I am so furious I could spit. I need a printer that can be networked via wireless. I USED to have good luck with HP. However, after less than a year, the HP LaserJet P1505n put out lousy copies--even with a new ink cartridge. I called, bought a replacement and now-2 months later-there's a white stripe running down each page. Today-Sunday-it took FIVE times to get into HP support.  I kept getting disconnected.  One of the questions in the voice mail doom loop was: "Are you using a MAC computer?"  When I FINALLY got a human being, I was informed that MAC support is ONLY AVAILABLE MONDAY - FRIDAY.  Huh?!?  You mean I could have hung up after the first call had the doom loop even bothered to include that "small detail". I think HP is about to lose a customer. Call your customer service department. Pretend you need help. You might discover a world you didn't even know existed. Hopefully, it will be heavenly instead of hellacious.

When someone interviews the highest-ranking woman in the history of the big four accounting firms, I sit up and take notice. Since few of my readers will see the interview that appeared in yesterday’s LA TIMES, here are the five insights that jumped out for me: In a male-dominated profession, don’t mimic the men. Do things your own way. Remember, as my twin brother point out to me, “We enter the world as originals. Don’t die a copy”. Promote yourself at work. Don’t assume that others know what you have done. Keep people well informed and talk about your contributions. (Very hard for women to do!) Find a mentor and be a mentor. Remember, people throughout the organization can be mentors for different things. Ask for help.Find something you are passionate and do it. It’s the only way you will have energy to stay the course. Know what is the non-negotiable in the rest of your life – whether it is a once-a-week date night with your best beloved or making 50% of your child’s ball games. As I embark on a series of leadership programs for high potential women in both the public and private sector, the advice of this 57 year-old executive rings solid with my research. Putting it in action is what takes skill and courage!

The Tall Ships entered Dana Point this weekend. How fun to see adults get into character and become heroes and villains from another era. The romance of sailing vessels sparks the day--until one recalls the incredible hardships endured tot trade, to flee a country, to explore. We have it so easy today. A click on my finger and I can buy goods from a world away.  No scurvy on my plate.

(Normally, I would write my own piece. However, Joan has produced something so eloquent, it must be shared--Eileen) “Work,” the Persian poet Gibran writes, “is love made visible.” A spirituality of work is based on a heightened sense of sacramentality, of the idea that everything that is, is holy and that our hands consecrate it to the service of God. When we grow radishes in a small container in a city apartment, we participate in creation. When we sweep the street in front of a house, we bring new order to the universe. When we repair what has been broken or paint what is old or give away what we have earned that is above and beyond our own sustenance, we stoop down and scoop up the earth and breathe into it new life again. When we compost garbage and recycle cans, when we clean a room and put coasters under glasses, when we care for everything we touch and touch it reverently, we become the creators of a new universe. Then we sanctify our work and our work sanctifies us. A spirituality of work puts us in touch with our own creativity. Making a salad for supper becomes a work of art. Planting another evergreen tree becomes our contribution to the health of the world. Organizing a good meeting with important questions for the sake of preserving the best in human values enhances humanity. Work enables us to put our personal stamp of approval, our own watermark, the autograph of our souls on the development of the world. In fact, to do less is to do nothing at all. A spirituality of work draws us out of ourselves and, at the same time, makes us more of what we are meant to be. Good work — work done with good intentions and good effects, work that up builds the human race rather than reduces it to the monstrous or risks its destruction — develops qualities of compassion and character in me. My work also develops everything around it. There is nothing I do that does not affect the world in which I live. In developing a spirituality of work, I learn to trust beyond reason that good work will gain good things for the world, even when I don’t expect them and I can’t see them. In that way, I gain myself. Literally. I come into possession of a me that is worthwhile, whose life has not been in vain, who has been a valuable member of the human race. Finally, a spirituality of work immerses me in the search for human community. I begin to see that everything I do, everything, has some effect on someone somewhere. I begin to see my life tied up in theirs. I begin to see that the starving starve because someone is not working hard enough to feed them. And so I do. It becomes obvious, then, that the poor are poor because someone is not intent on the just distribution of goods of the earth. And so I am. I begin to realize that work is the lifelong process of personal sanctification that is satisfied only for the globe. I finally come to know that my work is God’s work, unfinished by God because God meant it to be finished by me

