What's the correlation between efficiency and resiliency: ENERGY. The more time that is spent in wasted energy, the more you depleted you and your team become. In a conversation with Greg Knowles, the CEO/President of ATI Electrical, he shared with me that small problems can create big barriers for business. Countless companies face them every day. Even worse, most don’t realize just how distracting, time consuming and destructive these problems can be. Do any of these “little” problems ring true for your business? Things are chaotic, because there’s no single plan or guide for operations.You and your team can’t focus your energy on growing the business, because you’re bogged down with everyday tasks.Your schedule is disorganized, and double-bookings and last-minute cancellations are common. The good news is, these issues are often simple to resolve ― and doing so can pay off big for your company. 1. Think Like a Project Manager If your workplace is a chaotic one, it could be because your firm doesn’t manage projects effectively. Consider implementing a simple project management system. Find a software program and get trained on it. It will allow you to create project plans and schedules that take into account problems and issues you could face on every job. It will help you feel more confident in your ability to deliver on your promises to your clients. While you’re at it, have the members of your team get trained on basic project management skills. This provides structure, and helps the entire organization share a common vision. 2. Streamline Your Time Do you still manage your company’s schedule using paper, a spreadsheet or the calendar on your smart phone, tablet or computer? This could be causing unnecessary problems for you and your business. It may be time for you to look into business scheduling software. The right solution can: Show all of the appointments booked with all of your team members any place, any time on your phone or other electronic device.Manage appointments so you can manage your team’s time more efficiently.Prevent time from being booked over days off.Let your customers and clients book appointments online through your website.Notify you and your team when scheduling changes occur. Most scheduling solutions can integrate with other software your company is already using. Check out a few of the options available at Top Ten Reviews. 3. Optimize Your Space Based on Pareto’s rule, if your business is like most, you probably use 20% of your supplies or equipment 80% of the time, and 80% of them only 20% of the time. Why not organize your warehouse, supply room or office so regularly-used supplies and equipment are grouped in an accessible, highly efficient space? It can save time and money not having to rifle through things you don’t use in order to get to the ones you do. Remember, the most important renewable energy course is HUMAN energy. Here’s hoping these tips help. PS: If you want more in-depth help, contact Productive Environment Since 1978, Barbara Hemphill has helped thousands of individuals can companies eliminate clutter and chaos.

Eileen was interviewed by John Mattone for the Expert Interview Series on the importance of resiliency in leaders.  John Mattone is a powerfully engaging, internationally-acclaimed keynote speaker and top-ranked executive coach. Since 2015, the research organization, Globalgurus.org, has ranked John Mattone as one of the world’s top leadership authorities and speakers. In 2015, John Mattone’s Intelligent Leadership, along with Tony Robbins’ Creating Lasting Change and John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership were named the three Top Advanced Leadership Development Programs that Change Lives.  John asked Eileen a few questions about the role resiliency plays in thriving organizations. You can read the entire interview here!

Studies have found that while most Americans would choose more vacation time over a higher salary, the reality is that we don't take advantage of time off. Ezra Klein, writing in the LA TIMES on "the reason we work too hard" found thatthe average male is working 100 hours more a year than in 1970 and the average woman 200 hours more!! We are the richest nation on earth yet we guarantee no vacation time to workers. Britain guarantees all workers 20 days of paid leave; Germany gives 25 and France insists on 30! But if we had it - would we use it? Right now, people who are granted vacation time leave much of it on the table. Why is the work ethic in overdrive? Cornell economist Robert Frank says that "Americans are caught in a spiral of consumption -- keeping up with the Joneses and it won't stop until the Joneses take a nice long vacation." Greed runs amok. Without time away, there is no opportunity to physically and emotionally regroup. Families miss opportunities to reconnect and the mind has little chance to explore new ideas or creative musings. How do we justify working at that pace when we ignore the needs of body, mind and spirit. There's an ethic that must be examined. What will it take to reverse these trends? Your thoughts?

