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Update From Eileen
Sometimes, the Universe provides an instant messaging service if we pay attention. It’s called synchronicity. Our September vacation provided just such a service.
Here’s the setting: Assisi, Italy. I’m walking the topmost narrow street of this pink-hued medieval town perched on a hill overlooking the Umbrian countryside.
My husband and I have come with friends for two magical weeks in a country we love.
I stop an English-speaking gentleman carrying a Bible to ask how to get down to the Basilica of St. Francis. No sooner are my words uttered than church bells resonate from towers. Suddenly, across the valley below, eleven Italian Air Force jets scream across the horizon. I watch them ascend in a steep vertical climb, spewing blue, white and red exhaust. The jets peel into a “missing man” formation.
All of a sudden, I remember: it is September 11, 5:00pm in Italy and 11:00am in New York. I gasp out loud, “The World Trade Tower went down at this time!”
Tears run down my face.
I turn to the gentleman and ask in amazement, “What are the odds that we would be in the city of St. Francis on September 11, 2003? What does it mean to remember the words of this humble monk: ‘where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon’
I swear I heard a voice respond, “And what part of that message does the world still not understand?” I’ve been pondering this last question ever since. It seems to me the words of St. Francis are just plain common sense for creating relationships that flourish at home, at work, in our own communities, or the world at large. If you’re so inclined, here’s a site you might visit http://www.st-francis.org/prayer_of_st-francis.html. Say the words in your role as an executive, a parent, a spouse, a neighbor. Who knows: this harvest season might then truly be fruitful! Until the next time. Arrivederci, i miei amici
Eileen
Silence Is Not Golden!
I recently gave a half-day session for senior managers of an organization experiencing tremendous change. The CEO expressed frustration that few employees would ask him critical questions during the change process.
It’s a common problem found in both executives and employees from Fortune 500s to small organizations. Research by Leslie Perlow and Stephanie Williams and published in Harvard Business Review (May 2003) provides a number of good examples of how and how much the decision to not speak up in the workplace hurts engagement, resulting productivity and even retention.
When people stay silent about important disagreements, they can begin to feel anxiety, anger, and resentment. Their repressed feelings remain potent, making them increasingly distrustful, self- protective, and, if left unchecked, sooner or later, they mentally opt out, become disengaged. The authors show how the damaging situation can be prevented through communication, but this requires individuals to find the courage to act differently and executives to create the conditions in which people will value the expression of differences.
Remember my motto: Start talking and get to work!
Adding Sunshine To Your Day
Janine McBee, a wonderful and very busy client with the Texas Credit Union League, responded to my summer newsletter with a list of her very own 11 ways to lighten your environment. I thought you’d enjoy an abbreviated version of what she wrote:
—Know your faith and values. Live by them.
—Volunteer. For me the joy is found with spending a least a couple of days a year at a school.
—Help going through painful times in their lives. There’s magic in touch. Hold a hand.
—Play with children, animals, your garden. See that life goes on.
—Listen to music that hits your heart strings.
—Change your scenery. Head for someplace different
—Take advantage of opportunities to mentor those around you.
—Do plan for tomorrow, but keep it in perspective. Live NOW.
—Be yourself! Wear purple today. Or go without socks.
—Read, looking for variety.
—Keep in touch!
And may I add my own 12th ray of sunshine: Express gratitude. Thanks, Janine!
Our Smartest Political Pundit
As we in California approach the last week of a political circus for governor, a circus populated by a range of folks that resemble the sideshows of old, I find myself wishing for someone with common sense. I’d love to hear from a commentator who would make us laugh AND think at the same time. Frankly, I wish Will Rogers were still with us. He died in a plane crash with Wylie Post in 1935, and was probably the greatest political sage this country has ever known.
Imagine how refreshing it would be if we heard the following:
1. Never slap a man who’s chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman… neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up. (HEAR THAT ONE, Politicians!)
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. (HOW’S THAT FOR BUDGET MANAGEMENT!)
7. If you’re riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there.
AND HERE’S MY ALL TIME FAVORITE: After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you’re full of bull, keep your mouth shut.
Must Read Books
Love It, Don’t Leave It: 26 Ways to Get What You Want At Workby Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan- Evans (Berrett-Koehler, 2003, ISBN 157675256)
Unhappy with your job? Before you vote with your feet, consider the advice of career specialists Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans and learn to love your job. In this practical sequel to their bestseller Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em, the authors focus on employee satisfaction as a responsibility you must share with your employer. Since I am a firm believer that responsibility and power rests in the individual, I love this easy-to-read, take-charge of your work book. And considering that the advice comes from researching over 15,000 folks, you’ve got real-world answers to real-world challenges.
Becoming A Category of One: How Extraordinary Companies Transcend Commodity and Defy Comparison by Joe Calloway (Wiley & Sons, 2003, ISBN 04712744046)
In this no-nonsense guide to beating the competition, my colleague Joe Calloway, a branding and competitive positioning consultant with clients like BMW and IBM, offers hope to companies confronting a constantly changing and increasingly competitive marketplace. Buy Bev Kaye’s book for your soul. Buy Joe’s book for your strategy. It just makes plain good sense.
Welcome To The McDargh Clan
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Overview and Contact Information
Is life leading you instead of you leading a life?
Is work working you instead of you doing the work?
You’re not alone! It’s the challenge of our times.
From business leaders to rank-and-file workers, the competitive 24/7 world of heart-stopping change has left many feeling in need of new tools to answer these questions:
- How do I engage more of my talent and that of the folks around me in meaningful work?
- Why is it that resiliency is a word I think of only with rubber bands?
- Why does it seem that we compete more with each other than the competition?
It’s tough when the rate and pace of work leaves you feeling disconnected, unheard, and certainly not aligned to produce results that matter in the long run.
Then there’s the issue of joy. Flat out joy. You don’t want “work” to become exclusive of play. Leave your spirit and heart at the door, and it’s hard to be creative and productive. You want to be connected with people who respect you and visa versa. You want to do good work— no, make that GREAT work– in the bargain. You want to spend your time in a place that lets your spirit soar and your talent shine. My joy is in helping individuals and organizations rediscover the joy of living and the joy of satisfying work.
If you want results that go well beyond the bottom line—contact us. Since 1980, we’ve been engaging the human spirits of individuals and organizations. Now—it’s your turn.
Call 949-496-8640 or send email eileen@eileenmcdargh.com
