tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91222711977457355822024-02-02T04:05:13.462-05:00The Schiller CenterAn internationally acclaimed organizational strategist, Sherry Schiller helps corporate, public, and nonprofit leaders navigate change, build constructive cultures, and unleash their organization's potential.Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-51348227007697809642016-07-25T21:21:00.001-04:002016-07-25T21:21:59.308-04:00Bombs Away!<br />
Summer is a splendid time to step back and reflect on what you've built over time professionally or personally. If something no longer works, take your cue from the recent joint military exercise "retiring" the U.S.S. Thach and find the best way to say goodbye! Here is your inspiration:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2016/07/20/uss-thach-sinking-exercise-rimpac-orig.cnn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click for video: U.S.S. Thach</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2016/07/20/uss-thach-sinking-exercise-rimpac-orig.cnn"></a>Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-23384535570019176132016-06-08T11:13:00.000-04:002016-06-10T08:44:17.514-04:00Muhammad Ali and My Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As sports celebrities, journalists, and commentators gather this week to share their memories of Muhammad Ali upon the occasion of his passing, I thought I would share one of my own personal experiences. Back in 2001, I had the opportunity to
bring my family to the White House when President Clinton presented the
Presidential Citizens Medal to, among others, Muhammad Ali.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">A last-minute event arranged soon before
Clinton left office, it was scheduled on a weekend just before my mom had a
long-standing doctor’s appointment to assess her slipping memory. My family and
I had a wonderful experience with the honorees, chatting and having our photos
taken with the gentle, radiant Ali.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The morning after the event, I put my mom on a plane at
6:00am and by 8:00am my sister had picked her up from the airport and gotten her
to an appointment at Ford Hospital, an island in a sea of decayed, abandoned
buildings in downtown Detroit. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The doctor brought my mom
out after his exam to report to my sister with great alarm that he had asked
her the standard question, “Do you know who is President of the United
States?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to which my mom quickly and
cheerfully responded, “Yes, Bill Clinton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had dinner with him last night.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The doctor, stunned at my mom’s cognitive decline, asked her where this
took place and if anyone else was present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Oh, at the White House, and yes, Elizabeth Taylor was there with her
dog.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom went on to tell him about
all the other stars in attendance as the doctor sadly shook his head and looked
out at the wasteland outside his window, wondering at her vibrant imagination
in such a dismal setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
When the doctor brought my mother out to my sister in the waiting room, he declared, “Your
mother not only has dementia; she has illusions of grandeur.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She believes she had dinner at the White
House last night with Muhammad Ali and Elizabeth Taylor.”</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When my sister assured him that this was true, he
retorted that obviously our mother’s fantasies were a shared psychosis.</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-32644251017279093172016-05-23T14:07:00.001-04:002016-05-23T14:07:41.634-04:00All You Need Is Love<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 183.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Last week, I had the good fortune to attend my friend Hal’s
graduation from the Alexandria Police Academy.
Police Chief Cook gave an inspiring talk at the gathering about how our
police strive to represent us with professionalism and care. His theme was that we don’t have to engage
with one another out of distrust—the root of much of the national
conversation. His brief talk was
peppered with the word, “Love.”</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2wjWDa3gpCVQZqhPY8_TmUD8KhXD4TPq0mj0kiriTVu6X_Ccyo2joiK8mCdxBvqZ58afO-IAgGolTDqEx8gjO_4RM8fx5WysyhfTxTedROo1J79FMSNvyLxwCNzUn8-wn8PlDzaazcQ/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2wjWDa3gpCVQZqhPY8_TmUD8KhXD4TPq0mj0kiriTVu6X_Ccyo2joiK8mCdxBvqZ58afO-IAgGolTDqEx8gjO_4RM8fx5WysyhfTxTedROo1J79FMSNvyLxwCNzUn8-wn8PlDzaazcQ/s320/IMG_3054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a college student, I was given the assignment on the
first day of an education course to return the next week with my philosophy of
education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the weekend painting
a large banner with Peter Max-like figures dancing around The Beatles’ lyrics,
“All You Need Is Love.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hung in the
Michigan School of Education for many years, giving me and others ample
opportunity to reflect on our beliefs about effective education. When I was interviewed
about it years later, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said that my years teaching
at-risk kids had led me to conclude that love might not be the only thing
needed, but it’s a great place to start.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chief Cook’s comments last week served as a reminder that
love is a great place to begin any relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am convinced that those who see the glass
half empty and bring suspicions or doubts to every interaction are no happier
than I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I see the applicability
of the approach not only to teaching and policing, but to every walk of
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chief Cook noted that the Alexandria police may not be
perfect, but they are always striving to do better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asserted that he and the Department
welcome difficult feedback and open dialogue in their effort to serve our
citizens better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who know and have
worked with me know how I share his dedication to continuous improvement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week’s ceremony reminded me how grateful I am to be a
member of a vibrant community where diversity works and is not just a
slogan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was inspired by the diversity
of the Academy graduates, their friends and families, and how comfortably we
interacted with one another that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All organizations are diverse communities, just as our City is, and
would benefit from authentically honoring diversity and tackling obstacles to
unity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to Hal for inviting his friends to his
graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to Chief Cook for his
positive message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thanks to a
community that respectfully engages all of its members in decisions that affect
them. <o:p></o:p></div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-69534229214736656722016-03-09T14:12:00.000-05:002016-03-09T14:12:12.746-05:00Let Sleeping Dogs Lie?<div class="MsoNormal">
The long-anticipated arrival of spring weather has me
challenging old assumptions and behaviors. As I open up windows to let the
fresh air breeze through my home, I find myself compelled to move things around
and clean places and objects I haven’t paid attention to in awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took great pleasure in taking my washing
machine apart and cleaning the insides with a toothbrush!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9Nk0CVx30UT1wsMehrWEXy9EASLmf-6YtnCHqu_9DJm1KpQ2jd3FzCG6QVvI9lafDMMzSwAr4eljYU4CSWH_cG0aZQ31Ek_ZnRcc9f4TrQS-PfLb4gauoU_IhkQQhi_KXGdwhjhLzzw/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9Nk0CVx30UT1wsMehrWEXy9EASLmf-6YtnCHqu_9DJm1KpQ2jd3FzCG6QVvI9lafDMMzSwAr4eljYU4CSWH_cG0aZQ31Ek_ZnRcc9f4TrQS-PfLb4gauoU_IhkQQhi_KXGdwhjhLzzw/s320/IMG_2723.JPG" width="320" /></a>I sometimes hear organizational leaders say they don’t want
“change for change’s sake,” or that they prefer to “let sleeping dogs lie.” Their
comments cause me to reflect on my own behavior—does spring awaken in me an
urge to make <i>unneeded</i> change and wake up peacefully sleeping dogs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Yet, a</span>s far back as human behavior has been
recorded, there are records of cleaning rituals in spring. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel energized by the promise of warmer