Just landed in Minneapolis for the connection to Duluth and a week canoeing portions of the Boundary Waters, a vast connection of lakes and waterways between the U.S. and Canada. The pocket of the airplane seat in front of me now bulges with newspapers I have read and magazines I devoured. The flight attendants will have a heyday trying to psychoanalyze just who sat in 12-B: I left behind Fast Company Magazine with pages ripped out about NIKE’s CEO and TED conferences. T&D Journal will help anyone who wants to know what ROE vs ROI means in leadership development terms. Bloomberg’s Business Week contains a fascinating account of what is popular in the consumer market. And oh my gosh—the tale of resigning CEOs. SELF magazine only holds interest to anyone interested in health, exercise, and how to get fit without a gym. Spirituality & Healthoffers a rather confusing array of meditation, native Indian wisdom, Episcopalian insights, Thomas Moore philosophy, and a grand discourse from a wise rabbi. Makes me laugh to think what a puzzlement I must be to folks. Then again, in a complex world, there is so much to learn and more than one right answer. What would you leave behind in your airplane seat pocket?

Not a misspelling. I do mean “maid”. You know—a housekeeper. Leadership is what I see in the three times now that Angelica has come to our house to clean. I hope she stays on my payroll until one of us retires! All leadership starts with self-leadership as serving as a role model for others. If I had a team of cleaners I would make her the Queen of the crew! Here’s why: She calls before coming to confirm the time and date. She takes initiative and sees what needs to be done—finding more than I ever thought possible. She literally takes off her shoes to feel for dirt on the floor. Last week, she cleaned my office first—while I was gone—so that I could jump back in it as soon as I returned. I didn’t ASK her to do it. She just made a smart choice. She pulled everything out of the china closet, telling me that last month she did the other cabinet and this month, she’d tackle the closet. I believe she would alphabetize my spice drawer and pantry if she had more time! And when she leaves six hours later—my not-very-large house sparkles along with her good-by grin. Share Angelica’s story with your team. How do they measure up? In fact, makes me wonder if I need to sharpen my client service. I won’t take off my shoes and skate across your floor… but I will help you dust off your leadership skills and tackle whatever lurks in a closet that might hold your team back. Call me at 949-496-8640 to discuss.

What brings you to joy? What are you good at? Does anyone need you to do it? For some reason, I found myself reflecting this Holiday on a weekend spent with my twin brother as he facilitated a Boston College tradition called Halftime. This free, elective weekend is for sophomore or junior year students to step away from campus life and reflect on where they have been, where they are, and where they are going.  It's all about journey, callings and decisions. As we sit in the middle of this summer what would happen if you gave yourself a Halftime? It is so easy to become  caught up in the 24/7 frenzy and the depressing headlines, we can miss the real essence of work and life that revolves around these three questions. Break them down into their most simple elements and you find: JOY.  TALENT. SERVICE. Spontaneous laughter. Constant learning.  Teaching. Hugs. Children. Hands digging in the garden.  AH that's joy to me! Making the complex simple. Crafting written and spoken words. Listening. Relating. Finding humor and story in the ordinary. These are my talents. Service? It depends. Might be the fellow residents at Mom's assisted living facility. Could be corporate teams trying to forge through the morass of a work load. It might be women gathering to become better leaders and support each other in that journey. This area seems wide open. Perhaps you will refine it for me? Please write. I'd love to hear your answers to these critical three questions.

For days now, these few words from this classic Kris Kristofferson song, Me & Bobbie McGee, spinning repeatedly through my brain. It’s really been bugging me. And why these words? Why now? Why me? Could loss actually free us? Could we be imprisoned by material choices, by relationships, by work that pays the bills but leaves a hole in our spirit, maybe even by memories? I’m beginning to think that it does. Long ago and far away I came out to California with only what would fit in the trunk of a Chevy Camero.  If you remember a Camero, that sure wasn’t much! I rented a tiny garage apartment and bought a used sofa for $25. My sister gave me four place settings of old dishes and silverware. I had two sets of sheets and two sets of towels. I had left behind, in Florida, a house with Ethan Allen furniture, a tennis court in the backyard, and a broken marriage. I have never felt so free! Simplicity makes choice so easy. In light of the current economic realities, I’m being reminded that owning stuff can be a burden. My July 4th has me thinking what I can discard so as to have more freedom. A good friend just got laid off after 30 years. Only has enough money for maybe three months. Her husband is in construction and she has twin six year-olds. Many of us would be in deep depression. But Marian is ecstatic! “It’s my time now to pursue what I really want to do!”  She is convinced that now she can actively pursue her dreams instead of being tied to a job she had grown to despise. She knows it won’t be easy but the energy and enthusiasm with her newfound freedom is propelling her efforts. (She’ll tell you about Arbonne!) My July 4th finds me recommitting  to accepting only that work which feeds my spirit and not just the bank account. Up the road, my 94-year-old mother continues her progression into memory loss. She’s no longer haunted by mistakes and failures.  She doesn’t remember the pain of a broken hip, the repeated trips to the emergency room, or even the numerous hospitalizations. Instead, she’s free to experience only the moment and make it what ever she wants. So she can tell me that she was walking on the beach the other day. Her wheelchair belies that statement, but who cares? She says that down the hall is someone from York, Pennsylvania. She just doesn’t know who it is. She’s free to make up friends. My July 4 reminds me that the only memory is in the moment and I can choose to make it whatever I want. That’s freedom. And of course, one cannot come to this day without remembering the loss of men and women who have given life and limb to give us the ultimate freedom: a land where we can choose our destiny.

