Walk Into the Future

Tag: blogging

  • Running to Philly

    person wearing grey nike sneakers
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    “I don’t run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days”.

    (Ronald Rook)

    Decided early to make my Walk into the Future about setting goals and then putting in the work to meet those goals.  Very proud of my efforts so far in 2019 as I continue to cross things off my list daily.  One of my ongoing 2019 goals is to run a half marathon under 2 hours.  I’ve improved my best time twice this year for a total of 5 minutes faster than I ran in 2018.  My best time of 2:08:21 (2 hours, 8 minutes, 21 seconds) was run at the 2019 Nashville Rock n Roll Half Marathon back in April.  Very proud of this time and training used to get ready for Nashville.  Again, my 2019 goal is to run under two hours, so still have work to do.

    Miles, miles and more miles

    Determined the best way to run faster was to increase my training program with additional miles.  I had to put some thought into how this would happen considering I would be running during the summer in Florida.  The heat and humidity can be unbearable just walking around so running would be an additional challenge.  Set my running schedule to avoid the hottest times during the day—early morning runs allowed me to get out and back before the full heat and humidity of the day kicked in.  Weekend runs started a bit earlier since I leveraged this time for my long runs.  Learned quickly getting out and back before 9:30 am was ideal—anything past 9:30 am and the heat beats you up.

    Logged 50+ miles in June using this training method.  June also provided me with the blueprint on times to run, times to avoid and how to hydrate properly to pull this process off successfully.  Increased my training miles in July to 70+ by running two weekday runs of 5 – 6 miles each and then having a long run of 8 – 10 miles on the weekends.  Also, started carrying a hydration belt with Gatorade and water so I could replenish fluids while out for my run.  Hydration belts are not the coolest looking accessory, but it is very functional when you need something to drink miles away from water.

    I extended my training program and physical capabilities in August with a 100+ mile month.  My two weekday runs were extended up to 8 miles each and my weekend runs extended up to 11 – 12 miles.  My longest August training run was 12.65 miles.  Long runs were done to get the miles in, didn’t try to hit race pace since I wanted to build up my running base without trying to hit a specific time.  Ironically, my long run times were still better than some half marathons I ran a few years ago.  Looks like I’m getting faster just by adding long runs to my training program.

    Note:  I still made it to the gym for my normal workouts and extra cardio.  Running was the priority for run days, but I didn’t eliminate weight training, yoga or stretching sessions.

    Run Day view

    September is my taper month as I refresh my legs for the Philadelphia Rock N Roll Half Marathon on 9/15/19.  I logged 20 running miles in September to complete my training program prior to heading off to Philly.  This allowed me to mentally and physically get ready to run my best in Philly.

    The best part of being this close to a race is I get to carb load—all the pasta and bread I want! 😊  This will help my energy levels during the race and keep me moving fast.

    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/carbohydrate-loading/art-20048518

    Cross Training View2

    (Leg day on the Pit Shark)

    Lessons learned

    Mixed in hills, intervals and long runs into my training program prior to Philly.  Felt I needed to incorporate more hills and intervals after my Nashville race.  Believe these added programs will give me the endurance, speed and mental toughness needed to get under two hours in Philly.  We will see!  If not, the next race is 10/26/19 in Boston, Georgia.

    You can follow my Philly progress using the Rock N Roll app:

    https://rtrt.me/app/rnra

    Off to Philly and looking forward to my cheese steaks after the race and sightseeing in a new city!

    How are you doing with your 2019 goals?  What adjustments are needed to ensure you meet your written goals?  Thanks!

     “A goal is just an awesome way to force growth on yourself”.

    (Deena Kastor)

  • Committed to the blog – Blogging about blogging

    Blog notepad

    “You are not obligated to win.  You are obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day”.

    (Marian Wright Edelman)

    My laptop has been the tool I’ve used over the past year to research, write, edit and publish articles for the Walk into the Future blog.  It’s a rare day to find me anywhere without my laptop close by to record a new idea or thought to turn into an article for the blog.

