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If you were a child of the 60s and watched television, you might be having a flashback to a very similar title. That Was the Week That Was, informally TWTWTW or TW3, was a satirical television comedy program on BBC Television in 1962 and 1963. David Frost served as the headliner. Although it only lasted two seasons, it set a new standard in both comedy and a satire, poking fun at politicians, celebrities and events of the week. Today, Saturday Night Live, is an apt comparison. For us non-acting mortals, finding comic relief in the close of 2020 seems like a feat that even Houdini couldn’t unravel. I don’t have to outline to you, dear readers, all the many ways this has been the most horrendous year across the globe on so many fronts. And yet, there have been sparks of laughter, compassionate acts, newly-discovered friends, and grace-filled gratitude. That’s the way I’d like to close out 2020—a year that started with the mantra of perfect vision and ended up blindsiding us with its intensity. I’ve laughed at friends who said the pandemic had become a POUNDemic. I chuckled when told that after lockdown, I’d either be a monk, a hunk, chunk or a drunk. (Yes, I did choose carefully). Masks have become creative fashion symbols (at least for those smart enough to wear them), and office attire includes pajama bottoms and bunny slippers. From my daily runs—even at a distance—I’ve encountered the same people and we’ve learned each other’s names. An elderly man named Seth always sits in his car at the hilltop and waits for me to run by, wave and inquire about his health. I found out he has lung cancer. I try and remember names with small mental clues: muscled Bret is buff and I call Valerie victorious because she doggedly struggles to move. Ted is tiny and Tara reminds me of the Deep South and Gone with the Wind. Up until this year, I never bothered to read the nametags of postal clerks or grocery checkers. I’m making up for lost time. Random acts of kindness appear every week and I attempt to do the same: from cakes delivered on the doorsteps to trashcans taken out to the curb. Little known colleagues have kindly conducted Zoom lessons with me as I attempt to discover the intricacies of virtual presentations. From the many interviews I’ve been privileged to give based on my newest book, I’ve made lovely new friends in the leadership universe. In fact, from my interview with Thiago DeSouza on Business Access Podcast, I discovered he was also a marvelous video producer. My newest video is the result of a gift from Thiago. As we close out the year that was, perhaps you too can find the small treasures in the midst of the darkness, anxiety, and turmoil. Let’s move into 2021 on that footing. See you in the New Year.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the house Not a creature was stirring, not even The Mouse The track pad was silent, the touchpad so still Computer screen empty with nothing to fill. The children were nestled all snug in their beds While vision of Kindles danced in their heads; While I in my jammies and spouse in his shorts Had just settled down to watch evening sports. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter Away to the window I flew like a flash Tore open the curtains and threw up the sash. The L.E.D. lights from the pole on the street Shown bright on the grass –the fake is so neat! When what to my wondering eyes I am shown A tiny red object that looked like a drone. A small little driver-dressed down in jean clothes Oh dear, can it be? It’s that crazy Bezos! More rapid than nanos, his small drones they came And he whistled, and shouted and called them by name: Now Facebook, now Google, now I-Phone and Upgrade On Bitmap, on Twitter, on Inkjet and JPEG To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all. The story continues- technology beckons The point of this tale—it’s now time to reckon Consider a shut down from email and text Be present this season. Forget all the rest. Just look in the eyes of the people so dear- No digital greetings to ones who are near. I’ll see you next year as I vanish from sight Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! *With apologies to the two authors. Originally credited to Clement Clarke Moore (1822) and anonymously published on Dec 23, 1823 in the New York Sentinel. But according to University of Toronto English Library, in 2000 Don Foster concluded that it was probably written by Major Henry Livingston, Jr.

