discuss reaping the benefits of encouraging employees to be more forthcoming and candid. You, in turn, might find a gem that pushes your organization forward toward its mission.

So here's to understanding, respect and trust. May you build upon these powerful characteristics of the world's most admired leaders and their organizations.

The good news is that you don't need a mask to do it.

Oh, and just in case anyone cares, I wore a purple hat, black mask and necklaces of colorful shiny beads. Or as my girlfriend so eloquently stated,  I was the spitting image of a cross between an aging pimp and the Keebler elf.

To get our book, "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.

It's a Journey, Not a Destination...

“I can never forget where I come from.  My soul should always look back and wonder at the mountain I had climbed and the rivers I had forged and the challenges which still await down the road." 
- Maya Angelou

Do you ever wonder about your “path?”  Mine has been circuitous, to say the least. Several career changes, too many bosses, and dozens of roles. Through tears and laughter, I am learning to embrace all the detours and bumps. It is an adventure and in spite of the stumbles, mistakes and successes, I have learned many lessons on my personal and professional journey. And I know it’s not over yet! 

I’ve also earned that “letting go “on a path of self-discovery means recognizing lessons may be anywhere, often in unexpected places and through unexpected people. It’s a journey to peel away the layers to reveal one’s passion, to uncover our unique gifts, and learn how we can serve to the betterment of others and experience life with contentment. 

To that I say, onward!

The Cure for Uninspired Thinking (Hint: 41,000 Pounds)

I hate overwhelm.

When I have too many professional challenges, personal obligations and a frazzled mindset, I feel worthless. My creative thinking, focused energy and big ideas can't be found for the life of me.

And the only true cure for that mental constipation was reaffirmed to me on my recent vacation to La Paz on Baja.

Here's the story...

Upon the suggestion of my business partner, I booked a half-day cruise out  into the Sea of Cortez.

The purpose was simple: to swim with the whale sharks.

Now for those who don't know about this 200-million-year-old species, it is neither whale nor shark. Whale sharks are simply the largest fish in the sea growing up to 11 meters snacking on plankton in about 6-7 warm water areas around the world.

To say that I was fearless as our 18-foot boat motored out from the harbor would be an alternative fact.

Don't get me wrong. I'm adept at swimming in ocean waters learning to swim in the Mediterranean at age 3. Yet possibly coming face-to-face with a fish weighing upwards of 41,000 pounds, well, that would be an eye-opening experience.

We stopped about five miles off shore. After donning a wet-suit and snorkel mask, I jumped into the warm waters. I did so a bit nervously as our guide signaled for us to look down. I dipped my head below the surface and what came through the mask's lens was truly mind-blowing.

Massive white spotted creatures of the sea swimming right in front of my eyes. Even though they stretched out 30-plus feet, these gentle giants swam gracefully and effortlessly.

I was hypnotized. Obviously there was nothing to fear but fear itself.

On the boat ride back into the harbor, I felt that wondrous sensation of an uncluttered mind. To think and feel without encumbrance.  To reflect with clarity. To find perspective.

As my swim with whale sharks reaffirmed to me, fresh experiences do wonders for your mind. You get rid of the clutter. You think better, more creatively and more effortlessly.

Here are four simple ideas to help you out the next time you find yourself challenged by an overloaded mind.

1.       Get Lost: Escaping your workplace and usual environment clears your mind and gives you time to reflect. Just as my trip to La Paz did.

2.       Take a Hike: Okay, so maybe you can't travel out of town. Consider a visit to a local park or scenic natural landmark accompanied by just the sounds of nature. Research studies continue to support the positive benefit between mind/body health and connecting with nature

3.       Have Fun: Do something you love to do. Maybe it's visiting a museum. Attending a concert or music venue. Perhaps doing something physical (my Friday afternoon bike rides in nature is my therapy). Or just talking with a close personal friend.

4.       Show Some Love: Be good to yourself. Get a massage. Take in a movie. Catch 40 winks in your backyard.

Think about all this the next time you feel your thinking is anything but creative, fresh or inspired. And remember: you don't need a plane ride to Baja.

You just need to take your mind where it hasn't been before.

To get our book, "25 Building Blocks To Create a Conscientious Organization" FREE, go to HCollaborative.com for an instant download.