Brief introductions to the readings that will inspire…..
The stories here are real life adventures -- Chose the
tale that best presents your learning point to engage others for
a valuable shared experience.
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1.
SEASIDE COACHING –JSPRAA
2009 GOLD Award Winner: Excellence in Writing
(Download) This is the most popular article in the series. It has appeared in countless coaching websites and magazines, including a spread on the inside two pages of the HR Magazine for the country of Turkey, featured over the photos of a beautiful beach in Turkey. Text excerpt: Personally, I wish there were a better word for that private interaction to support one individual’s growth or to guide a group to engage in a reveal team experience. We are meeting at the point in someone’s life when they are experiencing a unique transition. Facing major decisions, this life juncture forces changes that question and challenge basic perceptions, arousing deep emotions and self-doubt. It is a time of personal development, as our growth thrives on success and loss, dreams and foundations, desires and compromises—with a few surprises in the mix.
When you are at a transition point in your life, do you seek the familiarity of your current surroundings, or would it be useful for you to reach out to tap resources and experiences from your own past as well? More importantly, how do you sort through the turmoil that accompanies change to discover your own revelations?
Who are today’s middle managers and why are they demanding so much of our attention? As the middle class rebuilds itself during the current economic turmoil, will middle managers continue as the vibrant, powerful group that helped build many of today’s corporations? This article opens the door to dialogue and discussion about next steps to support Middle Management. Text excerpt: Middle management, comprised of first-line supervisors to associate-directors, is the largest and most powerful group of white-collar workers in the corporate sector. It is surprising to find that although middle-managers sustain the organization, many leaders appear to overlook or minimize the dynamic role of this integral group who:
…represent a significant financial investment for a corporation in salaries, value of output, production investment and maintenance expenditures.
…experience continuing upheaval while being ignored, punished and blamed for corporate excess.
…stand caught between career-driven senior managers and associates seeking security.
…fill the courts with workers complaints: replacing unions with private counsel.
…during their work life will transition between four to nine different careers
…attract struggling women returning to work, experienced older workers, and young entry-level college graduates.
…enforce the culture, implement the systems, and present the firm to the world as the backbone of the company..
Topics addressed in this article include: Management, Transitions, Leaning, Supervisors, Change, Promotion, On-Boarding, Blue-collar employees,
Advancement, Training, 2,582 words 9 pages.
3.
ON BY – TAKING THE RISK JSPRAA
2009 Silver Award Winner- Excellence in Writing (Download)
Your coaching clients will be transported to experience their first sled dog race on a cold winter day in Pennsylvania as dog trainers allow specially bred dogs to run in timed, safely organized and controlled events. You will be amazed at the powerful bond that forms as the dogs take control and show the drivers what teamwork is all about.
Text excerpt:
Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by risk? Balancing the odds of success, the investment you’ve made in relationships, the value of the win – how do you make your choice? Often it is the actions that others don’t see that truly defines winners from losers. I am always amazed when I find myself experiencing one of life’s lessons while engaged in something completely unrelated. One such event occurred on a winter day in northern Pennsylvania.
A Cold Example Instead of thinking about a corporate setting, visualize broad, open, snow covered hills with trails merging in and out of wooded ravines
4.
A LEGACY OF LEARNING - Story Telling & Succession Planning Download)
How do your top level executives share their experiences and wisdom? What is the state of succession planning in your firm? Do you want to create a mentoring environment to support others through transitions and growth? This short story describes the four learning environment by recalling popular American business leaders. By inspiring your group to examine how they learn and share knowledge, you will empower an environment of learning, sharing and respect.
Text excerpt: I recently witnessed the retirement of a Fortune 100 Senior Executive. He chose to leave and was quick to describe the wealth of life experiences now before him. Yet it was a sad day for those of us who witnessed his departure. As we watched him through the corporate lobby for the last time, his broad shoulders seemed to slump a bit with every step.
Legacy Lost Yes, this senior exec was lauded at a retirement dinner, has a golden parachute and will not want for money or friends. It is not where he is going that we should be considering; where are we going without him? What he worriedly confided in me is concern that the many efforts he championed were now in jeopardy. Who would pick up the baton, view issues with a broad and experienced vision to provide continuity as the business culture continues on its evolutionary path?
5.
LEADERSHIP CLUES – How to Pick a Leader
(Download)
One of the major issues confronting new leaders is determining who has the potential to join them in the role of leader. How do you identify the competencies of others in a corporate environment? This story will open the door for discussion of leadership strengths, weaknesses and the process of developing new skills to accept new responsibilities.
