VAN 2 - A Lesson in Team Building
This week I was supposed to talk all about the gift of encouragement. Please allow me to sidetrack. I promise to get back to that next week (unless something else comes up - ha ha).
Last Thursday I flew to Portland, OR to participate in a race called Hood to Coast. For those of you that don't know what Hood to Coast is - it is a 197 mile relay race that starts at Mt. Hood and ends at the beach in Oregon. It is a truly amazing experience.
And when I say an amazing experience, I don't say it because of the actual race. That is fun, challenging and a truly incredible accomplishment. I use the word amazing to describe the team building and friendship making that goes on before, during and after the race.
A team is made up of 12 runners. Each team uses 2 vans - 6 in each van (for those of you reading this before you drink your coffee this morning, I figured I would do the math for you). Van 1 runs the first 6 legs, van 2 runs legs 7 - 12.
I was in Van 2. The only person I knew was my boss, Barry. I was introduced to the other 4 runners the night before the race at a BBQ. They seemed nice. Boy, nice doesn't even begin to describe these individuals.
The next day we head out and our individual personalities start kicking in. We had the encourager (me), the daddy (Jay), the blogger (Kelly), the boss (Barry), the early adopter (Scott) and the saver (Bill). Each of us bonding in an environment where teams are either built up or broken down. We were lucky to have a team that lifted each of us up. We knew we would all get along, but none of us expected the kind of friendship we built as we physically, emotionally and mentally challenged ourselves in a race dubbed "The mother of all relays."
By the end of the race we had each used our God given gifts to motivate and encourage each other to accomplish the most rigorous physical test most of us have ever gone through. Without each other we would not have made those late night legs. Without each other our friends and family would not have shared the experience through the blog that was created. Without each other we would have had to run the leg our bodies wouldn't allow us to run. Without each other we would have never made it to the next stop in time. Without each other we would have never taken the time to rehydrate and stretch. And, without each other we wouldn't have laughed hysterically while watching YouTube videos of crazy news stories.
No matter what "race" you are running today, we all need team members to lift us up when we are down. To cheer for us from the sidelines. To give us courage as we take on challenges that we have never taken on before. And, most importantly, to allow us to continue running even when we are in pain (either physical or emotional).
Who do you have in your van?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
USING THE GIFTS WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN - THE GIFT OF WISDOM
We have all been given certain gifts in our lives that, when identified, cultivated and used properly, can have a huge impact on the people around us. Of course, the opposite is also true. If not identified, cultivated or used properly, it can have a huge impact on the people around us as well. Which type of impact (positive or negative) is up to you.
Mahatma Gandhi says: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
What a true statement to how we should be living. If we are continual learners, than it is only natural that we will continue to learn how to use these given gifts to the best and highest use.
Wikipedia describes wisdom as this - comprehension of what is true or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action.
Knowing the meaning of wisdom as well as the impact it can have on those around you - I ask you today - is wisdom a gift of yours? How would you even know? Try this:
1. Ask yourself if you have passion around wisdom. Do you have motivation to have it? (rate yourself based on 1 being no motivation/passion - 5 being extreme motivation/passion).
2. Ask yourself if you have experience with wisdom. (rate yourself based on 1 being no experience - 5 being extreme experience).
What scores did you give yourself? If you rates 8 - 10, you probably have the gift of wisdom. Now, what to do with it (in case you aren't already doing something now).
Consider this - people with the gift of wisdom oftentimes are great at helping others see truth in their lives. This may mean that you are the person your friends or family come to for advice. You may also have wonderful teaching skills that helps people navigate through tough decisions. Keep in mind - this gift is powerful and should not be used with a lot of pride. Keep your pride in check while helping others and you'll be on your way to having a positive impact in all the lives you encounter.
Next week - The gift of encouragement
*Side note - I recognize that some of you reading this may read the Bible and some of you may not. This article, though biblical based, can and should be applicable to all people of all faiths and beliefs. Wisdom isn't a gift just for the Christian. I hope you enjoy the next few weeks as we explore gifts together.
Mahatma Gandhi says: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
What a true statement to how we should be living. If we are continual learners, than it is only natural that we will continue to learn how to use these given gifts to the best and highest use.
Wikipedia describes wisdom as this - comprehension of what is true or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action.
