Month: June 2014

#749 hazy

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We’re nearing that glorious time in the summer when school seems long ago and also far in the future.  Students forget about the books, and the routine even changes for many employees.  People are on vacation, leaving offices with less than full staff, and the pace slows somewhat.  The “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” is more than a song title.

It seems that the “hazy” part isn’t just referring to the weather either.  Today is National Summer Learning Day, created to remind parents to engage their children in activities that counteract the summer learning loss that occurs.  The “summer slide” creates significant achievement gaps, causing students to lose months of math and reading skills.  The day aims to motivate families and communities to provide “stimulating activities” to keep children’s brains engaged during breaks.

I think Summer Learning Day is something that all of us could benefit from.  What have you done this summer — or what can you do today — to fill your brain with a “stimulating activity.”  Travel, visiting new places locally, engaging in something for the first time, reading, conversing with someone who has a different background or putting pen to paper (fingers to keys?) all are examples of things that you can do.

Most of us are taking in new information every day, but make the commitment to consciously experience something for the sake of learning.  Devour more than watermelon at your next picnic; feed your mind with new knowledge.  You’ll be better in the long run if your summer is a little less lazy.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


Sources:
http://www.summerlearning.org
Learning more fun than a summer slide by Eric Dregne, Telegraph Herald, 6-23-13, p. 15A.


#748 another dimension

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In addition to the content that was shared at the TEDx conference, I was fascinated by the logistics of the event.  

The national TED sponsors are very specific about the requirements that must occur for a program to carry the TEDx name.  TEDx events have a mentor from ted.com, rely on volunteers to run it and specify details such as the attendance limits, signage, stage set up and format.

It was interesting to note that the speakers all had their speeches memorized (another requirement).  Apparently people had been working on their talks for a year (!) and were able to deliver them without notes.  TED’s advice:  start first with the people who move you and then tie them in with a theme.  I think their wisdom applies to almost any event you are assembling!

The speakers came on stage and started — no thank yous, welcomes, introductory comments — within the first two lines they were into content.  Often the initial words were a question: “Have you ever felt…” and then they had you drawn in.  With very few visual aids, no podium and a bare stage, the words and ideas were the focus and source of power.  

I think everyone in the audience applauded the courage of the speakers to share oftentimes very personal stories and to put themselves out there in a vulnerable position.  The time they dedicated to their craft and their bravery in agreeing to speak was inspirational.  

I took as much away from the logistics as I did from the content.  How can I use TED as a model to use my voice and tell my story more boldly?  How can I volunteer to make something happen that benefits the social culture of my community in entrepreneurial ways?  What opportunity do I have to be publicly brave?  How can I foster connections between very different types of people to create something special?  

Even if you weren’t in the audience, TED can spread ideas in your thinking too.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


#747 stimulation

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Last week I was one of the lucky 100 people able to attend the inaugural TEDx event held in our town.  For those of you who don’t know, TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a forum for spreading ideas.  TEDx is the local version of the national phenomenon that hosts thousands of TED Talks on the internet (www.ted.com).

We spent five hours in a window-less black box theatre on a sunny Friday afternoon listening to nine people share their thoughts.  For some, this would have been punishment.  For those in attendance, it was a treat.  There was a palpable energy in the room as it was populated by people who wanted to be at this event.  

Each presenter shared their story for about 20 minutes, loosely based on the theme “connection”.  We heard from a cemetery counselor who collects biographies of the deceased at the time of burial so that future genealogists or ancestors can know more about the person than birth/death dates.  Another speaker shared her experiences as a child with cancer and how that led her to create a foundation to help others with medical transportation expenses.  Someone else shared her story of how being connected to who you are — being in your “own lane” vs. the “fear lane” — will help you tap into the energy of life. We heard how sports have transformative powers to tackle social barriers and how practicing four practical commitments can lead to personal change.

The common experience had little other commonalities — among the speakers or the participants.  Yet everyone felt that they were part of something important — the kind of energy and momentum that comes from being in on the ground floor.  We felt connected — not just to each other, but to the larger TED community with its millions of viewers and potential to stimulate thinking on a global scale.

What exists already that your organization can tie into?  How can you create connections to a community larger than your own — tapping into a national or international movement that can give you resources and meaning?  So often we do our work in isolation and overlook the power that comes from thinking bigger; don’t lose that opportunity to generate energy.

