Every leader has lids:
My friend asked me the other day “How good can you stand it, Holly?” Considering all the ups and downs of my journey lately I found it a funny question. I was happy with how my life had evolved and where I was going. Then he sent the 3rd bouquet of flowers and I simply could not receive any more goodness. Then I realized he was right. I have put myself in an imaginary box of limitation and excuses.
In the book I am currently reading, 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leaders Day Revitalize Your Spirit 7 Empower your Leadership, by John Maxwell Day 2 We read about limiting beliefs, the fear, impatience, denial, impulsiveness, jealousy, and anger that all of us sometimes come up against as invisible boxes that create our reality. Recently I went on a hunt for a gift for my niece and nephew… books of course and came across this one. No Excuses today while preparing to lead the children’s program I read it again to myself.
I uncovered hidden excuses that were holding me back. For example, this blog; I can’t write a blog. I’m a talker I would say. Then I’d muse on to say.. Leadership isn’t funny or interesting, nobody cares about my stories. Without trying I had made a multitude of excuses that were holding back my ability to soar.
So now I go back and ask myself “How good can you stand it and say… Bring it on!” I’m raising my imaginary box of excuses and knowing only the good that comes from ditching that old box that wasn’t serving me anyway.
Today’s question for reflection: What are the imaginary excuses you have been making as a leader? What will you do to overcome them and leave yourself and your organization better for it?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Leaders are Readers
As I glanced at my vision board today I found the word “Reading” as one of the key elements of the board. The Virgo in me even has the board set up according feng shui so the word can be found in the lower right corner or the “Knowledge & Self-Cultivation” corner of the board. Few people dare to ask me what I’m reading. For several reasons, I think, one because I read so much so fast I’m done with one thing before they can finish the sentence and two because it spans the shelves of many libraries. Tonight on my bookstand for instance you’ll find Success Magazine, The Science of Mind Textbook, a book on women entrepreneurship and my journal flanked by a book on Yoga and an NSA CD. I warned you!
As part of my letting go process I’ve made an intention to slow the reading down a bit and open more to the practical application of all that I am reading. I’m putting action behind this making a commitment to one book
21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leaders Day
Revitalize Your Spirit 7 Empower your Leadership
By John C. Maxwell
The book blends leadership principals and questions and will become the focus of my blog for the foreseeable future.
Week 1 – Law of the Lid
Leadership ability determines a Person’s level of Effectiveness
The thought for the day goes back to my last post – Every person has the potential to become a leader
Some leaders lead by delegated position for example a president of a company or organization. They are told to lead and make change others simply see opportunity for change and say “Yes”.
I want to be the leader who learns, choses, and builds organizations that through inspiration and passion connect people ideas and action to create positive change. I want to be the leader who says "Yes"
In times of challenge is when leaders really are moved to action are you willing to lift the lid of your abilities, admit short comings and grow. I know as I have started my company I have had to demonstrate the willingness to learn new tasks like business accounting, contract negotiation and sales techniques. All of these skills helping me to grow into the entrepreneur I was put on this planet to be and lifting me to leadership in the next level.
Today’s question for reflection: In your leadership are you leading by position or leading by example? How do you respond when your leadership is tested?
As part of my letting go process I’ve made an intention to slow the reading down a bit and open more to the practical application of all that I am reading. I’m putting action behind this making a commitment to one book
21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leaders Day
Revitalize Your Spirit 7 Empower your Leadership
By John C. Maxwell
The book blends leadership principals and questions and will become the focus of my blog for the foreseeable future.
Week 1 – Law of the Lid
Leadership ability determines a Person’s level of Effectiveness
The thought for the day goes back to my last post – Every person has the potential to become a leader
Some leaders lead by delegated position for example a president of a company or organization. They are told to lead and make change others simply see opportunity for change and say “Yes”.
I want to be the leader who learns, choses, and builds organizations that through inspiration and passion connect people ideas and action to create positive change. I want to be the leader who says "Yes"
In times of challenge is when leaders really are moved to action are you willing to lift the lid of your abilities, admit short comings and grow. I know as I have started my company I have had to demonstrate the willingness to learn new tasks like business accounting, contract negotiation and sales techniques. All of these skills helping me to grow into the entrepreneur I was put on this planet to be and lifting me to leadership in the next level.
Today’s question for reflection: In your leadership are you leading by position or leading by example? How do you respond when your leadership is tested?
Let it all Go!