The flight left on time, winging its way to Portland for a brief  touchdown and then off to Juneau for our 30th wedding anniversary.  Glacier Bay. We will 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 has its own built in  stresses that can set the tone for any trip.  Thankfully, we were on  Alaska Airlines with 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 on the 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 one underneath it.  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. 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. I’ll see if I can practice this in Alaska. On the ship. On the plane.  And hopefully, when we circle back to the “real” world of work. Does your organization need help making staff feel treasured? Consider my "The Power of Engagement: Crafting Connections That Count For People Who Matter" topic and I'll customize it for your audience.

Real leadership never starts with a title or a position on an organizational chart. Rather, it begins because one feels something could be made better. It might start as a resolve that comes from a tragedy (i.e., Mothers Against Drunk Drivers)  or an effort that comes from a creative concept for improvement (i.e., Apple, the Obama campaign). What is does take is courage, consistency, and commitment.  My sister, Susan Mullins, has these attributes in spades! For the past three years, Susan has spent, literally, a couple thousand hours establishing, developing, and leading a new community organization in her Los Angeles County Nichols Canyon neighborhood to improve safety, communication, and a real sense of community. More than 400 households have joined the Upper Nichols Canyon Neighborhood Association (UNC) and participated in a range of activities both in the immediate area and in the larger Hollywood community of Los Angeles. This has included: Creating the UNC Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Task Force. Creating the Public Safety Committees which together certified 40 neighbors in CPR and licensed 15 Ham radio operators. Having eight residents formally trained as Community Emergency Response Team members. Establishing a model Neighborhood Watch program that has proven very effective. Susan also took a leadership role in events such as putting together food and clothing drives for "People Assisting The Homeless" and "Food for Change." She crafted a major Los Angeles Fire Department Evacuation Drill with 500 participants in the canyon. Officials said they were astounded and gratified by the numbers who participated—all of which served as great learning exercises for both the citizens and the fire department. Part of Susan's work also included forming working partnerships with local law enforcement and various city agencies and organizations. She hosted education sessions with these agencies so that residents could learn everything from emergency procedures to how to keep neighbors safe. This week Susan was presented with the 2011 Centurion Award from the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County—an association made up of all the law enforcement agencies from local city Police Departments throughout LA County, Sheriffs, Highway Patrol, ATF, FBI, city, county and state attorneys. This award is for Outstanding Achievement in the Area of Community Partner.  It is the only "civilian" award this group gives in this county with a population of more than ten million people. Winners are chosen by a judging panel that reviews nominations submitted by all their law enforcement member agencies. The Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Division nominated Susan. While my sister would say that she attributes the success of her efforts to the involvement of many other people, the truth of the matter is that it took one person to conceive, organize and guide it: Susan. What is the place that troubles your heart?  Where might you jump in and take the lead?  Or, who is your “Susan” that could use an assist in making work, family, or a community better.

According to Wikipedia transformational leadership is an approach that is defined as leadership that creates valuable and positive change in the followers with the end goal of developing followers into leaders. A transformational leader focuses on "transforming" others to help each other, to look out for each other, to be encouraging and harmonious, and to look out for the organization as a whole.  What can you do today to change your leadership style to be more transformational?  How can you work with people in a different way to help them develop their leadership skills?

If you find yourself completely stressed at work then The Daily Mind has a solution for you.  So many people spend too many hours at work and then take more work home with them.  The meditation exercise at The Daily Mind helps you disconnect from work enough to help you relax.  Read the entire article here.