If you don't recognize the lyrics from the Go-Go's classic 80's hit Vacation, you might need to schedule some rest & relaxation for yourself..... immediately!
This weekend I'm traveling to Guatemala.
I'll be back online soon after I return to the States.
UPDATE: YEA! I have internet access in Guatemala so I will be online periodically while I'm gone from the States
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
When you no longer recognize yourself
Last night I was talking with a woman about an upcoming workshop she's planning. She was in the midst of developing her materials, and we were discussing powerful questions.
As a result of that conversation, I got to thinking about how I no longer recognize the person whose image is on my website.
Yes, the image on my website used to be me.... Reliable, strong corporate professional woman.
Now?
I'm still reliable. I'm still strong. I'm also still professional. But.....
As a result of that conversation, I got to thinking about how I no longer recognize the person whose image is on my website.
Yes, the image on my website used to be me.... Reliable, strong corporate professional woman.
Now?
I'm still reliable. I'm still strong. I'm also still professional. But.....
I'm much, much happier today
(and that makes all the difference in the world!)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Coincidence? Not likely
This week I've been finalizing my independent medical coverage. Navigating the US health insurance world of HMO's and PPO's and HIPAA rates is not something I'd suggest anyone do for fun in their spare time.
Luckily, I mentioned this situation to the woman who is taking over my responsibilities at one of my clients. She worked at a major insurance company here in Arizona, and she's calling today on my behalf.
Is it a coincidence that she started yesterday when I hit a few obstacles? No, I don't believe it is.
It's definitely another "Success is all about relationships" example.
Feel free to share your latest "Success is all about relationship" story....
Luckily, I mentioned this situation to the woman who is taking over my responsibilities at one of my clients. She worked at a major insurance company here in Arizona, and she's calling today on my behalf.
Is it a coincidence that she started yesterday when I hit a few obstacles? No, I don't believe it is.
It's definitely another "Success is all about relationships" example.
Feel free to share your latest "Success is all about relationship" story....
Monday, June 25, 2007
"Where do you see yourself one year from today?"
This weekend I read a light hearted book about two bachelors searching for the secret to a great marriage. These two 20-something guys decided to hop in an RV and travel across America interviewing couples who have been married a minimum of 40 years.
Actually, they created a documentary film and a book. Visit Project Everlasting for more information than I can do justice here.
I'm mentioning the book because of a story in one of the last chapters. Mat (one of the guys) is at dinner with his mom and grandmother. His mom starts the dinner conversation by asking the question
A year ago I said I'd spent my last summer in Phoenix. This week I'm wrapping up work with my current clients and leaving for an extended period of time. Next week I'll be in Guatemala. As of this weekend, I think I'm staying longer than a week.
It just feels like the right thing to do at the right time. I'm looking into some Spanish language immersion programs. It's one-on-one instruction so I can tailor my educational experience to focus on business topics like customer service, employee communication, etc.
Where will I be in June 2008?
Oh, that's easy... I'll be in England. I'm going to the Wimbledon tennis tournament next year.
Actually, they created a documentary film and a book. Visit Project Everlasting for more information than I can do justice here.
I'm mentioning the book because of a story in one of the last chapters. Mat (one of the guys) is at dinner with his mom and grandmother. His mom starts the dinner conversation by asking the question
Where do you see yourself one year from today?
A year ago I said I'd spent my last summer in Phoenix. This week I'm wrapping up work with my current clients and leaving for an extended period of time. Next week I'll be in Guatemala. As of this weekend, I think I'm staying longer than a week.
It just feels like the right thing to do at the right time. I'm looking into some Spanish language immersion programs. It's one-on-one instruction so I can tailor my educational experience to focus on business topics like customer service, employee communication, etc.
Where will I be in June 2008?
Oh, that's easy... I'll be in England. I'm going to the Wimbledon tennis tournament next year.
Friday, June 22, 2007
StrengthsFinder 2.0
If you are wondering how you can maximize your strengths for success, here's a link to visit
StrengthsFinder 2.0
This book continues Gallup research first documented in Now, Discover Your Strengths. The online assessment provides an opportunity to learn your top 5 themes. It also demonstrates how two people with the same 5 themes may develop in different ways.
StrengthsFinder 2.0
This book continues Gallup research first documented in Now, Discover Your Strengths. The online assessment provides an opportunity to learn your top 5 themes. It also demonstrates how two people with the same 5 themes may develop in different ways.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Phoenix Clarification
Several Phoenix clients, colleagues, and friends contacted me about my last blog.
To reassure everyone....
I'm leaving Phoenix for a long trip ~ mostly personal time for fun, adventure, and reflection.
I will return sometime in July.
To reassure everyone....
I'm leaving Phoenix for a long trip ~ mostly personal time for fun, adventure, and reflection.
I will return sometime in July.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Moon & Stars Aligned
Did you see last night's moon & stars? Even as a child, I remember being fascinated by the constellations in our night sky.
Last night there was a slight sliver of moon and three stars aligned in a perfect diagonal. Well, maybe the first star was actually Venus because it was much more brilliant than the other two!
What does the moon and stars being in alignment have to do with business? For me, it was a sign that all is well and progressing as it will be.
In business, sometimes we choose our paths based on numbers and financial projections. Sometimes we decide because it feels right. We may not have a rational explanation. We may not be able to explain it or define it.
History can show multiple decisions based solely on feelings that created excellent results while also proving my personal theory that sometimes decisions based only on thinking create disasters.
That's still one of my guiding principles in life and in business.
Next week I'm leaving Phoenix. Several months ago I made a decision, and that decision created a ripple effect throughout my entire life. Although I don't know what's ahead of me, I do know that the moon & stars are aligned.