This is the month that many teens and young adults move into another phase of growth. My second-born granddaughter, Clare, graduates from high school.  The son of my operations manager completes his PhD and will start into the hard world of—gasp—WORK!  Indeed, there are times when school seems almost the safe place.  And the daughter of one of my high school friends leaves junior high and will be moving into high school. I decided to make a collection of quotes that I think are pertinent for ALL of us. Let’s face it, every day can be a graduation—a movement of some degree—into the next part of life. "The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values. " – William S. Burroughs "God will not look you over for medals degrees or diplomas, but for scars." – Elbert Hubbard "Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others just gargle." - Robert Anthony "All real education is the architecture of the soul." - William Bennett "You don't need to change yourself. Ever. You need to come home to yourself. And that changes everything." - Scherer "Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what's going to happen next and you are mostly just making things up as you go along." - Stephen Colbert "This is your time and it feels normal to you but really there is no normal. There's only change, and resistance to it and then more change." - Meryl Streep "Life has a very simple plot: first you're here and then you're not. " - Eric Idle And my current favorite quote has nothing to do with graduation but everything to do with life: The new skinny is STRONG! Congratulations to ALL graduates.

This week’s Sunday paper had a comic strip called La Cucaracha by Lalo Alcaraz. It was one frame with a single picture. A white man was holding a sign that read “Immigrant guy selling oranges over there is hurting my case for panhandling.” This one picture says everything I have verbalized to my family and in my head but never said out loud. Until now. Sometimes one cannot be quiet. Resilient people face the truth honestly and seek other ways of responding. To be quiet is not allowing others to envision a different picture. I have lived in Southern California for 38 years and NEVER have I seen a Hispanic person begging. The most “begging” I have witnessed is a group of men standing at building supply store locations looking for work. Not a handout. Work! And what is this work that some folks think is being taken from citizens: building houses, washing cars, picking crops, cleaning houses, picking up trash that can be redeemed for recycling, and caring for children of upscale families or our elderly parents. I’d like to see the sons and daughters of those who would demonize entire nationalities spend just one day doing that kind of work. I’d be willing to bet they wouldn’t last a day. And, heaven forbid that one day these hard-working people might go to college, become professionals, earn good wages, and contribute even more to their communities. Today I go to a nail salon owned by another immigrant. She was one of the “boat people”, having fled Vietnam and a journey too horrid to even recount.She not only became a licensed cosmetologist but continues to make additional money by selling items in her shop like gorgeous shawls from Vietnam, potted plants she has created, even containers filled with homemade soup. Resilient people. Adaptable people. People who look at life’s situations and find what they can control and where they can take action. You get the picture.

Because resiliency is all about growing through challenge or opportunity, it can be pretty frustrating and maybe even disheartening when people don't notice the “new you” that has emerged. My colleague, Dr. Marcia Reynolds, has distilled five ways to encourage people to notice the change. Here are her thoughts: You can use all five in one conversation or separately. They may feel awkward at first, but the behaviors will become habits if you practice them over time. 1. Model the behavior you want. If you want people to notice how you have changed, you need to acknowledge their efforts at changing as well. Duncan Coombe makes a number of good suggestions in his HBR blog post, See "Colleagues as They Are, Not as They Were". Practice seeing people as if meeting them for the first time to discover what is changing or what you may have never noticed. In a previous post, I shared tips on how to shift from expecting to being curious. Not only will people appreciate that you notice what they are working on, it simply feels good to “be seen.” 2. Be clear with your requests. If someone doesn’t notice that you have changed your preferences or behavior, you can ask them to notice without making them wrong. For example, you could say,“You are right that I used to like those things and acted that way. I’ve changed over the past year. Can I share with you what I now like and what I’m doing differently?” “I agree with you that the way I used to handle these situations wasn’t effective. That is why I’ve worked hard to change my habits. Let me share with you the things I’m trying and the results I’m getting.” “Have you noticed I’ve been (showing up on time, including people more in meetings, listening better, acting less defensively, etc)? I am working on changing my behavior. When you don’t notice how I’ve changed, I feel as if you aren’t supporting my growth. I would appreciate if you would acknowledge the efforts I’m making to improve.” 3. Tell the story about what prompted the change. Tell people what inspired you to change your behavior. Stories make a stronger impression than just telling people what they don’t see. Your reason for changing will more likely change their mind than the fact that you have changed. 4. Get them to talk about their own changes. Admit that you might not see the changes other people are working to make. Ask them what they are working on so you can notice and support their efforts, too. 5. Ask for their help in your continuous growth. Sharing your goals and asking for their support might feel uncomfortable, but it is a good way to direct their attention to who you are today instead of what you did yesterday. Let’s practice seeing what’s new in each other every day. For the complete article and ideas from Dr. Marcia Reynolds, take a look here!

