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I’m betting that few people knew Spencer Ferguson Silver III who died May 8, 2021, at his home in Minneapolis. But I am willing to bet you have used a product that was the result of his failure: Post-It-Notes. Silver was a senior chemist for 3M, focusing on creating a strong adhesive that could be used in aircraft construction. Alas, that outcome failed but his work did result in an adhesive grip that was strong enough to hold papers together but weak enough to allow papers to be pulled apart without tearing them. However, it took another 3M engineer, Art Fry, to see the possibility of Silver’s adhesive as a way of keeping paper bookmarks from falling out of his hymnal when he sang. Fry patented Post-It™ as we know it in 1993. How’s that for a bonanza! Here is the resiliency lesson. Adaptability expands when we ask others to see what we do not see. The more creativity is brought to a situation, the better are the chances for success. Just decide ahead of time who gets the credit.

In the past few conversations with clients who range from financial service firms to hospital information professionals, it seems that we’ll be entering a hybrid work world where some fashion of remote work remains. Resilience will always be a skill to cultivate—particularly in the not-so-abnormal world. Here are three tips for managers who find themselves in this hybrid: If everything is important, nothing is important. To keep focus and to resist overwhelm, make sure each team member knows the short-term goals and the top 3 most important things. Continue to make mental health a top priority. Even as the pandemic and COVID restrictions appear to be lessening, 16 months of living with anxiety, fear, loss, and a world that seems to explode in hate, lies and violence take a toll on the human psyche. Check in with everyone. Listen with empathy. Create mini “what’s good” chats with a team. And, if you can, have a mental health professional or trauma specialist on call. Involve your team in designing a better future. Time to open wide creative ideas and the gates to appreciative inquiry. The latter seeks to answer the question: if this would be true, what would need to be in place? What would be our demonstrated behaviors and values? Remember: Post Traumatic Growth can be the outcome of these past 16 months.

Quick! What do old denim jeans, wine corks and ice cream have in common? Nope—not a funky picnic! Not answers to crossword puzzles or items to wear and eat during a Covid lockdown. The answer: Sustainability! It blew me away to discover that more than 11 million tons of textiles end up in U.S. landfills a year. Now retailers like Levi’s and Madewell are collecting used denim and turning it into—Ta DUH—building insulation!!! Check it out at www.bluejeansgogreen.org. AWESOME! As for wine corks, no need to throw them in a garbage bin. Recork.com has collected more than 110 million natural corks to reuse as shoe soles and other items. Imagine, that sandal with a cork sole might have been from a bottle of Chardonnay. Yummy. And speaking of yummy, how about reusable containers filled with ice-cream. Check out www.loopstore.com It’s an online store that sells not just ice-cream but bath and body items, cleaning products, oral care, and more. All in packaging you send back for refills. Kroger and Walgreens have joined Loop to work on zero waste!!! You must visit the site to believe it. Now that’s positive news for the week.

April 22 – Earth Day-- has come and gone. But for those of us committed to saving a planet, the work is never over. And for my GRANDdaughter, Clare, her commitment extends way beyond a recently completed degree in Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science and Policy. It’s one thing to get a degree. It’s another thing to REALLY live it. And Clare is. She’s been writing a blog, Simply Sustainable, that offers so much first-hand information and her personal research: about how to get rid of plastic, where to find shampoo for glass bottles, how to buy products that also promote social justice! She’s found a job with a national nursery company and this week, she moved into her first apartment – a minimalist apartment. “I only brought from home what I absolutely needed,” exclaimed Clare as we Face-timed a walk through her tiny apartment. She brought in the bumble bee salt-and pepper shakers we gave her and two cookbooks. She has Nature Conservancy magazines from my sister, and cooking utensils from my daughter. I’m thinking there are probably only two sets of sheets and towels because, after all, you clean one set and use the other. She proudly showed us the chair she found at Goodwill and a desk from a nearby thrift shop. She cautioned us that she wants nothing for her upcoming 23rd birthday. She explained, “How can I live a sustainable life if I am surrounded by stuff?” Good question. Stuff surrounds me. Lots of stuff. Too many sets of dishes. Too many clothes. Too many purses. Heck- jeans, bunny slippers and a decent shirt work just fine in this virtual world. You get the idea. Now It’s my turn to be guided by my sustainable GRANDdaughter. Let me hear your thoughts!

