Changing Reality

You know the feeling. That rock in the pit of your stomach as you contemplate the changes that must be made, while at the same time allowing individuals the time to make appropriate changes themselves, it is the cycle of "chicken or the egg". Then, it becomes clear that ownership must be your own. Change is never popular, even in the face of its necessity. It is interesting how perspectives can be constructed from above and below, all relative to points of view and sometimes from mere perceptions without any base of factual data or even in the face of facts. There is nothing more dangerous than bases of power influencing decisions without facing reality. I struggle to be and remain objective as to the given reality, yet persuasion and influence, aided and unaided can become a driver, notably when performance pressure is in full throttle. Regardless, once the change is made, it must be seen through. Once the change is made perceptions and realities begin to change. Once the leadership enjoins the behaviors necessary to cause permanent change, then change occurs. Deming stated that "knowledge always comes from the outside, and by invitation only" - our responsibility is to make the invitation.

I AM.....

I think, therefore I am.....?

10:34 Sunday night and I have had a week to think, and think and shudder and fear. Is all of life some brittle moment in time, one at a time, and yet all future - however enthusiastic we may view it, come wrapped in uncertainty? Do we simply take steps hoping for the best? Not taking steps make us go with the wind someone or something sets. How much is our own course? Not much maybe as it gyrates about the headwinds and obstacles, some seen and many unanticipated. Funny, when we look backwards - our fears were mostly imagined and did not come to pass. This is not to say that bad things do not happen, they do. Yet over time the pain lessens, some. I believe it takes 25 years to dampen deep hurt and anger. Maybe more to relieve grief, maybe never. So what do we do? We take the step; then again and again. To stop is to die? In some ways yes. Fear of failure is the albatross around our neck. We step and over time we look backwards and gain confidence, pride and self esteem. I do not know any other way.

Germinating behaviors

Man!

Where did the hours and days go? Since taking a few days off during the holidays, it seems that January and February have been a blurr. Large and complicated processes demanded huge amounts of time, leaving one feeling disconnected from team mates and clients, and then feeling inadequate about doing the things that make it all go during this period. Don't get me wrong, we have not just been thinking about how to get the year started, yet it seems that we have to awaken other's desires to engage the client. It is not improbable that the clients are involved in the same "coming out of the gates challenge".

Come on sunlight, warmer temperatures, and less pessimistic attitudes! The economic seeds that now begin to sprout in our pipelines are the same ones we planted and nurtured even a year ago. Are you planting the seeds today for your benefit tomorrow? Visit your stakeholders and create new ones, not because the leaders say so, but for your own benefit. Otherwise you create your own demise. We are not talking about survival but about self-efficacy. The YOU that you are meant to be.

ACT, NOW!