I think heroes are people who look for opportunities bigger than themselves. They put themselves on the line to benefit others. And it often comes with no fanfare, no thank you, no awards and no money. The pay is felt in the heart. And in the memory. Meet Bev Beesmeyer, Women’s Air Force Pilot WWII. She was my Mom’s classmate when they trained at the AF base in Sweetwater, Texas. She is among the less-than-100 living WASP who collectively flew 60 million air miles of domestic wartime duty, flying every plane in the U.S. arsenal. Bev flew the B-26 bomber called the Marauder, towing targets for gunnery practice with live ammunition. It was not without hazard. Thirty two WASP died in the course of duty but because they were not considered official military, there were no benefits and in at least one case, the women passed the hat to send the body home to the parents. Unceremoniously disbanded in 1944, the Air Force refused to let women back in the cockpits of military planes for 30 years! Bev (affectionately called Beezy) left to work in an airport—doing anything to keep herself close to flying. In the course of her 97 years, she’s delivered planes, been a fight instructor, ran a string of employment agencies, and retired to Marina del Rey, driving speed boats and then Leisure World to take up golfing and her love of painting. Despite the loss of her partner, breast cancer, hearing loss and macular degeneration, Beezy still lives alone with day time caregivers. Through all these adventures and losses, Beezy has remained a resilient, upbeat soul. She turns her head to one side, peers out of what’s left of her vision and paints through a gigantic magnifying glass. But mention “plane” and she’s ready to be taken out to the flight line in her wheel chair. Just last week, she was assisted into an AT-6 and taken up where the pilot let her do some acrobatics. She’s a hero to me—for what she did and continues to do. She has appeared on numerous panels and was a prime subject in the PBS special We Served Too, the Movie. To all the women and men who served us then as now, a grateful nation salutes you. PS: In 2010, the WASP were finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service.

Sitting on my dresser are two dolls : Sally Walker and Bridsell. These are from my childhood, lost someplace, packed away and my sister found them. She located a doll doctor who could replace the hair on the bald bride doll and give her a new dress (only the second one for Bridsell.) Sally Walker also got new hair. The mold is gone from her eye, and now when I move her legs, she turns her head. Susan surprised me with them at Christmas. Yes, I cried. It took Susan to see these dolls and realize that despite the horrible state of their being, they could be resurrected. They could be transformed and still bring joy and memories into my life. Months later, as I saw them perched on stands in my bedroom, it struck me: people are just like these dolls. They can be beaten, downtrodden, discouraged, and forgotten. Events might have tapped out whatever was left of their energy. And yet—it is love— that can mend WHAT IS into WHAT CAN BE. It’s an internal and external task. It takes self and it takes others. I hope you like my poem: The People Menders Somewhere beneath bald spot and hand caked with dirt A little boy lived, afraid and quite hurt And under the tweed with patch on the arm Once lurked boyish laughter and urchin street charm Away from the perfume and dress with a frill Stalked dreams and the music of a shy tiny girl The leather briefcase with engraved name plate Hid the pain of teen years with no one to date And seated so straight in the CEO chair In school they said “stupid”; he remembered and dared And high on a stage, performing for all loomed a past of rejection she felt in school halls We carry inside the pains of our past We walk today shadowed by memories held fast To think ourselves new and rise to new heights We embrace what once was and let go of the night More quickly it comes if our hands will extend To celebrate others who also must mend There are menders for dolls and pastors for souls But where is the healer who can make people whole? For the body and mind and the spirit within Are the substance of life and the world we live in. What would it take to heal, patch and sew To soothe and calm, add balm to the soul? Perhaps mending selves is done in two parts We mend self and others when we open our hearts.

