We follow leaders who capture us with stories that draw us in and give us purpose for being part of the company or movement. Martin Luther King’s speech, “I have a dream”, was actually a compelling story that pulled many people into seeing possibilities. Don’t we all yearn for the person who could tell us a story about a world that works for everyone? We would have no close national elections if someone could articulate that story. We buy products when we see or read of the human experience with that product (remember the Maytag Man). And we accept the call to action if we hear a compelling story about triumph over odds. Think about the solicitation letters you get from non-profits. They are often stories of individuals who suffered greatly until the non-profit’s “product” allowed them to regain a semblance of their life. In short, crafting compelling, honest stories that resonant core values in action is a skill worth learning by any leader, manager, sales executive, or parent. In his best-selling book Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting, Robert McKee, the world’s best-known and most respected screenwriting lecturer, argues that stories “fulfill a profound human need to grasp the patterns of living” not merely as an intellectual exercise, but within a very personal, emotional experience.” Or as USC leadership guru Dr. Warren Bennis states: “Man cannot live without story any more than he can live without bread.” What’s the point you want to make at your next meeting? Is there a story that can be crafted to that point—not a sermon to be intoned? Who has used your product and reported a wonderful story that came as a result of that product? Or did you even say to your client, “Tell me a story about a time when—” What stories are told in the coffee room about what it is like to work where you are? What contribution could you make to this story that could improve the ending? What future do you want? Create a story about it. Remember, people are not inspired to act by reason alone. The heart holds hands with the head.

Fully 90% of managers squander their time in ineffective activities. That’s the result of a 10-year research project studying the behavior of busy managers in nearly a dozen companies including Sony and Lufthansa. The researchers, Dr. Heike Bruch and Dr. Sumantra Ghoshal, term this “active non-action”. Focus and energy are dual drivers in overcoming such behavior. Focus is like laser lights concentrated on seeing a goal through to completion. Today’s environment demands that effective managers move business forward in innovative ways, not merely push paper, send out memos or attend meetings to maintain the status quo. Energy results from a personal commitment to a goal that has meaning and passion. One must have both. Here are some steps to increase focus and energy: Take deliberate, thoughtful action toward a goal. Procrastination promotes paralysis. Tell the truth. Don’t deny problems or let the pessimism of others to sabotage a project. It’s not enough to be busy. What are you busy about? Beware of distractions and over-commitment. Pick battles wisely. Fighting everything will drain energy. Guard your time by erecting boundaries during certain parts of the day. Being available 24/7 does not create time to reflect and refocus. Exercise, play golf, garden—whatever allows you to regroup, refuel, and reenergize. Extend your influence, build networks, manage whatever will promote LONG-term results. Gain support by engaging people with the urgency and vision but allow them choices as to how they will meet the challenges and derive personal meaning. “Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.” – Lin Yutang

In going through my article files, I came across this piece written at least 15 years ago. Funny how words from long ago suddenly appear even more true today. As we plunge into September, the back-to-school routine, the craziness and insanity of elections, and the economic uncertainty, I found insights here. Perhaps you will too! High Sierra Pause Just returned from one week above 10,500’: sleeping under the stars and clouds, battling mosquitoes and temps down to 25 degrees at night, plus gorgeous vistas and wildflowers. This year, while I wanted to go, I felt tremendously pressured by the economy and pending work NOT to go. After all it would be seven days without cell phone and email. What if someone needed me. Alas, no one did. Or let me reframe that—people figured out “stuff” on their own. In the meantime, I figured out “stuff” that might very well help me cope with the current recessionary times: No one should travel alone. In today’s crazy world, we NEED other people to share the decisions, the sights, the laughter, and the burdens. Who travels with you? Who has your back when the going gets rough? Don’t push the river. We crossed many a cold, rushing river this trip. I am not adept at standing upright and hopping across boulders that fit legs far longer than mine. The very force of the water intimidates me. But it is what it is. How often do I want something to be other than what it is. I push against reality instead of just accepting and leaning into it. Surrender to the now. How easy it was to suddenly find myself thinking about the work that had to be done when I returned. Every time my mind went there, I mentally pulled myself back. I realized I could do nothing about anything until I returned. NOW was all I could deal with. Great lesson to carry with me back at the base camp I call my office. And so… on your vacation, what lessons did you learn?