Many of you know my passion for volunteer leadership flows and abundantly and gracefully as the blood in my veins, the air I breathe and beauty that is all around. Teaching and leadership is something that I have spent my life wishing, hoping and dreaming I could more of. Now as I serve through my company Leadership Solutions International I live this passion each and every day. My first day in this right livelihood was Tuesday April 20, 2010, the start of National Volunteerism week in the US clearly all of this in perfect alignment. I have followed my calling and I am releasing fear, and doubt. I am grateful for the cast of 1,000’s who have helped me on my journey. In today’s blog post I want to send special gratitude to my new friend Karen. Karen came over for tea the other day our first casual meeting. She said “Seize your leadership it the gift you have been given. I know you can handle the uncertainty.”
Today’s leadership question is – What are you willing to release that will bring out the leader in you?
Today’s leadership question is – What are you willing to release that will bring out the leader in you?
Leadership - What I know for sure
Every person is a leader in some way.
As I have started my business I have been called to dig down deeper and find the leader in me. As I go deeper I call readers of my blog and clients to dig deeper too. I start by saying I think everyone is a leader here are a few examples that I have experienced in the past few weeks:
To Brad you are a leader for having the courage to find business partners, and financial support that grow a vision grander and greater than you.
To Gary who months ago reached and said to me.. Why don’t you join us at the Wednesday night meeting? We have a lot of fun and learn together. You are a leader by taking a risk, reaching out and calling me to be a part of your team.
To Mykala the sweet second grader who wanted to read, and read, and read every page of the book I was sharing. You are a leader by sharing your passion and expertise with others
To Renee you are a leader by dreaming big dreams of participating in Iron Man and Duathlon (run, cycle, run)no matter what. You are a leader
These are just four examples of “real” people of all ages, races, ethnicities that have done little meaningful things to be leaders in this world.
Today’s question – How are you going to be a leader today?
As I have started my business I have been called to dig down deeper and find the leader in me. As I go deeper I call readers of my blog and clients to dig deeper too. I start by saying I think everyone is a leader here are a few examples that I have experienced in the past few weeks:
To Brad you are a leader for having the courage to find business partners, and financial support that grow a vision grander and greater than you.
To Gary who months ago reached and said to me.. Why don’t you join us at the Wednesday night meeting? We have a lot of fun and learn together. You are a leader by taking a risk, reaching out and calling me to be a part of your team.
To Mykala the sweet second grader who wanted to read, and read, and read every page of the book I was sharing. You are a leader by sharing your passion and expertise with others
To Renee you are a leader by dreaming big dreams of participating in Iron Man and Duathlon (run, cycle, run)no matter what. You are a leader
These are just four examples of “real” people of all ages, races, ethnicities that have done little meaningful things to be leaders in this world.
Today’s question – How are you going to be a leader today?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Think Bigger
Never Give Up - How to Live a Meaningful Life
Anne Clarrissimeaux August 27, 2008
As the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Carson, 57, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine and his efforts to help America’s youth fulfill their potential.
Dr. Carson shares his philosophy of what he believes creates a successful—and meaningful—life through the acronym THINK BIG. He instills his message in the students awarded the Carson Scholars Fund scholarships, but says that these ideas can be useful to anyone, from any walk of life or any age.
Talent and time. Recognize them as gifts.
Hope for good things and be honest.
Insight from people and good books.
Be Nice to all people.
Knowledge: Recognize it as the key to living.
Books: Read them actively.
In-depth learning skills: Develop them.
God. Everyone has their own beliefs. When you THINK BIG, what does the “G” stand for in your life?
Anne Clarrissimeaux August 27, 2008
As the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Carson, 57, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine and his efforts to help America’s youth fulfill their potential.
Dr. Carson shares his philosophy of what he believes creates a successful—and meaningful—life through the acronym THINK BIG. He instills his message in the students awarded the Carson Scholars Fund scholarships, but says that these ideas can be useful to anyone, from any walk of life or any age.
Talent and time. Recognize them as gifts.
Hope for good things and be honest.
Insight from people and good books.
Be Nice to all people.
Knowledge: Recognize it as the key to living.
Books: Read them actively.
In-depth learning skills: Develop them.
God. Everyone has their own beliefs. When you THINK BIG, what does the “G” stand for in your life?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Lessons in Leadership Learned at the Olympics
I believe every person every day is a leader in some way. So, I am careful postng this not to overshadow the blog post today with a story of Olympic greatness. While reading my nightly leadership publications I had to pass this one along.
Every life well lived leaves behind a lesson learned that makes the world a better place. It is tradgic to watch the world stop at the annoucement of the death of Luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili.
Please read this link from Harvard Business Review and take pause to think about who you are listening to as a leader?
http://blogs.hbr.org/research/2010/02/the-olympic-luge-tragedy-and-h.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+harvardbusiness+%28HBR.org%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher">
Every life well lived leaves behind a lesson learned that makes the world a better place. It is tradgic to watch the world stop at the annoucement of the death of Luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili.