    Well, I experienced a slight glitch to my productivity in late June when my laptop decided not to boot up.  Tried multiple diagnostic programs to see if I could fix the issue on my own but finally had to give in and put my laptop in the shop.  Figured I would lose a couple days of writing production so focused more time in the gym and on my Philly Rock n Roll half marathon training program while the laptop was out for service.

    Quickly discovered the time dedicated to creating content for the blog was an actual part of my lifestyle and I felt weird not working on the next article.  The commitment to write and produce weekly content for myself, followers and other readers was still present even without my laptop.  Felt like I was cheating myself by taking days off from research and writing—this fact makes me laugh considering I normally have 8 weeks of articles already written prior to publishing on the blog.  This gives me time to go back and edit/add content as needed before you read it.

    I was talking with a friend about my laptop dilemma and my inability to record my thoughts as usual.  My friend offered I could always write my ideas by hand if needed after laughing at me and my made-up problem!  I’ve documented how bad my handwriting is, so it never crossed my mind I could still be a productive writer by simply writing down my thoughts/ideas and then transcribe them later—what a concept, huh?  LOL.  We joked I should call the article ‘Blogging about blogging’ since I had to be convinced blogging doesn’t stop because I’m not on a laptop.  Sounds almost like an old Seinfeld episode—blogging about blogging.

    The image above is my notepad while sitting at Lucky Goat generating content for future blog articles.  Generated two ideas with my handwritten content and later transferred into Microsoft Word once I got my laptop back.  This process was not as difficult as I made it out to be—I’m still learning, adjusting and growing with the blog.

    My commitment to this blog is real and hopefully the articles you read here provide a place to laugh, learn and enjoy the process of my journey!

    What are you committed to daily?  How do you ensure it has priority on your schedule?

     

    “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.  Accordingly, a genius is often merely a talented person who has done all of his or her homework”.

    (Thomas Edison)

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  • Quotable Leadership philosophy!

    FAU Leadership quote August 2019

    “A leader is a dealer of hope”.

    (Napoleon Bonaparte)

    Always wonder if my leadership and mentor quotes travel well.

    Received the image above a couple weeks ago from a Career Center friend in South Florida.  The Career Center had Graduate Assistants (GAs) present to leadership how they would incorporate National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) competencies into daily interactions with students and alumni.

    One of their GAs researched the NACE site and found an Authentic Leadership article done with me and leveraged my words to make her point on how a leader truly inspires an organization.  I was happy to see my words helping the next generation of college students and future leaders.

    You can find the full NACE article here:  https://www.naceweb.org/career-development/organizational-structure/authentic-leadership-hinges-on-listening/

    • So, yes, proud to say people are listening and putting these words into action! 😊

    I continue to promote Authentic Leadership as a platform to enhance organizational success. The four variables are easy to understand and apply in daily interactions within the work environment.  True leaders need to be visible and available to engage direct reports to ensure everyone has input in how the organization operates.  Top down leadership may be needed in isolated situations, but your people want to be engaged.  The only way to accomplish this is to engage them—simple concept.

    Leverage Napoleon’s words above and become a dealer of hope.

    What’s your favorite leadership quote?  How does the quote impact your daily interactions?  I welcome your thoughts, thanks!

    “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others”.

    (Bill Gates)

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  • Take the meeting—unlimited opportunities are waiting for you

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    “If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade”.

    (Tom Peters)

    My current Walk into the Future allows me to constantly look for opportunities to impact others and make a difference in this world.  My why was identified in June 2018 — to impact people in a positive way to leave them better than when I found them.  To stay consistent with my why I make a point to take meetings from everyone who requests a sit down with me.  Taking meetings is a form of reaching back to help someone else and it helps me continue to build tree branches.

    Received a request via LinkedIn last week from someone I knew from my former role at FSU–we sat in several meetings together but never engaged much after the meetings were done.  Fast forward a year and a mutual friend suggested we get together because we both are making a difference in the world (different focus areas) and he thought it would be good for two like minded people to sit down.  Opportunities are all around us!

    I happily accepted the meeting and let my new tree branch select the date, time and location.  We were able to quickly identify this meeting should have taken place a long time ago.  Sometimes career ambitions AND life get in the way of two people sitting down to talk about life, plans and focus.  Discovered quickly we have similar passions to help others in their walk into the future.  Shared my why with him and several of the projects (blog included) I like to work on and how my why guides my daily interactions.

