New Beginnings

This is always a quiet week in the office. Many people take time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day. So the phone rings less and the e-mail stream slows down. Yet, having done this work for nearly thirty years, I have known many leaders who pause during the final days of the new year and reflect. They ask themselves the following questions: 

What has worked and what has not worked? 

Where were we successful and where did we mess up? 

What can we do differently next year in order to improve?  

The best leaders I know understand Ralph Waldo Emerson when he wrote: “The ancestor of every action is a thought." And the best leaders spend a lot of time thinking about those thoughts. If the goal is not just to get things done, but to build a strategic management mindset which is owned and understood by those who work operationally and strategically, then this is the week to take stock of how well that mindset is developing.

Once you haven taken stock, then prepare to roll-out a new core message for the coming new year. When we connect this mindset to recent success and recent lessons learned from failure, then we are build a united whole within the company.

This week, do the heavy, internal lifting and reflect on how well you and your organization is getting better and where it needs more clarity and strength. Once you have done this, keep moving forward.

Enjoy the last days of 2015. I look forward to sharing more with you in 2016!

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

With Family & Friends

Recently, I overheard a conversation between some one who has lived their entire life in the midwest and someone who was born here and just returned after many years away. Asked what is was like to be back in Iowa, she replied, “My DNA is happy. I’m home.”

At this time of year with the holiday spirit all around us, my DNA calls out to be close with family and dear friends. It is the feeling of being connected to these loved ones, even if we are separated by many miles, that creates purpose and meaning in my life. It gives me pause to realize how truly blessed we all are in this journey called life.

And one of the true blessings in my life are the fabulous people I get to work with on a regular basis in consultations, trainings, and executive coaching sessions. To be included in such important personal and organizational transformation is humbling and powerful. I feel honored. Thank-you.

This week, I hope you have time to be with family and dear friends. And that when you are all together, you will feel blessed beyond measure and find peace and love in your heart. From my family to your family, I send you joy and hope this holiday week.

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

Busy Days, Many Blessings

Right now, everyone is in a full out sprint to get things done before the holidays and the new year arrives. With early morning meetings and every evening scheduled with either work or kids’ school related events, the days can become a blur. And, of course, there is baking, holiday family parties, shopping for gifts and the decorating of the house for upcoming family visits. It can just become constant motion with one thing after another.

In the midst of all this busy stuff, I encourage you to stop, pause, and look around. There are so many blessings that can get missed in the rush to get things done.

For example, there is the twinkle of joy and excitement in a child’s eyes when they grasp the beauty of the season, and what it all means.

There is the love of friends and family who value sharing old stories and making new ones.

There is the gratitude of older friends and family who just treasure the time to be together. The gift is living another year to be a part of it all.

There is the recognition in your own heart of the real reason why we celebrate at this time of year. This recognition can put it all back into perspective.

Miracles and blessings abound this time of year. Take the time to notice. Be grateful for all that you have to give and receive. Having this perspective will transform the holiday experience for you and everyone around you.

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

Dealing With Constant Interruptions - part #2

Interruptions are normal when you are a leader. It comes with the position. People will always be wanting a piece of your time. How you respond to them is your choice. This response will separate the mediocre leaders from the very good ones.

The best leaders I know handle interruptions by doing two simple but challenging things. First, they have a “why” to live for. As Christina Smith, Executive Director of Community Support Advocates, shared many years ago at a From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable: "Our sacrifices need to reflect our priorities." Having a why to live for comes from being very clear about your priorities.

Second, the best leaders I know have a sense of purpose, but understand that with it comes something else. As Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz wrote, "Purpose creates a destination.” These leaders know where they are going. This is not an abstract feeling. This is a clear sense of direction.  With the above clarity about priorities, these leaders do not get distracted from what is most important, personally and professionally.

This week, answer these two questions:

What are my priorities, personally and professionally?

What is the destination I am moving toward?

Your answers will be very helpful during the coming weeks and months.

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