This past week on more than one occasion I was reminded about the important role silence plays in my teaching and coaching work. That realization prompted me to recall a blog posting I had written in March of 2007 (see blog archives for the original version). I decided to update my thinking on this important topic.
In recent years I have focused on doing inspiring work and being an inspirational leader. I have tried to learn and practice good listening skills while challenging the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the clients I am serving. Silence, however awkward and uncomfortable, is a necessary element of these interactions. Our addiction to noise and brain stimulation is a frightening phenomenon, turning human interaction into digital posts and tweets. Cultivating silence in the midst of mind-numbing chatter is an enormous challenge.
How many of us have a daily routine that includes time to listen and reflect? One of my favorite scripture verses is Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." Regardless of your faith perspective this is prescriptive advice for today's "do everything" leadership mentality. It is in the silence that we can listen—to our hearts, our families, our employees, and our customers. Taking a deep breath, clearing our minds, and waiting for a word from God is the only way we can recharge our mental and emotional batteries. Meditating and reflecting heightens our awareness of what really matters, allows us to sort through the clutter, and rebuilds our capacity to serve. Silence heals, renews, and cleanses us so we can absorb new ideas, connect more closely with what and whom we love, and experience the presence of God in a personal way.
I confess that practicing silence isn't easy for me. My brain races in a dozen directions at first but, if I am disciplined to wait and listen, eventually my spirit surrenders to the sweet music of the Soul—to the sound of silence. It is at these moments that God can speak (even shout at times) and I am finally ready to hear the message. There is energy in this place of quiet reflection. Silence is the setting where faith flows freely, where wisdom finds a voice, where dreams are birthed, and possibilities are imagined. Revisiting this special sanctuary every day can transform how we as leaders perform. More importantly it can change who we are.
Robert Greenleaf offered this thoughtful question for us to ponder: "In saying what I have in mind, will I really improve on the silence?" How would the persons you love and serve assess your leadership if they were asked that question? What would my own clients, colleagues, family, and friends say about me?
Perhaps we all need to silence our cell phones, abandon our in-boxes, and disconnect from the frenzy of Facebook and Twitter on a daily basis. Let's reconnect to the human spirit by gathering with and really listening to each other. By thoughtfully and intentionally practicing silence, might our message carry more worth and meaning when it is finally delivered? Will you have the courage to give it a try?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Honoring Rita
As I write this week’s post, fresh memories of last night’s chamber of commerce banquet are lingering in my mind. My last official act as board president was to serve as emcee for this annual event where we highlight the work of our organization and honor the people and businesses that makes our region, what we call the Indian Valley, a special place to live and work. Since 1987 one award has assumed center stage as we celebrate an organization or individual whose volunteer spirit and commitment to service stands out from the crowd. I was humbled to receive this honor in 2007 and will never forget the shock and surprise I felt. Knowing my peers had collaborated to choose me above many other worthy candidates is something I will never forget.
Last night I was privileged to introduce this year’s winner of the Charles H. Allebach, Jr. Community Service Award, my dear friend, Rita Woodward. Like me, she was overwhelmed with emotion as her name was announced. A standing ovation served to validate our choice. Rita’s example of giving back is worth sharing and that is what my brief tribute will attempt to convey.
Imagine a dynamic personality combined with master networking skills. Add a generous mix of love, kindness, generosity, and creativity. Stir in some passion and boundless energy. Share these abilities and attributes with others in both work and volunteer settings and you have just described Rita. Well, actually it’s difficult to capture the special way Rita lights up a room, changes a conversation, or takes charge of a situation. Anyone who knows and serves with her could add dozens of descriptions to my abridged version.
In the years I have known Rita, she has been a constant encourager, a faithful friend, a patient listener, and a passionate advocate. Even when she lost her job a couple of years ago, her positive attitude and persistent determination kept her focused on opportunities for personal and professional growth. She networked, volunteered, accepted short-term assignments, and never succumbed to the temptation of defeat, even if she may have felt like it at times.
Rita does inspiring work because she is an inspiring person. That is why I am so pleased she was honored by our chamber board. They recognize that leadership and inspiration aren’t one and the same. Someone who inspires doesn’t always hold a title or office but they are true leaders. Someone who leads, even with a position or status, is often not very inspiring. Rita is the former, a leader because she inspires others to serve and give.