weather to shake out the cobwebs and try new things, as well as rearrange old
ones. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is something cleansing about
the ritual of getting rid of clutter and tackling projects that I have gotten
comfortable neglecting during the busy winter months.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether it’s in your own life or in your organization, why
not use the promises of spring to play with variations on the patterns in your
life? While you are at it, sweep out
those dark corners where dirt and stale energy have been collecting. Take
advantage of the spirit of the season, awaken and energize your sleeping dogs,
and get ready for all the new challenges and opportunities awaiting you the
rest of the year. A fresh perspective will
revitalize your focus and enable you to proceed toward your goals with greater
harmony. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-62600549673139502132015-12-22T17:22:00.001-05:002015-12-22T17:22:50.637-05:00Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many years ago, I sat next to a priest on a short flight, but I will remember something he said for the rest of my life. He told me that in order to be happy, a person needs 3 things: something meaningful to do, something to look forward to, and someone to love. I have often reflected on his recipe for a balanced, productive life. This weekend, I realized he missed what I consider a 4th ingredient essential to happiness: community. I have written many times about what I believe is an innate need to belong, whether it’s to a family, college, work team--or even our planet. I believe this need to feel a part of a larger group is so fundamental that it ranks up there with his 3. And here is why I concluded this on this particular weekend:<br />
<br />
Exactly a year ago this week, I moved to Galesville, Maryland, on the banks of the West River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Although I still have my townhouse attached to my office in Old Town Alexandria, I have been putting down roots in Galesville over the course of the last year. In the course of the last year, I met many Galesville residents I instantly liked and was certain I wanted to get to know better. Some were retired from exciting lives that took them to the far corners of the world. Others were born and raised in Galesville—and had often returned here after living and working in other places. Two very special friends are in their 90s—Jack, who has a “Galesville room” in his home devoted to the history of the area, and Eleanor, who, at 98, out-parties me!<br />
<br />
I have also written a lot about my belief that it takes focus on something (Gladwell and others would say “10,000 hours”) over time to create a critical mass that becomes the ‘tipping point’ from one state of being to another. This weekend was the tipping point for me in terms of feeling completely harmonious with the Galesville community. I woke up this morning realizing that I embrace it as my home—even the parts that are less than perfect. A series of holiday interactions over the course of the last few weeks created that critical mass that shifted my center of gravity:<br />
<br />
• My cottage was on the holiday home tour, which gave me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, including the organizers and other home owners.<br />
• The community held two charming holiday events at the Community Center.<br />
• Colorful, festive holiday banners line Main Street.<br />
• Neighbors organized for numerous parties, including an oyster roast last night that tied in with the judging of holiday decorations. Note that I went along to monitor the judging, and still received an award (see photo of award. Sorry-no photo of my Santa waving from an antique tractor.)<br />
• A new, exotically attired friend asked if I might have an ugly Christmas sweater, as she needed one for an office party themed around such attire. I was only too glad to share my very authentic ugly Christmas sweater and noted to myself that her request made me feel woven into the fabric of the community.<br />
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In fact, I discover as I write that there are too many events in the last few weeks to even try to continue listing them. I know I made a wonderful decision a year ago to move to Galesville, a diverse community filled with people who love sailing and the Bay as well as the town we share as our home. Thanks to all the people of Galesville who have welcomed me and helped me experience my happiest Christmas ever, as I feel a deep connection to the place I am and the people with whom I share it. Happy holidays and happy new year—and may each of you create and celebrate your own community!
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-49590717109345588692015-12-03T20:50:00.000-05:002015-12-03T20:54:25.464-05:00Giving Thanks for Courageous LeadersI’ve learned that many client groups have a busy
season. Bakeries and ballet companies
are entering their crazy-busy seasons now, while I am just wrapping up
mine. Many of my nonprofit clients have
a “back-to-school” ethic, returning from summer vacation full of determination
to live and lead better, thus driving my “busy season” from October through the
first weeks of December. (Of course, a
whole other batch will get itchy in January and plan retreats for February and
March.) As I momentarily paused last
weekend to break for Thanksgiving after returning from several back-to-back
client meetings and events, I had time to reflect on all the clients in my life
for which I am grateful.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can describe them in one word: WOW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have the opportunity
to work with such amazingly caring and talented people—from neuroscience nurses
to bakery owners to national service leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I processed my experiences while traveling between groups, I concluded
that perhaps the most valuable quality that nurtures such remarkable success for
each group is the leadership in each organization/ association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In particular, each of these groups have a leader
who seeks hard feedback.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do
these leaders not flinch when they receive it—they actually WANT it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they listen without defensiveness,
seeking to first understand, and then to explore positive alternatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continue to learn so much about courage
from these leaders, who have become partners and friends in our shared
journeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
As you ramp up during the upcoming holidays, make sure you
give yourself time to reflect, ask for feedback on how you’re doing, and
express your appreciation to those who provide it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growth is nearly impossible without feedback
on performance. As much as we all want to hear the good stuff, sometimes all it
takes for a colleague to let go of a negative feeling or opinion is the chance
to verbalize it and feel heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks
to the wonderful, courageous leaders who have modeled this behavior with their
colleagues and with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You inspire me
and I am grateful!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-83161989324758105912015-09-22T20:40:00.000-04:002015-09-22T20:40:50.121-04:00Turning Point<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year, when I purchased my sailboat, <i>Turning Point</i>, I was
stunned that her name was so appropriate for that moment in my life. Learning to be the skipper of my own boat has
brought many great people and experiences and adventures into my life. Undertaking such a
multi-dimensional challenge has made me grow in so many ways, many of them
unexpected. It has shown me how I can
rely on my natural strengths while building knowledge and skills in new
areas. It has forced me to ask for help
and depend on others. It has been very humbling and, surprisingly, life-affirming.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuv6dVKmRjmboQjxSRL0uriDUqf-HkIW4-gMofymrKeCSDALNiUfeT3f7lVzHikyVvIxzs7Vm2_9LuHaPChw5FC3Ecw5G3m9xzRBAfbVTYYmXwauOOvmWZwx71odZvwVuU0mI-edR9m8/s1600/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuv6dVKmRjmboQjxSRL0uriDUqf-HkIW4-gMofymrKeCSDALNiUfeT3f7lVzHikyVvIxzs7Vm2_9LuHaPChw5FC3Ecw5G3m9xzRBAfbVTYYmXwauOOvmWZwx71odZvwVuU0mI-edR9m8/s200/image4.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcXvIsIagAiPUGGULFxJl7HcsYTnrn-Bq7_HDNxW8rfUIqwQ6wNkd7_nBYuDdhxa1Iq_Jo3XC56W40o6C-7a7hKt1YqsNwz9nsRu8pmFHUZOYAdwuvDguQVXp1CI4bar79zlpHEqizSU/s1600/FullSizeRender-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcXvIsIagAiPUGGULFxJl7HcsYTnrn-Bq7_HDNxW8rfUIqwQ6wNkd7_nBYuDdhxa1Iq_Jo3XC56W40o6C-7a7hKt1YqsNwz9nsRu8pmFHUZOYAdwuvDguQVXp1CI4bar79zlpHEqizSU/s200/FullSizeRender-6.jpg" width="200" /></a>This weekend, I faced strong gusts of wind just beyond my
