Monday, December 29, 2014

Preparing for the New Year

As we wrap up all of our 2014 projects and prepare for the new year, I am reminded of the following quote by Robert Rosen in his book, Leading People ,Viking Pengiun, 1997. As writes, 

"People want to be led. They don't want the old authoritarian leadership style. Nor do they want some clever new management technique. Instead, they want leaders with deeply held human values who respect people's unique talents and contributions. They want leaders who will create an environment that nurtures excellence, risk taking, and creativity. They reject intimidation or manipulation, but they positively yearn for inspiration.

Similarly, in the misguided efforts of leaders is hidden another message: leaders need followers. Leaders don't want docile, do only-as-ordered employees.  Instead, they want responsible, mature, forward-looking associates. They want partners who are as committed as they are to the success of the enterprise."

In 2015, I hope you skip the “new” management techniques and focus instead on the core values of respect, excellence and inspiration. I also hope you remember not to create followers but instead partners focused on our collective success.

I look forward to continuing the journey with you in 2015 as we all figure out how to move from vision to action.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Monday, December 22, 2014

Happy Holidays

This morning I have been reflecting on my past year of traveling to be with all of you. In particular, I remember an experience I had one morning at the airport last spring. 

It was the first flight out in the morning as we slowly walked on to the plane. There was the stewardess greeting each of us sleepy heads off on another trip.

As I approached her, I said, “Good morning. How are you today?”

“I am well blessed,” was her reply.

Rather than the typical, “Fine”, or “Good,” she shared with me that she was “well blessed.” It was such a delightful surprise that I have carried her comment with me for a long time.

One of my many blessings is the opportunity to work with each of you. I am humbled by all that you have shared with me, and grateful beyond measure for the opportunity to be of support and service to each of you. Thank-you for letting me be a part of the important work you do.

My hope this special week is that you will rediscover the blessings in your life, and for you to be a blessing in some one else’s life. When we do this, it can be a transformative experience for all.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!  I look forward to when we visit next in the new year.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Monday, December 15, 2014

In The Midst of these Busy Days

The holiday season is always packed with so much to do. 

At work, we are still trying to get lots done before the New Year shows up. There are projects to complete. There are new plans to create. There are new goals to set, and performance evaluations that need to take place.

At home, there are gifts to be purchased, wrapping to be done, holiday baking to finish, plus all of the planning around having family and friends over to celebrate. The lists are endless, and everyday is long and full.

Some days we get so caught up in all of the lights, sparkle and busy work that we forget that there is a reason for this season. There is a purpose at the core of what we are doing. At times, it becomes secondary to all of the work that needs to get done. In short, the reason for the season gets forgotten.

My challenge to you this week is to pause and remember the core reason why we are celebrating at this time of the year, and to bring it back to the center of all you do. Open your heart and let it in. This core purpose will put so many things into perspective and rekindle in you a deeper understanding of the bigger picture of life.

In the midst of the busy days, do not let the joy get lost in the work. 

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Monday, December 8, 2014

Rediscover Individual and Shared Purpose

Right now many people act as if they are a community of one. This me-oriented society is digitally connected to thousands and yet at times feels completely isolated. These individuals do not understand the difference between personal connections and connectivity. The former is the foundation for the later.

As an executive coach, I listen to a fair number of people who worry about their companies, their future and their ability to make a difference as a leader. My challenge to you today is to ask yourself the following questions when you are worried: 

- What gets you up in the morning? 

- What is your passion? 

- What kind of day do you want to have so you can go to bed with thanksgiving and wake up the next morning with gratitude?

When visiting with people who are living their passion as leaders, I notice one unique observation. They make family time a priority. They do this by creating new and celebrating old family traditions. It seems that these traditions ground them, and remind them of the purpose of their life. I believe these positive traditions create a shared sense of purpose which renews them at a deeper level.

This holiday season, I encourage you to make family time a priority. Create new traditions and celebrate old ones. It will bring a sense of purpose back into your life journey.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

A Quick Reminder

Friday, December 5, is the registration deadline for the 2015 From Vision to Action Leadership Training.

We will meet for this unique learning opportunity at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Coralville, Iowa on the following dates:
- March 3 - 4 - 5, 2015
- May 5 - 6 - 7, 2015
- September 15 - 16 - 17, 2015
- November 10 - 11, 2015

If you and/or members of your team are interested in the 2015 training, then please click on the following link for more information: http://www.chartyourpath.com/VTA-Leadership-Training.html 

Or you can click on the this link for the registration form: http://www.chartyourpath.com/pdf/2015-From-Vision-To-Action-Leadership-Training-Regist.pdf

I look forward to your participation in the 2015 From Vision to Action Leadership Training.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Monday, December 1, 2014

Practice Being Fully Present

Before vacation, her children sat down with her and had a serious conversation. 

“Mom - are you bring the third child with us on vacation?”, asked the oldest.

“What third child?,” she replied. “I only have two children.”

“No, you don’t,” answered the youngest.

“The third child is your cell phone, Mom,” said the oldest. “You take it every where and you are constantly answering phone messages and e-mail on it. You take care of that phone more than you take care of us some days.”

“So,” asked the youngest, “are you bring the third child on vacation this year?”

There are days, note James Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner in their book, A Leader’s Legacy. Jossey-Bass, 2006, when “we operate on automatic pilot, not really noticing what’s going on around us, believing that we know everything we need to know, viewing the world through established categories, and operating from a single point of view. Many leaders are not really “present” at all. The body may be in the room, but the mind has been turned off.”

We all know this place. We are in the meeting but our mind is some place else. We are not attuned to those around us, and we are not attuned to ourself. We are personally and socially unaware.

Years ago, on a flight out of Phoenix, I listened to a woman talk about her son’s girl friend. She told me that this young woman made her son want to be a better man. One key to being more present is to have allies and confidents in our life who can share with us at a deep level. With these people, we are open and willing to receive feedback if necessary. Through thoughtful dialogue with these people, important insights are gleaned. Our challenge as leaders is to surround ourselves with friends and family who make us want to be a better person. 

This week, I encourage you to cultivate these deep relationships. The cell phone does not need to be the center of the universe.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257