Surely that’s what Mom must have said when the doctor announced in the delivery room, “Wait. There’s another baby coming!” Actually, in those days, they put the mother on heavy knock-out drops and the only thing she can remember saying is, ”That means we’ll need another pair of skis.” We were born in Denver, Colorado. My twin John popped out first, followed by yours truly six minutes later. According to the birth certificate, we were healthy but tiny... a little over 4 lbs. Appropriately we were born on Labor Day! Each birthday, I must marvel at the odds of two eggs being fertilized. I marvel that we must have been cooing that special twin language even before our parents knew we existed. I recall how Mom said they had to put us into different classrooms in elementary school because they thought we were copying each other. Not so—call it a twin connection. John is the most generous, compassionate, loving, funny and brilliant twin on the planet—in my humble opinion. The fact that his students at Boston College vie to sit in his classes, write him after graduation, and seek his counsel says volumes. Even though John is now retired, they still reach out to him. How blessed I am to share this date with Professor John McDargh. Happy birthday, twinner.

What started as a “simple” cataract operation that EVERYONE assured me was a “piece of cake”, has become a nine-month saga. From my eye not having strong or enough microfilaments to hold a pan optic lens, to cataract fragments that had to be removed, and now—a corneal procedure called PRK—I sit at the computer only focusing with my right eye. Blurry doesn’t even begin to describe the world as viewed from my left eye. Bill has become my personal “uber” driver (depth perception is off with only one eye). Using the computer makes huge demands on spell check and errors. And reading is—iffy. It’s easy to plunge into the worst possible outcome of not having all my sight back. I refuse to go there. Unlike the traditional adage: “I’ll believe it when I see it”, I’m concentrating on “When I believe it, I WILL see it.” I think this is a chance for me to focus on my other senses. I walk and listen to the birds. I taste the flavors of deep dark chocolate, a gift from the mighty medics I addressed at Fort Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY. I smell the salt air wafting from the ocean. I snuggle into the strong arms of my precious husband and feel his heartbeat. What sense might you open to this September?

From Confucius to Mohammed, from Martin Luther King to Abe Lincoln, it is the stories people remember. These folks used stories for persuasion and understanding. On a practical note, for all of us in business, the point is best made by Seth Godin: “Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell.” Do you remember some of your days in elementary school? I remember Sister Anita and how she would have us put our heads down in first grade and take a nap. The desk was hard but cool and in Atlanta, in September, it was hot. I also remember running in from the playground, falling, and the children kept running OVER me. To this day, I can still see shoes smashing my little hands as I screamed. My point is not to conjure up a scary image but rather to make a point: all of our memories come back to us as stories. Good memories. Not-so-good memories. And we make decisions based upon what story our brain tells us. That’s why FACTS aren’t what persuade us but rather the story we tell ourselves about what happens if we take certain actions. I married my precious Bill not because logic dictated he’d be a great husband but rather I had created a story about what life would be like with him. (Thankfully, I crafted a good and true story.) My job as a teacher and speaker is to craft stories that engage the listeners’ imagination and emotions and ultimately, make a learning point. A “story” can be as simple as a metaphor that carries meaning... “Consider the lilies of the field…” or as obvious as “The Good Samaritan”. “The human mind is a story processor, not a logic processor.” – Jonathan Haidt

It was two years ago that I was interviewed by Thiago Desouza for his podcast, Business Access . It was such a fun and easy conversation that Thiago and I kept talking after the podcast was over. We discovered that we both share a passion for people, the planet, and yes... profit too. I learned that he and his wife, Maria, were expecting their first child. What to name the little girl? From my office in Southern California, I looked out my window to Catalina Island and suggested, “Catalina”. It worked! From then on, I sent this soon-to-be-born child her first stuffed animal and a baby blanket. It was followed by other little items that parents with a newborn might use. In return, Thiago decided that he wanted to help me make my videos more compelling but asked for no fee because I was now “family”. Check out my home page and you’ll see Thiago’s creativity at play. Or here is just one of the YouTube videos we made to give ideas how to build your resilience muscle. In these examples, you’ll see how Thiago uses his great creativity to make the ordinary extraordinary. Is there any wonder that I say he is my “brother from another mother"? Catalina will turn two years old on February 19. I’ll sing to her on Zoom. And one of these days, I will actually get back to DC to see the three of them in person. Yes—we have developed this wonderful relationship virtually!!!! Here’s the point. Never doubt the power of your face and your voice to make critical connections. Don’t be off-handed and curt in virtual platforms. Who knows, you might find a brother (or sister) from another mother!

