Teachable Moments

Today I introduced the notion of Teachable Moments to the women activists and policy leaders who are in this session from throughout the Middle East and North Africa. They immediately understood and embraced the idea and are using it to pursue goals not thought possible in the past. Never has the concept of Teachable Moments held more meaning for me than it does today as I hear these courageous women applying the idea to a realm of possibilities unfolding throughout the region. It's a great reminder that we all need to be looking for and seizing teaching moments when they appear-- personally, organizationally, and globally.

FB Revolutions

Today participants are learning about using social media for successful advocacy campaigns. What a brilliant tool to empower women change agents throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa. The issues they are addressing affect women, families, and the quality of life for all people in their region. What an exciting initiative to experience firsthand!

How Do You Explain this Egyptian Vingette?

It's midnight. I'm jet lagged. I have practiced every technique I know to still my mind. Yet sleep eludes me. They women activists from Egypt shared extraordinary stories and observations about their fresh victories, and I can't stop reliving the feelings they evoked in me with their determination, vision, courage, creativity, and wisdom.

Any woman who has walked any street anywhere in Egypt at anytime knows the prevalence of public sexual harassment there. The women leaders who were in the thick of the revolution shared with us that there was not a single case of sexual harrassment among the throngs of protesters out on the streets together day and night. Women were leading from the front--even at 2 in the morning.

And they reported that not a one of them had experienced harassment or witnessed a single incidence of harassment from the thousands of testosterone-pumped male protesters surrounding them. Several said it was the first time they felt truly proud to be Egyptian. Their stories were simple, powerful, non-ego centered, and evidence that they will be unable to ever go back to their previous culturally-defined roles. As one said, "I found myself walking differently as a result of January 25. I don't think I'll ever walk that way again."

witnessing history in the making

Today I met with 50+ women activist leaders and policy advocates from 11 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region. Although my role was to "teach" them about leadership, change, and effective team-building, they gave me more than I could have ever given them. To hear their personal stories, to experience their courage, and to help them connect with one another was a gift I will never forget. Thanks to Vital Voices, the sponsoring organization and brainchild of Hillary Clinton, for the opportunity to witness history as it unfolds in this region and to be able to make my own personal contribution by supporting these women. The brave leaders from Egypt confirmed that they achieved what even they thought was impossible a few weeks ago. I hope others find the same inspiration I do in knowing that the impossible CAN and DOES happen.

St. Brede's Day

Today is St. Brede's Day, celebrated for a few thousand years in Ireland. Traditionally, the day symbolizes sweeping out the old and welcoming in the fresh energy of spring.

Decluttering is always good--for organizations as well as individuals. Take one small part of your work, your home, or your life and remove the clutter. Once you start, you'll discover that not nearly as much as you thought is actually essential. Clean and reorganize the essence you have retained. You will find it calming, and be opened to new possibilities.

Even Without Wasabi

There was a long line at the take-out sandwich counter at lunch today. When the woman ahead of me finally got in position to place her order, she said to the server in an annoyed tone, "I understand that you no longer have the roast beef and wasabi!" The server courteously replied, "I'm sorry, mam, but that is true." "Huuumph!" she retorted in a loud voice. Then she turned to the server standing right next to the first and repeated the identical statement, to which she got the same reply. He kindly offered to make her a roast beef sandwich with spicy mustard, since they no longer carried wasabi. She contorted her face, made an even louder sound of displeasure, and stomped out.

What causes someone to wait in line for 15 minutes for a sandwich she knew they didn't have, and prevents her from finding something acceptable from the hundreds of possible combinations they did have? When we are tired, hurting, needy, or off balance, any of us can focus on what we don't or can't have, rather than what we do have or can create.

I'm grateful to this woman for the reminder that there's always a varied menu of options, even without wasabi.

Sucessful Resolutions

Have you found yourself making new year's resolutions in the last week--or feeling guilty that you didn't? Why are they so alluring, when so many get broken? One reason is because, on some level, we are all conscious of the gap between our ideal situation and our current reality. The beginning of a new calendar year seems like a good time to make a fresh start in reducing that gap, so we pledge to "do better or different."

I understand this desire to be our best selves. For all of my adult life, I have been driven to help people and organizations do just that. Fortunately, a lifetime of study and experience has contributed to a better batting average that most people have with their new year's resolutions. What are some keys to successfully setting and achieving goals that you can apply, individually or with your team?

1. Create a sense of urgency. Why is this change needed? What will happen if it doesn't occur?
2. Be specific about the results you want. Write & post them. Visualize them. Make them real.
3. Enlist others. Build a team that shares your vision. Draw on their talents.
4. Produce short-term, visible wins. Showing progress will reinforce your drive.
5. Don't give up. Breaking old patterns takes time. Even if you have a temporary setback, never, ever give up!