THE SUN ALWAYS RISES
I imagine all of us have been deeply affected by the natural disasters in Japan this past weekend. One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded followed immediately by a devastating Tsunami. It’s hard to believe the photographs are real. My mind prefers to imagine they are trailers for the next blockbuster disaster movie. Add to the mix the uncertainty of more than one partial or full nuclear reactor meltdowns. I find myself having difficulty grasping the enormity of the devastation. What would I do in that situation? A friend commented how calm and orderly the people seem to be. Would I be calm and orderly faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges? I am no scholar of Japanese culture or history. What I do know is the culture’s emphasis is on community. After WWII they rebuilt their country to become a vibrant economy. In the 1990’s Japan suffered major economic stress and pulled out of it. Living with frequent earthquakes the Japanese have trained their people on what to do in the event of a significant quake. They turned to nuclear energy years ago for its benefits and are world renown for technological advancements in the nuclear power field. They, and we too, are being challenged by Mother Nature’s fury.
Locally in the northeast we are being challenged as well. Flooding across NJ, and for that matter in many states, is causing devastation for many families. Homes are being washed away, others under water. How do you pick up and rebuild your life after experiencing such catastrophe? What would you do?
Diane Sawyer said tonight “the Japanese are giving us a master class”. Featuring orderliness, generosity, no looting.
The sun always rises. Assistance in many forms coming from all across the world will help the Japanese get back on their feet and rebuild. Locally here on the east coast, FEMA, state and local agencies will help those dealing with extensive property damage in NJ. Throughout the world people are rebuilding their lives from the devastation of the global recession.
On the human level persistence is key. The human spirit is a magnificent instrument of engagement. Unfortunately, too often it’s only when disaster strikes people engage their humanity and therefore one another. The rest of the time we are trying to keep up with all the tasks before us, and the information coming at us. All of us have experienced trying times in one form or another. Persistence is key to getting through. Taking one step at a time in the direction you think will get you where you want to go. A few weeks ago I tweeted a quote from Martin Luther King, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase”. I’m sure many of Japan’s citizens don’t see the whole staircase now, or maybe they do because of their cultural beliefs.
Having just embarked on the Lenten journey, I plan to use these 40 days to engage with my soul purpose and ensure my humanity is ever engaged with my actions. I trust the Japanese and our own neighbors will continue to demonstrate that engaging our humanity is essential to life.
Caesar: “What say’st thou to me? Speak once again.
Soothsayer: Beware the Ides of March.
Caesar: He is a dreamer, le us leave him. Pass”
It’s A Puzzlement…The More Things Change the More They Stay The Same Yet Spring Brings New Growth
Springtime is that time of year when each of us begins to think about new beginnings. The other day I heard a woman from CA speaking about the beautiful flowers in bloom in her neighborhood. Here in the east we’ve had a really hard winter. Just this weekend we had heavy rains causing flooding and Buffalo has had over 100 inches of snow. Spring. New plants sprout, buds appear on branches, and shop windows showcase clothes in brighter colors. Spring-cleaning! I grew up with a mom who still prides herself at 92 to ready the house for spring by starting her “spring cleaning”. Being a “good” daughter I too have initiated spring-cleaning. I’ve been going through my office sorting files and deciding what I need to keep, verses what I might want to keep. It’s time to clean out file drawers and shelves and allow space for the new. Unfortunately, I’m a slow cleaner. I look through and reflect on many of the files I’m tossing. In one from my year as president of the National Association of Women Business Owners-NYC chapter I foundthe speech I made at the first Signature Awards banquet we held March 20, 2001. It struck me I could give this speech today with minimal edits and it would be relevant. I’ve reprinted it at the end of this blog.
Yes I now have more experience, maturity and wisdom. Ten years ago I spoke of the increased speed at which things were happening and the importance of letting go when the unexpected occurs. Isn’t that true today. I don’t think we had texting then but I find myself wanting to take advantage of every free moment to be in touch with someone for business. A quiet bus ride now becomes a work session, texting and reading emails. The comments from colleagues could have been said today. Although the guy admitting to 12 hour days would probably be looked down upon for not working long and hard enough.
The wisdom I take from these reflections is in life and business you have to have goals, desired outcomes. However you also have to be ready to alter the course when the unexpected happens or you become aware of new information. Secondly, and perhaps even more important today we have to have an inner core of principles and values upon which we live life and conduct ourselves at work. This essential core enables us to survive life’s uncertainties. Our organizations also need guiding principles by which we manage employees with respect, dignity for the human spirit and compassion. These are fundamental components of engaged workers and organizations.
Personally I think we are in the midst of another of Prigogine’s dissipative structures societal transformations. Being in touch with our inner core will help us through this transformative storm.
March 20th 2001 NAWBO Signature Awards Speech
“It is a pleasure and privilege to be here before you. Today is the Spring Equinox. One of two days in the year when there is exactly as much light as there is darkness. Total balance. Tomorrow there will be more daylight. We surely can use it.
We are just about to complete the first quarter of 2001. What a quarter it’s been. A NYT article this weekend said it is not likely we will see a decade like the 90’s again in our lifetime. Abby Joseph Cohen says, “the economy is strong and this downturn is a short term cyclical problem”.
In preparing for my remarks tonight I’ve spoken to many of you to find out the impact of the turbulence on Wall Street is having on you and your business. I’ve been listening to how you characterize your experience. I’ve heard some themes and common language.
- I feel as if I’m in a whirlpool.
- I’m just spinning round and round, faster and faster.
- I feel as if I’m reacting to a barrage of things that are just coming at me. They just keep coming.
- I’ve been in this business for 30 years and I’ve never experienced this. It’s as if I’ve lost control and things are just coming at me.
- I just want some solitude. I’m tired of 12-hour days; I want time with my wife and children.
I resonate with these comments. On a personal note I too feel sometimes as if I’m spinning, and dodging curveballs coming at me with increasing speed. Let me give you some actual examples. We planned this event late last summer. We did what we needed to do. Some deadlines got taxed but we were okay. A week ago Tuesday at our Board meeting I had to tell the Board we only had 32 people registered for this event. We had to pull together and make follow-up calls. Now usually NAWBO members are notorious for registering late for things but this was down right frightening. On that same day we learned one of our awardees Wanla Cheng was injured getting off a bus and broke both ankles. She has had surgery and will be in a wheelchair for a couple of months. She cannot be here but has sent a friend to accept her award and read her speech.