In a volatile world of turmoil, hostility, and destruction, it’s easy to bend toward extremes of giving up, depression or frustration from feeling helpless and powerless. Mother Teresa offered us this advice: If you want to change the world, go home, and love your family. Every thought we entertain, every decision we make, and every action we take influences more than just our individual life. Instead of judgement and hatred, extend compassion, help, or love. Let’s welcome more of that into the world. Please note: I owe these thoughts to my wise friend, Marilyn Semonick. She writes a brilliant once-a-week piece called Wednesday Wisdom. One of these days, I’ll convince her to let me turn these gems into book.

Technology is a wonderful and terrible thing. We have an app for everything, and people can reach us with the press of a button. With so many still working remotely, email and texts have become almost epidemic! Information overload costs the U.S. economy $900 billion per year in lowered employee productivity and reduced innovation, according to the latest research from Basex, a provider of research on the productivity of knowledge workers and how technology impacts them. It’s time to call a halt to this appalling abuse: Insist that the “reply all” email button be carefully considered before selecting “send”. Just because information can be sent, do not assume it has value to the recipient. Establish a boundary for sending and receiving emails. Being on call 24/7 leaves workers exhausted and frazzled. Think of a time frame for rest and renewal. If you are a manager, practice what you preach and model the boundary behavior. Get professional help for colleagues who seem addicted to connecting. Fifty-four percent of all professionals indicate they are often frustrated by colleagues who huddle over their smart phones during important meetings. Make a conscious effort to refrain from interruptions and to ask colleagues to respect your time. Workflow that is interrupted by email, “dings”, IMs or calls result in reduced output and effectiveness. Create interruption management strategies and share them with all. Use the “IS IT NECESSARY?” question before calling or attending any meeting—virtual or in-person. If it is merely for sharing information, make sure that it is data that CANNOT be handled via succinct, bulleted correspondence. Ask if the right people are at the meeting? Too often, the wrong people come because of formality and standard office protocol. Remember, there’s a difference between effective and efficient. Know the difference.

There is no sense in avoiding it so let’s talk about it. The “great resignation” also includes leaders and HR professionals quitting in record numbers. Like a huge avalanche the pandemic crashed upon the workplace resulting in many sweeping changes and much stress. Workplaces needed to consider changing staff, supplies, locations, and processes in a quest to survive one of the most difficult eras of our time. However, this quest to survive may have brought about an unintended work environment fraught with uncertainty, worry, stress and burnout. If you find yourself gripped with anxiety, here are ways to rising above the stress -- if you remember the peas. Sure, corn or carrots might be the latest craze in addressing this challenge. Peas may be quiet and unassuming sitting off the side of some superstar entree. But at the end of the day, it is peas who stand out among the vegetable crowd. Come on…give peas a chance. Pace yourself We know that eating small amounts of food frequently is good for maintaining even blood sugar levels during the day. The same concept is true in taking on crises and mounting difficult challenges. Learn to recognize your energy levels and pace yourself. Plan Sometimes just having a plan can reduce stress. Determining an alternate course of action in terms of career, education and job options will reduce stress. Or sometimes just having something to look forward to at the end of the day or week, will help keep focus on the positive. I did this very thing after I was laid off during the great recession. I decided never to be caught off guard again. So, I planned to invest and save. It turns out that plan paid off as the onset of the pandemic. Prioritize If the tasks are coming in at lightning speed or if a project seems too large break it down into manageable pieces. From there prioritize those items or tasks and start knocking out the items with the highest priority. As those items are complete the stress level will begin to reduce. Perspiring There is no substitute for the “e-word”—exercise. Admittedly, I need work on this as my old basketball coaches may wince at my being out of shape today. But the truth is good exercise is linked to increasing energy, sharpening focus, and relaxing mind and body. So, I’ll start if you do. Tell me about your experience and let’s hold each other accountable, ok? Pleasant humor A good sense of humor is just what the doctor ordered for a stressful workplace. Pleasant humor is humor in good taste that lightens the mood in an otherwise tense environment. Some days just seem to go better when laughter or at least a chuckle abound. See now don’t you feel better now that you’ve given peas a chance? Author’s Bio Tresha Moreland is a 30-year experienced HR leader that has worked in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. She is leadership consultant and founder of HR C-Suite, LLC who helps leaders improve their ability to execute on business strategy through creative and forward-thinking workforce solutions. Tresha has authored books such as, “Navigating the Healthcare Workforce Shortage: How to Safeguard Your Organization’s Most Important Asset”, “PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Practice Exams”, “aPHR Associate Professional Human Resources Certification Practice Exams”, and “Insider’s Guide to Shared Services.” Her education includes dual master’s degrees in Human Resources Management and Business Administration from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA. She also possesses a Senior Professional Human Resources and Six Sigma Black Belt Professional Certification. She is also a Fellow in American College of Executives with the designation of FACHE. You can learn more about her at https://hrcsuite.com/