comfort level—which is where learning takes place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elvis, my dog, was not as enthusiastic, as
you can see from his photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
person, team, and organization needs to continually find and achieve bold
new goals that build on their strengths and push them in new ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take the first step, no matter how frightening it might
seem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will overcome barriers, expand
your perspective, and build resilience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When was the last time you did that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is that daring goal you’d love to achieve?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could you move toward accomplishing it? The reward will justify the risk and you might just find, like I did, a turning point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-28455316349356691782015-09-18T16:02:00.000-04:002015-09-18T16:02:12.034-04:00Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2J6rp5HGzBMu2vAOGGgsYiq28kww8huKpFMKtsQdpBrAF9J_IeC9bxnaQOMaMFxsldoR6JWjzzCnSmqmZw8Ee28M_lk5PSjJIKxM0Ft37n8vqgejaa7jUxdyg-BPSLlRL3RaKEvTB-c/s1600/September+15+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2J6rp5HGzBMu2vAOGGgsYiq28kww8huKpFMKtsQdpBrAF9J_IeC9bxnaQOMaMFxsldoR6JWjzzCnSmqmZw8Ee28M_lk5PSjJIKxM0Ft37n8vqgejaa7jUxdyg-BPSLlRL3RaKEvTB-c/s200/September+15+001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently had the good fortune to address a group of about 100
employees of the B.F. Saul Company about my book <a href="http://www.schillercenter.org/hum.html" target="_blank">HUM</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the book, and often in my work with
clients, I discuss the many lessons that organizational groups can learn by observing
how systems work in nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It therefore
wasn’t a surprise when one of the themes that emerged from our lively conversation
was how many of us were eagerly anticipating autumn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems as if we each have deeply buried in
us a “back to school” outlook that leads to setting goals, getting organized,
making plans, and reconnecting with those we have been away from over the
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crisper air energizes us to
get back into healthy routines and look at ways to improve our lives and
workplaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is no coincidence, then, that fall is always a busy time
for us at the Schiller Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the
summer, when the pace slows down a bit, many organizational leaders have an
opportunity to reflect on the wide range of issues impacting their group, their
employees, their productivity, their growth, and vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once fall arrives and people get back into
the grind, many of these leaders are eager to implement change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if they don’t know exactly how to go
about tackling their most pressing issues, many of them return in the fall with
the conviction that they don’t want to repeat patterns of the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
us, it is a time of renewed energy and enthusiasm as we welcome the many requests
we get for consultations and strategic planning retreats, eager to examine the
unique context of each group and help create meaningful change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Take the opportunities autumn presents to ask yourself if
your workplace is performing as smoothly as it could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are all team members invested in the same
shared goals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is each member positioned
to contribute his or her strengths?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
there gaps or overlaps that need to be addressed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the culture of your team positive and productive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also use this time of year to set
personal goals and determine dates by which you will achieve them, as well as
who can support you in their accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Happy Fall to All!<o:p></o:p></div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-45643641082421730162015-07-30T21:17:00.000-04:002015-07-30T21:23:21.665-04:00Connecting to the History All Around Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj5PZsTkPVHS8RE3WxE0TjTpZ1MLBOgBxQvZAX8Y6p_dM7tNmRfVHTinXpmk_buxtZiW-vgCkQCmAHD7I8NRybIJlWqG6mnKzEZsZjbXlPtrvcc4IoV3-PIZFZDGlZmYyPi-8-n4-saI/s1600/FullSizeRender-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj5PZsTkPVHS8RE3WxE0TjTpZ1MLBOgBxQvZAX8Y6p_dM7tNmRfVHTinXpmk_buxtZiW-vgCkQCmAHD7I8NRybIJlWqG6mnKzEZsZjbXlPtrvcc4IoV3-PIZFZDGlZmYyPi-8-n4-saI/s640/FullSizeRender-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_Q5Nfc39rgCtY-zuFU_dtAK90wfxgVSIyFlpdFMA0sdjwVI4fqenyTac266YyzkfRDdWpx-b2zbiqY1OFweHUVuadO1UgNzzc2eg6j4xiQJ4YuV_q9HrbNlY2TNya10sEq8Ew0qpU_E/s1600/IMG_1967.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Just as I write about connecting to others, to a purpose, and to our environment, I try to live those values. This past weekend, I stumbled into a wonderful opportunity to learn about and connect with a fascinating piece of the history of the town of Galesville, MD, where I have my cottage and boat. I attended the celebration of the 100</span><sup style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">anniversary of the Galesville Hot Sox, our local black ball team. Many of its players attended and told their personal stories. The event was held in the newly dedicated Galesville Community Center, which was a Rosenwald School (</span><a href="http://www.preservationmaryland.org/programs/rosenwald-schools/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>preservationmaryland.org/<wbr></wbr>programs/rosenwald-schools/</a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). I also learned that our local school was the first school in Maryland to be integrated after the Civil Rights Act. Maryland's governor selected it because he wanted to begin with a success story and the Galesville community was comprised of 50% blue collar whites and 50% blue collar blacks who worked in the seafood canning industry.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3kx8ZziJbzoqsKpL5Op09TTyuWEApeM2xLDtmKo8idd2Y2FatfQLc0U9zleidXKO2kahAz6TAAvleeGFVNQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif;">The Galesville Hot Sox will be playing an exhibition game on August 8<sup>th</sup> on the field restored by the Smithsonian As a bonus, there is a women’s team, which also is going to play a game. I love this little town and everything I learn about its history connects me to it more deeply.<br /><br />What do you know about the history of the place where you live or work? Do you know if it was inhabited by Indians, and if so, what tribes? What did the settlers do for a living and why did they settle there? This summer, dig a little into the history that lives around you. Discover the feeling of really connecting to a place. Start local and you may discover how you can connect to the broader communities that share our planet.</span><br />
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-91699192570555525932015-07-22T22:37:00.000-04:002015-07-22T22:37:57.364-04:00Music to My Ears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past week, I had the new and exciting experience of
crewing in a sailboat race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so
packed with organizational and team lessons that I finally understood why so many
executive teams select a sailing experience to build leadership and team
skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Our experience after the race concluded was so powerful that I have to single it out to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something I have encouraged clients to
do for years, yet I often wonder how many leadership teams take the time to do
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the race was behind us and we
were safely sitting on the boat in our slip, the captain asked his crew, “What
did we learn today that will help us do better in the future?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> W</span>ithout any finger-pointing
or excuses, the crew discussed what went well, what could have been improved, and how they could
apply what they learned in future situations with varying conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In organizations, your position at the “finish line” is less
clear unless you set clear measures of success for your goals. This makes it
easier to adjust either the goal or the measure of success. Even if one or both need adjustment going