Please read this link from Harvard Business Review and take pause to think about who you are listening to as a leader?
http://blogs.hbr.org/research/2010/02/the-olympic-luge-tragedy-and-h.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+harvardbusiness+%28HBR.org%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher">
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Survive & Thrive - See Holly Live
Beyond the blog - I am proud to offer my passion and experience to the Portland Female Executives www.portlandfemaleexecutives.com on February 16, 2010. Here's a short review of the program - Hope you can join us!
Survive & Thrive – Leadership in the New Economy
Are you looking for what do next in your company, volunteer organization or community? In this session we will review enduring practices in leadership. Will the “old” time tested principals of leadership still be relevant in our “new” economy? In this session we will look at the principals of the best-selling books Good to Great & The Leadership Challenge and ask, are these traits still applicable? If so, how do you implement those findings into the work you are doing.
Objectives:
• Learn enduring principals of leadership
From Good To Great by Jim Collins
What is a Level 5 Leader?
From Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes & Barry Posner
How do I get extraordinary things done in Organizations?
• Recognize the leadership traits in you
• Connect & apply leadership principals in your company, community organization, church, or school
• Interact with fellow attendees to discuss the future of leadership and PDXFX
• Take away exercises that you can utilize to raise your leadership profile
Survive & Thrive – Leadership in the New Economy
Are you looking for what do next in your company, volunteer organization or community? In this session we will review enduring practices in leadership. Will the “old” time tested principals of leadership still be relevant in our “new” economy? In this session we will look at the principals of the best-selling books Good to Great & The Leadership Challenge and ask, are these traits still applicable? If so, how do you implement those findings into the work you are doing.
Objectives:
• Learn enduring principals of leadership
From Good To Great by Jim Collins
What is a Level 5 Leader?
From Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes & Barry Posner
How do I get extraordinary things done in Organizations?
• Recognize the leadership traits in you
• Connect & apply leadership principals in your company, community organization, church, or school
• Interact with fellow attendees to discuss the future of leadership and PDXFX
• Take away exercises that you can utilize to raise your leadership profile
More than a Meeting Planner - I am a Leader
Am I more than a meeting planner?
I’m just the planner. How many times have you said that, or heard a colleague or team mate say that? We often hear, remove the words should and can’t’ from your vocabulary. Now is the time to also remove the phrase “just a meeting planner” from your repertoire. Meeting planners, now meeting professionals are leaders and if you don’t think you are ask yourself these questions:
Do I create a vision for my part of the organization? Do I communicate that vision to partners, suppliers, vendors, attendees? Do I move people to action? Do I create change?
Is this not by definition what a leader does?
• Leaders are visionaries
• Leaders communicate
• Leaders move people to action
• Leaders are change agents
As our economy emerges from recession, US News names meeting planning one of the top 50 best jobs. Now is the time to find our leadership voices and demonstrate our value. Forbes Magazine and the Business Journals nationwide are distributing our content.
Take the time now to get your facts on our industry and your ROI. Read the MPI bi-monthly Business Barometer, and FutureWatch 2010. A mentor, friend or leadership coach can help you to script your conversations with your C-suite to drive your professionalism and help us elevate the industry. Recently I shared international facts and figures at the MPI Oregon/BRAVO Tradeshow, and at the conclusion several planners came up to me and said ”thanks for helping me script my influence to my boss.” Leaders are not afraid of the numbers.
If you find yourself standing in the background in your organization now is the time to build your script, find your voice, be fearless and claim your seat at the leadership table.
I’m just the planner. How many times have you said that, or heard a colleague or team mate say that? We often hear, remove the words should and can’t’ from your vocabulary. Now is the time to also remove the phrase “just a meeting planner” from your repertoire. Meeting planners, now meeting professionals are leaders and if you don’t think you are ask yourself these questions:
Do I create a vision for my part of the organization? Do I communicate that vision to partners, suppliers, vendors, attendees? Do I move people to action? Do I create change?
Is this not by definition what a leader does?
• Leaders are visionaries
• Leaders communicate
• Leaders move people to action
• Leaders are change agents
As our economy emerges from recession, US News names meeting planning one of the top 50 best jobs. Now is the time to find our leadership voices and demonstrate our value. Forbes Magazine and the Business Journals nationwide are distributing our content.
Take the time now to get your facts on our industry and your ROI. Read the MPI bi-monthly Business Barometer, and FutureWatch 2010. A mentor, friend or leadership coach can help you to script your conversations with your C-suite to drive your professionalism and help us elevate the industry. Recently I shared international facts and figures at the MPI Oregon/BRAVO Tradeshow, and at the conclusion several planners came up to me and said ”thanks for helping me script my influence to my boss.” Leaders are not afraid of the numbers.