Yesterday i got a call from Lois Benjamin Bohm, her 92 year old mother Saturday and tonight she and her family sit shiver while we celebrate her accomplishments here. She too has sent a friend to stand in. I have to tell you last night I threw up my hands and said I surrender. Then I prayed that Micki Siebert and Di-Ann Eisnor would make it here without incident.
There is an energetic turbulence going on in the world today. Things are just going faster and seem more intense. When I awoke this morning before dawn to put finishing touches on this speech I thought of the book the Aquarian Conspiracy by Marilyn Ferguson. How many of you know it? Have you read it? I couldn’t believe it was written in 1980. She introduces the physical chemist Ilya Prigogine who won the Nobel prize in chemistry in 1977 for his theory of dissipative structures. I recall reading how the theory could be applied to societies. Briefly stated, it’s a theory of transformation. When there is intense stress in a system, the system is shaken up vigorously, perturbed, there comes a moment in time when the system must reorder itself. It is no longer what it was but has transformed itself into something totally new with a different set of properties.
As president of an organization such as NAWBO or a business, you want it to achieve outstanding results under your leadership, Your ego is involved. However when you feel as if you are in the midst of an unending meteor shower you have to surrender and let go of the result you envision. Let be what will be.
I share this with you because I think this is a metaphor for what many of us in our businesses both large and small, and our personal lives are experiencing. The best planning gets derailed. As they used to say in a training program called DMA…’just let go and let God.’"
Just Had To Write About This
When was the last time you had a lousy or great customer experience in NYC? Well I had both this morning in a matter of 30 minutes. It’s one of those frigid winter days. Actually, my favorite kind of day with temperatures in the single digits, bright sunshine and low humidity. I know many of you think this is odd. Fortunately, I was dressed for the occasion. I walked over to the NY Public Library on 34th and Madison thinking I was attending a seminar on social media. (I had the day wrong.) I arrived about 9:50 for what I thought was a 10 o’clock seminar. A number of us about 10 were standing out on the street waiting for the doors to open. I could tell not everyone was as enamored with the weather as I was. I also noticed that I was the only woman waiting which I thought was odd. Finally someone came out and opened the front door so that those of us waiting could stand in the warmth of the vestibule. Why they couldn't do this earlier is a puzzlement. People dashed inside, where we waited for another 5-10 minutes for the interior doors to open. For many they were pleased to get out of the cold. We finally were let in and I had a sneaking suspicion I was at the wrong location or had entered the date incorrectly. So I started asking people behind desks. First young man I asked said I should ask the librarian at the other end of this very long desk. I moved down, saw two other women and asked if either was the librarian. They pointed to a woman at the far end of the desk. As I walked up a gentleman came from the other direction and she turned to help him. I stood there waiting my turn when she looked up with a grim face and said curtly “you have to stand behind the stanchions”. I felt like a kid being scolded. When it was finally my turn, which seemed like an eternity but in reality was no more than two or three minutes she sent me over to an office where the inhabitant would likely know about what I was asking. As I walked out I couldn’t help but wonder about this woman with a sour disposition and the others who expressed little or no interest in helping me. They were just starting their day and were already disengaged. How would the rest of the day unfold for them and all those with whom they come in contact? I was out of the office, it was early, why not go and replace my iPhone which I’ve had for 3 years and had seen better times? I began walking in the direction of the ATT store in which I’d made my original purchase when something told me should go to 34th street. Fritz Perls used to say, "when you don't know what direction to go in, follow your feet". Which is what I did. On the ground floor of the Empire State Building is an ATT store. I walked in and was immediately greeted with a smile and warm hello by a young man who asked if he could be of assistance. I told him I was thinking of getting a new iPhone and wasn’t sure which one to get. After showing him my existing phone and discussing usage he discussed options with me. When I mentioned my difficulty with reception at our weekend home he said he would try to correct that which he did by providing a micro cell device. He set up the phone, transferred data and told me I could give the old phone, which he was surprised looked so good, to a friend, charity or get a refund on it. This man, Samba, was wonderful. I asked to speak with his manager so that I could tell him how pleased I was with my experience. Greg and I spoke and he asked if I wouldn’t mind putting my comments in an email so that he could put them in Samba’s file. I was so impressed. You know I wrote that email before I wrote this blog.
So in a matter of 30 minutes I experienced the extremes of organization engagement. Being “put in my place” and passed off to one person after another at the library. Not one of them was willing to exert a little extra energy and engage a customer. At the other end of the spectrum I was welcomed in the ATT store. Fully informed of my options, I made a purchase and then had everything activated. It was a complete experience. The manager had laid the foundation on which to build an engaged organization. Kudos to Samba and Greg at the ATT store on 34th and 5th Avenue. You made my day!
Are You In The Clouds?
It’s just a few days after Valentine’s Day. Stores are already decorated for the Easter Bunny. Time seems to be disappearing at exponential rates. February is more than half over. Whew! Where am I? I’m in the clouds. Yes I’m learning about and embracing cloud computing. For those not sure what this is I suggest a visit to Wikipedia. If you use Google Docs you’ve been a cloud. From what I am reading and discussing with colleagues this can be a real game changer. How and for whom you might ask? People employed in corporate technology departments. The advent of cloud computing is likely to eliminate or transform many technology department roles. Some writers compare cloud computing to the energy grid. It takes a moment to get my head around the concept of technology being similar to a utility, and being paid for in a similar fashion.
Our theme is always engaged organizations. The shift from internal departments overseeing the technology infrastructure and needs of their companies to outsourcing it to large cloud management utilities is a paradigm shift. Many who thought being in technology would have an added advantage protecting their jobs are beginning to experience the uncertainty many others in the work force have experienced. Effectively managing the change and transition will be important in maintaining employee engagement. An often-overlooked component is the strategic redesign of roles and identification of who should inhabit the new roles. Requisite Organization advisors can play an important role here because RO provides the universal principles for designing roles and the managerial spines and business units within which they exist.