forward, every team can improve its performance by taking the time that our captain
did to ask and then really listen to the crew’s answer to his question about
what lessons were learned and how these can be used to boost performance going
forward. Thanks to Captain Chuck, my
friend Tom Rodgers who got me onboard, and the other crew members who allowed
me to participate and learn so much about sailing and performance.</div>
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-86949004225751387912015-07-07T11:11:00.001-04:002015-07-07T11:11:10.827-04:00"Walk in Their Shoes"<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif;">When I was a young girl, my dad always said you have to see the world through your customer’s eyes. From there, I continue to practice trying to see the world through the eyes of others. This morning, I read my dog’s mind as he thought, “If I didn’t work so hard, my person would lose so many tennis balls every day.”</span></div>
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-57707633137449432592015-05-31T19:17:00.001-04:002015-05-31T19:17:36.677-04:00Our Earth Flag<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzUMHwZ2QZqMSykZuB7OKaoRKZgJdi1x6iurL3AAssfFCvcJgsBnaHSVbXSyqglFrq0NGjcVw1KHJSisIJCNtiUtfb7pgy8tvTJy25Jw1-jF0y5k_O-xi8pwdQ574y_t9RXYm9x3oiUk/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzUMHwZ2QZqMSykZuB7OKaoRKZgJdi1x6iurL3AAssfFCvcJgsBnaHSVbXSyqglFrq0NGjcVw1KHJSisIJCNtiUtfb7pgy8tvTJy25Jw1-jF0y5k_O-xi8pwdQ574y_t9RXYm9x3oiUk/s640/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The “authentic” Earth Flag was created in 1969 by John McConnell (</span><a href="http://www.earthflag.net/history.htm" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">http://www.earthflag.net/<wbr></wbr>history.htm</a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) </span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">as a symbol of all of us being connected to one another and all living things on the planet we share.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I have flown the Earth Flag in front of The Schiller Center for Connective Change for decades. A photo of the flag flying in front of our office appeared a few years ago on the cover to the City of Alexandria’s annual report. As you can see from this current photo, we are now in a location just across the street from a public magnet school. I wonder how many of the students—and their teachers—have discussed what it might mean to pledge allegiance to the Earth. I’m told we have the only Earth Flag in Alexandria and wonder why they didn’t catch on more widely. I often see flags being flown that represent a past period in history, a loyalty to an alma mater, a fun celebration of the season, or even just cocktail hour. I wish the original vision for the flag had spread, and wonder where we’d be today if it had.</span></div>
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-70810277630079856952015-05-28T09:08:00.000-04:002015-05-28T09:10:34.472-04:00Living in Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67upkhdR224glsdrfP0hiPw0VEEMFOdGZ_4XGPZ7sPNBrlo7MqW7ohc-B00CtTZ0A8ICB8PgTJQtpm7DPlO_rqc2zKIhdVL2O3Zcd0hZ2wnp-5kJnOmMXLnjV_pZUvry3YRhFLeowBOI/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67upkhdR224glsdrfP0hiPw0VEEMFOdGZ_4XGPZ7sPNBrlo7MqW7ohc-B00CtTZ0A8ICB8PgTJQtpm7DPlO_rqc2zKIhdVL2O3Zcd0hZ2wnp-5kJnOmMXLnjV_pZUvry3YRhFLeowBOI/s400/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before we turn in at night, my dog Elvis and I go through a
ritual in which I remove his collars and bandanas and we recount everything we
can remember from the day for which we are grateful. During this exercise, he gets a massage. Of course, there are always the big things
for which we give thanks: good health, great friends, and meaningful work. On
any ordinary day, there are so many additional things for which to give thanks
once you start looking for them. I am
grateful to the motorists who stopped at the stop lights that signaled them to
do so as I proceeded through the intersection.
I am thankful to the client who called and trusted me with a delicate
situation for which she needed a sounding board. I appreciate my neighbors, who keep their
lawns and gardens tidy. Every person who
walked by me on the street and acknowledged me added to my day. I find joy in our morning walk, where we always
see the same heron sitting on a piling as he watches the sun rise, the coffee
shop employees who know how I like my coffee prepared, and the special stop at
the Hotel Monaco where Elvis gets a morning treat from the desk staff.<br />
<br />
I find that counting my blessings for the day I’ve just
experienced puts me into a peaceful and positive perspective, which helps me sleep
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharing the experience with
Elvis reconnects us, as he can feel the good energy as well as the physical
contact through the massage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
great way to end each day!</div>
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-53463404785638610322015-05-12T10:27:00.001-04:002015-05-12T10:27:10.252-04:00Saying Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I believe everything is about relationships, and nothing
builds good will as much as saying a genuine thanks to your loyal
customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you hold an event or
stay at a <a href="https://www.kimptonhotels.com/boutique-hotels-in-washington?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%20-%20Washington%20DC%20-%20Exact&utm_term=kimpton%20hotel%20dc_48703600-VQ6-60577832549-VQ15-1t1-VQ16-c" target="_blank">Kimpton Hotel</a>, you feel that every staff member is really paying
attention to you and wants you to have the best possible experience with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stay at Kimpton hotels whenever possible. My dog, Elvis, and I attend
our local <a href="http://www.monaco-alexandria.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Monaco</a>’s doggie happy hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every morning as part of our walk, we visit their front desk where the
staff happily gives him a treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Last week, I had the good fortune to be the speaker at the DC-area Kimpton
Hotels’ thank you luncheon for loyal guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I began by giving each attendee a copy of my book, <a href="http://www.schillercenter.org/hum.html" target="_blank">HUM</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the diversity and experience level of
the guests, I decided to engage in an interactive session rather than doing the
talking myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an introduction to
the strategies I discuss at length in my book, I explained a simple, three-part
framework for strengthening their teams and organizations: 1. People, 2.
Purpose, and 3. Processes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
together, we filled in the blanks with the attendees providing insights and
examples of each of the 3 elements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was exciting for me to hear how easily the group could provide insights and
examples of how to diagnose and improve each of the three elements of
organizational performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved
their energy and determination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you,
Kimpton team, for the privilege to meet with your great customers, who are now
new friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-41986495601865548502015-05-06T18:41:00.001-04:002015-05-06T18:41:05.366-04:00Essence<div class="MsoNormal">
It takes thought and commitment to reduce a complex concept
down to its essence—something so short and clear that it is widely
understood. For example, it took me
years to come up with the title of my last book, <a href="http://www.schillercenter.org/hum.html" target="_blank">HUM</a>. The word “hum” dates back thousands of years
to when ancient people used it to describe the sound of the universe moving in
synchronicity. Today, it still refers to
the flow experience when everything is in harmony. This one word, hum, represents the essence of
what I aim to achieve with my client organizations all over the world and I
have found universal understanding of its concept.</div>
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With the same goal in mind, the iterative process I use
during strategic planning sessions with clients helps carve out the “essence”
of each organization—it’s purpose, vision, and principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process guides them through the steps of
<a href="http://www.schillercenter.org/planning.html" target="_blank">Defining, Designing, Aligning, and Refining</a>, allowing organizations to adjust
to changes in their internal and external conditions, resulting in a more
adaptive and relevant plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus,
instead of producing long and complicated strategic planning documents that are