More on TED tomorrow…

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com



#746 fold and spindle

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A mentor once said that the role of the leader is to “fold, spindle and mutilate”* rules.  In contrast to keeping policies and rules in rigid, unaltered form, the lesson was that the leader was paid to make exceptions.  If that is the case, I feel like I am really doing my job this month!  In the past few days I have been asked to make exceptions to our financial aid awards, to our tuition remission eligibility requirements, to our vacation policy, and to our dress code.  

Most of the requests I receive have valid and logical reasons for the alteration and would result in an easy answer if I considered them on their own merit.  But before I grant any change, I try to think of how this decision fits into the greater scheme of things and how it would look if I considered it across the area rather than in a linear fashion.  I also try to understand the unspoken element that is driving the request.

An example: We have registration days this week and the counselors do a lot of running around so want to wear shorts (not allowed in our policy).  The unspoken rationale is that our registration days are very draining and if wearing shorts can add a bit of spunk and energy, then it’s worth it.  Fold and spindle that policy for these days and put on those shorts!  

As you make requests or are in the position to decide on them, always listen for the unspoken driver that warrants the exception.  It helps to know what you are really addressing when you chose to temporarily mutilate those rules.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


*This is a reference to the old keypunch cards which had to be kept in pristine condition in order to be processed by the giant reader; often they were imprinted with “do not fold, spindle or mutilate.” The closest contemporary reference would be ballots with hanging “chads” often left when election votes are punched.

#745 shhh

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One of the more challenging things for some leaders is the ability to work on things behind the scenes — and to be comfortable not talking about it.  Oftentimes strategic moves require confidential planning and private meetings.  As much as we’d like to have full transparency, there are times when this just isn’t possible.

It is hard to stay quiet when the temptation is to say: “YES!  I am working on something!” even though there is nothing that can publicly be shown.  This happens in cases with a merger or acquisition, the purchase of property, a personnel move or other similar matters.  

After you have been working on something for so long, you become comfortable with it and that’s when spilling the beans can accidentally occur.  You know after the first meeting that things are “hush hush”, but after meeting 20 that same clandestine sense isn’t there — even though for the sake of the project it should be.  A premature sharing can often jeopardize the whole thing.

Abraham Lincoln faced this when trying to quietly delay negotiations with the Confederacy long enough to garner support for the Emancipation Proclamation.  I’ve seen leaders face this as they attempted to switch athletic conferences or procure a large gift.  I’ve been there myself as I worked on an organizational restructuring and the strategic plan.

There are times to share openly and times to be patient.  Whether you’re the one who has the information or just the one who is curious, take care to bide your time and your tongue. Sometimes being “in the know” means keeping “in the dark”.

–– beth triplett

leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

#744 RPMs

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If you could afford to own a warehouse, you would be well served to keep everything you have ever owned.  Things that go out of style once tend to come back into favor after a decade or so, and things that once were uncool are suddenly back in fashion.

My latest example:  records.  The bookstore in the mall (in other words: mainstream shopping vs. a niche store) is now selling turntables and a whole selection of vinyl records. And those little plastic 45 adaptors that once cost about a quarter: they are now $2 each.  Think of how many albums were sold at garage sales for a song and now they are back in circulation at full price.

The sign on the display says: Old School, New Cool.  Same for long dresses that were once out, but now are back in.  The 1970s/1980s neon colors that are back in mass merchandising.  Superman and Batman have taken on a new life.  Just take a quick look through Pinterest to see how popular “vintage” has become.  Mason jars are trendy.  Chalk is the hot medium.  Classic board games are experiencing a revival.  

I recently visited an antiques store and it was like stepping back into my mother’s kitchen.  We once owned about a quarter of the merchandise, and, given the current prices, I wish we still did!

It may seem old-fashioned or unnecessary to hold on to pieces of your organization’s present, but it appears that tangible tokens will increase in value as time goes by.  Take your archiving and preserving as seriously as space allows.  The historical display you roll out in a decade or two may be the emotional connection your client or donor needs to endear themselves to you.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com



#743 essentials

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One of my mentor’s mantras is to “travel light.”  She may carry a phone and a car key, but never a purse.  She may bring along an iPad or a pen to a meeting, but never files or anything bulky.  She is very intentional about keeping her hands free to greet people and being unburdened with “stuff” that may detract from her ability to converse.  She makes a good point that men carry what they need in their pocket, and women should do the same.