    I was able to listen with intent during our time together.  What I heard from him was a need to generate/identify a why to create the foundational model for his work.  Leveraged how creating my why gave me a renewed focus and helps drive my efforts.

    The why concept was well received during our time together and resonated with my new tree branch.  It wasn’t rocket science, but I was able to listen to him and help strategize a way to gain the focus needed to take his operation to the next level.

    My takeaways from our meeting:

    • Opportunity to help someone expand their message / focus
    • Opportunity to add another branch to my growing tree
    • Opportunity to share my why and leverage it in real time (application not just a theory)
    • Opportunity for future networking / interactions with a new tree branch
    • Opportunity to watch a branch grow and move towards goals
    • Opportunity for me to learn from someone doing great things in the world
    • Opportunity for me to continue to grow

    So, when presented with an opportunity to take a meeting, go ahead and meet.  You may be able to help someone find exactly what they need for success.  You may also make a new friend which is awesome on its own.  Stay available to opportunities around you, they may provide the compass needed for your Walk into the Future!

    Note:  I have taken 3 additional meetings since I originally wrote this article.  They have all been beneficial and I’ve added more branches to my tree.  Always looking for continued growth.

    How open are you to accepting a meeting request from someone?  What benefits would taking this meeting have on your growth?  Curious, thanks!

    “Keep your mind open to opportunities. They are closer than you think”.

    (PictureQuotes.com)

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  • Team communication strategies to build a strong organization

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    ‘Good teams incorporate teamwork into their culture, creating the building blocks for success.’

    (Ted Sundquist)

    The 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team was nicknamed the Dream Team because of the collection of NBA superstars who made up the team’s roster.  The roster included Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley to name a few players.  Every member of the Dream Team was considered the top player(s) on their respective NBA team—the best of the best.

    So, with a collection of overwhelming talent available on the Dream Team, this roster is considered the greatest basketball talent ever assembled on one team.  With that in mind, do you know what their ‘overall’ record was?  Most people will say the Dream Team was undefeated in their run towards Olympic gold in 1992.  The Dream Team’s overall record was:  8 – 1.  That’s right, the greatest collection of individual basketball talent lost a game in their quest for Olympic gold.

    Head coach Chuck Daly assembled a collection of college basketball stars to scrimmage the Dream Team to help prepare for the style of play they would encounter in the Olympics.  College stars Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, Chris Webber and others were invited to training camp to match up with their basketball idols.  The Dream Team lost to their understudies on June 24, 1992, 62-54 because they assumed, they would roll through the college kids.

    The Dream Team hadn’t completely bought into the ‘team’ concept because they were all great individual players and thought they would overwhelm any team put in front of them.  To be fair, coach Chuck Daly limited Michael Jordan’s minutes and didn’t utilize his players to optimize their playing time.  This strategy was taken to get the pros to focus and understand they could be beaten without ideal situations.  The next time the Dream Team played the same collection of college players, they beat them soundly.

    The Dream Team provides an excellent example of how team building enhances organizational success.  Simply hiring people and then telling them they are a team does not work.  Understanding team members’ strength, weaknesses and communication styles are a few things needed to build and enhance team dynamics.

    Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

    The MBTI is a self-report tool that provides and makes psychological types as described by C. G. Jung understandable and useful (MBTI).  Organizations use the MBTI for various in-house needs.  One area I have found useful for the MBTI is for team communication.  I have direct reports complete the MBTI and then create an organizational chart we share with the team, so everyone knows the MBTI for their teammates.  We create desktop placards or MBTI heads to display in individual offices as a quick reminder of everyone’s MBTI.

    Examples of MBTI heads:  https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/en/Using%20Type/Head%20Type%20table

    I leverage this knowledge when assigning tasks to team members.  There are MBTIs who crave fast-paced and deadline filled assignments and others who view these type things as torture.  The key is balancing assignments to maximize the team and help individuals grow.  So, I’m not saying an introvert never has to do presentations but understanding team members helps with the overall health of an organization.

