With a heavy heart, I am writing this blog. I have very few words as I’m overwhelmed by sadness, compassion, shock, disgust and horror at the death of George Floyd. I was having a great day, doing what seemed to be meaningful work with our team for our company. We were grappling with the realities of C-19, the opportunities we have and…
Rainy weather is synonymous with Memorial weekend in Minnesota. And this year had its soggy moments. What I love about rain is that it inspires me to work. I truly enjoy nestling in when it’s rainy and creating. It frees me to stay focused, and when I’m not distracted by the many things calling me to be outside, I’m vigilant,…
8,760. That’s the number of hours you have in a year. 168 hours each week. It doesn’t sound like a lot to me when you consider the number of hours you sleep, the time you spend in the car, getting ready for your day, and other mandatory functions like putting gas in your car, purchasing groceries and other tasks. When you…
If you’re not riding the myriad of emotions offered by Spring of 2020, you are the exception; be grateful. For most of us, we are responding and reacting to daily changes at different paces and measures depending on industry, geography, family circumstances, preparedness at home and with your business, financial security, and overall health. This list of questions is to be paired…
If you’re not riding the myriad of emotions offered by Spring of 2020, you are the exception, be grateful. For most of us, we are responding and reacting to daily changes at different paces and measures depending on industry, geography, family circumstances, preparedness at home and with your business, financial security, and overall health. What kinds of questions should you be asking right…
LFAS, it’s not an acronym to use in a text. This is an acronym Patrick Maloney, CEO from DS & B shared with another participant as an effective method for resolution with a customer. Personally, I believe it transcends customer service and would work in leadership, parenting, and life as well. Listen. Take the time to fully understand the other person’s point of view. This means you can’t be forming your counterpoint, looking…
We can learn a lot from trees. When we think of strength, we often equate it to something like an oak tree. It’s been referenced as a tiny acorn growing into a “mighty oak” through many childhood stories. When people build, they use oak because it is hard, sturdy and strong. They’d never consider using a soft wood for flooring when building something to last, it just won’t work. Yet think about when it’s storming outside. When the winds are…
Some things give you hope, inspiration and courage; this is the case for me with new beginnings. Some people offer you hope, inspiration and courage; this is the case for me with many people. I wrote about them (blog #324 Giving Is Contagious) and sent a private email to them last week letting them know. As we embark upon a new adventure offering our…
Jim Collins talks about the “Stockdale Paradox” in his books. It’s a fitting paradigm right now. The “Stockdale Paradox” is based on Admiral Stockdale who was a prisoner of war in the “Hanoi Hilton” for over eight years. When Collins had the gift of interviewing him, he prepared for the meeting by reading the Admiral’s book “In Love and War.”…
Support. You don’t always know you need it until people remind you. I am struck today by the authentic support I am surrounded by and appreciating the people who offer it consistently over time. Many people say supportive things, they’ve learned the right words. Others, they live the words and change the world. To the latter group, I am profoundly…