Knowing the meaning of wisdom as well as the impact it can have on those around you - I ask you today - is wisdom a gift of yours? How would you even know? Try this:
1. Ask yourself if you have passion around wisdom. Do you have motivation to have it? (rate yourself based on 1 being no motivation/passion - 5 being extreme motivation/passion).
2. Ask yourself if you have experience with wisdom. (rate yourself based on 1 being no experience - 5 being extreme experience).
What scores did you give yourself? If you rates 8 - 10, you probably have the gift of wisdom. Now, what to do with it (in case you aren't already doing something now).
Consider this - people with the gift of wisdom oftentimes are great at helping others see truth in their lives. This may mean that you are the person your friends or family come to for advice. You may also have wonderful teaching skills that helps people navigate through tough decisions. Keep in mind - this gift is powerful and should not be used with a lot of pride. Keep your pride in check while helping others and you'll be on your way to having a positive impact in all the lives you encounter.
Next week - The gift of encouragement
*Side note - I recognize that some of you reading this may read the Bible and some of you may not. This article, though biblical based, can and should be applicable to all people of all faiths and beliefs. Wisdom isn't a gift just for the Christian. I hope you enjoy the next few weeks as we explore gifts together.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Walking is wonderful
Today I decided to skip my scheduled run and just walk. I have been running so much in preparation for The Hood to Coast next weekend that I forgot how beautiful the air was in the morning, and how lovely the flowers are.
It is kind of like that in everything we do in life - isn't it. We are driving so much, so we decide to bike ride every once in a while and we notice things we didn't notice in the car. We run so much that the day we decide to walk we, again, notice the things that speed by us too fast while running.
It happens in our marriage, with our kids, or with our clients as well. We are so busy speeding through what needs to be done that we forget to take joy in the simple pleasures that are brought to us.
Did you know that quiet time is one of the core disciplines we should schedule time for each week? Without quiet time, we cannot truly listen to what we need to hear. Without quiet time we cannot truly see what we need to see. Our senses go into overload when we just stop and pay attention. And boy, there is so much to pay attention to.
Today, during my busy coaching day, my husband asked if I could go out to lunch with him. At first I just kind of laughed and then looked at him like he suggested we fly to the moon and back. I mean, I have 1 hour for lunch and then I have to be sitting in my coaching chair preparing for my afternoon sessions. I couldn't possibly have time to go out to eat. I suggested he bring me back some fish tacos (he was heading to Wahoo's - which has the best fish tacos if you are into that sort of thing). He wasn't buying that idea. After thinking about it, I realized that I would probably just go read my book during lunch anyways, so why wouldn't I jump in the car and go with him. I made him promise we would be back in 1 hour.
Not only were we back in time, but I had time to spare and the memory of us sitting in the sun and eating a wonderful meal together. So worth the effort.
Whether it is going for a walk versus a run, having lunch with your hubby versus gobbling down something quick, or anything else you always get stuck doing - I encourage you to each stop for a moment allow yourself the freedom to have some much needed quiet time.
It is kind of like that in everything we do in life - isn't it. We are driving so much, so we decide to bike ride every once in a while and we notice things we didn't notice in the car. We run so much that the day we decide to walk we, again, notice the things that speed by us too fast while running.
It happens in our marriage, with our kids, or with our clients as well. We are so busy speeding through what needs to be done that we forget to take joy in the simple pleasures that are brought to us.
Did you know that quiet time is one of the core disciplines we should schedule time for each week? Without quiet time, we cannot truly listen to what we need to hear. Without quiet time we cannot truly see what we need to see. Our senses go into overload when we just stop and pay attention. And boy, there is so much to pay attention to.
Today, during my busy coaching day, my husband asked if I could go out to lunch with him. At first I just kind of laughed and then looked at him like he suggested we fly to the moon and back. I mean, I have 1 hour for lunch and then I have to be sitting in my coaching chair preparing for my afternoon sessions. I couldn't possibly have time to go out to eat. I suggested he bring me back some fish tacos (he was heading to Wahoo's - which has the best fish tacos if you are into that sort of thing). He wasn't buying that idea. After thinking about it, I realized that I would probably just go read my book during lunch anyways, so why wouldn't I jump in the car and go with him. I made him promise we would be back in 1 hour.
Not only were we back in time, but I had time to spare and the memory of us sitting in the sun and eating a wonderful meal together. So worth the effort.
