What are you REALLY doing?

Don't you hate getting "called out"? You know what I mean... you're making excuses that you think everyone will accept, and someone asks you a question that gets right to the heart of the matter. Sometimes it's a relief to be able to get a struggle out in the open and get help. Sometimes it's a reality self-check that isn't always pretty. Have you been untruthful with yourself? Hiding from responsibilities? Strangled by fear? Just plain lazy? Take a moment to examine yourself and re-focus your energies. You can save energy when you use your time productively, instead of using your time to hide or make excuses. Make it a priority - it's much harder to hear it from someone else.

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Coconut bras & grass skirts

A few years ago, I found myself in front of a 100 or so scrapbookers wearing a coconut bra and a grass skirt. The "tiki" theme that we had chosen dictated the need for my costume. The fun part was that everyone in the room knew that when I hit the stage in my crazy outfit, someone was going to win a prize! Shouldn't a leader be above dressing silly at a big event? Never! Would it help if I mentioned that I did have a t-shirt on under the coconut bra? And that we all wore Hawaiian shirts the rest of the time? Or that I've worn a Santa hat, light up necklace, blue hair, pink bowling shirt with matching glow-in-the-dark bowling shoes for other events? So why did I go the extra mile? Did I have to wear a coconut bra and a grass skirt to give away prizes? No. But did it add to the excitement and the atmosphere? Yes. It brought a sense of fun to the event and unity among the team. A large event is a huge undertaking. Havi...

Rules

I am a rule follower. I like rules. I think rules help to avoid a lot of problems. They provide clear expectations for appropriate behavior. They bring a certain civility to life. That being said, I think I'm a dying breed. Almost every day I see people breaking traffic laws (texting, running red lights, causing grid lock, speeding through school zones). These things are illegal and downright dangerous. And don't even get me started about how awful people are when dropping off and picking up at school. I have recently had conversation with a couple people who are dealing with bad employee behavior. The employees do not like some changes that have occured within their respective companies. (On a side note- companies often have to change due to economic or industry factors just to keep their doors open.) Instead of adjusting to the changes or forming a plan to make the changes work in their favor, they have chosen behaviors that are unethical and damaging...

"I can do anything for a week"

Today I am in the home stretch of a super challenging week. 2 years ago, my siblings & I decided that we wanted to give our parents a really cool trip for their 50th Anniversary. Knowing that we would need a healthy budget, we opened an account that we all contributed to monthly. 3 months before the big gift presentation, my mother's 88 year old uncle came to live with them. Their lives changed dramatically as he needs 24 hour care. When the gift trip was presented, my parents loved the idea, but thought it would be a long time before they were able to go. This trip for them was important, so I decided that I would come and take care of Uncle Joe and Grandma Blanche. Since this requires "personal care", it is WAY out of my comfort zone. But what I wanted (for them to go on their trip) was more important than my comfort. Lots of things are that way... When you have a goal, it often requires going outside your comfort zone. When ...

Leadership Lessons

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