Margaret Mead is quoted as saying, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” That’s who Rita is and why we need others like her to make a difference in our world. Perhaps Rita’s story may inspire you to act, and if you do, I hope you will return to this blog and post your story. Thanks, Rita, for inspiring so many others to “pay it forward!”
Last night I was privileged to introduce this year’s winner of the Charles H. Allebach, Jr. Community Service Award, my dear friend, Rita Woodward. Like me, she was overwhelmed with emotion as her name was announced. A standing ovation served to validate our choice. Rita’s example of giving back is worth sharing and that is what my brief tribute will attempt to convey.
Imagine a dynamic personality combined with master networking skills. Add a generous mix of love, kindness, generosity, and creativity. Stir in some passion and boundless energy. Share these abilities and attributes with others in both work and volunteer settings and you have just described Rita. Well, actually it’s difficult to capture the special way Rita lights up a room, changes a conversation, or takes charge of a situation. Anyone who knows and serves with her could add dozens of descriptions to my abridged version.
In the years I have known Rita, she has been a constant encourager, a faithful friend, a patient listener, and a passionate advocate. Even when she lost her job a couple of years ago, her positive attitude and persistent determination kept her focused on opportunities for personal and professional growth. She networked, volunteered, accepted short-term assignments, and never succumbed to the temptation of defeat, even if she may have felt like it at times.
Rita does inspiring work because she is an inspiring person. That is why I am so pleased she was honored by our chamber board. They recognize that leadership and inspiration aren’t one and the same. Someone who inspires doesn’t always hold a title or office but they are true leaders. Someone who leads, even with a position or status, is often not very inspiring. Rita is the former, a leader because she inspires others to serve and give.
Margaret Mead is quoted as saying, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” That’s who Rita is and why we need others like her to make a difference in our world. Perhaps Rita’s story may inspire you to act, and if you do, I hope you will return to this blog and post your story. Thanks, Rita, for inspiring so many others to “pay it forward!”
Sunday, January 16, 2011
If Only
Regret is a powerful emotion. It is woven into the fabric of many of our life stories. We wonder, sometimes years later, what might have happened if we had chosen a different career path, listened to the advice of a parent or mentor, married someone else, or selected our words more carefully. The guilt that may accompany these choices can foster depression, anxiety, and indecision years after the event has passed.
If you are a leader, the list of “if only” statements might be pretty extensive. Anyone in a position of power or influence makes daily decisions that may not satisfy those they serve or reflect the highest standards of conduct. Words carry meaning, values can be compromised, and personal ego may cloud discernment. We can’t ignore the consequences of our poor judgment or lack of discipline.
However, those same choices or mistakes don’t need to prevent us from pursuing current dreams and opportunities. I used to second guess myself for choosing not to earn a four-year college degree. A full explanation of this story won’t be forthcoming here. However, since making that decision I have held executive positions in several different organizations, served in countless volunteer leadership roles, and successfully launched my own business. I have honed my talents and skills through the able advice of mentors, extensive reading, practical on-the-job experience, and self-discipline. Hopefully the results speak for themselves.
In spite of these outcomes, the thought that “if only I had my MBA things might be different” still hides in the shadowy recesses of my mind. Perhaps it is just human nature for us to question, wonder, and worry. My decision did not have life-and-death consequences so feeling regret seems trivial at best. At age 56 I could go back to school if it was really important to do so.
I share this example to encourage others who perhaps also carry lingering regrets from their past. Wouldn’t our emotional energies be better spent on celebrating how God restores and provides even when we may ignore his call or abandon our dreams? All leaders should pay closer attention to the impact of our choices on others, not just on ourselves. We should confess and learn from our mistakes and invite those we serve to hold us accountable.
I’m personally grateful for the amazing opportunities I have been given to learn and grow as a leader. Many persons have taken risks over the years by placing their confidence in my abilities and offering helpful advice or encouragement. I have tried to do the same for others.
Is there anything on your “if only” list of regrets that needs healing? Can you forgive yourself for that mistake you may have made or the wrong path you chose? It’s time to move beyond regret and guilt; to become more attuned with what is most important now and what matters to those you serve today. That decision could be the key to avoiding any future “if only” memories.
If you are a leader, the list of “if only” statements might be pretty extensive. Anyone in a position of power or influence makes daily decisions that may not satisfy those they serve or reflect the highest standards of conduct. Words carry meaning, values can be compromised, and personal ego may cloud discernment. We can’t ignore the consequences of our poor judgment or lack of discipline.