Look on Amazon.com and you will discover over 304,000 titles with the word “leadership” or “leader”.  Can there really be that much that is different in all of them?  Perhaps some of us are just slow learners? Or, as is often the case, perhaps we need to read/hear something many times in a different format before it finally sinks in? Maybe we make it too complicated. I’m pretty simple. Leaders are not born nor do they become one by means of a title or rank.  Rather, leadership comes from a place of concern for others and a belief that one can make a positive difference.  But it is also about behavior that honors all people. It is not bombastic, ego-centered, or self-serving. It’s about inclusion versus exclusion. True leadership involves building up rather than tearing down. And it is rare. Such a very sad state of affairs!  Right now, across the U.S. and the globe, we are seeing behavior that is the opposite of true leadership. From the boardrooms to bedrooms, from community centers to Congressional offices, from college campuses to international arenas, we are seeing behavior that is so counter to true leadership. If you go to this link, http://www.trueleadercreed.com you will find a series of statements about what true leader behavior looks like.  Put yourself to the litmus test. How do you stack up? Perhaps some behaviors are easier than others?  What would your colleagues say? Can you take the pledge? Then, think of anyone in a leadership position or who aspires to be in that position. How do they stack up? Have we covered all the behaviors? If not, what might you add? We’d love to hear from you!

Having just celebrated Mother’s Day (four years after Mom’s death at age 96), I find myself thinking of all the lessons which she provided for us that are great insights into resilient living. Mostly in the form of one liners, Mom would make pronouncements that had we 3 kids either nodding in agreement, groaning in frustration, or shaking our heads wondering “where did THAT come from?” It is in retrospect that I can find extended wisdom in some of her “momisms”. See if any of these resonate with you. “If I don’t have a good day, it’s my own fault.” This was her pat answer when someone, normally a store clerk, told her to have a good day. Read anything about positive psychology and you realize that the locus of control is within. We DO have the power to determine whether a day is good or not. In fact, that locus of control is the entire thesis behind Carol Dweck’s best-selling book, Mindset. Mom had it down waaaaayy before psychologists started to explore personal power. “Watch your manners!” Resilient relationships are forged in respect for the other person. Courtesy is simple respect. Isn’t that why when we are treated rudely by a someone, we make a silent vow to have little to do with them? Considering the rude and crude tone in our current political scene, Mom would be pointing a finger at the television set and telling those candidates to “mind your manners!” “Wear clean underwear in case…” I don’t even have to finish this one. Every audience can always complete this sentence for me. It seems to be part of the maternal DNA that somehow just pops out. Other than the obvious, I think there is wisdom in being prepared for the unexpected. There are things we can do in our life and our work that can be safeguards. From bringing a back-up outfit when you travel to making sure that your nearest and dearest know all of your pertinent personal information if something does happen. I’ll bet you, my dear readers, can think of some of your own “momisms”. I’d love to know what they are. Mostly, however, this post is to celebrate the women in our lives who cared enough to set us straight, to admonish, to hug, and even chastise at times. If you are lucky to still have such a mother in your life, maybe you could make every day Mother’s Day. I miss you, Mom!

The flowers that are in full bloom are wonderful. The weeds that have taken over one corner are terrible. To get my garden in world class condition and ready for the competitive eye of my neighbor is exactly what every leader must do: seed, feed, and weed. Consider the “season.” In today’s 24-hour global economy, it would appear that there is no season, nothing that distinguishes night from day. Grow, grow. Sell, sell. But the smart leader watches the sky, reads the clouds, and can tell when there are shifts to indicate a new season. Bring products to market at the wrong time or introduce an idea without understanding timing and the “garden” can quickly resemble a piece of scorched earth. Give credence to the unexpected and control what you can control. The El Niño weather has not only raised havoc with my roses but spawned dangerous storms and opposing droughts throughout the world. Leaders face “El Niños”: market downturns, a coup in Africa, airline strikes, terrorist attacks. You name it. A great leader takes all precautions and then remains flexible and ready for the unexpected. Scenario planning, a strategy first employed by Royal Dutch Shell, brings experts from a wide range of fields together to discuss actions if different scenarios take place. Scenario planning allows you to think out—in advance—various options. In like fashion, my corner of the garage has all the tools, sprays, and plant potions necessary for probable surprises. Plant seeds and give space to the sowers. A smart leader knows that it is only through dialogue that ideas can sprout and take root. Instead of jealously guarding “my ideas, my client, my territory,” a leader with an eye toward growing a “garden” takes no ownership but rather seeks to find which seeds have merit. Like the biblical passage, some seeds will wither on rocks or find little moisture in shallow soil. But others will be carried to places where they flourish. When newcomers bring ideas from other industries and businesses, are they welcomed or are they rooted out because “that’s not how we do things here”? Feed different plants differently. Not every plant needs the same thing, yet all plants must eat. A “garden-wise” leader understands “nothing is so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Just as each voice has its own unique sonogram, each employee, associate, and stakeholder needs a unique blend of “food.” For some, the “food” is numbers: “Give me numbers and I thrive.” For many, it’s the opportunity to learn and advance in knowledge. For others, it’s the engaging nature of the work itself that offers fulfillment. Weeding is backbreaking work. A great leader hates this part of the task. It means fact-finding. Accountability. Time. Not everything that is “green” belongs in my garden. Not every associate belongs with you. In fact, firing customers at times can also be the healthiest long-term fertilizer for a vibrant business. Leaders must take time to stop and “smell the roses.” I can get so overwhelmed with the “work” of my garden that I forget why I planted it. Why have you planted your “garden”? Are there people who delight in the work of your hands? When you step back and gaze at your enterprise, are you pleased with what you see? Spring is now here. How does your “garden” grow?This post originally was originally published by the Lead Change Group as Five Leadership Lessons From the Garden at http://leadchangegroup.com/five-leadership-lessons-from-the-garden