A Case Study You Wouldn't Want To Recreate
Those of you who know me personally know I have a strong curiosity especially when it comes to people and their experiences in the world of work. We are renovating a bathroom in our apartment and living with three workers who are demolishing and rebuilding it. While standing in the kitchen over a cup of coffee I asked my contractor how he got started. I share his story because its one those of you who are managers can really learn a lesson from.... Who would have known but my contractor was a mechanic for a Porche Audi dealership. He said and I paraphrase,
I started out in my early twenties as an hourly wage mechanic at the dealership. When I started I had no idea I would love being a mechanic as much as I did. I learned everything I could and quickly rose through the ranks. I loved going to work. I loved it so much I would have worked for nothing if I was independently wealthy. The company asked for volunteers to work a four day week with 11 hour shifts. I seized the opportunity as it gave me three days off. My coworkers were concerned they wouldn’t get time and a half for the additional four hours. It made no sense to me. I’d have a full day to myself and what’s more I had the time in the four days I worked to get immersed in challenging assignments and see them to completion. We had customer satisfaction surveys. The dealership overall had a 74% rating. I had a 94% rating. I was the best.
The dealership was bought out and a new manager came in. It was downhill from the first day. Working on a particularly difficult car I checked out everything and couldn’t find anything wrong. I went to the service updates the manufacturer regularly put out and saw something that made sense to me. (Pete was very explicit about what was wrong but I wasn’t taking notes so you are getting the Cliff Notes version.) After hours of personal inspection and reviewing the service updates Pete concluded the car needed a tune up and told his new manager so. He explained why. The manager said that couldn’t be, words flew and the manager assigned the car to a less skilled mechanic to find out what was wrong. Pete said the game changed at that moment. He worked there for the next three months doing his job but without the passion that had let him work to “110% of capacity every hour I was there”. He left the company within three months and started his own small business.
More than 12 years later, I could hear in Pete’s voice how hurt and insulted he was. He was right back in the service department as he told the story. He is now a general contractor with a long standing crew and together they work seamlessly.
So here are a few lessons to take from Pete’s story. If you are the new guy or gal coming in to manage an existing workforce take your time to get to know your people before pulling rank on them especially in nonessential situations.
If indeed you do need to override an employee’s decision discuss it with him or her. Explain why you are making the decision to override. In this case the dealership lost its best service technician. In fact the action of the new manager reinforced the behavior of other employees, which was to do just enough to get by. The dealership and its customers suffered because this manager couldn’t believe one of his mechanics worked so thoroughly, there was a simple solution to a seemingly complex problem which was written up in the manufacturers own periodic service updates, the new manager chose to assert his authority before understanding the dynamics of the organization he managed.
From the employees perspective Pete still remembers this encounter. He has chosen not to work for anyone else again but rather to become his own boss. This is great for Pete has he has excellent customer service skills, likely thanks to the training of Porche Audi he received as a young man. He is an entrepreneur stimulating the economy and hiring employees and other business owners. However not everyone is a Pete. Not everyone is made out for the uncertainty of business ownership or management. There are a lot of people in the work force who are not engaged because of situations similar to Pete’s. Can you imagine the creativity that would be unleashed in our country if managers would have discussions with people in their employ and recognize the unique gifts each brings to the world. This is the power of an engaged organization and the engaged people who inhabit them.
By the way on Friday’s 6 o’clock ABC evening news there was a featured story about a 10 year-old girl who is part of a music program in the NYC school system. Believe her name is Nuha Dolby. A composition she composed was played by the NY Philharmonic Friday. Stellar in and of itself, but what I found profound were her comments in the interview that accompanied the report. When asked to comment about how special she is, she said everyone is born with their own unique specialness. Hope you will have a chance to hear her. Click here to see the news clip.
Is Your Mojo Working?
I’ve always loved winter. One of those rare people, my favorite days are characterized by temperatures in the teens, sunshine with bright blue skies. Here in NYC we’ve just had the second snowiest month ever missing an all time record by less than an inch. I happen to love snow especially when it’s untouched, covering everything and disturbed by no one. It’s magical yet....sooty snow, slush, icy walkways and gray skies on the other hand leave much to be desired. I’ve never been affected by S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) but have noticed some subtle changes in my own behavior of late, like a short fuse while driving, and difficulty generating energy for meetings outside the office. I mustered up energy to attend the NYHRP meeting Monday featuring Marshall Goldsmith the renowned executive coach and author. Never having heard him live, I was curious. He is committed and inspiring. Unbeknownst to me the theme for NYHRP programs this year is employee engagement. Very much aligned with BEI’s Building Engaged Organizations focus. Marshall’s latest book MOJO How To Get It, How To Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It, was the source of his comments. Click here for Marshall Goldsmith's website. According to Goldsmith, mojo has to do with one’s inner spirit, that which radiates out from within in a positive fashion. This is unlike the mojo gotten from a spiritualist in Muddy Waters’ blues song.
Everything we do comes from within. We are in control of how we react to everything that transpires in our day. Yes bad things happen to good people. But each of us has a choice. We can choose how we react to the events life brings.
This morning to overcome S.A.D. creeping up on me I exercised. A half hour on my Cellerciser sets a healthy tone for the day. To overcome the grayness of yet another stormy day I turned on more lights in my office. I sit next to large windows and have found that the light from desk and wall lamps help bring a golden glow to the gray light coming through the windowpane. I’ve also begun a daily practice of reading something inspirational or watching a short inspirational video to help get in touch with my mojo to set the framework for a positive day.
I recommend picking up Goldsmith’s book as he presents four key factors, which impact our professional mojo. The insight is helpful as are the tools to help people get in touch with their true self and get their mojo working.
Received this quote today no author was acknowledged. Decided to share it anyway.
"The highest reward for your work is not what you get for it, but what you become by it."
Do You Know How To Stay Warm During A Snowstorm?
