Monday, July 31, 2017

There is More to Integrity than Meets the Eye

A long time ago in a not so distant land, there was a company called Enron, a natural gas pipeline company, which had the following core values: Respect, Integrity, Communication and Excellence. These key words were to be the cultural DNA of the company and were to guide all employees in how they worked with each other and their customers. And as the history books point out, having these core values is not the same as understanding and living those core values.

As leaders, the concept of integrity is very important. We want to be people who adhere to a code of moral values and to work for a company where ethics and morals are more than words on a page or a section in an employee handbook. We want to be people who do things right and who do the right things.

Yet, as an executive coach, I often have to point out that while every company wants to put integrity in their core values, few spend ample time exploring and teaching what it means. Because within a successful company and with successful leaders, integrity is a mindset, i.e. a mental framework, and a core set of behaviors that is utilized daily and lived daily. It is an inside the person thing rather than an outside the person thing.

This week, sit down with your team and begin the conversation about what is the definition of integrity. Explore with them what is an ethical mindset and what are the ethical behaviors that come from this mindset. You will find it a helpful and in-depth learning process for all involved.

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

Monday, July 24, 2017

Early Bird Special Reminder!

Before more of July flies by, I just wanted to post a friendly reminder that the “Early Bird Special” for the Fall 2017 From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable is set to expire on Friday, July 28.

If you sign up between now and 7/28/17, the price will be $ 275.00 for the two days and $ 175.00 for a single day. Here is the link to the registration form:


Please write “early bird special” on it when you send it to me by mail or fax (# 319 - 643 - 2185).

After 7/28/17, the registration price will be $ 295.00 for the two days and $ 195.00 for a single day.

Here is the agenda for your review:

Wednesday, September 20, 2017
- 8:30 am - Arrival & Visiting Time
- 9:00 am - 10:15 am - How do leaders on-board the next generation of high-growth opportunities while managing daily operations?
- 10:15 am - 10:30 am - Break
- 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - How do leaders work through endings and new beginnings at the same time?
- 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch and Networking 
- 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm - How do leaders help their organization become more resilient?
- 2:45 pm - 3:00 pm - Break
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm - How do leaders help others think and act strategically?
- 4:30 pm - Adjourn

Thursday, September 21, 2017
- 9:00 am - 10:15 am - How do leaders recover from burnout?
- 10:15 am - 10:30 am - Break 
- 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Integration and Application
- 12:00 pm - Adjourn

Location: Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa.

Hope you can come!

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

At the Heart of It All

When you have done something for a long time, it is interesting to watch the evolution of how we talk and share about what is happening. For example, in the late 80’s, Tom Peter’s wrote a book called In Search of Excellence. Instantaneously, everyone began talking about excellence. It was on the lips of every leader in the country. Then in the early 90’s, Stephen Covey wrote a book called The Seven Habits of Highly Effective people. The next day, excellence was old school, and we all started talking about effectiveness. Shortly thereafter, we had the rise of TQM, i.e. total quality management, and CQI, i.e. continuous quality improvement. After that, the list just starts to become endless. Buzz words followed by buzz words and an endless stream of something being the hot-off-the-press new solution. 

In the midst of this whirlwind of “new” and “improved” terminology, a pattern started to appear. Starting before Tom Peters wrote his book, I have observed that all of the leaders and companies who were successful all had one thing in common, clarity of mission and/or purpose. In the beginning, mission was the word that leaders used. It was not the military definition of mission, as in an action that need to get done to achieve a particular goal, as much as an overall sense of clarity of purpose and focus.

Over time and from years of visiting with struggling and successful executives, managers and supervisors, I have come to the conclusion that clarity of mission/purpose is foundational to both short and long term success. In the language of leaders, the two words, mission and purpose, have become interchangeable. Whether it is an action in the course of execution, or a body of persons sent to perform a service or carry on an activity, knowing what we do and how we do it is critical to all involved. Because, in the end, if we are clear about what is at the heart of all we do, then we can stay focused, overcome our challenges, and deliver the outcomes that are desired.

During the coming week, whether you are using the word mission or purpose, make sure that every one involved understands the scope, the direction and the reason why being mission-driven or purposed-centered is so important. People want to work at a place where making a difference is possible. We as leaders have to continually educate and reeducate all involved about what is at the heart of all we do on a daily basis.


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

Monday, July 17, 2017

The Unorganized State Of Primordial Matter

I love a good speech that brings the crowd to their feet, energized, engaged and committed to moving forward to the next level. Over the decades, I have witnessed many a senior leader stand and deliver. Routinely, I hear leaders quote Winston Churchill and state that “every change is a challenge to become who we are.” And what many leaders forget is that one person's challenge may be another person’s total chaos.