    Understanding MBTIs within a team construct has led team members to appreciate each other more.  My MBTI is ISTJ and if you view the MBTI head associated with me you discover things like analytical, organized, and calm.  This knowledge helps everyone on my team understand why a perceived crisis does not impact me the same way it would someone who is an ENFP.  No MBTI is perfect but understanding other indicators provides a team with a foundation to grow.  This growth is a starting point for open communication and a successful team.

    CliftonStrengths

    I was introduced to CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthFinders) during my time at the University of Central Florida Career Center.  We were looking for ways to maximize our team and contracted to have someone come in to facilitate a workshop for the organization.  This was an eye-opening experience for staff.  I discovered my Talents were:   Analytical, Relator, Learner, Deliberative and Strategic. 

    Domain examples here:  https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/home/en-us/cliftonstrengths-themes-domains

    This knowledge will allow leaders and teams to build on current talents in the organization.  I can leverage my identified talents with someone who has more talent in another area to ensure the team can complete a task.  This can only be done ‘if’ talents are identified in advance.

    There are other tools available to help leaders build teamwork and communication strategies for an organization.  The MBTI and CliftonStrengths are two I have used and provided multiple organizations with outstanding results.

    6 steps to build a strong team:

    • Focus on roles
    • Value each role
    • Communicate
    • Set goals
    • Celebrate successes and failures
    • Know each other
      • (Entrepreneur.com, 2016)
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    What strategies do you use to enhance team communication?  What tools have been most effective?  Thanks!

    ‘Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success.’

    (Henry Ford)

    References

    Johnson, C. (2016, May 23). 6 Steps to Build a Strong Team. Entrepreneur.

    The Myers & Briggs Foundation. (n.d.) Retrieved May 24, 2019, from https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/home.htm?bhcp=1

     

  • Set the Standard with your Core Truth

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    “If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive”.

    (Audre Lorde)

    I was introduced to Audre Lorde’s work through the 1999 movie, The Best Man.  The two characters in the scene were trying to decide how to proceed with their relationship when the quote above was introduced.  It provided a moment of clarity and highlighted commonality the characters unknowingly had with each other—they both used this quote in their daily lives.

    The quote has been with me ever since because it resonates a strong sense of self that leads to empowerment.  I leverage the quote to highlight doing things differently than others is okay—everyone has a different path to walk daily.

    My presentation and writing styles are uniquely me.  There are times people will ask how I generate presentation materials and then look at me like I’m an alien when I explain it.  Again, I stay true to me and my preferred methods because they work for me.  When I try to generate content in a manner that doesn’t fit me, I struggle, so decided not to go down that road anymore.

    Had to explain this process when presented with a potential speaking role that would have taken me out of ‘character’ for who I am.  The opportunity was very appealing from a surface level but would have required me to present in a style that is not really me.  Could I have faked it?  Probably, but I wouldn’t have been happy with me and I’m sure this fact would have bled into the actual presentation of material.  Decided a long time ago to stay true to my core truth to avoid being eaten alive.

    “Being the best for yourself is how you can be the best for others”.

    (Jennifer Mergen)

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    Discovering your core truth can be used in other areas of life.  I recommend once you discover your core truth then stick with it.  I described the BIG GULP phenomenon in an earlier post—this concept is incorporated within my core truth—I never do business or move forward with a project that makes me take a big gulp.  This concept has saved me on multiple occasions and kept me from doing something I would regret.

    I’m not saying people cannot evolve over time.  Continued learning and growing are integral parts to personal and professional success.  The core truths you define for yourself provide an actual road map to how you view and deal with others.  Don’t let outside influences ‘eat you alive’.

    Had an interesting conversation yesterday about defining a core truth leadership style.  Believe this provides a foundation that will allow a leader to adjust and help direct reports grow.  My leadership core truth is authentic leadership but I’m well-versed in other leadership styles if/when authentic leadership principles are not effective for the current situation.  I’ve never yelled or cursed to prove I’m a leader.  People who do are poor leaders—my opinion.

    What things do you consider when defining your core truth?  What areas in your professional life can establishing a core truth enhance your work environment?  Interested in your thoughts—thanks!

    “None but ourselves can free our minds”.

    (Bob Marley)

     

  • The Big Harvest—Collecting Race Bling

     ‘Any idiot can run, but it takes a special kind of idiot to run a half marathon.’