Come meet my friend, Achim Nowak. We shared many a lunch at Wisdom 2.0 in San Francisco. I asked him to share a thought about deep listening as a way to become more adaptable. After all, that is a critical resiliency skill. We need to hear more than just words. I hope you enjoy! 3 Things We Hear With Our Third Ear I have always loved the notion of a Third Eye. According to chakra symbology, the Third Eye sits right in the center of our forehead. Smack above our eyebrows. It is the place in our body that links to our intuition. It’s also the pathway to any psychic powers we may possess. Cool. But a Third Ear? What the heck is that? Joyce F. Brown is the president of the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, one of the preeminent US breeding grounds for future fashionistas. Ms. Brown is also a psychologist. When she was asked what helps her to be a successful leader, Ms. Brown replied with little hesitation: I am convinced that I have a third ear. (New York Times, Business Section, 7/21/2013) The third ear, according to Brown,is the ear that hears the nuances. Love that. And the moment I read those two word –third ear–I think of the various nuances we hear with our third ear: Nuance IN the spoken word A few months ago I was settling into a seat on Virgin Air, getting situated for a flight to San Francisco. A fellow strolls by, stops, glances at the seat next to mine and then announces:We’re neighboring. Wow, I think to myself, what an exquisite phrase that is. Neighboring. A phrase full of nuance and surprise. We quickly engage. My chat with Mark turns out to be, hands-down, the most enriching chat I have ever had with anyone on a plane. It began with a nuanced word. Nuance IN what isn’t said You have had this conversation, right? Your boss offers you a compliment, and she offers it with a good deal of zest: You did a fine job with this report! Nice, until we hear the words that weren’t said. It wasn’t You did a superb job! It wasn’t You did an outstanding job! Now, your boss may not be the sort of person that volunteers extravagant praise. I don’t propose we second-guess her. But make sure your third ear hears the praise for what it is, not for what you desire it to be. And if you’re the boss who wishes to offer extravagant praise, make sure your choice of language reflects your intent. Nuance BENEATH the spoken word In the early 90s I was trained at the Brooklyn Courts to become a mediator. I value this training more than my Organizational Psychology degree or most other formal learning opportunities I’ve had. The crux of what I learned: In any remotely difficult conversation, certain core emotions are likely bubbling below the surface. Anger. Frustration. Sadness. Regret. Sometimes these emotions are explicitly expressed through words. Most of the time they are contained. They are always the real language behind the conversations. Want to positively shape a conversation? Activate your third ear. Hear the emotion that is covered up. A little paradox: In a world where events unfold at lightning speed, it is easy to miss the nuances. And yet, in this rapid-fire world, our ability to be resilient has quickly become the ultimate personal-success-currency. Resilient behavior is at its finest when you and I listen with our Third Ear. Notice the nuances, consider them, celebrate them. When we do, we acknowledge the complexity of life AND we make smarter choices. We invoke greater success. How very cool is that! Achim Nowak C-Suite Coach, International Authority on Presence and Personal Impact, Author of The Moment, Infectious, and Power Speaking (www.influens.com)