However, those same choices or mistakes don’t need to prevent us from pursuing current dreams and opportunities. I used to second guess myself for choosing not to earn a four-year college degree. A full explanation of this story won’t be forthcoming here. However, since making that decision I have held executive positions in several different organizations, served in countless volunteer leadership roles, and successfully launched my own business. I have honed my talents and skills through the able advice of mentors, extensive reading, practical on-the-job experience, and self-discipline. Hopefully the results speak for themselves.
In spite of these outcomes, the thought that “if only I had my MBA things might be different” still hides in the shadowy recesses of my mind. Perhaps it is just human nature for us to question, wonder, and worry. My decision did not have life-and-death consequences so feeling regret seems trivial at best. At age 56 I could go back to school if it was really important to do so.
I share this example to encourage others who perhaps also carry lingering regrets from their past. Wouldn’t our emotional energies be better spent on celebrating how God restores and provides even when we may ignore his call or abandon our dreams? All leaders should pay closer attention to the impact of our choices on others, not just on ourselves. We should confess and learn from our mistakes and invite those we serve to hold us accountable.
I’m personally grateful for the amazing opportunities I have been given to learn and grow as a leader. Many persons have taken risks over the years by placing their confidence in my abilities and offering helpful advice or encouragement. I have tried to do the same for others.
Is there anything on your “if only” list of regrets that needs healing? Can you forgive yourself for that mistake you may have made or the wrong path you chose? It’s time to move beyond regret and guilt; to become more attuned with what is most important now and what matters to those you serve today. That decision could be the key to avoiding any future “if only” memories.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Dealers in Hope
What are some of your hopes for 2011? Is it to make more money? To hire some new employees? To bring your life into greater balance? To beat your competition? Perhaps more importantly, why do you hope for these things? Why are they important to you?
The concept of hope has been both celebrated and ridiculed by many of the world’s poets, philosophers, and leaders. “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope,” writes Dr. Martin Luther King. “Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torments of man,” counters Friedrich Nietzsch. A quick Google search for hope reveals hundreds of quotes and poems written about this subject.
I want to offer a few observations about hope from the perspective of leadership. Napoleon Bonaparte is quoted as saying, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” At first glance I was tempted to cynically equate this quote with the “smoke and mirrors” speeches that often accompany our political campaigns and national agenda. We can all remember a time when our emotions were swayed by the empty rhetoric of a speech or sound byte. That’s not the context for hope I want to connect with Bonaparte’s take on leaders.
While it is tempting to use hope as some magical motivational tool, leaders must also be willing to ground their words of possibility with the practical, common sense realities of the situation. How can a leader credibly encourage employees to not lose hope in the future of the company when they know about planned furloughs or facility shutdowns? People deserve to hear the hard truths about what is happening while still being invited to have courage in the face of adversity.
Hope is rooted in the realization that nothing is permanent. Today’s euphoria will eventually give way to tomorrow’s depression. Tomorrow’s victory will be tainted by the losses of next week. Winter’s formidable chill and darkness will surrender to the warmth and light of Spring. Leaders who deal in hope know these truths and invite those around them to share their stories of pain and success, of joy and sorrow.
Today’s stressed workplaces generally feel hopeless. Employees are worried about job security. Managers are struggling with tighter budgets and limited resources. In this volatile environment a leader who effectively deals in hope would be a much needed catalyst for change.
So become a dealer in hope. Invite people to believe in themselves and each other. Encourage storytelling about the company’s history, especially it’s positive past. Focus less on fears and failures. Dream together about what is possible. Keep hope alive.
The concept of hope has been both celebrated and ridiculed by many of the world’s poets, philosophers, and leaders. “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope,” writes Dr. Martin Luther King. “Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torments of man,” counters Friedrich Nietzsch. A quick Google search for hope reveals hundreds of quotes and poems written about this subject.
I want to offer a few observations about hope from the perspective of leadership. Napoleon Bonaparte is quoted as saying, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” At first glance I was tempted to cynically equate this quote with the “smoke and mirrors” speeches that often accompany our political campaigns and national agenda. We can all remember a time when our emotions were swayed by the empty rhetoric of a speech or sound byte. That’s not the context for hope I want to connect with Bonaparte’s take on leaders.
While it is tempting to use hope as some magical motivational tool, leaders must also be willing to ground their words of possibility with the practical, common sense realities of the situation. How can a leader credibly encourage employees to not lose hope in the future of the company when they know about planned furloughs or facility shutdowns? People deserve to hear the hard truths about what is happening while still being invited to have courage in the face of adversity.