In particular, leaders often forget that something is a challenge only when those who have to face it have clarity about why, how, what, and when. Regularly, leaders skip these details in their rush to begin. They have been thinking about this situation for quite a long time. Meanwhile, the listener has been quietly focused on doing the day to day operations of the company. The follower is focused on the now while the leader is focused on the future. 

This all reminds me of that famous quote by Yogi Berra: “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace.” The challenge that most leaders are talking about is not a someplace thing. It is a specific thing with a specific outcome or result. However, the new place, i.e. the place on the other side of the challenge, is not an every day thought for most people in non-leadership positions. They just want to do what has got to be done.

Furthermore, leaders forget that what they are calling a challenge for most non-leaders feels like total chaos. A challenge by definition is a stimulating task or problem that needs to be solved. Chaos, on the other hand, feels like utter confusion. The dictionary defines chaos as “the confused unorganized state of primordial matter before the creation of distinct forms.” For the follower who is doing their daily job, a challenge means there is a high probability for things and people to be unpredictable, problematic, and difficult. And frankly, most non-leaders are not seeking out experiences where utter confusion might take place. 

Therefore, I routinely coach leaders that before they start talking about challenges, they need to get their ducks in a row and figure out the whys, the whats, the hows and the when. Starting from a firm foundation of clarity, I encourage them to sell the problem before they starting quoting Winston Churchill. Then, they and their people can avoid getting lost in the unorganized state of primordial matter, i.e. chaos. They instead can start from a common ground of clarity and commitment.

This week, do your homework as a leader before you starting speaking about challenges. It will make a world of difference for all involved.

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

Monday, July 10, 2017

The Complexity of Change

Leaders love to talk about change. It is one of their favorite words. The minute a leader starts to use this word they become excited.

The difficulty with the word change is that most leaders assume the listener knows what they mean by it. During numerous executive coaching sessions, I have pointed out to countless leaders that saying the word change does not mean we understand what the definition is of the word change.

In the beginning, I point out that the word change really carries two different meanings. The first meaning of the word change is to start a process where by we as leaders want to improve something. For example, we could change something like a system, a process, or the structure of the company. The goal is to improve what already exists so that it is more effective or more efficient.

However, some leaders use the word change and what they are really trying to communicate is not improvement, but instead transformation. The goal is to create something new and different. In this case, they do not want to change, i.e. improve, a system, but would like to transform the current system into a new system.

So, in the lexicon of leadership, the first thing most leaders need to do is pause before they speak. They need to ask themselves the following questions: 

Am I asking this individual or group of people to do something better? 

Or am I asking them to do something different? 

Starting from this  point of clarity, leadership communication is always more effective.

When I coach people, I routinely encourage leaders and managers to not use the word change. Instead, I encourage them to use the words “improve” or “transform”. Then, the meaning of the word is clear from the beginning.

This week, pause before you start talking about change and make sure you know which definition of the word you are using. Then, be consistent as you move forward. Confusion never helps people change. 

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

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Fall 2017 Roundtable - Early Bird Special!

With the Independence Day celebrations in the history books, now is the time for us to turn our attention to the Fall 2017 Roundtable! 

On September 20 - 21, 2017, we will gather at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa for the Fall 2017 From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable. Here is the agenda for your review:

Wednesday, September 20, 2017
- 8:30 am - Arrival & Visiting Time
- 9:00 am - 10:15 am - How do leaders on-board the next generation of high-growth opportunities while managing daily operations?
- 10:15 am - 10:30 am - Break
- 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - How do leaders work through endings and new beginnings at the same time?
- 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch and Networking 
- 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm - How do leaders help their organization become more resilient?
- 2:45 pm - 3:00 pm - Break
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm - How do leaders help others think and act strategically?
- 4:30 pm - Adjourn

Thursday, September 21, 2017
- 9:00 am - 10:15 am - How do leaders recover from burnout?
- 10:15 am - 10:30 am - Break 
- 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Integration and Application
- 12:00 pm - Adjourn

Starting today through Friday, July 28, I am offering an “early bird” registration price for the Fall 2017 From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable.

If you sign up during this time period, and submit payment before 7/28/17, the price will be $ 275.00 for the two days and $ 175.00 for a single day. Here is the link to the registration form:


 Please write “early bird special” on it when you send it to me by mail or fax (# 319 - 643 - 2185).

After 7/28/17, the registration price will be $ 295.00 for the two days and $ 195.00 for a single day.