Last night there was a slight sliver of moon and three stars aligned in a perfect diagonal. Well, maybe the first star was actually Venus because it was much more brilliant than the other two!
What does the moon and stars being in alignment have to do with business? For me, it was a sign that all is well and progressing as it will be.
In business, sometimes we choose our paths based on numbers and financial projections. Sometimes we decide because it feels right. We may not have a rational explanation. We may not be able to explain it or define it.
History can show multiple decisions based solely on feelings that created excellent results while also proving my personal theory that sometimes decisions based only on thinking create disasters.
Today's decision shapes tomorrow's choices
That's still one of my guiding principles in life and in business.
Next week I'm leaving Phoenix. Several months ago I made a decision, and that decision created a ripple effect throughout my entire life. Although I don't know what's ahead of me, I do know that the moon & stars are aligned.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Making decisions & tying up loose ends
How do you make decisions? Especially decisions that will affect the long-term performance of your company?
One of my clients is involved in that kind of a decision-making process now. I admire the due diligence that the team members have put into the process. It's been challenging at times to keep the group focused on the end goal: a recommendation that is best for the organization.
At times, people have focused on their needs over the organization's needs. At times, it seemed like the group would get close to a decision and, instead of making the decision, they would identify more questions to ask.
A month ago, I told the executive responsible for this process that I would like to wrap up work by the end of June. However, I also want the group to finalize their decision before I leave.
I'm looking forward to their decision. I know the organization needs to move forward. A decision will move them towards action instead of postponing action any further. I know I'm ready for new challenges.
Their decision is part of my "letting go" process so that I can move forward. Interesting, isn't it? It seems to be human nature to "tie up loose ends" before a major life transition.
I will celebrate the day this "loose end" is decided!
One of my clients is involved in that kind of a decision-making process now. I admire the due diligence that the team members have put into the process. It's been challenging at times to keep the group focused on the end goal: a recommendation that is best for the organization.
At times, people have focused on their needs over the organization's needs. At times, it seemed like the group would get close to a decision and, instead of making the decision, they would identify more questions to ask.
A month ago, I told the executive responsible for this process that I would like to wrap up work by the end of June. However, I also want the group to finalize their decision before I leave.
I'm looking forward to their decision. I know the organization needs to move forward. A decision will move them towards action instead of postponing action any further. I know I'm ready for new challenges.
Their decision is part of my "letting go" process so that I can move forward. Interesting, isn't it? It seems to be human nature to "tie up loose ends" before a major life transition.
I will celebrate the day this "loose end" is decided!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Love making new connections!
What a fun week so far!
Tuesday I traveled to Indianapolis. I spent the night with my friends Brenda and Rich. Brenda & I met the first week I worked at Purdue (we aren't going to mention how long ago that was). Although we don't see each other often, she's still a very special person in my life. Our relationship is one of my successes ~ we accept each other for who we are and not what we do, we listen without judgement, and we celebrate each other's lives!
Tonight I spoke at an Indianapolis Ambassadors meeting. This volunteer group focuses on doing what they can to help Indianapolis in multiple ways! If you live in Indianapolis, check out their website because they have multiple opportunities to volunteer and make a difference.
After speaking on the SOAR principles, I talked individually with some of the audience members. It's always fascinating to me that the same issues crop up again and again in organizations. Even when an organization SAYS it wants to change, sometimes the behavior of its leaders reinforces the opposite message.
If you know a leader who listens to their people AND supports their failures, tell them TODAY how much you appreciate them. We need more trustworthy, courageous leaders in this world!
Tuesday I traveled to Indianapolis. I spent the night with my friends Brenda and Rich. Brenda & I met the first week I worked at Purdue (we aren't going to mention how long ago that was). Although we don't see each other often, she's still a very special person in my life. Our relationship is one of my successes ~ we accept each other for who we are and not what we do, we listen without judgement, and we celebrate each other's lives!
Tonight I spoke at an Indianapolis Ambassadors meeting. This volunteer group focuses on doing what they can to help Indianapolis in multiple ways! If you live in Indianapolis, check out their website because they have multiple opportunities to volunteer and make a difference.
After speaking on the SOAR principles, I talked individually with some of the audience members. It's always fascinating to me that the same issues crop up again and again in organizations. Even when an organization SAYS it wants to change, sometimes the behavior of its leaders reinforces the opposite message.
If you know a leader who listens to their people AND supports their failures, tell them TODAY how much you appreciate them. We need more trustworthy, courageous leaders in this world!
Monday, June 04, 2007
I hear you! I hear you!
Many people have been curious about what I'm doing to "reset my GPS" and what I'm going to do next.
Here's the short version: I'm wrapping up work with my clients around the end of June to go on a week long trip to Guatemala. Some college friends are going on a missions trip, and someone from their group had to cancel their plans to go. Although I haven't seen them for at least 5 years, I dearly want to go to Guatemala.
Since I may adopt a child from Guatemala, I look at this trip as a way to know if I want to have life-long ties to this country.
I'm also upgrading my website in July so stay tuned for those changes in late July or August.
Other news will be coming soon....
Here's the short version: I'm wrapping up work with my clients around the end of June to go on a week long trip to Guatemala. Some college friends are going on a missions trip, and someone from their group had to cancel their plans to go. Although I haven't seen them for at least 5 years, I dearly want to go to Guatemala.
Since I may adopt a child from Guatemala, I look at this trip as a way to know if I want to have life-long ties to this country.
I'm also upgrading my website in July so stay tuned for those changes in late July or August.
Other news will be coming soon....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