In May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) finally listed burnout as a global occupational hazard . Those of us in the leadership and human resource field wondered what took them so long. After all, 30 years ago, Dr. Herbert Freudenberger clearly defined burnout as "exhausting one's physical and mental resources by excessively striving to reach some unrealistic expectation imposed by one's self or by society." It hasn't changed since then, and the flames have only gotten bigger. Today, we now see a correlation between organizational culture, leadership styles, work expectations, and the growing reports of burnout across all sectors of the economy. One more piece has also been added: the pandemic lockdown has created remote workforces, economic uncertainty, and rising awareness of social inequity and injustice. It's a new world that will require individual awareness and effort, along with leaders willing to abandon outmoded behaviors, systems, and processes. And for all of us, it's going to require clarity of focus, courage, and compassion. Fight Burnout With A Collaborative Vision 1) Collaborate to craft a shared, compelling vision of what the organization can move toward in the next few years. This is not just sitting in a room and dreaming. Rather it involves ALL stakeholders and honestly looks at the current reality with all its uncertainty. Without a vision, an organization treads water. Jesse Lyn Stoner and Ken Blanchard have written an easy-to-follow book, Full Steam Ahead , that everyone can read without requiring hours of time and a dictionary! It also lays out a clear process that is equally suited for virtual conversations. Now, as COVID sends team members into remote worksites and uncertainty abounds, creating even a short-term collaborative vision is powerful and positive. When one can't see the way out of a forest, identifying a path through the "woods" is an act of hope. Say Yes to New Ideas Instead of "No," or "But…" 2) Seek and reward courage in employees who take the initiative to try something "new" in this strange, disruptive environment. No one person holds all the answers in these complex times. Encourage employees to speak up about ways to save money, satisfy a customer base, or have a micro-innovation. For some leaders, the impulse will be to jump in and say "no" or why something won't work. Danger! If you are concerned, ask for a small trial balloon first. Bill Treasurer, in his book Courage Goes To Work , tackles fear in an organization by offering three types of courage: Try Courage , which means to take the initiative; Trust Courage , following the lead of others; and Tell Courage, being honest and assertive with coworkers and bosses. Following these principles will help you have the courage to say "yes," to ideas! Less Burnout Occurs When Leaders Communicate Respectfully 3) Develop a communication skill that builds trust and preserves dignity. Nothing will burn out employees and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation more than a leadership style that demeans, degrades, and discounts employees. Sadly, we see this type of communication at the highest levels of our nation: name-calling, bullying, degrading, and creating such an unpleasant environment that people leave. The opposite of this abrasive, arrogant style is what Maya Hu-Chan calls Saving Face . "Face" is a concept that transcends far beyond its origins in China. It is consciously speaking (and listening) in a way that honors or respects the individual—even if we disagree. It means showing compassion and caring while also being civil and intentional so as to create a place of psychological safety. The leader practices "straight talk," saying what needs to be said at the right time and place. The opposite is blunt talk, which runs rough-shod over the individual or team. Even as I write this, you can feel the tension, anger, and burnout begin to rise! See Your Employees In Their Full Humanity 4) Coach the Person, Not the Problem Yes, that is the title of a very helpful book that should be on everyone's desk or nightstand. Employees can experience burnout when they face issues they don't know how to solve: from unrealistic expectations established by the organization to home challenges with blending work and a family, to conflicts with other employees and more. With so many workers now working from home, more challenges abound. Not everyone will have a good workspace or a good option for homeschooling children. The regular "break" that occurs during a commute is gone. Coaching the person, not the problem, is more important than ever. Dr. Marcia Reynolds offers a guide to reflective inquiry: a way of mirroring back to someone what is heard and said. With reflective inquiry, the individual can resolve the dilemma independently, instead of being ordered into a specific solution. Of course, this does not preclude the potential need for true consultative help. However, in this new world, if a leader can practice empathetic listening and reflection, an employee is more apt to feel empowered. To feel "heard and understood" is a valuable gift. The burnout of helplessness moves to hopeful. Know Your Triggers and Build Systems to Help Each Other 5) Build resilience skills to refuel, recharge, and reclaim what matters. Leaders can grant their team opportunities to learn and work together collectively on issues related to burnout. In Burnout to Breakthrough , readers are guided through a process that looks at personal and organizational triggers that might lead to burnout. In self-selected, small groups, employees can share personal insights and offer observations and ideas to help each other. Note that psychological safety, trust, and empathy must be present for this type of shared learning to work. If these conditions are present, the team's cohesion can grow, and enthusiasm for the work and each other can multiply. One final thought: I'll never forget a client who shook her head sadly and said, "I feel burned out because my work is not regarded as 'worthy.'" All of us, from the CEO to the security guard, want and need to feel that what we do matters. When a leader takes the time to acknowledge individuals, note the value of contributions, and express gratitude, we move from burned out to fired up. This article is courtesy of Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Published first on August 5, 2020 on their blog.