Three days ago, I got word that Dr. Jeff Salz, my cultural anthropologist friend and adventure traveler died from COVID 19 in Ecuador. It shook me to my core. Today, a number of us who fell into Jeff's tribe through his seductive wit and inspirational spirit will gather remotely to share memories, stories, and our mutual grief as we celebrate his life. The last 15 months have seen far too many deaths. Yet somehow, Jeff’s death not only caught me unaware but also prompted deep reflection about my own life. Perhaps it was because he was younger than I. Perhaps it was the tremendous outpouring from so many different parts of the world. Perhaps it was that the individual reflections demonstrated that each person felt that his/her adventures with Jeff were one-of-a-kind. I met Jeff years ago through the National Speakers Association. We’d chat and catch up and then he proposed an adventure to my husband and me: come to India for two weeks and trek the northwestern portion of the Himalayas. From riding in a jeep on the highest dubious roads in the world to sitting on the floor of a remote monastery to hear the Dalai Llama—from crossing dangerous whitewater rivers on foot to trekking up 16,500 feet—from discovering hospitality in a yurt to relishing Indian beer at the journey’s end—it was amazing. Not anything one would find in a travel agency. Two years ago, he came with another offer: explore regions of Ecuador that ranged from living with a native community in the Amazon to scrambling up the high active volcano in the Andes. Of course, we said yes. That was Jeff’s magic: he opened our eyes to parts of the world few would see. He embraced all cultures, traditions, beliefs, and native foods. Yes, I have eaten roasted worms and crispy ants—the latter about 3 inches long! Along the way, his cultural anthropology mind would expound in ways to enlighten and engage. I am now deeply pondering what would my death leave behind on this earth? Have I helped others see beyond the obvious to the richness of others? Do I approach each day with a curiosity to find the new and unique in my world? How easy is it to become mired in the Groundhog Day of repetition? So, my friend, you journey to a place I cannot go. But I think I will follow the footsteps you leave behind in the way of adventure. Namaste. PS: Get Jeff’s book from Amazon: The Way of Adventure.

Our recent national struggles have motivated me to revisit our nation’s history and dig deeper into how we got here. It’s also ruffled my curiosity about Americans who are less empathically supportive of our Black, Brown, Asian, Native and all other marginalized fellow citizens, who, for centuries, have been pleading to be seen, heard, respected, and understood by those who possess the power. Our past tapestries are too tightly woven with global stories of bigotry, discrimination, disenfranchisement, inequity, and hate so fierce it has led to genocide. Unfortunately, one can pick up a newspaper and read equally brutal stories today, around the world, and in this nation we love. History repeating itself? History doesn’t always repeat itself, but it usually rhymes. – – Seth Godin Pain, tears, and agony of ancestors echo in our halls of justice. So I wonder what verses we’ll choose to compose now. Will our prose of humanity continue to be a refrain of discord, dissonance, and dissension? Or, can and will we rise above, work to understand, and abstain from such stuff of our past? We have the opportunity to create couplets of compassion, sonatas of sustainable harmony, and cantos of coherence. But, will we? In solo, one struggles to have their voice heard and their past understood as an extension of today’s reality. However, a voluminous concert of humanity, united in vision, voices, and action toward the pursuit of a more perfect union increases the chances of rhythms of historic change, of hope, and an opportunity to step safety into tomorrow. Together, let’s shift from might and fight to what is right, left behind to being kind, injustice to justice, disparity to equity, disjointed into united, and disproportion into forward motion. We hold the conductor’s baton in our own life as well as the invitation to harmonize with humanity in the call for collective morality. Our choice. Life is calling . . . Today’s the day! Marilynn Semonick Once again, my soul sister Marilynn Semonick penned a powerful message in her Wednesday Wisdom. I use it with her permission. – Eileen