I’m just back from Florida where I traversed the state over 7 days combining business, with family and friends from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando and back. It was hectic yet pleasant. Along the way I was inspired by…..hearing Lou DiCaprio, President of the Trump Network speak of his desire for us to “Rebrand Corporate America from Profitability to People”. Within days I also heard Professor Cornel West from Princeton speak on the Tavis Smiley show about greatness being determined by how we deal with the poor. I also heard Andy Andrews author of The Traveler’s Gift speak about the four causes people are having personal difficulty at work. These are issues outside the workplace affecting their performance in the workplace. They are:
- Marriage or relationship issues
- Concern with children (even adult children)
- Financial concerns
- They don’t think they matter.
I find these fascinating and worthy of reflection. What better way to stay warm of heart then thinking about these few ideas? Here in NYC we are expecting another snowstorm and frigid temperatures. Stormy weather always seems like the ideal time to reflect on life. There’s nothing better than to snuggle on the couch with an inspirational book or personal journal. How do rebranding America’s corporations to focus on people, reinterpreting greatness and thinking about the four categories that drain people from focusing on their work affect you? What is the change in the world you want to be?
Can You Make Meaning of the Violence in Tucson This Weekend?
I like most of you was enjoying a pleasant Saturday afternoon when a news alert appeared about the shooting in AZ. Not again! Perhaps this time the leaders of our country will take notice as Congresswoman Gabby Giffords fights for her life and the family of Judge Roll mourns his loss. The Pima County Sheriff was … eloquent when interviewed about the importance of watching our words and bringing civility into the passionate dialogues that take place in both State and Federal Houses of government. Personally I think we have gone over the edge with language and rhetoric. Having seats in crosshairs, targets, and even labeling people we don’t agree with as evil is not acceptable. Apparently Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman agrees. See his column in Monday’s NYTimes. CLICK HERE
Last week I spoke of dedicating the year to peace. How do we individually make a difference? Those of us with faith are praying for the injured and sending loving thoughts to the families of those who have died. Perhaps a note to our representatives and senators saying the rhetoric must end; civil dialogue is how we expect them to work together.
Each of us has to look within to see how we may have been changed by the recent vitriolic election cycle. We were bombarded by negativity for months. It takes its toll and sometimes without realizing it we begin to incorporate that language, those attitudes and behaviors.
As we work towards building engaged organizations you need to pay attention to your own language. Are you welcoming the dissenting points of view in your organization? Is your behavior welcoming and supportive of people who hold different views of how things should be done? What is your attitude towards those who differ from you? I know myself that sometimes when trying to meet a deadline I can be cross with a colleague or employee. This happens most often when I am operating under stress and am on automatic pilot. It doesn’t result in my best work nor does enhance my relationships with those I’m interacting with. I am committed to witnessing my own behavior and asking for feedback. I am also committed to apologizing when I’ve offended another. Will you make that commitment as well?
As the eternal optimist I’d like to focus on the good that can come out of this horrendous act. Perhaps each of us in our own way can pay more attention to our language, actions and behavior when dealing with others.
Are You Ready For 2011?
Best wishes for a healthy, prosperous 2011! Have you realized we have also stepped into a new decade? I for one am glad to have the first decade of the 21st Century behind us. It was a tough one. So many natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars, hunger, and hardship across the world. I wonder if this is normal when we enter into a new century? Is the first decade always challenging. Watching some retrospectives on Sunday TV I was amazed to see how technology has changed our daily lives. There was Steve Jobs introducing the iPod in 2000. I was fortunate to relax at the seaside the last few days of the year, reflecting on the past and focusing on the future. I’d like to share some of those thoughts with you…… I’ve been thinking about the distinction between resolve and dedicate. I choose not to make New Year’s resolutions but I have chosen to dedicate this year and perhaps this decade as well, to values I hold and qualities I believe important. Peace, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Imagination, Service, Community (be it local or global), and Simplicity are the qualities I am dedicating my life to this year and this decade. I envision the next 12 months making a living breathing collage by living my life in the context these values and qualities provide. I am excited about this. It feels oh so right.
I’ve been asking myself and am now asking you what can I/you do to make my/your community, town, organization, the planet etc., a better place? Strangely enough I heard on the morning news that Lindsay Lohan tweeted a quote from Mahatma Ghandi. I usually tune out when I hear news reports about her but was curious about the quote. “The future depends on what we do in the present.” It struck me as an important statement we should all be thinking about.
I intend to make a tapestry using these qualities and values throughout the year. One of the vehicles I’ll use is this blog and my monthly newsletter. As you know my focus or stage has always been the world of work, focusing on the invisible infrastructure of work systems be they mom and pop shops or multi-nationals. I will continue to emphasize the world of work and will focus on individuals be they, managers, individual contributors, in “C” level roles or on the shop floor. My intention is to help each of you improve your own experience at work as well as the experience of others at your workplace. Perhaps even to leverage the information to all aspects of your life. The world needs engaged people and engaged organizations. Will you be one?
Note
If you find yourself in East Hampton, New York, between now and January 16th check out the "Cities Of Peace" exhibition by Ellen Frank at the Guild Hall Museum. It is breathtaking and worth a special trip.
Also check out the Ellen Frank Illumination Arts Foundation at EFIAF.ORG
A Christmas Story
Last week I mentioned my father’s love of Christmas and that I’d share a Christmas story this week. If truth be told it was not only my dad who loved Christmas but I was his Christmas elf from when I was about 15. We’d go out in the neighborhood late Christmas Eve night to the homes of cousins and friends. They’d leave Christmas gifts in a designated location, we’d pick them up and fill Santa’s bag and ring the bell. I’ve never realized this until this moment, but even from that early age I was concerned about the experience the children would have with Santa and tried to get them to talk to him. As I reflect on these memories I’m amazed how clear they are in my mind. I can remember the clear cold air. The quiet on the streets and the houses all dressed in holiday lights. I don’t know who was more excited my father or I bringing gifts to children and seeing their excitement. Creating life long memories for many of them is truly a gift.