    (Spectator sign, Nashville 2019)

    The process of running a half marathon has many layers.  You have the training, nutrition, travel to the race site, EXPO and the actual race.  Sounds like a lot but each layer gets easier the more you invest into the process of being a runner.

    Took me a while to get comfortable with the concept of labeling myself a runner but finally stopped fighting the term and gladly accept it.  Hi, my name is Calvin and I’m a runner! 😊  Felt good getting that off my chest.  The quote above is from a spectator’s sign I saw while running the 2019 Nashville Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon.  There are thousands of similar and funnier signs at every race.  The spectators are there to cheer, motivate and at times make runners laugh to help get through their respective race.  I make a point to acknowledge sign holders especially when they display a clever sign.  Another of my favorites:

    ‘Worse parade…EVER!’

    The signs and spectators are welcome distractions from the actual process of completing a 13.1-mile race.  Music helps break up the miles, but the spectators always make me laugh with their encouragement and clever signage.

    ‘You know you’re a runner when…bling has nothing to do with jewelry.’

    (Runners World)

    An overlooked layer to the half marathon is what happens directly after crossing the finish line.  A legion of volunteers waits for each runner to cross the finish line and present us with city/race unique bling.  I never thought race medals would mean much to me but getting crowned after finishing a half marathon completes the journey.  I would feel I accomplished something big without the bling but let’s be honest—what’s the fun in that?! 😊

    I always write about races and my training routine to get prepared.  The race city and entertainment options are other favorite things I have written about.  Decided to invest in a medal holder for the bling I’ve collected over the years to properly display my ‘adult trophies’.  Didn’t realize how many medals or how cool some of them are prior to researching the medal holder.  I didn’t have much of an organizational system for them either.  This will all change since I put in the work to earn the bling—will get these properly displayed on a medal holder where everyone can see them and then must listen to me explain each one—just joking!

    Seriously, runners put in a lot of work to get ready for the races and perform their best.  The bling is a nice reminder of the race and city.  The bling is something we cherish and look forward to seeing what next year’s bling will look like.

    The Rock ‘n’ Roll series has a Heavy Medal program that allows runners to collect additional bling based on number of events:

    https://www.runrocknroll.com/Programs/Medals/Heavy-Medals

    Of course, I’m trying to get the Don’t Worry Just Run medal.  I’m sure you can figure out why! Everything Irie!

    Had an interesting conversation with a tree branch last month about race bling.  He selects race participation strictly on the bling available for the race.  Bling not up to par and he will not run in your race!  I’m not there yet, if there’s beer at the end I’m probably going to run your race! 😊

    How do you display your race bling?  How important is this aspect of the race for you?  Thanks!

  • Emulate great leaders ‘and’ learn from bad bosses

    “Never step on enthusiasm.”

    (Colin Powell)

    thumbnail_Leader

    (Image by Jackie Zamora)

    I love the image above for the simple message it sends.  True leaders are not afraid to engage to ensure team success.  Leaders display a level of humility when they show direct reports they are a part of the overall team, not just the person demanding results.

    Contrast the two examples in the image.  Who would you want to work for?  The leader or the boss?  Why?

    I have been lucky to work for some truly great leaders in multiple work environments.  They all shared a vision of what success looks like and made sure everyone was working toward the same goals.  These great leaders always led by example and made professional development/learning a priority in the workplace.  This enhanced direct report engagement and made everyone want to get more accomplished.  Regardless of style (authentic, transformational, democratic, etc.), great leaders provide positive interactions and examples we can emulate and utilize within our own leadership practice.

    Luckily, I have not experienced too many of the boss examples in the image above, but I have made a point to learn from these people as well.  Don’t be so quick to write off the lessons you gained from a boss:

    • How did your boss make you feel daily?
    • How easy was it to bring them problems?
    • Did they explain tasks or just say go get things done?
    • How competent were they getting the job done?
    • How invested were they in your professional development?
    • How much fun were they to be around?
    • How much staff turnover did your office have?

    I could add more things to this boss check list but believe you see my pattern now.  So, what lessons can you learn from a boss?  I’ve learned to never repeat a boss trait I viewed as a negative.