Whether it is going for a walk versus a run, having lunch with your hubby versus gobbling down something quick, or anything else you always get stuck doing - I encourage you to each stop for a moment allow yourself the freedom to have some much needed quiet time.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Do You Have a Dream?
I start my newsletter again this week with a video - one I am sure we have all seen or at least heard of. Please take a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEMXaTktUfA
That famous Martin Luther King, Jr. "I have a dream" speech is great. It is, was and will be one of the most amazing and moving speeches ever written. It touches each of us in a different way. Some will watch with tears in our eyes because we have felt racism. Some will watch with pride because we have helped advance his dream. Some will be sad because we still have so far to go.
My purpose of sharing this video with you today is to showcase just how important it is for us to have a dream. Because without one, we are just a bag flesh and bones walking around this Earth and in our lives without a true purpose. With dreams we can focus our energy on doing those activities that help us reach those dreams. Without dreams we are like a weary traveller without a destination. With dreams we have shared and common goals with those around us. Without dreams we are alone and vacant of community and companionship.
So, if you are reading this and do not have a dream for your future - get one (heck - get 100). It doesn't have to be Martin Luther King, Jr. big. But it has to be big to you. It might be to finally take a cruise to a favorite travel destination. You might dream of owning your own home one day. Your dream may be simply to find the love of your life. Whatever it is - write it down. Create a timeline for reaching that dream and then start working on what has to happen for you to realize it. Think about being very specific. Martin Luther King, Jr. was extremely specific in his speech. He spoke of black boys and girls in Alabama being friends with white black and boys. He talked about working together, praying together, struggling together knowing that everyone will be free one day. What a visionary he was. His life was cut short, and honestly (and without sounding morbid) your life may also be cut short before reaching your dream, but you still have to have one. We aren't guaranteed a tomorrow in this life - but that doesn't mean we don't work and sweat for what we want today. Share your dreams with your family, your friends, with me. Get people on board to help keep you accountable to reaching that dream. Have friends share ideas on how to get there sooner. Find resources to realize your dream efficiently. It's out there - right in front of you - can you see it? I can.
You can do it - no matter what your dream is - you can do it. Start today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEMXaTktUfA
That famous Martin Luther King, Jr. "I have a dream" speech is great. It is, was and will be one of the most amazing and moving speeches ever written. It touches each of us in a different way. Some will watch with tears in our eyes because we have felt racism. Some will watch with pride because we have helped advance his dream. Some will be sad because we still have so far to go.
My purpose of sharing this video with you today is to showcase just how important it is for us to have a dream. Because without one, we are just a bag flesh and bones walking around this Earth and in our lives without a true purpose. With dreams we can focus our energy on doing those activities that help us reach those dreams. Without dreams we are like a weary traveller without a destination. With dreams we have shared and common goals with those around us. Without dreams we are alone and vacant of community and companionship.
So, if you are reading this and do not have a dream for your future - get one (heck - get 100). It doesn't have to be Martin Luther King, Jr. big. But it has to be big to you. It might be to finally take a cruise to a favorite travel destination. You might dream of owning your own home one day. Your dream may be simply to find the love of your life. Whatever it is - write it down. Create a timeline for reaching that dream and then start working on what has to happen for you to realize it. Think about being very specific. Martin Luther King, Jr. was extremely specific in his speech. He spoke of black boys and girls in Alabama being friends with white black and boys. He talked about working together, praying together, struggling together knowing that everyone will be free one day. What a visionary he was. His life was cut short, and honestly (and without sounding morbid) your life may also be cut short before reaching your dream, but you still have to have one. We aren't guaranteed a tomorrow in this life - but that doesn't mean we don't work and sweat for what we want today. Share your dreams with your family, your friends, with me. Get people on board to help keep you accountable to reaching that dream. Have friends share ideas on how to get there sooner. Find resources to realize your dream efficiently. It's out there - right in front of you - can you see it? I can.
You can do it - no matter what your dream is - you can do it. Start today.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Finding True Meaning in your Life
Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfeXxkbgCVE
When I first saw this video, I was taken by how service oriented it was. I mean, come on, it is called Get Service. But then I got to thinking that sometimes I am that guy in the car. Sometimes I am the guy serving coffee, or the girl sitting on the bistro sofa. On any given day - I could be anyone of those people on the video. And so could you.