One of my favorite stories is one that happened a year or two before my father died. I believe it was the last time he was able to play Santa. The Bensonhurst Lions sponsored a party one afternoon at a local clubhouse for a group of special needs children. Most of them were hearing impaired. Dan, and I decided to drive to Brooklyn to be there and help out. My Dad by this time not well, rallied to embrace these delightful children. I’ll never forget the little girl who squealed with delight when she noticed that Santa had hearing aids just like she did. I don’t think Dan and I will ever that moment. She ran to get the other children to show them Santa’s ears. The joy of that moment is easily recalled as is the pride I have when I think of the generosity of spirit that characterized my father’s life. He has left quite the legacy.
Wishing all who celebrate Christmas a Blessed one, and a most healthy, prosperous, and joy filled 2011 and New Decade. Next blog will be in January.
An Essential Component of Leadership: Distinguishing Possibility From Perfection
Have decided to promote another woman owned business this week at www.UpFromTheDust.com. The beauty of this company is all the products are made by women throughout the world. Mary Schnack and I served on the Board of the National Association of Women Business Owners. She’s a powerhouse and if you are still looking for holiday gifts you can find some wonderful things here while at the same time helping women around the world support their families. Please note we get no benefit from this other than the joy of helping a friend. Sunday morning I happened to catch Mayor Bloomberg of New York City, on TV. He was talking about leadership and characterized an effective leader as one who (and this is my paraphrase)….takes action based on possibility rather than perfection. That thought has stayed with me for the last 24 hours as I think it is an excellent distinction to make.
I for one am a possibility thinker. Anyone who knows me knows I don’t take no for an answer. I usually ask why not, which is based on the possibility that there is another answer, or path to a solution. I recognize for some this is irritating. However for me it serves what I believe is the greater good.
Our country is in crisis. Often people say something can’t be done because they are overworked, unengaged, bored, physically or mentally exhausted. This crisis permeates every aspect of our society, and takes its toll on each of us differently. In many workplaces fear of losing ones income has resulted in people playing it safe, trying not to rock the boat. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs eloquently describes what happens when peoples basic need for security is threatened. Its no wonder people are cautions. History demonstrates times of crisis birth the greatest innovations.
Taking action is essential. How do individuals frozen with fear able to melt it so that they can take action? Here are a few suggestions. First you have to acknowledge the change in you. You need to spend time being reflective. Have you noticed that you have pulled into yourself more than usually? Are you lethargic? Do you find yourself saying I can’t, or it can’t be done, or we don’t do it that way here? Accept the change in you. This is what’s so. Next think of how you would like to be. How would you like to see yourself? Imagine that. Where would you be? See the surroundings, smell them, feel how it feels to be there. Can you hear anything from where you are? What would you be saying? To whom?
Next take small action steps each day. To start off you can take the action steps outside the workplace so that you build up some muscle. I am a firm believer in the thought that to whom much is given mush is expected. This belief goes far beyond money. For me if you have greater understanding of something you have a responsibility to help others who might not have that same understanding. Role modeling good behavior also falls into this category.
Over the weekend my mother, niece and I made Italian holiday sweets together. This is a tradition we started 13 years ago on Dec.20, 1997 immediately upon my father’s death. He loved Christmas and played Santa Claus for more than 40 years for family, friends and his beloved Lions Club of Bensonhurst who annually held a holiday party for children with special needs. (Next week I’ll share a holiday story about that.) But back to the present. After we finished making the Strufoli, we realized we didn’t have the non-pareils we sprinkle on them. My mother, 92 years young, had asked me to bring a plate to a cousin in the local nursing home, which I agreed to do. But you can’t serve Strufoli without the non-pareils. Its unacceptable. It’s Sunday night and stores are closed but the bakery up the avenue was open. I stopped. My niece sad they don’t sell them. I said maybe they will give us some. Sure enough the young woman behind the counter said they don’t sell them. I then said since you won’t sell them will you give me a handful as I’m dropping off some sweets to the nursing home. She was stunned at my request but went to the back and discussed it with her manager or co-workers. She then came out with a bag of non-pareils and handed them to me. I ceased the moment looked her straight in the eye and said, “This is a wonderful. It’s in keeping with the spirit of Christmas. I hope someone does something nice for you this Christmas like you have done for me.” This took all of 15 seconds but we held eye contact. I share this not to pat myself on the back but rather as an illustration of a small action step. I’d never before asked a storekeeper to give me something for nothing.
What possibilities will you engage this week?
Please Pass The Gravy!
Thanksgiving traditions-I’m sure each of you have them in your family. For the past twenty years or so I take Thanksgiving week off. Not to relax but to prepare for the festivities at our Amagansett home. For me shifting gears from running my business to running a holiday kitchen for family and friends who are not only dinner guests but also houseguests for one to three nights is daunting. However it’s a labor of love and I like many of you do those things that keep family together. So now it’s a few days after Thanksgiving and all of a sudden the rush is on. Chanukah is here this week and Christmas comes in a little more than 25 days. The challenge this year is igniting our holiday spirit, and gift giving when pockets are less than full. No matter how I prepare, as soon as Thanksgiving is over the frenetic Christmas season begins. Its as if we have no control-it just happens. We are bombarded with advertisements and the pressure to buy.
Earlier today I heard about two stories that inspired me, which I’ll mention in hopes of sharing that inspiration. One was this billionaire’s pledge, which Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates have initiated. This has now gone global. I encourage you to go to ABC’s This Week website to view this show. CLICK HERE
The second inspiring story took place in 1933 at the height of the depression when an anonymous business man in Canton OH took out a small ad in the local newspaper and asked people to write in if they needed money. Hundreds did and they received the equivalent of what would be $100.00 today. No one ever knew who he was until his family found info in an old suitcase. Descendants and one actual recipient got together recently to celebrate. CLICK HERE
In the midst of a deep recession (although some have experienced it as a depression) instead of helping people come together and share their creativity with one another we are rapidly moving into a buying frenzy. What would happen if department stores would remind people to spend within their budget? I envision an ad campaign that says something like “Yes, we want your business today but we don’t want you buried in bills tomorrow.” Wouldn’t that garner loyalty? I’ve heard some stores have reinstituted lay away programs. I’m all for that.
