Connect • Collaborate • Create Solutions
“Obsessing about getting what you want and avoiding what you don’t want does not result in happiness. Always maintain only a joyful mind.” (The Book of Joy by his Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams, 2016)
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“In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.” (Carol S. Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University)
“The basic condition of happiness is freedom. If there is something on your mind that you keep thinking about, then you are caught and have no freedom.” (Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk and author)
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Recently I facilitated a staff retreat for people who work with refugees on a daily basis. [Read more…]
Quotes inspire us and questions challenge us.
About two years ago, I purchased a card deck called “Quotes to Inspire, Questions to Inquire.” They were written by Jan Efline, a trainer and coach who specializes in creativity and innovation. I use her cards in staff retreats and in working with teams as a way of bringing people together. The quotes and questions elicit sharing regarding sensitive issues that may lay just beneath the surface such as mistrust of others, fear of change, or lack of understanding among team members.
Here are just a few of her quotes and associated questions that are my favorites. [Read more…]
Ambiguity, uncertainty, the unknown, and change can create emotional stress and cloud a leader’s vision.
Another New Year ushers into our lives. If there is one hope I have for myself and others, it is to be present with ambiguity and uncertainty that will continue unabated. The search for certainty is folly. Once you have it, or think you have it, it’s gone. [Read more…]
The World Café method is an engaging and thought-provoking process to bring employees or community members together in conversation around a particular issue. One of the challenges in facilitating this process is: What are the questions people will dialogue around at their tables? Let me shed some light on this question.
As 2016 winds down, a number of people I know are still bummed out about the election, the cold weather and overcast days, or are ill. You may find this to be true in your workplace either with co-workers or your staff. Just a lot of grumpiness and pre-holiday stress right now.
So, if you are a leader, you may be wondering, “What can I do to respond to this grumpiness from my staff?” I offer you two responses for your consideration. [Read more…]
We all have our perspectives about how we see, sense and know our world. If we lock into our perspectives and dismiss others, we lose relevance and trust with those we work with. Seeing the world through someone else’s eyes help us to break free from our perspectives. One excellent way to do that is to listen and suspend judgment.
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I attended the third Mindful Leadership Summit in Arlington, VA. earlier this month with over 700 people with 27 countries represented. I had the good fortune to attend Finding the Space Lead workshop lead by Janice Marturano, Founder and Executive Director of Institute of Mindful Leadership and Mark Prior, an instructor.
Here are just a few thought-provoking concepts I gleaned from the Summit about mindfulness.
“Happiness is a state of mind. You can be in heaven in your environment, but hell in your mind.” [Read more…]