    Getting up from behind a desk or closed door to engage with people daily is an easy task for everyone.  Never get so comfortable with a position you forget your responsibility to the people you serve.  Servant leadership is centered on the idea the leader serves their people.  Take the time to explain the WHY of a task not just the WHAT needs to be done.  Leverage the strengths of everyone on the team.  This requires the leader to know the strengths and weaknesses of each team member.

    It’s okay to have fun at work!  No, really, fun and work can go together.  Look at some of the most successful organizations and the culture they build in the work environment.  Work still gets done but fun happens daily—may be a coincidence but these type organizations are able to retain their staff members.

    Consider implementing a stay interview process.  Stay interviews allow great leaders to engage staff to see what they need in the work environment.  The stay interview builds a dialogue to enable both sides to enhance relationships and create a productive culture.  The leader does not have to promise anything they can’t back up and allows them to explain these things directly to staff members.

    Note:  Had a great conversation during a virtual networking event last week in Orlando about the term stay interview.  Some organizations/leaders do not like this term.  That’s fine, call it ‘professional development interview, career development orientation, etc.’ but look for ways to engage staff on their professional needs.

    So, continue to emulate the great leaders you have had in your work life but don’t miss the valuable lessons the bosses have provided.

    What leadership traits do you emulate daily?  What have you learned from a boss (no names needed)?

    “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

    (Maya Angelou)

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    “Play chess, not checkers.”

    (Dr. Calvin Williams)

  • The Voice of a Leader

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    “True leadership stems from individuality that is honestly and sometimes imperfectly expressed—Leaders should strive for authenticity over perfection”.

    (Sheryl Sandberg)

    Had a great lunch meeting and chat with one of my Orlando tree branches at the end of May.  We were able to catch up before my scheduled guest speaking role on the Intern Pursuit podcast.  Always love catching up with my tree branches in-person and jumped at the chance to hear the great things she was doing in Orlando with her small business marketing firm.

    We were able to share professional and life updates during this visit and got into the concept of leadership in the workplace.  Just general stuff but I’m a big believer in leadership development and the impact ‘good’ leadership can have on the work environment.

    Most people have heard numerous leadership styles mentioned:  transactional, transformational, authoritative, authentic, etc.  I recommend new leaders have a good understanding of multiple leadership styles and then work to find their inner voice within the work environment.

    What’s your inner voice?  This concept can be used to determine your true leadership style and then put things into place to ensure your work environment and people can grow.  I tell anyone who listens I’m a huge believer in the authentic leadership style.  Guess what, authentic leadership takes some of the best aspects of other leadership styles and packages them into a concise, four variable approach to leadership.  The variables of self-awareness, relational transparency, internalized moral perspective and balanced processing are used by authentic leaders to develop their inner leadership voice.  An authentic leader needs to ensure these variables are on display and utilized daily to truly be an authentic leader.

    Please note, all leadership styles have variables of some level.  Transformational leaders are called ‘quiet leaders’ because they are described as leading by example.  Transactional leaders can be viewed as reactive and ‘may’ be more beneficial within large corporation settings.

    So, as you can see, there are a lot of leadership styles available to new and experienced leaders.

    “It can be done.  Leaders make things happen.  If one approach doesn’t work, find another”.

    (Colin Powell)

    The key to finding your leadership inner voice is assessment of your work environment and flexibility.  I can say I practice authentic leadership, but this style may not be practical for every direct report.  A direct report who is not performing to standards may need daily transactional interactions whereas the rest of the staff thrive with the authentic leadership environment created.  Knowing the needs of your staff is something that comes with experience, lots of reading and training.  The ability to adapt to changing work situations and needs of direct reports allows a leader to impact the work environment in a positive manner.

    It’s okay to take a personal interest in direct reports and things they are interested in.  You may be able to adjust work assignments to keep them engaged based on strengths and interests.  It’s also okay if you can’t accommodate everything your staff would like to do in the work environment.  Example:  staff may want to work from home but if that model does not fit the mission then it’s up to the leader to say so.  Saying no in this situation is not a personal attack, it’s just the way the organization must operate.

