I’m the chief connector at leadership dots where I serve as “the string” for individuals and organizations.
Like stringing pearls together to make a necklace, “being the string” is an intentional way of thinking and behaving – making linkages between things that otherwise appear random or unconnected – whether that be supervising a staff, completing a dissertation or advancing a project in the workplace. I share daily leadership dots on my blog to provide examples of “the string” in action.
I use the string philosophy through coaching, consulting and teaching to help others build capacity in themselves and their organizations. I craft analogies and metaphors that help people comprehend complex topics and understand their role in the system. My favorite work involves helping those new to supervision or newly promoted supervisors build confidence and learn the skills necessary to effectively lead their team.
Think of my work now as an organizational version of a utility infielder: I provide a spectrum of services from conceiving strategy to executing details, ranging from assessing culture, synthesizing recommendations, facilitating learning and implementing solutions that advance organizational goals and empower people. I can help align values and vision, make theories relevant and applicable for participants, connect solutions to problems, or oversee projects that tie together elements of what is and what’s possible.
My interest in culture began – let’s just say “many”—years ago when I was a temporary office worker for Kelly Girls. Though short-term placements in a variety of offices, I was able to see different cultures in action and feel firsthand the impact that they had on the employees and the work itself. My interest in culture continued through college and then in my various roles in higher education where each year brought a new infusion of students to influence our environment. For 30 years, I directly oversaw student life or enrollment as my responsibilities required but always prioritized staff development and culture-building as the way to achieve those organizational goals. I also earned a doctorate, MBA and a few other degrees along the way.
I have shared my observations through writing leadership dots (daily since 2012), presenting (over 450 presentations since 1981), teaching (organizational development and communication), and one-to-one coaching of countless individuals, which delightfully include many former staff and students who still utilize me as a sounding board.
Now I am based in Iowa where I work alongside my cherished golden retrievers and marvel at the beauty of the farmland around me. I love watermelon, am addicted to school supplies and welcome all contributions of pin-back buttons (12,924 and counting!).
If you want to know the professional specifics, you can find more on my LinkedIn profile. If you want to know why I always write my name in all lower case letters, you’ll have to be in touch!