You might ask what has any of this to do with building engaged organizations? I think a great deal. What kind of frenzy exists at your company? The stress is on. Work needs to get done. Recognize you and your employees are entering one of the most stressful periods of the year. Fuses might be short. Remind people to breathe. Your employees might benefit from some lunchtime brainstorming about gift giving. Perhaps people could help one another out by sharing ideas or helping each other make gifts.
Are You Staying Calm Through the Chaos of Fast Business?
I’m a fan of Fast Company Magazine. I love their coverage of what’s going on in the business community. Heavy emphasis on technology, creative and design, their approach is forward thinking and contemporary. As a member of the over 40 crowd, I find reading their articles informative and inspiring. Today’s online edition speaks about the transformation in the …..advertising industry. Advertising like so many industries is experiencing a major shake up, more likely a 100 year storm with the rise of digital. I really encourage you to read the article. Click Here
In an earlier blog I mentioned Kiyosaki’s book Business in the 21st Century, which addresses changes in advertising with specific emphasis on the rise of network marketing as a new business model. Only 50 years old it has not grown like its sister franchising, but with the digital age it is ready to explode. Social media will transform network marketing. Many of you know I have joined the Trump Network to create residual income and replace IRA value losses of the last few years. Click Here for a clip of Donald Trump on Power Lunch this afternoon where he talks about the Trump Network.
The real question is what does all this change and transformation mean for all of us-especially baby boomers? As immigrants of the digital world we must let go of our comfort zone and step into the world of the unknown. We need to reinvent ourselves on the one hand, while at the same time appreciating some of our important strengths. The art of relationship building is a strength, which I for one believe is currently undervalued by citizens of the digital world.
How do we stay calm in the midst of chaos and upheaval? Here are two of my tips. They may sound superficial at first but they do work.
Breathe: Specifically when anxious, frustrated or fearful take a few minutes and do some deep breathing. Feet should be flat on the floor if possible. Take deep inhalations that fill up your belly, hold for a couple of seconds and then release the breath slowly. If possible make the exhalation twice as long as the inhalation. A trick I use is to imagine inhaling peace, or energy, or calmness and exhaling anxiety, frustration fatigue. It works.
Vata Tea or Quikstik Unwind: Both beverages have a calming effect. Vata is an Ayurvedic formula. It’s wonderful but I don’t know where you can purchase it (it was a gift). Quikstik is a new mood infusion beverage manufactured by the Trump Network. I sell it to myself. If not either of these drinks, choose a calming beverage of your liking and take a few minutes out of each day to savor it. Five minutes will make a difference.
Next week is Thanksgiving and I’ll be busy preparing the annual turkey feast so there won’t be a blog. I wish all of you a wonderful thanksgiving. For those whose life is in turmoil, topsy-turvy or fear filled give thanks to that which you do have. I am grateful that you take the time to read what I write.
Transforming Cold, Wet and Dreary: A Formula
Not only has daylight savings time brought more darkness into our waking hours, waking up to a cold, wet, dreary Monday morning can intensify the mood of wanting to stay under the covers and read a good novel. Its days and times like these that challenge us… staying engaged is the answer.
A day like this makes us question if we really need to keep that appointment or run the errand we planned. That was my dilemma yesterday. I was scheduled to meet an old friend for coffee at 11 AM. We’d attended graduate school together at CUSSW and although we live within 10 blocks of one another, we rarely see each other. Recently Columbia had a social work alumnae theater trip and we reconnected there. (By the way we saw Women On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, which was fabulous, but got a lousy review last week in the NY Times. Please go to see it as it is fresh and funny and performances are wonderful.)
My friend and I went to this little place in the neighborhood called Penelope, which I’d never been to, thinking it would be quiet. We assumed by 11AM on a workday breakfast would be over and it was too early for lunch. Well the place was hoping-we had to wait for a table. You would have thought it was Sunday brunch. Speak about engagement. We took time to reconnect, caught up on what’s been happening in each of our lives and where we are going. Amazing how not seeing or communicating with one another for at least 5 years, we could sit down as if we’d been together last week.
What makes that happen? Working together as part of a team or work group on something you value and or have passion about is the long lasting adhesive. Honie and I were at Columbia when students protesting the Viet Nam War were killed at Kent State University in Ohio and at Jackson State College in Mississippi. It was a very volatile time and we were part of a student group that closed down the School of Social Work. We called ourselves the Power Through Unity Collective and wrote a series of newsletters we “mimeographed” and distributed on campus. I can close my eyes and return to those meetings. Focused, determined, appalled at the deaths of students protesting peacefully. We were totally engaged.
I returned to my office and began a conversation with the building managers. I had stopped in to complain about the new Concierge Service we have in the building. The company made a great pitch, which resulted in their being awarded the contract. Unfortunately the gap between what they said they would do and what they have done to date is very wide. They haven’t delivered.
This led us into a conversation about the need for management and employee involvement. Employees need direction setting and structure. They want to do their best. As our conversation evolved one of the buildings’ own employees who’d been out on sick leave came in. He’s been out battling a serious illness. When he left the building manager said “he wants to come back”. This is the norm in our building. We have an engaged workforce. Employee’s whether door people, handymen, porters etc. feel valued and acknowledged by management and residents. People have worked in this complex for 45 years.
As I reflect upon my day I realize it’s been about engagement. My friend and I could pick up where we left off years ago because of the trust we built over 30 years ago. Workers as nice as they may be in the concierge office flounder without management providing direction setting, a sense of common purpose, and training. Long-standing employees who feel valued and appreciated, even when confronted with serious illness choose to come back to work to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Engagement is key to transforming cold, wet and dreary. My office is filled with the warmth and sunshine engagement brings.
Right, Wrong, Taking Sides or Pulling Together
Waking up the morning after an election is always exhilarating for some and sobering for others. I find myself in a reflective mood this morning as I compare and contrast my day yesterday with lawyers in an attempt to find an acceptable solution to a corporate conflict and the results of the election. This blog is not a political statement. However, I can’t help but wonder about….. the impact all the negative campaigning has had not only on our election, but also on our national spirit and particularly on our children. Yesterday after months of trying to get together, counsel and clients sat down and for the first time began to talk about a resolution to a dispute. Both sides spending thousands of dollars. Who is right and who is wrong? We’ve never had a chance to air the points of view. Counsel styles differed similar to the candidates in the NY Governor race. One side used bullying and scare tactics while the other maintained a lets solve this problem approach. We are now there but its taken months and been costly.