    A lot goes into being a leader.  Understanding leadership styles, your strengths and weaknesses as well as continual learning will help as you develop your inner leadership voice.

    “Outstanding leaders go out of the way to boost the self-esteem of their staff.  If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish”.

    (Sam Walton)

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  • The happy spot: Negril, Jamaica

    Curry Goats

    Made my annual pilgrimage back down to Negril, Jamaica in May.  Decided a few years back I would travel yearly to Jamaica to enjoy the sun, rum and reggae.  I’ve missed a year here and there but have been consistent getting my Jamaica passport stamp.

    The Jamaican Tourist Board (JTB) created the ‘Once you go, you know’ slogan in 2003 to generate tourism interest and get more people to visit the island.  I always thought about the slogan because I wanted to ‘know’ what Jamaica was about but thought it was beyond my price point.  A simple check on Expedia highlighted how affordable a trip to Jamaica can be—prices vary based on brand names (Sandals, Beaches, Palladium) to more economic options (Samsara, Legends, Rock House).  You can spend as much or little as you want based on resort brand, location and all-inclusive food/drink options.

    Samsara

    My preferred resort is Samsara which is situated on the west end of the island.  The unique feature for Samsara is the resort is located on a cliff.  The cliffs provide unique experiences for guest to ‘cliff dive’ while enjoying the water.  I don’t cliff dive but use the access to put my snorkel gear to good use.  I spend about 3 hours daily exploring underwater caves, following fish and watching Jamaican spear fishermen catch barracuda.

     

    Samsara is close to other west end resorts, so I have made a point to visit some of them while on the island.  This allows me to experience additional waterfront views, menu options and drink specials.  My favorite lunch spot on the island is the Rock House.  The Rock House has an expanded menu with a lot of traditional Jamaican food options.  Steamed snapper, peas and rice and callaloo is my go-to meal ‘every’ time I’m there.  Callaloo has a look and feel of collard greens but I will warn you, the Scotch bonnet peppers are smoking hot.  I spend more time pulling them out, but they do add flavor to the dish.

    Rock House

    I got a bit adventurous and decided to stop at a new spot on this trip.  I pass the Kool Vybes Bar and Jerk Centre every time I’m in Negril but never stopped.  Just assumed everything on the menu would be smothered in Jamaican jerk sauce but they provide the option to have the sauce on the side.  The food at the Jerk Centre was great and may be the best food bargain in Negril.  I will ensure to make it back to the Jerk Centre—recommend getting the jerk sauce on the side if you’re not into spicy food—Jamaicans like food with a kick!

    http://realnegril.com/koolvybes/

    Jerk Centre

    Samsara has a sister resort (Legends) on Seven Mile beach.  Guests have full privileges at both resorts which provides additional options while in Negril.  I can spend time snorkeling off the cliffs at Samsara and then trade for beach activities to include jet skis, catamaran excursions, shopping and dining.  This 2 for 1 resort option is a ‘hidden’ gem to enhance the overall enjoyment while in Negril.

    7 mile beach

    Reggae

    My go to spots to listen to live reggae in Negril are Alfred’s and Bourbon Beach.  I always ask the locals for places to visit and they all agree Alfred’s Ocean Place and Bourbon Beach are the best places to hear live music and catch the Irie vibe.  I’ve never been disappointed with the music or the vibes while at either place.  Both locations are right on 7 Mile beach so you can kick back with a cold drink, listen to the bands and hear waves crashing at the same time.  Very enjoyable experience!

    A new place I added to the rotation this trip was Roots Bamboo Beach resort.  Large stage with an impressive sound system with live reggae on Monday and Wednesday nights.  Roots Bamboo Beach is extremely close to Alfred’s and Bourbon Beach—went back and forth between venues when a band had to take a break.

    Negril’s uniqueness with cliff and beach access keeps people like me coming back year after year.  It’s always great to meet someone from Europe or Canada and hear they are on their eight trip to Negril—most are like me and stay at the same place every time.  They are in the ‘know’ about Negril.

    So, now you know—Negril is my happy spot and I plan to visit as often as possible.  Already looking forward to my next trip down.

    What is your happy spot to visit?  When’s the last time you were there?

    Sunset 1