usually obsolete by the time they are distributed, we endeavor to achieve
clarity in our brevity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As I mentioned in <a href="http://blog.schiller.org/2015/02/the-dalai-lama-is-right-about-happiness.html" target="_blank">a prior blog post,</a> when the American
Nephrology Nurses’ Association ("ANNA") engaged me to guide them
through strategic planning, we agreed that we would aim for communicating the
essence of who they are, what they believe, and where they want to go in a
single page document. We succeeded, but
more importantly, the framework re-enlivened the organization and re-engaged
their members. When I returned this past
spring, I helped their changing board through a similar process—again with the
goal of containing the essential elements to one page. Below is what they crafted, which has a lot
of meaning for the organization and its leaders. What do you think? Would capturing on a single page these
critical components help your organization or team? If you could develop a one page map for your
family or yourself, what would it look like?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J5D-auI-x1Ww8U9vbF4GB6x5NUKGnDutyqmEVk7HzL5fMbaAcQ_SD-VdNMCfD4WIurK9ABpU9OR-dMUE2irR6QJ1eWLqCuaQNLuvmD-w6c8a0QavCAI5RemazLtDkzj7TAk1D2YT01M/s1600/2015-17+Strategic+Plan+One+Page+Final+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J5D-auI-x1Ww8U9vbF4GB6x5NUKGnDutyqmEVk7HzL5fMbaAcQ_SD-VdNMCfD4WIurK9ABpU9OR-dMUE2irR6QJ1eWLqCuaQNLuvmD-w6c8a0QavCAI5RemazLtDkzj7TAk1D2YT01M/s1600/2015-17+Strategic+Plan+One+Page+Final+copy.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-18392579266153072562015-04-14T16:35:00.002-04:002015-04-14T16:35:26.934-04:00Spring Fever<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5dCqv-CcBeOmSWnqZlIlmjGdVLgDRuLwhWObjwu9fYpZlQoDfuMbyEmaw_5Vpdi_WwkmrE1uh-CS3yENX5_FxSaL98giKfN_EN_usS3ohcW6fFYWYu3N6ghyphenhyphen2AILp2SAujwvhZeoM-o/s1600/blossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5dCqv-CcBeOmSWnqZlIlmjGdVLgDRuLwhWObjwu9fYpZlQoDfuMbyEmaw_5Vpdi_WwkmrE1uh-CS3yENX5_FxSaL98giKfN_EN_usS3ohcW6fFYWYu3N6ghyphenhyphen2AILp2SAujwvhZeoM-o/s1600/blossoms.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
So many people experience a heightened sense of energy and vitality in the spring, a phenomenon so common that it is widely known as “spring fever.” This year, it seems heightened for me by the severity and length of the cold, dreary weather we’ve just survived. I am more aware than in past years of people “stopping to smell the cherry blossoms” as well as photograph them. Cyclists are crowding the bike paths, hikers are taking advantage of the trails, and dog owners are taking their dogs for bonus walks just to soak up the sun. Not only am I taking advantage of the beautiful nature this time of year, but I find myself deciding to let some things go that haven’t worked for me while committing to new behaviors that will achieve my personal long-term goals.<br />
<br />
Just as people experience seasons and respond to them differently, at least metaphorically so do organizations. Our continuous improvement change model is a cycle with four stages, just like the seasons in our area. In its “winter” phase, leaders <a href="http://www.schillercenter.org/planning.html" target="_blank">DEFINE</a> where they want to go and where they are. This is followed by the “spring” stage, where they <a href="http://www.schillercenter.org/planning.html" target="_blank">DESIGN</a> the most effective path from where they are to where they want to go, shaped by the criteria they set for measuring effectiveness. This second phase is one filled with creative energy, challenging long-held assumptions, and exploring unfamiliar territory—just like we experience spring on a personal level. I encourage organizational leaders to capitalize on the natural energy of spring and apply it to engaging members in charting a fresh course to shared goals.<br />
<br />
<i>For information about the final two “seasons” of our change model, please click <a href="http://www.schillercenter.org/planning.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<br />
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-49151375467863547562015-04-01T10:28:00.002-04:002015-04-01T10:28:35.906-04:00Navigating your Channel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">While on “shore leave” during my recent sailing adventure in the Grenadines, I noticed this quote posted in a coffee/craft shop operated by interesting folks who are clearly trying to adhere as closely as possible to Thoreau’s advice. I was inspired by both the proprietors as well as the sage advice given by Thoreau so many years ago, especially knowing that it was advice he followed himself.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">These words got me wondering about how we know where the channel of our life flows, and how we endeavor to dwell there as much as possible. As I have described in detail in my book </span><a href="http://www.schillercenter.org/hum.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">HUM</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, I believe all life moves toward greater purpose and harmony. The channel in which each of our lives flows is defined by our ability to identify and pursue our personal, unique purpose—and to do so in harmony with other living beings and the planet we share. Once one finds the essence of one’s personal “calling” or purpose, one does not automatically live in that channel. For me, it takes ongoing reflection, re-calibration and re-centering. My understanding of my purpose reveals different dimensions over time and as a result of the lessons I learn in my daily life. Yet, it is never situational. It remains like the keel of my boat as reassurance that I will sail safely through high seas without worry of capsizing.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pursuing one’s purpose in harmony with others and the planet is a daily challenge. When faced with hate, greed, fear, and competition in their various guises, I find myself in constant inner conversations about the most harmonious path. Should I face these negative energies head on, which can leave me side-tracked and exhausted? Should I ignore them and stay in my channel, with the thought that I might be copping out? When is what others do my business? (For example, I was recently chastised by friends when I picked up a fast food container thrown from a car in Old Town and walked up to the car stopped at a light, knocking on the door to give them back what they had “dropped.” My friends felt I had gone too far and that the inhabitants of the vehicle were not only irresponsible, but possibly incapacitated or even armed.) I think about the waste I produce and how I use more than my share of the planet’s resources, and continually examine (with guilt) how I can be a better steward.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I am sure you have similar conversations with yourself, and framing them in terms of Purpose and Harmony may help you continue to grow into the person who dwells in the channel in which your life flows. With spring’s eventual arrival and the approach of both Easter and Passover, we can all benefit from moments of personal reflection and steps toward realignment before we enter into the more active days of summer.</span></div>
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-62661630362063569402015-03-18T20:59:00.000-04:002015-03-18T21:47:34.479-04:00Adventures in the Grenadines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You may not have missed me as much as my dog Elvis did, but I am just back from a wild and challenging adventure in the Grenadines, where I earned my American Sailing Association ("ASA") certification as a charter sailboat captain. I undertook a task that was outside of my comfort zone and made myself push through my uncertainty and fear to pursue a goal that I could envision enhancing my life. And I did it! I earned my ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications, while learning many other practical sailing lessons along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As I’ve mentioned before on this blog, taking a trip outside of your comfort zone can often be just the inspiration you need to return home to tackle personal and work challenges with renewed energy and focus. I kept notes of my thoughts and observations, what I learned, and some reflections on the practical applications of my experience, some of which is shared below. I hope this inspires you to pursue your own personal goals or shine fresh light on the patterns in your life:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Grenadian Snapshots</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Aptly named the "Spice Islands" for generations, the Grenadines are a gorgeous strand of unspoiled islands north of Venezuela inhabited by an eclectic mix of people who refer to themselves as “Belong-Ums.” </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gaining independence from Great Britain in 1974, Grenada was invaded by the United States in 1983. The decomposing hulls of Cuban gun boats can still be seen washed along beaches that are being enveloped by mangroves. After Grenada's cricket stadium was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan, the Chinese rebuilt the National Cricket Stadium, which hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Every Sunday afternoon, there is a casual beach concert that is powered entirely by a line run from a Swiss keyboardist’s boat. He generously promotes and coaches local talent not only for their benefit, but for the many who paddle, swim, sail, and walk over for an afternoon and evening of “limin’” (meaning, “hanging out”). Drinking, dancing, grilling, laughing, and story-telling are all encouraged. Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” is a crowd favorite, sung by several artists, confirming that <a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/bob+marley/redemption+song_20021829.html" target="_blank">the lyrics</a> embody a message that truly resonates with the crowd.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUh4KaWZcKA6qujCqwXcHL6Op2ND7qdo4DcVUFjdtZnMlhFIcd4VaMtTK_ZrX2mRAVIYSa2ovRxpPTFckdtNOiyHreji3w1bXAdHXgByrGQth3uYvk6TuaG0WmCIiE8UAXOXqTT23Sxoo/s1600/FullSizeRender(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUh4KaWZcKA6qujCqwXcHL6Op2ND7qdo4DcVUFjdtZnMlhFIcd4VaMtTK_ZrX2mRAVIYSa2ovRxpPTFckdtNOiyHreji3w1bXAdHXgByrGQth3uYvk6TuaG0WmCIiE8UAXOXqTT23Sxoo/s1600/FullSizeRender(3).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My sailing instructor, Mark, was kind enough to give me the opportunity to shop with him in the local food stalls and markets, where I purchased and later sampled many unfamiliar native fruits and vegetables. In the evenings, we visited rum shops (makeshift bars) as well as savored yummy local dishes purchased from his favorite street vendors and consumed on the spot. These and other forays onto land allowed me to interact with many locals, transplants, and sailors whom I otherwise never would have met. My impression of those I met was that they were interesting, intelligent, happy, and living in the present—a combination one rarely experiences in the metro DC area.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Using the local buses was a hair-raising experience. The formal bus routes run nonstop from the St. George’s terminal to a terminal at the end of the island, then loop back again. The entrepreneurial driver and his conductor, however, have found a way to serve more people and squeeze a little change into their pockets by also loading and unloading passengers along the way. There are two crazy aspects to this scheme: first, one must jump into and out of the side door of the van while it is moving at a clip to keep on its schedule; second, they are never “full”--at one point, I counted 22 people in a four seat van—two very large individuals were directly on top of me. When passengers wanted to alert the conductor that they wanted to be let out, they rapped on any hard surface 3 times, which was somehow always miraculously heard, as the local music blared on every bus I took. Yet, everyone was orderly and friendly, I felt completely safe, and I was in awe of the complexity of the math being done at break-neck speed to assure that the funds the bus company expected were in their till while the “extra” was split between our driver and conductor. </span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As part of my sailing course and tests, I gained invaluable practical experience like how to provision and cook on a cruise, how to diagnose and repair serious mechanical issues (for example, steering failure and losing the prop—TWICE—the second time in high winds entering a busy marina packed with multi-zillion dollar yachts!), and how to come to the assistance of other sailors with problems.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The sailing course also reinforced for me the value of a great instructor. Mark made sure we covered the curriculum, but then added so much more, such that each student came away having met his/her personal goals and having explored his/her unique interests. He provided the structure needed for us to advance our skills and experiences required to qualify for each level, yet remained balanced and flexible as unexpected events occurred. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mark also demonstrated the range of talents and breadth of experience needed to be a relaxed, successful sailing instructor. His personality so suited what he was doing that it served as a great reminder of how important it is to pursue vocations and avocations that suit our temperaments.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I was reminded of the difference between navigating narrow channels (or between reefs) and navigating open seas, especially when one’s destination is not in sight. The water’s “fetch” is different, the time frame has to be adjusted, and the means of navigating may have to be adjusted accordingly. And, of course, as one navigates and travels along the course one has set, unexpected things happen with the weather, the boat, fellow shipmates, other vessels, and so many other variables—any of which may require a quick reassessment and course adjustment—a perfect reminder that this is how life unfolds!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I have always been intrigued both personally and professionally by the balance between self-sufficiency and inter-dependence. Sailing is the perfect medium for examining where the tipping point is between too much self-reliance and too great an emphasis on consensus (which is why it must always be clear who the captain is!). Roles and responsibilities need to be shared and agreed upon before embarking on any journey together, as it is too late to do so when the need arises. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lack of clarity regarding the plan for a group often results in misunderstandings or worse, as it did for us a few times. For instance, I assumed that when we arrived the first morning, we were expected to take our initial written test, and, assuming we passed it, we would head directly out on the boat to start the course. The charter company had not shared a curriculum or calendar with us, so this was just an untested assumption on my part. Instead, I became frustrated when we seemed to be “dilly-dallying” around with seemingly minor tasks. The company heard my feedback and mentioned that they will begin briefing students on what to expect. Again, I validated as a participant the need for the same methodologies I teach and coach organizations —clear, shared expectations with agreed-upon roles and responsibilities.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Leaving in a sleeting snow, my plane sat on the runway for 2 hours being de-iced, causing me to miss my connection in Miami to Grenada. There were many others on my flight who were trying to catch the same flight. As the gate closed in front of us, an airline representative told us that they no longer held flights so passengers could make connections, as they were rated on their “on-time departures.” I see this kind of positive-goal-gone-sour in so many industries in my professional life. Adherence to rules and blind obedience to numbers takes precedence over common sense. There was not an available seat on the single daily flight from Miami to Grenada for at least a week. Some of my fellow “victims” shouted, cursed, or cried. Several went to the bar to wait out whatever number of days they faced in the airport. A few made arrangements to return home. Because I was traveling alone and had only carry-on luggage, I was able to engage an airline representative to find a creative solution: I flew that night to Trinidad, and then early the following morning, flew from Trinidad to Grenada. I not only got to my destination, I did so with an unexpected stamp in my passport.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I have always loved pearls. I tend to leave other jewelry unworn and return over and over to my favorite pearl pieces. It occurred to me on this trip that perhaps one reason I feel so drawn to pearls is that they formed as a result of the oyster being disturbed, and yet rather than die or be crippled as a result, the oyster grows a pearl around it, creating beauty out of negativity.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I often find that when I step out of my day-to-day life, I regain my global perspective and feel reconnected to our planet and all life on it. One of the concrete results of this realignment on my trip was a reaffirmation of my commitment to live as Earth-friendly a lifestyle as possible.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thanks to my fellow sailing student Taylor for helping me explore the possibility that the problem with “global warming” or “climate change” might be a branding issue. He suggested that it would be hard to deny if it were called, “rising sea level." It made me think about all the other seemingly controversial issues that I see with my clients and how a simple reframing of the issue could present solutions that had been overlooked.</span></div>
