Walk Into the Future

Category: Leadership

  • Planting trees–Who gave you a chance?

    ‘I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.’

    (Oprah Winfrey)

    I continue to express the benefits of building effective partnerships and how networking can enhance this process.

    My current Walk into the Future provides multiple opportunities for partnering and networking to continue to make a difference in the world.  Current relationships (mentors, tree branches, etc.) can be instrumental for the development of new opportunities.

    I was virtually introduced to Isabella Johnston from Intern Pursuit through a mutual friend.  We connected via LinkedIn and then followed up with a phone call to learn more about how we could partner (if possible) in the future.  Happy to say Isabella’s role with Intern Pursuit and other projects she has in the Central Florida area are making a difference daily.  Enjoyed learning about the exciting things she is working on and will roll out later this year.

    We discussed the possibility of me coming down to participate as a guest speaker for her Intern Whisperer Podcast.  Participating on the podcast seemed like a perfect partnership so I was happy to accept the offer to continue to work with Isabella and her staff.

    What a great experience to meet Isabella, her staff and recording the podcast!  Very engaging format with questions designed to allow me to provide professional and leadership advice to listeners of the podcast.  Had a blast with the entire process and looking forward to continuing this newly formed partnership.

    An interesting aspect to my trip down to Orlando was I had lunch with a ‘tree branch’ prior to recording the podcast.  I had breakfast the next morning with another ‘tree branch’—tried to get a lot accomplished in minimal time.  The interesting part of my connecting with my Orlando tree branches is they both know (know of) Isabella and her work and she is familiar with their work.  They are all master networkers, so I’m not surprised these folks all know each other—looks like I was the last one to the party! 😊

    Who gave you a chance?

    One question that was presented to me during the podcast was ‘Who gave you a chance’?

    You can hear my full answer by listening to the podcast.  I’ve had a lot of great people mentor me over the years but my answer to this question is Ann Loyd.  Ann allowed me to transition from the Air Force into a role within the Macon State College Career Center.  Nothing in my professional background directly translated to career services but Ann took the chance my dedication and passion to help others would translate.  Happy to say it did—I’m still making a difference because Ann saw something in me and helped me shape my world view on helping students succeed.  My Walk into the Future started with the chance she gave me.

     ‘It is the responsibility of leadership to provide opportunity, and the responsibility of individuals to contribute.’

    (William Pollard)

    So, I pose the same question to you–Who gave you a chance?  Who will you give a chance to?  Interested in your thoughts—thanks!

    Intern Pursuit May 2019

     

     

  • Making a Difference (Daily)

    Make a Difference May 2019

    I start each day with the purpose of making a difference.  Changing the entire world continues to prove to be beyond my ‘super powers’ so I focus on the small victories in life.

    The picture above hangs next to my front door, so I must pass it on my way out into the world.  It is a simple reminder to ensure my focus remains on the small victories in life that can make a difference to someone.

    My psychology educational background was selected because of a desire to understand others better.  My thought process has always been to understand what makes people do or think what they do.  Psychology provided me with the foundation to understand the importance of helping others.  Please note, helping someone can be as simple as asking them how their day is going.  Doesn’t have to get super deep to impact someone you cross paths with regularly.

    I’ve written about the benefits of volunteering in the local community.  This small step can be a huge difference maker for your local community and especially someone who benefits from the organization you volunteer with.  Volunteer multiple times with an organization and you will begin to put smiles on the faces of people within the organization.

    Mentoring others has always been a huge part of my daily routine.  My current Walk into the Future allows me additional time to reach out to my tree branches and put focus on topics they want to explore.  We always did this but now my availability enhances how often we get to check in.  I enjoy catching up with my tree branches and hearing the great things ‘they’ are doing in the world.  Following their progress and seeing how they make a difference is a highlight for me.

    I’m able to expand my reach beyond my current tree branches because of my availability.  Students and organizations I was not engaged with prior are reaching out for me to help them move forward.  Some of the students knew me at FSU in passing or had a friend work with me and recommended they reach out.   I find this ‘underground referral’ process a bit flattering and it shows I’ve made enough of a difference for someone to put their friend in touch with me.  I never turn down these requests—the students have shown a tremendous amount of ambition by reaching out and requesting assistance.  Selfishly, I view this whole process as growing my tree—these new branches know they must help someone else move forward.

    Working with organizations is an area I would like to expand in 2019.  I currently do some professional development/leadership consulting with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.  We have several workshops planned and looking to add more to help them grow as a group.  Coordinating with a few local groups to highlight the Authentic Leadership principles for them to incorporate within their leadership development programs.  This process would expand my reach and provide a larger group to ensure I’m making a difference.