Last week, in a coaching session I was talking to a client about finding meaning in life (of course they know who they are - I asked for permission to use my quote with ya'll). My statement to this client was "in our quest to find the true meaning in EVERYTHING we do, we forget to find any meaning in ANYTHING that we do." That really hit home with my client - and with me. I actually wrote down the quote and reflected on it over the last few days.
Then, I get to work today and Coach Steve sends over this video and the dots just seemed to get connected. Let me tell you what I mean.
Sometimes we're so busy being meaningful that the ones in our life get left behind. Our "quest" as I state above shouldn't be about doing everything right, with the highest impact, each and every time we do something. It should be about finding the meaning in what we do and for those we are doing it with/for.
The video reflects that pretty well. How many people are hurt, in mourning, or just need a break - but we are too busy with our own lives to see it? How many people do we push aside in order to achieve excellence in a completely meaningless task? Maybe it is time for each of us to "own" a special pair of glasses that force us to see the truth in those around us. I wish I could figure out where to get a pair myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfeXxkbgCVE
When I first saw this video, I was taken by how service oriented it was. I mean, come on, it is called Get Service. But then I got to thinking that sometimes I am that guy in the car. Sometimes I am the guy serving coffee, or the girl sitting on the bistro sofa. On any given day - I could be anyone of those people on the video. And so could you.
Last week, in a coaching session I was talking to a client about finding meaning in life (of course they know who they are - I asked for permission to use my quote with ya'll). My statement to this client was "in our quest to find the true meaning in EVERYTHING we do, we forget to find any meaning in ANYTHING that we do." That really hit home with my client - and with me. I actually wrote down the quote and reflected on it over the last few days.
Then, I get to work today and Coach Steve sends over this video and the dots just seemed to get connected. Let me tell you what I mean.
Sometimes we're so busy being meaningful that the ones in our life get left behind. Our "quest" as I state above shouldn't be about doing everything right, with the highest impact, each and every time we do something. It should be about finding the meaning in what we do and for those we are doing it with/for.
The video reflects that pretty well. How many people are hurt, in mourning, or just need a break - but we are too busy with our own lives to see it? How many people do we push aside in order to achieve excellence in a completely meaningless task? Maybe it is time for each of us to "own" a special pair of glasses that force us to see the truth in those around us. I wish I could figure out where to get a pair myself.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Just Ask
When considering what I was going to write about this week, I really felt torn. Of course I could have written about execution, initiation, motivation or any other "tion" word that business professionals love to talk about. Heck, I love to talk about that stuff too. So it was no surprise when I reflected back on my coaching notes this week and discovered another word that seemed to be a theme during my sessions. CONFUSION.
Confusion about what is expected of them. Confusion about why their employees just weren't getting it. Confusion surrounding procedures or policies. Confusion on keeping the peace in their families.
So today I want to talk about something I like to title "Just Ask".
Think of "just ask" as your invitation to talk to your employer, your employees, your customers. Think of being transparent with those in your life, and not being afraid to ask questions that will clarify uncomfortable or unknown situations.
For example, if you are experiencing low morale at work, ask your employees why this is happening. You might do it in the form of an anonymous survey, a suggestion box or something similar. If people are taking the time to fill out those items, then take the time to read them and consider how to implement their ideas with the desire to make it better. Look for common themes in their responses. Does the majority of your employees feel unappreciated? If so, schedule in some appreciation in whatever form you feel would fit.
"Just ask" is applicable with employees, employers, family or friends. Getting to the bottom of what is going on is easier than you think. Sometimes you need to "JUST ASK".
Confusion about what is expected of them. Confusion about why their employees just weren't getting it. Confusion surrounding procedures or policies. Confusion on keeping the peace in their families.
So today I want to talk about something I like to title "Just Ask".
Think of "just ask" as your invitation to talk to your employer, your employees, your customers. Think of being transparent with those in your life, and not being afraid to ask questions that will clarify uncomfortable or unknown situations.
For example, if you are experiencing low morale at work, ask your employees why this is happening. You might do it in the form of an anonymous survey, a suggestion box or something similar. If people are taking the time to fill out those items, then take the time to read them and consider how to implement their ideas with the desire to make it better. Look for common themes in their responses. Does the majority of your employees feel unappreciated? If so, schedule in some appreciation in whatever form you feel would fit.
"Just ask" is applicable with employees, employers, family or friends. Getting to the bottom of what is going on is easier than you think. Sometimes you need to "JUST ASK".
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