As I think about the holidays, I’m sad knowing they’ll look different this year. Traditions become what they are because something works and carries forward. We look forward to the patterns and the familiarity brings comfort, predictability and love of our shared reality. At the same time, I know we’re balancing the fact that this is for one year, not forever. That doesn’t mean we don’t…
Have you ever wished there was less tension during a work meeting? Me too; and after review, I won’t wish it away. Tension is related to conflict and conflict creates clarity. While it may be uncomfortable, that tension is what transforms a problem into an opportunity. It’s also transformative for learning. We must diverge to truly be able to converge…
Plan tight and hang loose. I was in a workshop recently learning a ton. One of the key take-aways I received as we were inundated with ideas, new ways to improve our facilitation, new ways to use Zoom, great music and stellar interaction was the discipline of planning and preparation. After seven hours online three days in a row, I was sad…
I was in a program with Jon Berghoff last week and he shared “If we can’t honor and create space for dissent, we’re not a community.” What a powerful statement. It struck me as it seems many of us have lost this skill in the United States. We have lost the ability to disagree and commit. Our humanity and community…
What does it mean to be connected? In considering this question, I had to throw out the word “virtual” for meetings and events online. By using virtual, it suggests it’s not the real thing. Whether we realize it or not, we can connect really effectively online by learning how to use the tools around us. That being said, I will…
When I reflect on all 2020 has offered, I am often surprised to find many incredible benefits as the challenges have been frequent, compounding and paralyzing at times. What I remind myself repeatedly however, is it’s the most challenging periods that offer the opportunity to grow, learn and emerge into the next best version of yourself, your work and your…
Have you ever had self-defeating talk? Me too. One of the most effective ways to reframe your thinking and get back into action is to ask yourself a question to prompt different thinking. Here are some examples, please share your own in the comments and let us know if you try these: I don’t understand. What am I missing? What else do I need to know? Who could I learn…
It’s easier to write the story than to do the work. Whether a story, explanation, justification, reason or excuse, they all keep you in the same place. If that’s exactly where you want to be, keep talking. If not… At a time in history when every turn is unpredictable, challenging, and disruptive, are you meeting the changes to grow and learn? If not, what do you…
Waiting. It’s not my strong suit. I’m not good at waiting. My strong suits are solving problems and helping people, catalyzing people and efforts, creating memorable experiences. Except where I can’t. In matters of health, I’m not trained and though I have immense energy, incredible passion and willingness, there’s nothing I can do, it’s out of my league. Doing nothing feels too much like helplessness and involves patience…which is waiting. My…
Lessons from Toni Morrison (and her father): Whatever the work is, do it well – not for the boss, but for yourself. You make the job; it doesn’t make you. Your real life is with us, your family. You are not the work you do; you are the person you are. “…since that conversation with my father I have never considered the level…