Plenty of issues abound: from how to keep a business open to how to stay safe; from how to engage employees to how to win customers back; from how to restore faith in a nation to how to teach remote; from how to … you can fill in the blanks. Yep—plenty of issues. But here’s the deal. Issue spotters are plentiful. You can recognize them because they point out what's wrong, complain about what others are doing, and then walk away. If you ask for ideas, they shrug and say, “Not my job.” Wrong. We all must become problem solvers. Every one of us owns some small part in fixing our sphere of influence, our corner of the universe. Yes, I am not going to solve the climate crisis BUT I can ask myself “what part of the problem can I solve? What part can I influence?” There is ALWAYS something I can do. In the area of climate change, I chose a hybrid car. I walk where I can. I recycle as much as possible. I elect people who believe in science. You get the idea. What is one problem you have spotted? How many ways can you do something to begin to “solve” that problem? Break it down to its smallest part. Somewhere, if it is REALLY a problem, there is always something you can do. Small steps always matter! For example, right now in the U.S., we have a significant problem with being incredibly divided and angry. In how many ways can I reach out to my neighbors and teammates? How might I check in with someone who feels alone or alienated? I don’t have to agree but listening goes a long way toward breaking down walls. Remember, a hallmark of resiliency is adaptability-- finding multiple ways to respond to a situation. I might not like all my potential solutions, but I can find something. Remember, Henry Ford was right when he said, “Don't find fault. Find a remedy.”

Here’s a novel approach to start the Thanksgiving holiday: try the Love Glasses Revolution ® As Tara Ijai, founder of this product and a movement toward kindness insists, “wearing Love Glasses block the harmful “U-ME” rays.” Tara is the perfect model of resilience and the ability to reframe hate speech into another option: Love. Consider her story: When she converted to Islam and began wearing the hijab, she became subject to taunts, jeers and threats. The final blow came while sitting with her non-Islam family in a restaurant and hearing a broadcaster talk about rounding up Muslims and putting them into a detention camp. Heartsick and upset, she sobbed for hours until her brother showed her this meme at https://me.me/embed/i/13178554 . Tara recalls an almost immediate flash of inspiration to do something completely opposite of the hate rhetoric and actions. Thus, was born The Love Glasses Revolution! While the glasses are fun and stylish, her real intent is to get the wearers to do three things: Actively work to seek similarities and find a common ground with every person - discovering that we are more alike than different. Take time to to be kind to yourself. Know that you are making the world a better place by the small choices you make along the way. Check out her website www.loveglassesrevolution.com and discover not only stylish glasses, but a focus to bring our communities and nation back to love… one person at a time. I love my glasses—no pun intended. When I wear them, I am conscious of taking time to smile at strangers, to perform random acts of kindness—like delivering cookies to the post office, to being gentler with myself when I become frustrated with work. I am grateful to Tara for offering all of us a strong reminder that LOVE matters. Let me know if you become a Love Rebel in this revolution!

It's no secret that insomnia is rampant in our 24/7/365 "I want it now" world. However, lack of sleep is bad for your health and productivity. If you face insomnia more than occasionally see your doctor. Sometimes the cause is just plain stress and other times it may be an underlying health problem. Try some of these relaxation techniques in addition to following your doctor's orders: 1. Turn off technology at least one hour before bed. The light from the television, computer and your cell phone confuses your brain into thinking it is daytime. 2. Try several different relaxation techniques to find what works for you. Yoga, meditation, prayer, hypnosis and relaxation CDs are all tools that may help you fall asleep faster and wake less often. 3. Consider using a white noise machine or a fan to drown out unwanted noise during the night. Repetitive, soothing white noise can also calm the brain and help you relax. 4. Take a warm (not hot) bath before bed. Use lavender scented bubble bath. 5. Fix yourself a cup of hot chamomile tea. Chamomile has been used for stress relief for centuries. 6. Journal away your problems. Release what is bothering you that day by writing it down in a notebook just before bedtime. 7. Use a heat pack wrapped around your neck or part of your back. 8. Listen to a CD of children's lullabies. 9. Practice deep breathing throughout the day to relieve stress and just before bed to relax. 10. Count backwards. Try the technique used by the anesthesiologists at hospitals. Start out at 100 and count backwards until you fall asleep. If you wake in the night repeat the exercise!

The cantor swayed in the candlelight, her clear voice filling the church with Latin hymns and spirituals. What caught my eye was the cantor's tiny daughter. A miniature of her Mother, this tiny blond child jumped up and ran to a plate glass picture window framed with candles against the dark night. The three year-old could only see her reflection: black velvet dress, bow in her hair, white leggings and patent leather party shoes. As her Mother sang, she started to dance. She twirled, bowed, tumbled and swayed--and mostly in time with the music. Never losing sight of her image, she preened, twirled more and then suddenly stopped. Clasping tiny hands against her heart, she looked intently at her window and smiled as if to say, "Oh, I am so pretty. And I dance so well." I grinned. And then it hit me: what happens to us that we so quickly lose this image of ourselves as marvelous, gorgeous and talented? How is it we become so self-conscious that we rarely jump up, do that which which comes so naturally, and then - without pride - simply say, "Oh, good work." I think leadership creates a space for people to return to their inborn talent - whatever that is. And good self-leadership pushes us to jump up to do that which gives us joy. I wonder what it might take for us to wash away fear, doubt and anxiety so that we'd rise to "dance"? What do you think?