Contrast that with Queen Elizabeth II.  She could certainly leave the palace with nothing in tow, but she has chosen to carry a purse.  Craig Wilson in USA Today* observed that she: “once again carried her now-famous and mysterious purse to all her Diamond Jubilee events…She’s been carrying that purse for 60 years now, and so far, no one has ever seen her open it.”  Obviously Queen Elizabeth has chosen to make a statement, fashion or otherwise, and the purse is part of that story.

The premise extends beyond just purses and applies to both genders.  There is no “right” way to make an entrance or to approach a meeting.  Bring it all and be prepared.  Bring just essentials and travel light.  Carry paper if it works for you.  Make a statement and be high tech.  

The choice is yours to make.  Just spend a minute thinking about it and opt for a decision instead of the default.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com


*Source:  Fumblers of the world: Organize yourselves!  The Final Word by Craig Wilson, USAToday, 6/13/12


#742 Geronimo!

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Yesterday was former president George H. W. Bush’s 90th birthday.  And how did he spend it?  Parachuting out of a plane!  It is sort of a birthday tradition with him — he’s done it for his 75th, 80th and 85th milestones.  

What is even more notable is that Bush is suffering from a form of Parkinson’s disease that limits the use of his legs.  So he hitched a ride on the back of a Golden Knight and kept the streak going.

How many excuses could he have legitimately made that would have kept him from keeping his promise to himself?  He’s 90 years old. He can’t walk.  It’s dangerous.  He’s done it before so no need to risk it again.  The forecast called for clouds and showers.  Secret Service can’t protect him.  The list could go on and on.

But he accomplished his goal and descended from the sky to get the adrenaline rush he wanted to celebrate his special day.

It’s not often that I say this, but take a lesson from the man. Lead your life with gusto.  Don’t wait until you are 90 to do some of the things that give you a thrill or made it to your bucket list.  Take the jump today.

–— beth triplett

leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com



Pictures:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/06/12/our-fifth-oldest-president-george-h-w-bush-is-jumping-out-of-a-plane-again/

Source:  http://koin.com/2014/06/12/george-bush-sr-to-plane-jump-for-90th-birthday/

Thanks to Amy for the timely tip.

#741 lens

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Lucky for you (?!), I will refrain from any more blogs from my vacation.  I limited myself to 11, but truly I could have used the trip as inspiration for a dozen more.  I did not set out to fill a week with observations, but it is becoming instinctive that I see the world through “blog eyes.”  Everything I experience, read or ponder somehow triggers the thought in my brain that “this could be a blog.”  I also receive regular ideas from friends with the same sentiment: “I think there is a blog in here somewhere.”  (Suggestions are always welcome!)

This is another example of the power of focusing.  I didn’t set out to find fashion examples, new recipes, cultural symbols, vacation tips or any other observations from my journey.  My lens is what can provide a leadership lesson for myself and readers.

Think about the glasses through which you view the world.  Are you focused on finding areas that need help, ways to motivate others, examples of great advertising, market opportunities, decorating ideas or construction nuances?  Whatever you focus on, you will see more of.  Be intentional about how you direct your laser.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

#740 heroes

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One more observation from my visit to Montgomery: the amount of danger that people who advocated for civil rights faced.  Even today, 50 years later, the National Civil Rights Memorial Center has 24/7 armed security guards both inside and out, a metal detector, gates and controlled access because of the violence and threats that have been made toward the facility.

Those who participated in the Movement were often unsung heroes.  For every Rosa Parks that we know, there are hundreds of others who participated in the struggle and endured personal sacrifice.  Some of the most courageous were the college students who came from across the nation to be Freedom Riders.  Even though the initial group was met by violent mobs, others continued to volunteer to keep the cause alive.

In the Freedom Riders Museum, there is a display of current reflections from those who rode the buses or trains as a college student.  Peter Sterling writes: “Before I left, I called my father.  He had certainly seen those photos in the newspapers and on TV.  Years later I asked him if he had realized, in 1961, when I called to tell him I was going that we were replaying Abraham and Isaac where Abraham risked everything with his son for his commitment.  There was a moment of silence and then a choked ‘yes’.  That was when I felt the story’s full power — a man must have values; he must teach them to his son — but then he must live with their terrifying consequences.”

A PBS documentary about the Freedom Riders asks: “Could you get on the bus?”  My answer would have been no.  I was not that brave.  Are you willing to pay the price for what you believe in? 

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com