The world is slowly opening. Hopefully, our first trip will be to drive in mid-June to Corbett, Oregon. We haven't seen our daughter, her husband and our GRANDdaughters in 17 months. I remember traveling for our 30th wedding anniversary. We stopped in Portland for a brief touchdown and then off to Juneau and Glacier Bay. We would pick up a 24-passenger boat. A naturalist. One week. Kayaking. Hiking. AND... NO computer or email . YAHHOOO! If you travel at all, you know that flying – even before Covid-19 – has its own built-in stresses that can set the tone for any trip. Thankfully, we were on Alaska Airlines with Beth. How well I remember Beth. Beth greeted every passenger with a smile and helped folks get their luggage stored. (On today’s flights – this is NOT an easy task). She paused to talk and beamed when I told her the reason for the flight AND that we’d have a special, short visit with our GRANDdaughters. We told her we always brought them the little snack mix packet they handed out aboard. In a heartbeat she was back, dumping 10 little snack packs in my lap. “Here, she said.” “Take these to the children.” It was then that I looked closer at her official name tag, BETH. But what caught my eye was the wording underneath her name. Same official bronze tag. Only this one said: “committed to kindness.” I raised my eyebrow and pointed to the words. “My manager watched me work and figured that this was what I was all about so she made me this name tag.” Beth smiled. “It so touched me. I realize I cannot have a bad day when I look down and see the tag. Just can’t be wearing it unless I practice it. So—I buck up and forge ahead into whatever kind of day we are having.” What a concept! I find myself remembering that conversation and the name tag. When Beth’s manager called out this virtue to her, she created a self-fulfilling prophecy. Made me wonder if all of us were given little name tags that said, “committed to kindness”, would we change? If even a small percentage of us acted on that notion, our work, our families, and our community might be different. This memory has prompted me to get a face mask with the words KINDNESS on it. Maybe I can craft my own self-fulfilling prophecy. What about you? As we begin to slowly come back to our organizations, imagine what would happen if we named the virtue we see in our colleagues? Managers, what might you do to craft a self-fulfilling prophecy that helps staff feel treasured and unique? Surely something to consider.

Post-COVID: It’s time for new, simple, daily practices that change your day, and your life It’s finally happening. Those of us who survived… (Far too many did not…) and those of us who are ready to thrive again… (Far too many are still struggling…) are emerging from our year-long pandemic cocoon. Ready to create new and better normals. But what will you put in place to ensure that actually happens? How will you create your amazing future? =For decades, I’ve been simplifying global best practices into easy-to-remember, easy-to-implement ways of living and working. Here’s a great way to launch your amazing new post-pandemic normal: The 3-2-1 Rule for An Awesome Day. 3. Three Must Dos Every Day We’re all on overload. Far too much crap comes at us every day. And most of us are trying to get too much of it done. The reality is: Not all To Dos are created equal. The average person has only three (or less) To Dos each day that truly matter, that will truly make a major difference. Begin each day by selecting the three that matter most and focus, focus, focus! (I usually pick only two, assuming a third will pop up sometime during the day.) Do this and you’ll see your effectivenss and happiness sky-rocket! 2. Two Great Help Moments Every Day Helping others truly matters. (Beyond whatever help you’re already supposed to provide.) Besides the fact that this is just what good people do… Doing two Great Help moments every day tees up pay-it-forward-rewards that will come your way in the future. We are now in a networked economy. Your personal network is one of the most crucial factors to your success. If you make a daily practice of helping others, you are creating a wellspring of awesomeness that will come back to you! 1. One New Learning Every Day Constantly ask a question you didn’t ask yesterday. Seek out a new experience — from walking or driving a different route to doing something you’ve never done before. Every day. This is crucial because the pandemic was just the beginning — every day in your future will be filled with major disruptions. And the only way to have awesome disruption-filled days, is to train yourself to constantly adapt to changing situations. That starts small, with new daily micro-experiences. Doing so trains your heart and mind for the unexpected. You are creating a life where serendipity, adaptability, and personal agility are built-in. Three Must Dos ensure a focused great day. Two Great Helps keeps you in touch with your values and what really matters. One New Learning prepares you for whatever comes next. A simple approach to make every day awesome in a post-pandemic world! Bill Jensen, Mr. Simplicity, makes it easier to do great work. He is ranked as a Top 5 Global Thought Leader on the Future of Work, and a Top 5 Global Thought Leader on Change Management. Bill’s newest book, The Day Tomorrow Said No, is a powerful fable about the future of work, designed to revolutionize how we approach our future. Go here to get your copy for FREE! I’ve known Bill Jensen, "Mr. Simplicity", for years. Check out any of his books on Amazon and you WILL find strategies that can forestall burnout and add value. guaranteed! – Eileen

With Spring in the air, the sounds of bird songs fill my backyard. Joyous trilling, clear whistles, and unidentified melodies. Yet try as I might, I can’t find the makers of these incredible notes. I can hear and see the raucous cackling of jet-black ravens and crows. Like midnight bandits, these birds have managed to scare away and /or kill 3 nesting doves. They frighten my cobalt blue Western Bluebirds. Yet, my singers of songs remain hidden. Until yesterday. Perched on the branch of a tree yet to sprout in greenery. I spotted the tiny musician. Maybe three inches in all. Watch its throat. Listen to the glorious music. And here is the lesson: “It’s not the size of the bird in the song. It’s the size of the song in the bird.” That’s encouragement for all !!!