https://www.yamahaboats.com/yamaha-rightwaters/ This is my summer to learn much from the natural world. In Alaska, I learned that a mother brown bear can deliver three cubs from three different fathers at the same time! She just decides to hold each zygote until she determines there are enough and then she implants the zygote from each in her womb and–VOILA! Three cubs emerge. Likewise, if she senses there is a food shortage, she can spontaneously eject the zygote and bear no cubs that season. Ummm… if only humans had that ability. At a time when climate change and polluted air is all our concern, consider the lowly oyster. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water each day. That makes an oyster bar a vital component of our coastal estuaries. Sadly, oysters are declining from over-harvesting and poor water conditions. Enter Yamaha Rightwaters and Toadfish , manufacturers of eco-friendly fishing products. Yamaha supports the Billion Oyster Project in New York to replant oysters in the Hudson River as well as a citizen-science oyster-seeding initiative in Texas. Volunteers collect and bag shells and place them where oysters are in decline. The shells attract oyster larvae floating in the water and eventually, a living reef is formed. Who knew? Let me know what lessons you learn from nature this summer.

By all counts, the 50-minute virtual keynote to some 1,000 people around the globe was ready to go. We had practiced from my California office. Sure, I’d need to go online from Fairbanks, Alaska—just south of the Arctic Circle—but the lodge has assured me I could get good Internet access. Yes, I’d need to log on at 3:30 am but I can make myself rise to the occasion. I’d bring an ethernet adaptor to be sure. Best laid plans. Instead of an ethernet adaptor I needed a 3-foot ethernet cord! Instead, I had to depend on wireless. Kristen from Ecolab was the model of calm and self-assurance. At 3:30 am we were ready to go: my video and audio were finally visible on Microsoft Teams. She started greeting people logging in from China, Montreal, Minnesota, and more. However, she no sooner said my name then everything went black. Her image froze on my screen. I continued to talk until my cell phone rang some 8 minutes later. “Eileen, we can’t see or hear you.” She remained calm while walking me through different procedures to bring us back. I ended up totally turning off the laptop, logging back on to the lodge’s Internet. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally had a connection, but it would not allow me to select my video. I ended up doing a 30-minute podcast—shortened due to the technical difficulties. What I later discovered was a perfect example of a team responding to disruption. To keep the participants engaged, her manager, Paul, jumped on another computer and asked questions in the chat, did a poll and whatever else to keep global folks from leaving. He never said, “not my job.” No one pointed fingers for blame. Instead, this team pulled together for the sake of the audience. The short podcast, it turned out, was well received and I later (from California) re-did a video version for Kristen to share far and wide. The moral of the story: stuff happens despite all practice and precautions. Kristen kept her composure and calm while I–frankly—became anxious with a system I did not know. Paul never hesitated to take over so Kristen could problem-solve. And in the end—we made it work. The resilience skills of adaptability and agility came in to play. And laughability?? Well, I told the listeners I was a six-foot blonde! Read and reap.