    So, until I gain additional ‘super powers’, making a difference daily is how I plan to conquer the world! 😊

    What can you do to make a difference today?  Who would benefit from hearing from you?  Don’t make them wait—reach out and make a difference!

    Make a Difference 2 May 2019

  • Please Feed the Unicorns

    Unicorns: something unusual, rare or unique. (Merriam-Webster)

    The term or concept of the mythical unicorn comes up in my conversations from time to time.  The unicorn can symbolize different things for people; from the image of a horse like creature with a single horn, to a magical being or someone who is unique.

    I’ve been called a unicorn in multiple settings.  I wear this designation as a badge of pride because being a unicorn means I have a uniqueness about me.

    My life and career pivots have taken me from a computer analyst, classroom instructor, conference planner (US Air Force), career specialist (Macon State College), guidance counselor (Government contractor), adjunct psychology professor (multiple schools), employee development consultant (Goodwill), employer relations (UCF & FSU) and now a blogger/consultant/speaker.  The ability to adapt and believe I can pivot into different settings/outcomes generates the unicorn concept some associate with me.

    I have a lot of great mentors and friends who provide advice and support to ensure I’m prepared for the next pivot.  The efforts from my mentors/friends/tree branches provide me with a platform to stretch my professional boundaries to ensure I’m continually growing.

    How do they do that?  They feed the unicorn:

    • Display a desire to partner
    • Willing to share knowledge
    • Expert listeners
    • Words and actions match (Consistency)
    • Regular check-ins
    • Positive affirmations
    • Tough love when needed

    The list above can be used by YOU to feed the unicorns you meet in your daily lives.  You can add more ‘feeding’ variables based on the unique situations encountered but my list is a starting point to engage others daily.  I’m sure there’s someone you work with who would benefit from being treated as a unicorn.  They may not realize their uniqueness or potential until you start to feed the unicorn.  You may be surprised by the number of unicorns around you once you start the feeding process.

    FYI—I consider everyone who follows and/or reads the Walk Into the Future blog, unicorns.  My words, thoughts, and adventures are designed to help you forge your own unique path on your personal walk.

    Thanks for inspiring and feeding me as well!

    Unicorn

  • The Big Gulp: How do you handle it?

    “I never do business with anyone where I have to take a big gulp to move forward”.

    (9 Things You Simply Must do to succeed in Love and Life)

    The quote above comes from a book written by one of my favorite authors, Dr. Henry Cloud.  It is a piece of advice he received from a mentor when faced with a big business decision.  This concept can be used in multiple situations and has been a big part of my life.

    I was able to leverage this quote with one of my most positive ‘tree branches’ last week to help with a decision she was facing.  I’m encouraged with my ability to shape this quote to help my tree branch and others when faced with tough choices.

    I was introduced to the written works of Dr. Henry Cloud during a career development course while finishing my masters program in Counseling/Human Relations.  The book was so influential it was the first college text book I decided to keep for my personal library.  Most days you will find this book on me as I refer to it constantly for additional insight.

    The Big Gulp can be defined as the apprehension you may feel prior to making a commitment.  The commitment could be business related, personal or a combination of both.  How you handle life’s Big Gulp moments can increase your level of happiness as you move forward on your Walk into the Future.

    My personal Walk into the Future has been defined by leveraging Big Gulp moments to my advantage.  I never accept deals, offers or partnerships with anyone I would have to take a Big Gulp before moving forward.  I didn’t heed this concept a few times and moved forward and regretted every minute of the partnership.  It took me a few times to experience this before I became a firm believer in this process:  when offered something I would have to take a Big Gulp before moving forward, I do not accept it.

    The opportunity may seem like the best thing ever, but the Big Gulp reaction should identify additional research is needed.  The Big Gulp reaction comes from past experiences where things didn’t seem quite right or the person offering you the deal has done things in the past to make you cautious.  Trust your instincts when faced with these situations.  Better yet, run the situation by your mentors for additional insight.  I recommend you share your apprehensions with your mentors so they can provide advice to cover all angles of the decision.  The ultimate decision belongs to you but remember the Big Gulp came from somewhere.

    Can you isolate the Big Gulp to something tangible?  Can you trust the person offering you the opportunity?  There are other things to consider, but these are a few to help jump start the process.

    Have you ever experienced a Big Gulp moment and still moved ahead?  How did that experience work out for you?

    How can you leverage the Big Gulp moving forward?  I welcome your thoughts—thanks!