Autumn is my most favorite time of year. It’s a dramatic shift from the thick green of summer and cloying heat, mosquitoes and puddles of sweat into cool, crisp days, brilliant leaves and harvest. Perhaps that is why in the Jewish tradition, their New Year (Rosh Hashanah) almost always falls in September or October. It makes perfect sense to me, regardless of your religious background, that the season of Autumn is a better time for the one thing we do on December 31: make resolutions. First, think about it: by the time a year closes, chances are we are exhausted by all that has transpired. The holidays have pushed us to scramble for everything from gifting, cooking, cleaning, closing out budgets and more. It makes more sense to me that Autumn is a better time to be reflective, quiet, and take stock of what ARE we harvesting? What seeds were planted earlier and what is now ready to be put on the proverbial table of life? Where do we need to begin to draw inward and begin to hunker down to gather strength for what we might grow in Spring? What intentions (versus resolutions) can be made now while we are not so worn out? Something to think about.

My granddaughter called the other day. Her voice quivered with excitement. As a newly minted graduate with a master’s in public administration and an emphasis on non-profits, the Covid 19 world had not made it easy to locate work. “I’ve got the second interview with a non-profit that uses aviation as an outreach tool for under-served children. I told them my Nana was a Women’s Airforce Service Pilot WWII (a WASP) and the folks nearly jumped over me in delight.” “A WASP? Why those were kick-ass, amazing women,” proclaimed the head interviewer. “You’ve got aviation in your blood!” I smiled in delight to think that Mom’s great granddaughter spontaneously brought up a service Mom had performed many decades before. Thinking of Mom and her tenacity, courage and willingness to do what many would not do, I began to wonder what kind of legacy am I leaving for my grandchildren? I won’t be a maker of aviation history. And I certainly will not be an astronaut, or the first woman president BUT, I believe we all are leaving traces behind in our actions that influence another generation. Today, we are swirled in a stew of hatred, lies, bullying, and threats to the very legacy that Lincoln espoused in his Gettysburg address—“that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Lincoln didn't propose a nation of people who looked alike, sounded alike, and thought alike. He didn’t say that only the 1% will inherit the earth. He didn’t say a nation that created laws only to advance certain people over others. In fact, if Lincoln were to appear today, I believe his heart would be broken. As trite as this might sound, the legacy I am working on is to be known as a decent human being. So I decided to write actions that hallmark a decent human being. See what you think. Add to it. And let me know what you add. I think that together, we can get to that government Lincoln wanted. A decent human being, is kind and compassionate to others, tells the truth, refuses to name-call, bully, demean, or degrade, seeks to help others and not just herself, admits mistakes, seeks to improve, and shares knowledge and seeks it from others, a decent human being is one who doesn’t agree with her strongest opponent but figures how to work with them, a decent human being has integrity and respect for others and a decent human being cares for this planet in all its many varieties. And to this you would add……..