Text excerpt: Everyone has their story of standing with a crowd of children waiting to be picked to join a team. As an executive coach and consultant for twenty years, I‘ve learned a few techniques to pick clients with a high potential for success—and to recognize those that seem to be stuck on a losing streak. How do you recognize the signals of someone who has stopped learning? Do you know when you, the clients you are considering or even colleagues you may partner with on a project are over-extended? The following are the top four of the key concepts I employ when considering a new client. You are welcome to take the test‘ yourself, and evaluate your own results. Simply answer each question quickly, without contemplation, and then give yourself one point for every question you answered.
Topics addressed in this article include: Leadership, Promotion, Teams, Conflict, Partnering, Learning, Employee ROI , Trust Length: 5 pages; 1,343 words
As a result of the corporate downsizing and the economic downturn of the past few years, many people are confused and dazed – and in many cases unemployed or under-employed. This article has been described by human resource leaders globally as must-reading for anyone who has experienced this life/career juncture.
Text excerpt: A good friend, a woman I’ve known since grammar school, was recently downsized from her job. As difficult as it is for her to say, she was fired after investing 30 years in the company. The mandate directed her boss to reduce his staff from five to two; shortly a second directive required elimination of the two remaining positions. This lady holds a Bachelor degree and continually received positive reviews for the diverse positions she held at the company over her long tenure.
The Pain of Freedom To me, the best thing about this severing of the ways is that she is now free to choose where she will live for the next phase of her life and what type of work she would most enjoy doing. For her, the best thing is her newfound realization that life goes on. What we can all learn from the experience is how she reacted. Once past the sadness of loss, she holds no resentment toward her former employer. She does not feel she was mislead to invest a considerable part of her life in one company, nor does she harbor any lasting anger over the decision that lead to the cutback and resulting loss of her livelihood.
Topics address in this article include: Coaching, Mentoring, Networking, Stress, Management, Decision Making, Risk 7 pages single-spaced, 2,974 words
7. APOLOGIZE LATER – THE RISK OF DOING IT NOW
(Download)
What do you do when you are in a business situation when you are convinced that the best way to respond to a situation is also the one way your manager has vetoed? How do you react, and what is the most practical way to handle the situation? This short story will evoke an interesting discussion and reveal greater insight into how we all react to limitations and pressure situations.
Text excerpt: At a recent corporate management awards program, the honored recipient took the podium to the applause of his colleagues. When it came his turn to speak, Ralph admitted that he had taken some major risks: “I followed the example of my mentor: when it was his turn, he chose to do the job now, and if necessary, apologize later.” Take the Risk vs. Ask for Permission Ralph leads a global research team for a major manufacturing company. At his company, no one ever said that taking a risk without permission of senior management was an accepted practice. Ralph is quick to add: “Nor did anyone need to explicitly state that if you fail in your risky business, you will suffer the consequences. Of course, if you succeed, you’ve made an important in-road.”
Topics addressed in this article include: Risk, Decision Making, Leadership, Choices, Promotion, Advancement, Management, Change Length: 5 pages; 1,048 words
8. INSTINCTUAL FOCUS: The Tale of the Praying Mantis --The natural process of Decision Making
(Download)
Studies continue to suggest that there is a need to focus before making a decision, to step aside from the event and to allow an open mind to assess the situation. This story of a few seconds in the life of an insect has inspired group members to consider and share their personal methods to focus before addressing a problem or situation. It is certain to inspire your group to offer creative alternatives to the decision-making process.
Text excerpt: A few weeks ago I attended an advanced management training to learn the decision making techniques of some of the most successful business leaders. The emphasis of the program was on staying focused to achieve clarity in the decision making process. The business owners and corporate executives in the audience were lead through some deep breathing exercises, similar to the techniques used in yoga and other meditative disciplines.
. The premise is that by clearing our minds of the clutter, turning off the distractions and relaxing our bodies, our minds are more receptive to contemplative thinking. We are renewing our ability to make free associations, to allow our thoughts to explore different options, and test connections we might reject or overlook when under stress. Good opinions cannot be rushed: we must give ourselves time to consider alternatives .
Topics addressed in this article include: Decision Making, Contemplation, Stress, Focused Thinking, Instincts, Personal strengths, Meditative disciplines. 800 words, 4 pages,5 photos.
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1.
SEASIDE COACHING –JSPRAA
2009 GOLD Award Winner: Excellence in Writing
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2.
WHY MIDDLE MANAGERS MATTER
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3.
ON BY – TAKING THE RISK JSPRAA
2009 Silver Award Winner- Excellence in Writing (
5.
LEADERSHIP CLUES – How to Pick a Leader
6.
DON’T LET DOWNSIZING GET YOU DOWN
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8. INSTINCTUAL FOCUS: The Tale of the Praying Mantis --The natural process of Decision Making
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