    References

    Cloud, Henry. (2004) 9 Thing you simply must do to succeed in love and life. Brentwood, TN: Integrity.

  • Relational Transparency – Take your leadership to the next level

    flat view photography of four persons sitting facing laptop on desk
    Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

    “The lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity”.

    (Dalai Lama)

    The concept of transparency within the work environment continues to grow.  Leaders who display relational transparency show they are willing to share information and understand direct reports, peers and supervisors want to be involved.

    The quote above provides outcomes when transparency is absent from the relational process.

    Relational transparency is an authentic leadership variable that highlights leaders should understand the impact their daily interactions can have (positive or negative) within the work environment.  Relational transparency involves the leader presenting their authentic self, which helps develop trust by sharing true thoughts and feelings and displaying appropriate emotions.  Trust develops as the leader shares information openly with all levels within the organization.  Consistency with words, thoughts and actions are staples of relational transparency.

    How can Relational Transparency improve work outcomes?

    • Creates a nurturing environment
    • Shows direct reports they are valued and appreciated
    • Helps build meaningful and transparent relationships
    • Enhances overall organizational functions
    • Should be applied to both sides of a work relationship

    Relational transparency can be leveraged to improve working relationships on multiple levels of an organization.  This process can be used when working with staff members from other departments or organizations.  Building trust when working on committees across the organization will only enhance the ability of the team to meet stated goals.  A transparent leader’s authenticity can be viewed easily throughout the organization because nothing is being hidden in daily interactions with others.

    Leaders must be willing and able to balance multiple relationship levels:  direct reports, peer to peer and supervisors.  Relational transparency provides leaders with an impactful way to build productive working relationships and enhance the overall functioning of the work environment.

    How do you display relational transparency in your work environment?  How would this authentic leadership variable enhance daily interactions?

     

     

  • Leading from the Front

    We are all leaders!  The actual title you have is not as important as understanding your impact on others you interact with.  There are people in this world with the ‘title’ that implies they are the leader, but they don’t ‘move the crowd’.

    Leading from the front can be done by everyone.

    I continue to highlight the key to effective leadership is self-awareness.  Self-awareness is needed in order to lead from the front in your daily activities.   The self-aware leader understands strengths and weaknesses, have a fully developed self-view and demonstrate they understand how their interactions impact others (direct reports, clients, colleagues, etc.).

    Things a leader can/should do:

    • Inspire people
    • Empower people
    • Lead change
    • Share a vision

    So, if you can inspire people, empower people, lead change and share a vision, you are a leader.  Again, you don’t need a specific title to be viewed as a leader.  Don’t give away your influence because a specific title is not attached to you.

    encouragement_leadership blog

    We can all lead!  Look around your current work environment. Who do you inspire daily?  How do you inspire these people?  Your level of self-awareness within the work environment creates empowerment.

    Do you need anyone’s permission to inspire your students, clients, colleagues or direct reports?  I don’t think so.  Now you need to identify/understand how you inspire others.  Are your actions positive and consistent?  Do you create an environment conducive for communicating new ideas?

    I believe empowered leaders initiate, act, and adjust within the work environment.  These things are available to all of us.  I promote to direct reports, ‘Mistakes happen, just don’t make the same mistake twice’.  Use situations like this to create an environment where your people can learn and grow.

    Leveraging your ‘Why’ can also impact how you lead from the front.  Identify why you show up every day and then ensure your leadership decisions are made to positively impact your ‘Why’.  Simple enough, huh?  It can be!

    How do you lead from the front daily?  What adjustment are needed to ensure you lead from the front in your work environment?  Thanks!

  • Success

    “I find the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.”

    (Thomas Jefferson)

    Success2

    What does success look like?  How would you define success?  How did you gain success in your life?

    These were a few questions a branch on my tree asked me a few weeks back.  To be fair, I asked several branches on my tree for topics they have interest in to see if I can develop into a blog article that would benefit them in their Walk into The Future.

    It took be awhile to wrap my mind around the concept of success—I view myself as enjoying my Walk into the Future, but success must be on display in some format for me to be able to control this walk.  So, I thought back to some advice I received as a young Air Force instructor that was gifted to me:

    ‘Be where you’re supposed to be;

    Doing what you’re supposed to be doing;

    When you’re supposed to be doing it.’ (U.S. Air Force Mentor, 1997)

    Thinking about the topic of success allowed me to reflect on this advice and it follows me into every activity I pursue.