Around the age of three, children seem programmed to ask “WHY?” for just about anything: “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do doggies go around in circles?” “Why do bubbles float?” You get the idea. Our first adventure with the word “WHY” is for seeking answers to what seems so mysterious about the world around us. In our teens, “WHY” seems to be the question for challenging rules and authority: “Why do I have to be home at 11pm?” “Why can’t I wear this? Everybody does!” “Why can’t I go out on a school night?” But once we enter the adult world of work, “WHY” can often be encumbered with the outward signs of success. Here is the story of Dan Dominguez: "I was the Western US Director of Sales for one of the most successful medical device companies in the world. A big shot but at a cost. I was spending 2-3 weeks a month on the road and sleeping in hotel rooms instead of my own bed. I was at corporate headquarters for entire weeks of leadership meetings and visiting key clients on the other weeks. And despite all that, we were trending to miss our quota number for the first time in my sales leadership career. I remember spending late nights in my home office trying to figure out the latest excel formula that our leader had developed, thinking that the solution was somewhere in a spreadsheet. So, I worked harder. I spent valuable time analyzing numbers and trends, forecasts and funnels, and sales processes but something wasn’t right. I made the tough decision to leave my job and find something that was fulfilling and provided me the meaning and lifestyle for which I was searching. But what could that be? I realized that I had forgotten that for 25 years, I’d been a successful sales producer and sales leader by doing one thing – taking care of people! I had always helped my teams achieve their goals by listening to them and ensuring they had the tools to do their job successfully. I remember trying to help as many people as I could, and to be there for everyone at work and in my community – though often neglecting the most important people in my life - my wife and daughters. That had to change, too. In short, I was not living up to my purpose in life. Dr. Gary Sanchez, founder of The WHY Institute, helped me discover my purpose. When I learned that my WHY was to contribute to the success of others, to make a positive impact in their lives and make a difference, it changed my life. This newfound self-awareness made it clear that my old position was not right for me because it was no longer in line with my WHY. When I lost the ability to lead by helping others succeed, when numbers became more important than people, and when I didn’t feel I could make a difference in the lives of others via my leadership, I was no longer living within my WHY." The good news for Dan—he is now the Chief Growth Officer for The WHY Institute! He is contributing to the success of others by helping folks discover their WHY and gain the life-changing clarity he found. Serendipity to be sure. Full disclosure: I met Dan because my research has convinced me that a lack of purpose contributes to burnout. I became certified in their Discovery process so I could help clients clarify not only their WHY but how it shows up in the world with what they do. Perhaps I can help you. PS I believe that inspiring people to unleash the energy that brings their best selves forward is my calling in life. How I do this is by offering a better way to craft work and life by design and not default. What I bring is a simple way to build resilience, inspire hope, and find joy in the process.

The doorbell rang at 7:30 pm last night. Startled from my reading, I jumped up and opened the door. Here stood a man with a big grin, holding a plate of brownies. “I’m John. We live above you on Cockleshell. My wife Julie and I wanted to thank you for your palm trees.“ To say I was confused would be an understatement. We’ve lived here for 30 years. No one has ever commented about our palm trees other than decades ago I had to convince the view blockage committee that palm trees well over 30 feet tall would only block the view of God himself. We were instantly exonerated. John went on to explain. “We have guests over often and watching the sun set with your palm trees in the horizon just makes such a beautiful picture.” I nodded my head in agreement. “Then”, added John, “when your trees were trimmed a few weeks ago, it was an acrobatic amazing feet. A neighbor down the street called all of us on this side to come watch.” John was right. The trees now are reaching some 75 feet in height, healthy and a landmark from all corners of our neighborhood. He held out the brownies and asked if some time we’d come up and share some wine with them and watch the sunset. “Why John, we’d love to. Here’s my business card. Thanks to Covid, we’re here all the time so just let us know what works.” “Perfect. Julie will call you.” Once in the house, I immediately open the note his wife had written and read about how much they have enjoyed our trees and are so grateful we didn’t cut them down as they grew. “Then lo and behold,” Julie wrote, “the tree trimmers arrived and we were treated to a show of bravery and suspense. As I was watching the three guys, my phone kept buzzing and messages kept arriving, alerting everyone to watch. We’re thankful you have kept up your trees that over the years have provided us with beauty on a nightly basis. With appreciation- John and Julie.” It just blew me away. Trees. An unexpected verbalization of gratitude about something I probably have taken for granted. And, from someone I did not know although we’ve lived in this house for 30 years. It made my night. Actually, it made my week. No—even more than that: it was a kick in the pants. When was the last time I surprised a stranger with a gift to say thank you for what others might take for granted? I’m baking lemon cakes tomorrow and taking them down to the post office. We might say thank you to our mail carrier but how about the people behind the counters? What unexpected gratitude can you extend?

I find it fascinating how organizations can spend significant marketing dollars on their branding statements to potential clients but often give short shrift to the communication methods and content with employees. With workers spread across remote locations and platforms like Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams holding the place of in-face meetings, it is even more imperative that communication be clear, engaging, transparent, and honest. Please take time to read these 18 best practices for internal communications. You’ll notice that the author calls these strategies. Well-planned internal communication is actually very strategic, taking into account the context in which workers find themselves. Uncertainty, anxiety, and mixed messages can well play out without a careful strategy. I must add one final thought. Be real in communication. Stop the puffery in words. Use language of inclusion. And—best of all—ask for candid feedback in all communication. Remember, message sent is not always the message received. Enjoy. 18 Internal Communication Strategies for 2020 How you communicate a message is as important as the message itself. When it comes to internal communications, this certainly holds true. Company culture can give your organization a major strategic advantage in these changing times. But what your culture consists of – goals, values, and practices – must be effectively transmitted according to best practices if employees are going to understand and act upon it. Therefore, it’s essential to focus not just on what you’re communicating but also how you’re communicating it. Read the entire post at Enplug here.