working against the tide

Posted on October 8, 2012 by terry morgan

Do you ever feel like you are “swimming up-stream”? Have you sensed that the door you hold open has a strong tension-spring that will slam it shut as soon as you let go? Have you ever felt like your hard work and passions are like a sand castle that is completely washed away when the tide comes in?

I have been struggling a lot with those kind of feelings the last few weeks. In a past leadership position, I gave my best effort to bring about a culture change that I believed in strongly. Some of what we encouraged was team leadership, women valued and developed equally with the men, integrity in character and finances, and a willingness to honestly evaluate results.

Together with my husband, I tried to lead by example; brought in resources and training; honored those co-workers who demonstrated the values we cherished, and celebrated the environment and growth that resulted from our efforts. It was hard work, there was resistance and personal attack, and we paid a price physically, emotionally, and relationally.

We were also incredibly blessed with encouragement and support from partners, mentors, and the thrill of changed lives. At the time, I thought the dream of healthy relationships and a healthy organization was worth the pain.

Sadly, today looking back on that time, I question more… so much of what we “built” is gone. Many things are different; environment, people, results… I wonder, did my hard work really accomplish anything? Was the up-hill climb good for only short-term, superficial change?

I have learned a lot about working as a leader. Now I need to learn about letting go. I need to live with the tension between desire for a legacy… and contentment with having given my best when it was my turn.

Do you have any tips for me? What do you do when your hard work is washed away?

just for fun… from a coffee fan

Posted on October 7, 2012 by terry morgan

Which profession drinks the most coffee?

Thanks to Dunkin’ Donuts for this graphic! You can read the full article here!

How much coffee do you drink?

señales de advertencia

Posted on October 1, 2012 by terry morgan

Viajando por Nuevo México, nos detuvimos en una parada de descanso e inmediatamente estuvimos alertas gracias a una señal que decía “Cuidado, víboras de cascabel en la zona!”

En mi nuevo trabajo aquí en Orlando, todos los días paso por una señal que dice “Precaución, caimanes!” y camino con una visión periférica mucho más alerta.

Hay muchos peligros diferentes presentes dependiendo del lugar…dependiendo de las circunstancias… dependiendo de la persona.

Una señal de advertencia aumenta mi conciencia de una amenaza potencial y a menudo cambia mi comportamiento para evitar una herida o un daño.

La mayoría de las veces que pienso en advertencias, me preocupan las amenazas externas a mi seguridad, pero cuando pensé en estas señales esta semana, me di cuenta de que también hay muchos peligros que amenazan mi bienestar… amenazas contra mi paz interior, productividad y relaciones sanas… y puedo aprender a leer esas señales también.

Una de las señales más fuertes que he aprendido a leer en mi vida es el resentimiento. Por lo general tengo alta energía y soy muy extrovertida. Si comienzo a sentirme molestada por peticiones de ayuda, interrupciones en mi día o cambios en mi horario, reconozco que estoy en “peligro” debido a mi cansancio físico, saturar mi agenda o falta de límites en mis relaciones.

Otra señal para mí es la impaciencia. Disfruto ser coach y mentora, así que cuando prefiero hacerlo yo en lugar de dejar a alguien más que aprenda, o cuando no puedo darle gracia a alguien que no tiene la misma experiencia que yo o el mismo nivel de habilidad, mi impaciencia es una señal de “peligro” en las actitudes de mi corazón. Estoy llena de orgullo y muy enfocada en mí misma en lugar de ver los beneficios a largo plazo de desarrollar a otros.

Un espíritu crítico es otra señal para mí. Cuando estoy consiente que sólo me estoy quejando de lo negativo de situaciones o las debilidades de otras personas, esa es una señal muy clara para mí de que el estrés o el temor está amenazando mi usual optimismo y mis relaciones.

Éstas son solo algunas señales de advertencia que indican amenazas a mi paz interior y relaciones sanas. Cuando estas señales aparecen en mi vida estoy aprendiendo a evaluar qué amenazas están presentes y después cambiar mi comportamiento ¡para no causar heridas o daño en algún lugar!

¡Estoy segura de que puedo pensar en muchas otras! ¿cuáles son algunas señales de advertencia en tu vida?

know your strengths

Posted on October 1, 2012 by terry morgan

This week, I had an opportunity to work through various assessments that help identify my abilities. Myers Briggs (ESTJ), StrengthsFinder (Achiever, Learner, Input, Focus, Relator or Includer), Birkman, DISC (high I), SHAPE, and Spiritual Gift tests are just some of the resources available for greater personal awareness. They are also helpful for analyzing group or team dynamics. I appreciate these tools for continual growth.

Do you know what your strengths are?

I have been through many of these assessments through the years; some of the tests have been re-taken with very similar results each time. The atmosphere was not always the same however. In some past occasions, the profile results felt like a curse; they brought judgement and accusation from team members; they gave credence to team conflict but no hope. This time, it was encouraging to look at the results, fun to compare with my team, helpful to consider how we can work together and compliment each other on projects and tasks. I think I have matured over the years and can accept myself and appreciate others more.

Have you ever been misunderstood or criticized because of your strengths? Do you appreciate the differences in others?

The facilitator this week offered this encouragement; she explained that the profile was similar to one spoke of an umbrella, helpful to support understanding, but unable to offer a complete framework of identity. Although it is useful to know my strength areas, I may sometimes be called to work out of my weak areas also. My attitude and flexibility when that happens say a lot about me (my character) also. And while building on my strengths is strategic, I cannot neglect my weak areas or use them to excuse irresponsibility or lack of results.

What are you doing to develop your strengths? Are you aware of your weak areas and their effect on others?

I have found it really helpful to have a coach or mentor who helps me develop a plan to build my strengths. I choose one or two strong areas for further growth and one weak area. Next, I identify specific things that I can do to work on those areas. Sometimes it is helpful to consider any root causes that may have influence. My coach reviews my plan, checking to see that it is realistic, and then meets regularly with me to check on my progress, offer tips/advice, and encourage me. Those coaching appointments give me accountability and impetus to move ahead with my plan.

Do you have a coach or a mentor? Do you have a plan for personal development?

If you have any questions about this, please let me know. I believe that it is important to know and work out of our strengths – we have more joy and productivity in our life… and offer more grace and appreciation to others!