    This advice on face valuable is simple.  But reflecting on the concept of success allowed me to see how the advice I received years ago has allowed me to find successful outcomes in most endeavors I tackle.  I’ve used this advice over the years but now realize it has been the foundation of my daily interactions—every day and every project!

    This foundation has allowed me to form outstanding working relationships with direct reports and peers because I’m always focused on “where, what, when”.  This provides my interactions with a level of consistency to ensure successful outcomes.  Some may say they give 110% percent effort when facing a task or challenge.  I’ve never attributed the phase ‘110% effort’ to myself when taking on a task.  I view each task or challenge with a focus to get things done with maximum effort within a minimum amount of time.  The advice I was gifted years ago provided me with a formula to get things down with an eye towards the integrity of the process.

    I talk with students I work with on how they can become visible and viable when seeking employment.  The concept of “where, what, when” is used in my conversations to give them a simple formula to work with when engaging with recruiters in their search for employment.  This concept is relatable for students and provides them with guidance towards a successful outcome when engaged in the recruitment process.

    So, to come back to the questions I was asked on success:

    What does success look like?  How would you define success?  How did you gain success in your life?

    Success varies from person to person.  My view on success is having the ability to navigate a situation or task where the outcome exceeds the level of expectations.  Success is defined as having the mental capacity to adapt, think and build on past experiences to navigate the situation or task.

    I gained success by using the “where, what, when” concept daily in all interactions.

    • Examples: supervision, mentoring, speaking engagements, volunteering.

    In each of these examples, being where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m supposed to be doing, when I’m supposed to be doing it has led to successful outcomes.

    My last view on ‘my’ success is tied to the people (branches) I work with.  I feel successful when I watch and hear how well others are doing in their professional and personal lives.  My success is a direct reflection of their success—the more successful they are the more successful I will become.  Kind of a large circle of success!

    So, what does success look like for you the reader?  Curious for your thoughts—thanks!

    “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it”.

    (Maya Angelou)

    Success3

     

  • Change–Make it work for you!

    Change2

    ‘In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.’

     (Abraham Maslow)

    Let’s go ahead and acknowledge a simple concept, change happens daily.  It can be in your personal or professional life but either way, change has a place in your life.  How you respond is completely up to you.

    There have been times when the concept of change (personal or professional) was frightening.  I can’t say change is my favorite aspect in life, but it can be leveraged to help Walk Into the Future.

    Maslow’s quote above provides two options to utilize when faced with change.  Stepping forward into the change process can provide a level of growth needed to accomplish the task at hand. Trusting yourself and understanding you have the tools to handle change will provide the foundation needed for growth.  Adopting the change mindset can be a good thing and is an excellent way to overcome the potential fears normally associated with change.  Look to leverage the positives when confronted with a change opportunity.  There may be times when the prospect of a change can be viewed as a gift.  Remember, Maslow identifies the possibility to grow with change.    This growth mindset is the foundation needed to see the benefits change can bring.

    Maslow provides an alternative to embracing change and it is to step back info safety.  Playing it safe and not engaging the change opportunity can feel like the easier of the two options.  Please note, this level of retreat may feel good now, but it will hinder growth (personal, professional, etc.).  There are times human nature will make you hesitate when faced with change.  You may want to retreat and not face the steps needed to implement change.  This may appear to put off the prospect of a change action, but it does not. Change happens especially in the workplace, so why not look at the full change prospect and leveraging the positive (growth) aspects available.

    I am an avid reader and a book recommended to me years ago was ‘Who Moved My Cheese’.  Very interesting and quick read but the lessons extracted from this book can help generate a plan for growth when faced with change:

    • Change happens
    • Anticipate Change
    • Monitor Change
    • Adapt to Change Quickly
    • Change (simple enough)
    • Enjoy Change
    • Be Ready to Change Quickly and Enjoy it Again

    Change Cheese section

    ‘Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.’ (Carol Burnett)

    I embraced the concept of change before embarking on my current Walk into The Future.  There were times I talked myself out of ‘Moving my Cheese’ but embraced the growth aspects of change and started a new journey.  I make daily adjustments on my walk but embraced the positives—no safety mindset for me!

    ‘Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited about what could go right.’ (Tony Robbins)

    How do you view change?  What steps can you take to embrace change and leverage it for growth?

    References

    Johnson, Spencer. (© 2002; 1998) Who moved my cheese? : An amazing way to deal with change in your work and in your life New York : Putnam.

    Change3

     

  • What Inspires Me?

    ‘Don’t chase the paper (money), chase the dream.’