My situation is a metaphor to what is happening in our government. Campaigns of dis-information and negativity have become the American way. Comments made about "our" President during the campaign have made me shutter. Yet people continually talk about a return to values. What values are we talking about? Being patriotic is not limited to one party or the other. Most anyone you ask, whether on the conservative or liberal end of their party, views themselves as having family values of respect, integrity, honesty, responsibility and being of service to those in need. These values are American values not partisan values. The question I ask is "are our politicians acting in alignment with those values or believing in them but behaving differently?" Does the end justify the means?
Americans in towns and cities from coast to coast have demonstrated the spirit of America by helping one another out in these difficult times of need. These are the stories we need to be hearing about. Last Sunday’s 60 Minutes featured a town in Iowa decimated by the economic downturn. People are pulling together. The segment is worth watching Click Here
Diversity of thought and belief is what our founding fathers tried to secure for generations to come. The American people have spoken this election. Some are rejoicing, others are tearful. Bottom line is the time has come to pull together. See Catalyst blog Click Here
Let’s get rid of the bullying, the dug in heels. Has anyone thought about the connection between bullying of youth in school and the bullying that has gone on in Congress or the media for ratings? I think there is a direct connection. Children are imitating adults. The lack of civility and manipulation of information for personal goals is having a profound impact on our youth. The great danger is a generation that learns values from our poor behavior with one another.
Let us come together, listen to one another and create wonderful solutions that go beyond either party’s wildest dreams. Let us build together for our children and their children. Corporate leaders can use this opportunity to reflect on their own leadership style. Is your behavior building an Engaged Organization? If not, start now. If yes, tell us how!
How Do Humility And Team Spirit Go Hand In Hand?
I come from a long line of baseball fans. So long, that with my 92 year old mother in Brooklyn, 90 and 88 year old aunts in FL, I have been glued to the TV watching the NLCS and ALCS playoffs. They were terrific match-ups and I’m sure ….some of you are disappointed with the results. I for one am not. I think this upcoming World Series match up between the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants will be outstanding. I caught the post game interviews with the Rangers and was impressed with the comments made. I know very little about the team. A franchise for 39 years this is their first trip to the World Series. What struck me was the heart felt sincerity of the comments made by the manager, Ron Washington. Washington’s humility, exemplified in the comments he made about the excellence of his team, was inspiring. This is a man who earlier this year acknowledged cocaine use. He apologized to the Ranger organization including his players and was kept on staff. In actuality the way he and the organization handled this transgression may have brought the team closer together.
Within seconds the scene shifted to the traditional bubbly being sprayed over the players but this time the bubbly was ginger-ale because MVP of the series Josh Hamilton and teammate CJ Wilson don’t drink. This demonstration of team support of a player who has battled addiction to alcohol was a first for me
Next up was Josh Hamilton. In tears he talked about the love he had for the team and his fellow players. He referenced his past addictions and his healing. Like many he thanked God as well. Expressions of gratitude are commonplace. However, I’ve never heard such heart felt authentic expressions after winning a series.
The sense of oneness exemplified by the Rangers from Nolan Ryan down is truly representative of an engaged organization. Telling the truth, acknowledging the efforts of others in your success, a manager admitting to his mistakes, coupled with talent and skill are just a few of the elements that build an engaged organization. Will they carry this through to win the world Series? Only time will tell.
Are You Willing To Experience The Power Of Stand By Me?
I was moved to tears the other evening watching Oprah Winfrey interviewing women veterans returning from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan who are now homeless. The comment was made ...we should all feel the shame of having those who served our country now living on the streets. Now those of us who actively opposed the Viet Nam war know this is nothing new. Thousands of Viet Nam Vets came home with health problems to a country, which turned its back on them. Unfortunately some still have not received the assistance needed to make a decent life for themselves. What’s new now is with over 200,000 women serving we have women who are returning home and for whatever reasons are now homeless. Other’s face custody battles with spouses who were caring for their children while they were deployed. Can you imagine we have laws that protect a veteran’s job while deployed but not their right of custody of their children? One Sergeant Juanita Wilson, having lost an arm and hospitalized at Walter Reade Medical Center made a commitment to “stand by” every women admitted to the facility. She said the hardest thing for her was to get through the days of pain and fear. So she decided while she was healing to literally stand by any other women admitted with serious injuries. One of those women was Tammy Duckworth, now Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs who had both her legs amputated. Sergeant Wilson stood by Tammy’s bed as a symbol she could get through the pain. They were reunited on Oprah’s show which aired October 15th 2010. Click For Video Sixty Minutes also featured homeless veterans in Sunday nights show. The problem is growing. As one psychologist stated the homeless veterans are younger and whereas with Viet Nam homelessness showed up 7-8 years after returning, veterans returning from multiple tours of duty are joining the ranks of the homeless at much higher rates, and some within months of their return.
Curiously enough last week a friend of mine from Canada sent me an email with a link to music she wanted me to hear. It’s of a song being sung by people all over the world. I am including the link here for your listening pleasure. The song is Stand By Me. It sends chills up my spine. Obviously I wasn’t supposed to listen to it last week as it has so much more meaning this morning after hearing the importance of “standing by”. Stand By Me
When I hear stories like these my passion for helping managers and entrepreneurs build engaged organizations expands. For it is when we are engaged that we are cognizant we are all united-we are all part of the company employing us, the community we live in, the country we are citizens of and the planet we call Earth. We need to stand by one another.
What Ignites The Interest of Accomplished Women and Informed Men?