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-81986111530096247982015-02-28T12:32:00.000-05:002015-02-28T12:32:38.800-05:00The Dalai Lama is Right About Happiness<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering." -Dalai Lama, <i>The Art of Happiness</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMylf4w_s-BRuJ1xF8kmy1NXADxlly6ml5YFqomK-F_kZZwAEBdw78dtRFl7s9MF2KOrukYwxpILD6_vwC2JBjI4bfK9Rck7K5DUVh7jLnt6M4F-O-tJiHNYbGHAfY5vI3QkWweGS8VA/s1600/FL+Sherry+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMylf4w_s-BRuJ1xF8kmy1NXADxlly6ml5YFqomK-F_kZZwAEBdw78dtRFl7s9MF2KOrukYwxpILD6_vwC2JBjI4bfK9Rck7K5DUVh7jLnt6M4F-O-tJiHNYbGHAfY5vI3QkWweGS8VA/s1600/FL+Sherry+4.jpeg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOJUeV12kLIyMagFP7UN8qfmv81z4B6frWS5iE0ihGGsIB9ErUGdxQFHK5o4gLszAWaeZIM0Oji1NMEJvY8O6K13XpdylSla9xsrLZnfP_v1qgw_ZDwYqxPmjUrdc2WS6sqGc_OjVCjc/s1600/FL+Sherry+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOJUeV12kLIyMagFP7UN8qfmv81z4B6frWS5iE0ihGGsIB9ErUGdxQFHK5o4gLszAWaeZIM0Oji1NMEJvY8O6K13XpdylSla9xsrLZnfP_v1qgw_ZDwYqxPmjUrdc2WS6sqGc_OjVCjc/s1600/FL+Sherry+2.jpeg" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
Dalai Lama explains that the happiest people are
those who are the most disciplined. I believe the same is true for
organizations: those that are the most disciplined are the most
successful. </span>This past weekend, I had the honor of helping the governing board of the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association ("ANNA") conduct a "refresh" of the strategic plan I helped them create two years ago <a href="https://www.annanurse.org/download/reference/association/strategicPlan.pdf" target="_blank">(</a></span><a href="https://www.annanurse.org/download/reference/association/strategicPlan.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.annanurse.org/download/reference/association/strategicPlan.pdf</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.annanurse.org/download/reference/association/strategicPlan.pdf" target="_blank">)</a>. At that time, I asked them what success would look like, and their reply was that they wanted their entire strategic plan to fit on a single page so that it was useful to them as a real decision-making tool and easy to communicate to others. If you clicked the link, you saw what we created—a one pager that included everything they would need. They acknowledged that they would need a work plan for volunteer and staff leaders to follow in their pursuit of the very ambitious outcomes they wanted their plan to achieve. They did, in fact, create a work plan that they used and updated as needed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOz_gK2p8rhkDlieilyWsg_Ri1alB_5JsdiWTZOEgQV1bXjRMOD5P3pC5RxNpiZPl8b8RcVgibhe4IiR4S2KscE2SSr3CgJ8KeoZ6C5OGx4dl8I9IDVFs7wmIkYHULO7mExsu50LK1wM/s1600/FL+sherry+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOz_gK2p8rhkDlieilyWsg_Ri1alB_5JsdiWTZOEgQV1bXjRMOD5P3pC5RxNpiZPl8b8RcVgibhe4IiR4S2KscE2SSr3CgJ8KeoZ6C5OGx4dl8I9IDVFs7wmIkYHULO7mExsu50LK1wM/s1600/FL+sherry+1.jpeg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One of the reasons that the ANNA board was so successful in maintaining a constructive board culture and achieving its goals is that they had the discipline to say, “No,” to tempting ideas or member requests that would take their attention and resources away from the direction they had agreed to pursue. Some of the ANNA board members reported how it was initially difficult to say no, but that it got easier as they followed their agreed-upon path.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, with two years of their plan under their belts and a few changes in board membership, they rightfully felt it was time for a tune-up on both their plan and on the behaviors that distinguish high performing boards. They were just as disciplined during our session as they are at other times, yet everyone reported having a good time as well as leaving with a real sense of accomplishment. As you can see from the photos, it wasn’t all work. And for me, there is nothing more gratifying than helping a group of caring leaders stretch themselves to chart a course and agree on how they will work together to assure their organization thrives. Revisit the ANNA’s website in a few months to view the strategic planning document they created this past weekend to take them through 2017. And it’s still only one intensely packed page!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-37458205705686606182015-02-17T11:27:00.000-05:002015-02-17T11:27:12.788-05:00"Wasn't 100 percent sober"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZf-5ODlNJqaue4RmqTWHI7gzwDj4FbJakT54IBDngCCMY60cnI7RZE-i4tZst-iB9qF9wwSFQke8w-GphYplgjy6s87L79SuUVuF4VmYTELB8xxIYauMdy9_Fix2ApkmEfWPvwGOM-I/s1600/Ginsburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZf-5ODlNJqaue4RmqTWHI7gzwDj4FbJakT54IBDngCCMY60cnI7RZE-i4tZst-iB9qF9wwSFQke8w-GphYplgjy6s87L79SuUVuF4VmYTELB8xxIYauMdy9_Fix2ApkmEfWPvwGOM-I/s1600/Ginsburg.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: http://i.imgur.com/QJmfMu7.jpg</span></td></tr>
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If you saw the headlines this past week, like me you probably had a good
chuckle at Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's admission that
the reason she took a little nap during President Obama's State of the
Union address was because she "wasn't 100% sober." She<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/ruth-bader-ginsburg-just-a-little-wine-state-of-the-union-2015-115236.html" target="_blank"> later clarified</a>
that she had been up all night writing and it actually was just one
glass of wine at dinner that provoked her untimely slumber. <br /><br />I
would like to applaud Justice Ginsburg for owning and explaining her
mistake, exactly what we discussed <a href="http://blog.schiller.org/2015/02/how-to-handle-mistake-at-work.html" target="_blank">last week</a>. She could have denied her
nap or ignored the accusation, but as a prominent leader who has
accepted her role in the spotlight, she took the opportunity to admit
her mistake in a humorously relatable way. So, if a Supreme Court
Justice can admit she fell asleep during a live broadcast of a
Presidential address, how bad can your mistake really be? And, if you
are the leader of your organization, think of the example you set for
your group when you own up to your own mistakes. <br /><br />Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-50940158538306525822015-02-05T11:09:00.000-05:002015-02-06T10:34:27.765-05:00How to Handle a Mistake at Work<div>
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Even if you
didn't watch the Superbowl, I'm sure by now you've read or heard about
the Seattle Seahawks' coach Pete Carroll's costly mistake in the final
seconds of last weekend's championship game. The gist of it is that, instead of
calling a safe running play, Carroll called a riskier passing play that was
intercepted by New England Patriots rookie Malcolm Butler. The
Patriots gained possession and won the game. Since then, Carroll has been under fire for making a costly mistake on
an international platform.<br />
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Ouch. Regardless of which team you support (if any), it is hard not to feel his pain. Making mistakes at work, big or small, can be the source of much stress and turmoil.</div>
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These work mistakes seem to fall into two broad categories: job-related errors and faux pas. The
job-related errors are painful. You send the report to the wrong
client. You miss an important meeting or deadline. You misinterpret
data and broadcast your wrong conclusion at a meeting with colleagues.
The moment you realize your mistake, you feel stupid, embarrassed, and
awkward. You may start to fear that everyone thinks you aren't right
for your job. </div>
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The awkward, social mistakes we make aren't any less painful. Your boss walks by
your office the moment you are on the phone
giving your friend animated advice about how to tell her mother-in-law
to mind her own business. You forget to invite a co-worker out for
happy hour, only to see him walk by the bar a half hour later raising an
eyebrow at the crowd of familiar colleagues that you have amassed. You
hit "reply all" instead of "reply" with a snarky comment about the
timing of an upcoming meeting, accidentally alerting the entire working
group to your annoyance at yet another 6:00pm Friday meeting. Again, you feel stupid, embarrassed, and fearful.</div>
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So
what are you to do? Fake a conference call and lock yourself in your
office? Pretend nothing happened and move on? Regardless of the type
of mistake, you know the answer. The most direct approach is always the
best route.