If you find yourself standing in the background in your organization now is the time to build your script, find your voice, be fearless and claim your seat at the leadership table.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
How do leaders survive travel?
I spend about 90 days a year on the road, the more I work with leaders I realize, leaders travel. For you that might mean driving or flying around the town, state, country or around the globe. As the post bomber era begins and every day we are bombarded with a new airport security feature, or driving law. I am always asked, Holly you travel a lot how bad is it? So here are my leader tips on travel
Simplify
Let me tell you, you can buy most anything at the airport and shocking as it is your destination city will certainly have a Walgreens, CVS or other one stop shop. Go with only carry-on luggage if you possibly can.
Smile
It’s easy to do. When you can’t smile then do something to make the person in the seat next to you smile. On my way home from my last trip I jumped on standby flights (aka, middle seats). As I dropped my purse in the seat I smiled at my new seatmate and said “I promise to be on my best behavior.” Not knowing what he had gotten into for 3 hours the man smiled and I had an instant fast friend.
Sleep
Do all that you can to keep up on your sleep. Time zones can be a bear especially if you are not accustomed to traveling. When you arrive at your destination try to get immediately on that time zone. Sleep also helps keep your immune system in check and a sick leader is not an effective leader.
Suit
I have one rule if I can’t get into a place in a black suit. I don’t need to go. A black suit is simple clean classic and easy to pack and good in most every event.
Leadership is complicated enough, if your leadership vision has you traveling keep in mind these four S’s and you are sure to make a positive impression.
Simplify
Let me tell you, you can buy most anything at the airport and shocking as it is your destination city will certainly have a Walgreens, CVS or other one stop shop. Go with only carry-on luggage if you possibly can.
Smile
It’s easy to do. When you can’t smile then do something to make the person in the seat next to you smile. On my way home from my last trip I jumped on standby flights (aka, middle seats). As I dropped my purse in the seat I smiled at my new seatmate and said “I promise to be on my best behavior.” Not knowing what he had gotten into for 3 hours the man smiled and I had an instant fast friend.
Sleep
Do all that you can to keep up on your sleep. Time zones can be a bear especially if you are not accustomed to traveling. When you arrive at your destination try to get immediately on that time zone. Sleep also helps keep your immune system in check and a sick leader is not an effective leader.
Suit
I have one rule if I can’t get into a place in a black suit. I don’t need to go. A black suit is simple clean classic and easy to pack and good in most every event.
Leadership is complicated enough, if your leadership vision has you traveling keep in mind these four S’s and you are sure to make a positive impression.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Leadership is...
While coaching a leader today I came to ask the question - What is leadership? When asked the client he paused, silent. I then reminded him that leadership is simple, but not easy. It is getting things done thru people.
I then encouraged him to stop every time he felt compelled to go "do". He was reminded that as a great leader he should model the way and go inspire, recruit and ask a fellow volunteer to assist on the project.
So today's leadership question is?
What is your definition of leadership?
How can I foster myself as a leader and build succession planning in my organization by getting things done thru people?
I then encouraged him to stop every time he felt compelled to go "do". He was reminded that as a great leader he should model the way and go inspire, recruit and ask a fellow volunteer to assist on the project.
So today's leadership question is?
What is your definition of leadership?
How can I foster myself as a leader and build succession planning in my organization by getting things done thru people?
Monday, January 4, 2010
What do you want to learn?
I'm so proud to be a part of the 2009/2010 NSA Oregon Speaker "Fast Track" training program. As such, I am working diligently to produce and promote training programs for non-profits, associations, corporations and fellow learners around the globe. So there is the source of my next question.
What topics do you see lacking in business training programs today?
What would you like to see me, as a leadership trainer teaching?
What topics do you see lacking in business training programs today?
What would you like to see me, as a leadership trainer teaching?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Leaders are Seekers
Welcome 2010! I have many visions, dreams, plans and intentions for 2010! One of them to build my virtual presence. (because building my physical and spiritual presence doesn't keep me busy enough) So with that welcome to
All things Leadership - my passion
Here you will find more questions than answers, case studies, books, quotes and thoughts on Leadership. I know that 2010 will bring out the passions in me, won't you join?
Question #1:
What is your highest and best vision for your organization? What are you doing today to make that vision a reality?
All things Leadership - my passion
Here you will find more questions than answers, case studies, books, quotes and thoughts on Leadership. I know that 2010 will bring out the passions in me, won't you join?
Question #1:
What is your highest and best vision for your organization? What are you doing today to make that vision a reality?
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