Out of nowhere I received an email about the benefits of being kind. Hey, why not? The recent reduction of generously extending consideration, compassion, and charity inspire me to find the notion of Random Acts of Kindness intriguing. There’s something compelling about giving to others without any request, expectation, or promise of anything in return. Contained in the email were benefits of kindness: Can increase the feeling of strength & energy. Generates endorphins, the body's natural pain killer. Can become less depressed Can make one feel calmer It has been shown that people that are more kind have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population. Offering kindness makes a difference to the giver and everyone who receives. Perhaps today we can begin or continue a habit of expanding humanity in our everyday moments, starting with easy things like: Find opportunities to compliment someone you encounter today. Hold the door open for someone Clean out your house and make a donation to your local charity Allow someone to merge into traffic Take out the garbage for an elderly neighbor (from Eileen- sweep up the broken glass on a roadway that some not-so-kind-person left) As I practice, I suspect extending kindness will become easier over time and am convinced it will benefit the giver, perhaps more than the receiver. Thanks, Marilynn for your kindness in letting me share this. To reach Marilynn and subscribe to her Wednesday Wisdom, visit http://www.thesuccessstudio.com/bamboo.html or http://www.marilynnsemonick.com

Self-care has always been important, but discussions about it have risen in the past few months — and it’s time you get in the loop. Most of us had to adjust to a remote work setup since the COVID-19 restrictions were implemented. Though this setup helps keep many of us safe from the virus, it has caused negative effects on the well-being of workers. In fact, 69% of employees have reported that they experienced burnout symptoms since they started working from home. The remote work setup can definitely be difficult, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when we’re forced to isolate ourselves from everyone. Since workers have no choice but to stay at home, the boundaries between their home life and work life have become blurry. A lot of individuals cannot identify their home as a place of relaxation anymore. Instead, they have associated it as a workplace where they have to be on work mode non-stop. Furthermore, workers cannot even relax by going on a vacation because of the restrictions. Alarmingly, stress and burnout can have a huge impact on one’s work and personal life. These can decrease productivity and cause high absenteeism. When it comes to one’s physical and mental health, however, burnout can cause even more alarming effects. Burnout may cause physical conditions, like high blood pressure and heart diseases. It can also lead to serious mental conditions, such as anxiety and depression. All these alarming consequences can be prevented if you dedicate time and effort to take care of yourself. You must be equally dedicated to your career and your personal well-being to be able to achieve success as a remote worker. Finding the right balance in your life can help you improve your health as well as your career all from the comforts of your own home! And thankfully, doing so is quite possible. Take care of yourself by practicing the following tips. Do activities that can bring joy You can practice self-care by making time for activities that boost your mood. For instance, meditation is an activity that has been proven to decrease stress. You can do this for free by listening to guided meditations on apps or on YouTube. Exercise is another great activity that will improve both your mood and your physical health. However, self-care can also be as simple as watching your favorite TV show or dancing to some good music. Improve your work space It’s best to delegate a certain area in your home as your work space. This will set clear physical boundaries between your work and your personal life. Try to choose a location that is far from your TV or your bed so that you won’t be easily distracted. Furthermore, it’s important to invest in things that can make your working from home experience much more comfortable for your body. A good chair can provide support for your back so you won’t experience any back pain from sitting all day long. Meanwhile, ergonomic accessories can also provide further support to your joints and help you avoid common hazards like carpal tunnel syndrome. You can also bring in a pop of color and a bit more life into your work space by adding indoor plants, such as rubber trees and snake plants. Find ways to socialize It's easy to feel isolated when we've had to hunker down at home, which is why it’s important to reach out to your family, friends, and co-workers virtually. Make work meetings more fun by playing a few short games after your discussions. Bond with your family by video chatting more often. Furthermore, you can even interact with your friends and family online by playing video games, which can provide social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. There are also a lot of apps that can allow you and your friends to stream a movie together, like Teleparty. Self-care is a great practice that will remind you of the importance of your health and well-being. Make self-care a priority, so you can experience benefits in every aspect of your life.

Last week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast had a virtual fundraiser. The importance of these after-school locations with mentors, computer access, and community-building can’t be overstated. I was honored to have a great conversation with CEO Robert Santana about my books on resilience and the impact on communities. Enjoy!