Hope is rooted in the realization that nothing is permanent. Today’s euphoria will eventually give way to tomorrow’s depression. Tomorrow’s victory will be tainted by the losses of next week. Winter’s formidable chill and darkness will surrender to the warmth and light of Spring. Leaders who deal in hope know these truths and invite those around them to share their stories of pain and success, of joy and sorrow.
Today’s stressed workplaces generally feel hopeless. Employees are worried about job security. Managers are struggling with tighter budgets and limited resources. In this volatile environment a leader who effectively deals in hope would be a much needed catalyst for change.
So become a dealer in hope. Invite people to believe in themselves and each other. Encourage storytelling about the company’s history, especially it’s positive past. Focus less on fears and failures. Dream together about what is possible. Keep hope alive.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Endings or Beginnings?
The calendar year we have known as 2010 is now history. For many of us it couldn’t end soon enough. These past twelve months have seen their share of economic and political turmoil including persistent high unemployment, a mid-term election cycle, and several high-stakes legislative initiatives. It has been a challenging time for business leaders.
The new year promises fresh beginnings, at least that is one optimistic view of the future. In 2011 some of us we will resolve to change a habit or launch a new idea. This practice can invigorate our hearts and minds with energy and purpose. By focusing on where we are going the path may seem more clear and the journey more inviting.
For others, saying goodbye to the past year may carry it’s own weight and meaning. I lost some of my closest friends to death in 2010 so the memory of our relationships still stings with the pain of permanent separation. The dark, cold winter months do little to encourage my spirit and I find it difficult sometimes to remain optimistic in the face of these endings in my life.
Transitions always bring with them this tension between the old and the new; between the past and the future; between endings and beginnings. Our church is experiencing this right now as our current pastoral team moves on. Many organizations have been hit hard by permanent layoffs and plant closings during this past year. The anxiety about what is known and unknown remains a difficult lesson for leaders to grasp.
One way I hope to conquer the uncertainties of ending one year and beginning another is to be more thankful. I am blessed to have a loving family, good health, a job that I enjoy, and dozens of clients and friends who support and encourage me. I’m thankful for my faith that sustains me in times of uncertainty and for a church family that offers me a place to use my talents for God’s glory. Every leader should adopt an attitude of gratitude in 2011.
We cannot stop the march of time. A new calendar year is simply another reminder that endings and beginnings are an integral part of life. Leaders whose memories of 2010 are filled with pain and disappointment can wipe the slate clean and start over in 2011. Every failure can be a lesson learned, an opportunity for personal growth. It’s important to reflect on what has ended and imagine what is just beginning. You might even find something to celebrate about both! Happy New Year everyone!
The new year promises fresh beginnings, at least that is one optimistic view of the future. In 2011 some of us we will resolve to change a habit or launch a new idea. This practice can invigorate our hearts and minds with energy and purpose. By focusing on where we are going the path may seem more clear and the journey more inviting.
For others, saying goodbye to the past year may carry it’s own weight and meaning. I lost some of my closest friends to death in 2010 so the memory of our relationships still stings with the pain of permanent separation. The dark, cold winter months do little to encourage my spirit and I find it difficult sometimes to remain optimistic in the face of these endings in my life.
Transitions always bring with them this tension between the old and the new; between the past and the future; between endings and beginnings. Our church is experiencing this right now as our current pastoral team moves on. Many organizations have been hit hard by permanent layoffs and plant closings during this past year. The anxiety about what is known and unknown remains a difficult lesson for leaders to grasp.
One way I hope to conquer the uncertainties of ending one year and beginning another is to be more thankful. I am blessed to have a loving family, good health, a job that I enjoy, and dozens of clients and friends who support and encourage me. I’m thankful for my faith that sustains me in times of uncertainty and for a church family that offers me a place to use my talents for God’s glory. Every leader should adopt an attitude of gratitude in 2011.
We cannot stop the march of time. A new calendar year is simply another reminder that endings and beginnings are an integral part of life. Leaders whose memories of 2010 are filled with pain and disappointment can wipe the slate clean and start over in 2011. Every failure can be a lesson learned, an opportunity for personal growth. It’s important to reflect on what has ended and imagine what is just beginning. You might even find something to celebrate about both! Happy New Year everyone!
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