    (The Notorious BIG)

    I conducted a leadership and goal-setting workshop with staff from the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Center for Student Success and Services (CSSS) in January.  Extremely engaged group of professionals who were very aware of their goals and vision for success.  My work allowed them to fine tune their organizational efforts towards creating empowered leaders who lead from the front.

    During my time with the group we touched on the concept of inspiration and who they inspire through daily interactions.  This was a very good way to get staff to engage and identify how they impact the organization in a positive way.  While listening to their responses it was easy to see the passion they have for what they do and the clients (students, parents, leaders, peers) they interact with daily.

    I formulated a question for myself on my drive back from conducting the workshop for CSSS staff members:  What Inspires Me?  Please note, this concept is something I have already identified but wanted to expand as part of my continued Walk into The Future.

    Why

    Months ago, a friend asked me ‘what’s your why?’.  My response was:  to impact people in a positive way to leave them better than when I found them.  Simple enough, right?  But to look deeper, my why and interactions with others is what inspires me daily.  This process seems to generate a complete circle because the more I help others the more inspired I become.  Understanding your ‘why’ can provide the blueprint for what you should be doing.

    Inspiration with Why

    Who

    I work with multiple people I’ve met over the years; some from my time in the Air Force, others from my work at multiple university Career Centers.  My speaking engagements have allowed me to reach a larger audience from diverse work environments and backgrounds.

    My interactions with branches on my tree drive my desire to help them succeed in their professional and personal lives.  My branches determine the level of interaction needed during our check-in sessions.  Some just need a little ‘encouragement’ while others need a full session to energize their efforts on their Walk into Future.  Either way, my work with branches on my tree inspires me probably more than it does them.  The stronger the branches grow, the stronger the tree becomes.  Let’s inject the complete circle metaphor here again for visual impact. 😊

    Inspiration Circle

    When

    Spend time with me and I will probably have some level of advice for you.  It comes naturally for me since I have a background in Psychology and Career Services arenas.  I never force information on anyone but when asked I will give an honest answer.  There will be times my responses require a branch to conduct homework (research, reflection, goal formation, etc.) and then we can get to work on mapping out a path for success.  I agree to partner and help find the success needed to move forward.  The ownership remains with the branch to finalize the process.

    So, what truly inspires me?  Having a formulated ‘why’ and interactions with branches (who) as determined by their needs (when).  Simple enough, huh?

    Thanks to my branches for inspiring me daily!  Well done!

    What inspires you daily?  Who inspires you?  Curious, thanks!

  • Balanced Leadership

    balancedleadership

    “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character.  But if you must be without one, be without the strategy”.

    (Norman Schwarzkopf)

    I try to leverage things I’ve learned over time from diverse leadership principles daily.  This quote signals leaders are concerned with positive outcomes not who should receive the credit.  How many times have you heard a leader exclaim what ‘they’ did but maybe not provide full credit to the team who helped along the way.

    Balanced processing is an Authentic Leadership variable that encourages leaders to seek the ‘big’ picture within the work environment before making decisions.  This concept provides a ‘full view’ of the current situation and solicits input to ensure decision making is done with sound information.  Leaders can leverage balanced processing to build trust, encourage professional growth for direct reports and provide the organization with reliable decision-making techniques.

    How can leaders initiate balanced processing in the work environment?

    • Look at both sides of a situation
      • Positive and negative
    • Show the ability and willingness to gather multiple viewpoints
      • Not just what you want to hear
    • Actively seek different views and professional opinions
    • Eliminate a defensive or negative position when receiving information

    balancedleadership3

    Work place impact of balanced processing

    Leaders who leverage balanced processing actively seek information from others (direct reports, colleagues, etc.) then make decisions based on collected information.  This decision- making model highlights the importance of feedback to direct reports and encourages them to seek feedback for themselves.  Balanced processing helps build trust in the work environment—it emphasizes ‘all’ opinions are valued and expected.  The concept also eliminates personal bias from the decision-making process, everyone in the organization has input prior to the final decision.   Finally, balanced processing allows for the development of objective action plans in decision making.

    Balanced processing encourages direct reports to be engaged in the work place.  Leaders are viewed as approachable, trusted and influential because they want and seek feedback in the decision-making process.

    *Leaders should also explain they value input from all but the decision made must be the best for the organization. *

    My Authentic Leadership research identified balanced processing as the variable that best explains job satisfaction for direct reports.  They want to be involved!

    How can you leverage balanced processing in the work environment?  What impact would a leader who displays balanced processing have on your daily outcomes?  Curious, thanks!

    balancedleadershipchess

    (Play chess, not checkers!)