Get out in front of the error and admit fault as soon as possible. Own
it. Do not pretend it didn't happen (if you noticed it, there is a 100%
chance everyone else did too). Genuinely apologize, explain yourself,
don't make
excuses, and admit that you will need to do better. Remember that finding
peace and harmony at work is all about your connections. Reaching
out to make that initial connection with the aggrieved party (or
parties) after you mess up may be painful, but it's necessary and the
sooner, the better. You will be surprised how quickly your mistake
blows over once you address it with integrity. </div>
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If you need inspiration, watch the first few minutes of Matt Lauer's interview with Pete Carroll. There are 100 different ways he could have spun his error, but notice how his willingness to openly discuss his role with honesty and humility adds to his credibility as a valued coach.<br />
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<a href="http://www.today.com/video/today/56934537" target="_blank">Watch Video </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.today.com/video/today/56934537#56934537" target="_blank"><wbr></wbr></a>Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-90326126376338015242015-01-13T17:30:00.002-05:002015-01-13T17:30:54.695-05:00Overcoming Inertia<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyLPrdPfMP3WpYEx3TA-wTQ96116rpb2Eu59yyhjbH345xtDB0g15FrnzlwE1Tyr7fgmn8Dyq2EAfPZeojv3_uW_XmhCrEDkXd1BdI0-CBNb1qHx0W92QrGF6oStD2g6chwLOhkv5uvM/s1600/nike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyLPrdPfMP3WpYEx3TA-wTQ96116rpb2Eu59yyhjbH345xtDB0g15FrnzlwE1Tyr7fgmn8Dyq2EAfPZeojv3_uW_XmhCrEDkXd1BdI0-CBNb1qHx0W92QrGF6oStD2g6chwLOhkv5uvM/s1600/nike.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Overcoming inertia in our personal life may take the form of New Year’s resolutions to eat better, exercise more, or break bad habits. At the organizational level, it may involve developing a strategic plan or creating Operating Agreements about how team members will work with one another.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One reason the Nike slogan, “Just Do It,” has held so much power is that it addresses in 3 syllables a challenge we all face in one way or another—overcoming inertia. As we all know, an object at rest tends to stay at rest. A disorganized garage tends to remain so. An extra 10 pounds around the middle often refuses to budge. And a team working less than optimally is likely to continue to underperform.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We all know that the majority of New Year’s resolutions and organizational strategic plans fail—and that a major causal factor is the difficulty of overcoming inertia. If we are going to succeed in overcoming inertia, we must envision the desired result at such a level of specificity that it seems real and attainable. It must look and feel better than our current reality for us to break through inertia to pursue it. Holding onto that vision of our desired state must be continuous and is often more powerful when we share it with others. Worrying about all the steps we will have to take to achieve it can reinforce the sense that it is unattainable or just too much work. We are often more successful if we just get moving—just do it! The path will reveal itself to us once we’re in motion. </span></div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-31328959712956489622014-12-07T20:01:00.000-05:002014-12-07T20:01:50.574-05:00Best by?<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-d94d3603-2730-47f9-08e9-d72568337ecc" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This week, while I was packing up my pantry getting ready to move, I had the disturbing experience of noticing how many items in my kitchen cabinet were past their “Best by…” date. The record was a can dated 2008. Even the items I swear I remember purchasing just a few months ago were already beyond their expiration dates.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This jolt of how variable time is made me wonder about the personal deadlines we often arbitrarily set for ourselves. For example, why do we make resolutions at New Years, just <i>after</i> we’ve seen the people who matter most to us? Wouldn’t it make more sense to resolve to be our best <i>before</i> we spend time with family and friends through the holiday season? Unlike a can of beets or a prescription for the dog’s earache of five years ago, there is always something we can do to keep ourselves current, relevant, and continually improving. And what could better test our resolution than our behavior shared in confined quarters with people who know how to push all of our buttons while we’re loaded with sugar and lacking sleep and personal space? Having control over our own "Best by..." dates gives us the opportunity to adjust our resolutions as we continually reimagine what our "best" self can really be. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As you prepare for the holidays, try seeing yourself through the eyes of those with whom you will be celebrating and spending time. Make it your goal to have them believe that you are at your best and getting better. </span></div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-12023286850415237312014-11-25T16:50:00.001-05:002014-11-25T16:50:54.171-05:00Giving Thanks<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday—not yet commercialized, non-religious, and non-war related. It is a time for stopping and appreciating the many blessings you have. It’s a time for sharing the company of good people. It’s about gathering to share a bountiful meal. Who among us doesn’t have happy childhood memories of Thanksgiving smells, tastes, and gatherings filled with stories and laughter?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s in our nature to want to belong to some group. Tribes and ethnic groups around the world are still fighting today to hold onto their identities and territories. Thanksgiving provides us a chance to appreciate all we have, including a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves—whether it’s a traditional family, a group of friends, a community, or a global connection to others everywhere. This photo from a gathering this week illustrates the varied and loved groups for which I’m grateful. It’s a gathering of car/dog/beer lovers at Hal’s garage in Old Town Alexandria. Many of us are wearing “college” sweatshirts a-la-Belushi, while my dog Elvis is sporting one that says, “collie,” since that’s what his dna test results indicated. I guess even Elvis is grateful this Thanksgiving for belonging to the garage gang and the collie breed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I hope you find quiet moments this Thanksgiving to count your blessings and share moments of communion with others. Happy Thanksgiving!</span></div>
Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9122271197745735582.post-56637200987942363842014-11-21T15:58:00.000-05:002014-11-21T15:58:27.215-05:00Holiday Anticipation & Preparation<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Are you looking forward to the holidays?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">What other things are you looking forward to? </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Many
years ago, I sat next to a priest on a flight. We got chatting and
I’ll never forget something he told me, “To be happy, people
need something to look forward to, something meaningful to do, and
someone to care about.” It’s easy for many of us to become caught up
with reacting to the high-speed challenges life and work throw at us,
especially during the busy holiday season sprinkled
with deadlines. We can lose sight of these three essential elements to
a rich and rewarding life. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Many
organizations are also reactive—their leaders fail to build commitment
to shared goals, define and reward members’ contributions,
and create a caring, results-driven culture. They never achieve their
potential because they fail to follow the simple formula shared with me
all those years ago. The steps organizational leaders can take to
achieve these three elements are at the core of
our work with organizations that want to improve.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3low7A47hCAKP6wY9gx49DlWPbjZUBeEu4NheLLNClDEKovCotvVFlZYXmkh25Bcf_B6pNTmF-J4-QWPjng07JGm4guXnl7LclRN3IFnBva3S0YYGhocXgfx8UmCRz3_ThY5JcBi8Jkg/s1600/tree+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3low7A47hCAKP6wY9gx49DlWPbjZUBeEu4NheLLNClDEKovCotvVFlZYXmkh25Bcf_B6pNTmF-J4-QWPjng07JGm4guXnl7LclRN3IFnBva3S0YYGhocXgfx8UmCRz3_ThY5JcBi8Jkg/s1600/tree+pic.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
As I saw Alexandria’s Christmas trees being unloaded and set up in front
of our city hall this morning, I was inspired to set some goals for the
holiday season that build into my holidays the 3 elements the priest
identified. I will look for ways not to be
swept up by the superficiality and consumerism being pushed upon us. I
will find meaningful ways to mark the holidays—and do so with people I
love. I will plan with loved ones special moments we can look forward
to. <br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">How
about you? What steps can you take to make sure your holidays are
filled with meaningful activities, shared with people you care about
while giving you things
to genuinely look forward to? By planning ahead now, you can ensure a
happier holiday season for yourself and those you love.</span>Sherry Schiller, Ph.D.,http://www.blogger.com/profile/18002306408522515072noreply@blogger.com0