Last week I had the opportunity to meet with a wonderful group of women at the Swedish American Executive Women’s Conference sponsored by the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) here in NYC. The brainchild of Renee Lundholm, SACC President who felt strongly the Chamber needed to develop specialized women’s programming she launched the Executive Women’s Conference about 8 years ago. Women of Swedish ancestry from throughout the US mingled … with women who came from all over Sweden, and a few of us non-Swedes to discuss issues facing working women in the global recession. Citigroup hosted the daylong conference. Although a few men were present throughout the day, something magical happens when women get together even when they are from different countries. The issues are similar although at the core there are basic differences in cultural beliefs and values. Take childcare for example. I know women in the US who are having a hard time getting 3 months maternity leave. In Sweden everyone, women and men get 18 months. What does that say about the value each places on children? In the US we are just coming to terms with a failing education system. It boggles my mind people don’t realize our children are our future here in the US. It’s opportunities like this event where women can come together and share their stories and ideas that are so important. This is how we learn and grow as people. This is the only way we can make the world a better place.
Which brings me to the second point I want to make in this blog. I received an email last night with a link, which I am putting in this blog. This informative short video was an eye opener! I’d been asked to view the video before going on a call to discuss the new Trump Network skincare line BIOCE. We are working towards getting BioCe recognized on the "safe cosmetic" list. In the video, one of the first products mentioned was my favorite shampoo. Alarming to say the least. We need to do a better job in this country and the world and put a higher value on people’s health than profits. This is something everyone-women and the men who love the women in their lives, need to pay attention to. Spend a few minutes to view it. http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=682
This ties in to the last point I want to make today. At a committee meeting yesterday for an organization I am volunteering with, the sobering news that we were not up to last year’s levels for contributions to our premier event was shared. A discussion ensued about the economy and how people are struggling and those with money are not spending. This on the heals of the news that Wall Street bonuses will reach a new record this year. A bonafide capitalist I ask, isn’t there something wrong with this picture?
Featuring an Engaged Executive
This week I am off to Baltimore for meetings regarding the new Requisite Organization Platform and a Board Meeting for the Requisite Organization International Institute. Consequently, this blog will be short. I’ll have lots to say next time in the September Newsletter, which will go out late next week. However I do want to introduce you to Angela Ahrendts the CEO of Burberry. I caught her being interviewed by Charlie Rose last week and am providing a link to that interview. I have no idea if she has ever heard of an EngagedOrg or Requisite Organization but this woman emulates a truly engaged executive. You will enjoy listening to this interview and have the experience of hearing first hand from an engaged leader. Apparently the Dalai Lama in a speech given in British Columbia last spring said, "The world will be saved by the western woman." If Angela Ahrendts is any example the world is in good hands. “And she’s not even a client.”
Check out the interview here
Ecclesiastes 3:22
“I see there is no happiness for man but to be happy in his work, for this is the lot assigned to him. Who then can bring him to see what is to happen after his time?”…..
In life we are required to continuously manage a myriad of relationships. If I were to ask each of you to jot down the three to five most important relationships in your life I can safely guess that spouse/loving relationship partner, children, parents and/or siblings and boss and colleagues would be on the list. Missing is what I refer to as life’s essential relationships- our relationship to ourselves and to our work. This week I’m discussing our relationship to work although the two are interwoven.
As human beings we are goal directed organisms. We move towards an outcome or away from it when fear overcomes us. When ready for employment we enter into an implicit or explicit employment contract with our employer to complete a set of tasks for which we are paid. Hopefully a salary we feel is fair.
Having meaningful work, that is, work you value and feel well matched to is rewarding. In today’s economy, with the high rate of unemployment many of you might be wondering why write this blog now? It’s because fear and malaise are costly for each of us individually and for the companies in which we work. Some of you are under-employed meaning you have more capability than what your current role requires. Others are treading water in stormy seas because you have been asked to do not only your own work, but also the tasks of others whose roles have been eliminated. Still others are over-stretched without the current capability to do the work required in the role.
Requisite Organization defines work as “the exercise of judgment and discretion in making decisions in carrying out goal-directed activities” (From Social Power and the CEO by Elliott Jaques, page 187). Simply stated, goal-directed activities focus on the completion of tasks or series of tasks. Groups of tasks are organized into specific roles in work systems, which are then organized into the infrastructure or the organization spine of the company…the fabric of the company. When well matched to the requirements of our role, synergy occurs. I like to think of this as “humming along”, that is, the work is a continuous cycle of motivation and accomplishment resulting in personal as well as organization satisfaction. If you have experienced this, and I hope you have, it is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have in life.
What to do to create personal synergy at work:
1. Conduct a personal audit of your current employment or last employment if presently unemployed. Ask yourself if you value the work you are doing? Do you feel well matched to the assignments given? Are you overwhelmed and stressed out? Do you feel under-employed? Are you over-stretched meaning the work requires capability and ways of thinking for which you are currently unprepared? Be truthful! Identify your ideal role. Does it exist in your present company? Develop a plan to get from where you are to where you want to be even if it’s a long-term plan.
2. If under-employed here are two suggestions. Firstly, let your manager know. It’s not that you want more of the same added to the role but rather that you can do more than what is being asked of you at present. Most managers would appreciate a discussion of this type. It provides an opportunity for them to rethink some of the assignments or perhaps provide you with one of the projects s/he has been meaning to get to for months and never seems to have the time. You may not get an increase in salary but you will get an increase in recognition and you will feel more energized about your work. Secondly, look outside the organization for a place to volunteer. I know one such friend whose employment for years did not utilize his full capability. He got active in local politics, which provided an outlet for his capability. Only recently has he moved into a role that requires his full capability.
3. If you are drowning at work because you are doing the work of two or three people you need to engage your boss in a discussion to brainstorm how to provide relief. It may be the workload gets spread amongst a few, or some things get eliminated. On the other hand, if you are overstretched and can’t keep up with the requirements of the role, yet reticent to communicate this you’re gambling with your life and your family’s future. Consistent intensely stressful situations cause health and social problems namely dis-ease and can result in health problems and/or acting out behavior. Fear prevents many from raising this in discussion with management and/or beginning to look for new employment. We are no good to those we love if always angry, uptight and living in fear of being found out.
Engaged organizations require workers at every level to be accountable for communicating what may be interfering in the effective execution of tasks in their role. This is a two way street with communication flowing up as well as down. Given the economic down turn we are in its imperative that our companies become competitive once again. The answer lies not in expense reduction but in the recognition that in our people lies the key to worldwide competitive advantage.