I hope you will reserve September 20 - 21 on your calendar, and e-mail me today about whether or not you and your team are coming. Then, when the first fall leaves are just starting to show some color, all we will need to do is meet at the Fall 2017 From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable.

Thinking ahead and looking forward to seeing you in September!

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

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

The Importance of Analog Leadership in The Digital Age

I was sitting around the table with a group of young leaders in their twenties and early thirties. We were talking about leadership, organizational change and planning for the future. I had just made a comment about coaching people to help them to become better leaders when a young man across from me remarked that my thoughts were so “old school.” He went on to explain the role of helping people through social media and other digital tools. While his point was interesting and I listened to learn more about his perspective, I have come to the conclusion, after a great deal of reflection, that there is still a lot of value in analog leadership during the digital age.

I was born in the 1950’s and raised in the 1960’s. I remember the movement from black and white TV to color TV. I remember my father waking me up in the middle of the night so I could see the first man land on the moon. I remember rotary phones becoming touch tone phones. 

In the world of business, I remember the arrival of the first computers, the bag phone, and the fax machine. I remember when 28K and dial up internet was fast. I remember when flying to a meeting was an exciting adventure.

Nowadays, we all have cell phones that are smarter than the computers that took the first men to the moon. Nowadays, everything is connected to the internet. Our coffee pots are talking to our refrigerators, and our washing machines are in conversation with the hot water heater or the furnace, depending on the time of day.

However, in the midst of all the amazing things that are happening in the digital age, there is still the potential for the leader and the follower to never really connect, to never really have the bond that results in both of them creating an amazing organization. Just because we can e-mail, tweet, text, Skype, FaceTime, or Instagram does not mean that we have created meaningful relationships, a viable team, or a purpose filled organization.

Today, I am reminded of the words of Napoleon Bonaparte who said, “Never talk to your troops until you can see the whites of their eyes.” While digital tools can help, in my opinion, they do not replace some fundamental old school leadership work.

First, visit people in person. Stop using e-mail. Get out of the office. Walk, drive, or fly to where the people are doing the actual work.

Next, look them in the eye, shake their hands, and respect their daily efforts. Thank them for all they are doing for the company. Make them the focus of your day. 

Third, stop talking and listen to their concerns, their hopes, their fears, and their problems. This is real time leadership. It is the old school, in person, hands on, paying attention difference that has generated significant results and created companies that were built to last rather than built to flip.

Fourth, never forget that people bond with people before they will ever commit to a plan. Role model the kind of leadership that your parents and grand parents would be proud of. Always conduct yourself with the highest level of integrity possible. Be the kind of leader that actually cares more about people than things.

Finally, don’t do these analog leadership actions just once. Do it every day. The digital work will be there. The e-mail, the internet and the social media are powerful tools. Yet don’t forget that connecting directly with people on a regular basis, connecting with their hearts, their minds, and caring about them and their family is powerful and transformative. 

When all of this happens live and in-person, it makes people want to rise up to the challenges before them. It makes them want to solve complex and complicated problems. It makes people want to aspire to being better people at work and at home.

I challenge you to embrace many analog forms of leadership during this digital age. They may be old school actions, but they still make a profound and important difference in the high tech world in which we live. 

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

Monday, July 3, 2017

The Lexicon of Leadership

In the world of leadership and management, words matter. When I teach the From Vision to Action Leadership Training, I tell participants that the words from a leader are as powerful as individual actions. While not everyone can interact with a person in a leadership position, they can and will hear about what you say, and how you say it.

As Krista Tippett wrote in her book, Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living, Penguin Press, 2016: “I take it as an elemental truth of life that words matter. This is so plain that we can ignore it a thousand times a day. The words we use shape how we understand ourselves, how we interpret the world, how we treat others. From Genesis to the aboriginal songlines of Australia, human beings have forever perceived that naming brings the essence of things into being. The ancient rabbis understood books, texts, the very letters of certain words as living, breathing entities. Words make worlds.”

This is a profound and important truth. In the world of leadership and organizational change, words make worlds, because they have the power to shape perception, clarity and perspective.

However in the world of leadership right now, too many people are thinking out loud and not being careful about what they say and how they say it. They forget the old Chinese saying that “the fastest horse can not catch the word once spoken.”

This summer I will be writing about the power and importance of words. In particular, I will be exploring common words that leaders use every day, often with little thought. But for starts, let us remember these important statements:

- Words matter.

- Words shape understanding.

- Words create clarity.

- Words make worlds. 

This week, think carefully before you start speaking. It is one of the defining characteristics of great leaders.

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