Seeing with Fresh Eyes

Many leaders find it helpful to end each day in gratitude by writing down what they are thankful for. Over time, this practice shifts attention to what is working (vs. what isn't), what is accomplished (vs. not) and how precious life is (vs. isn't). Rachel Remen in her book "My Grandfather's Blessings" suggests 3 questions to experience life with fresh eyes:

1. What surprised me today?
2. What moved me or touched me today?
3. What inspired me today?

Try it each night for a month and notice what happens to how you sleep, wake up, move through your to do list, interact with others and evaluate your impact. You may find your work is filled with more meaning and humanity than you realized!

For more info check out: Rachel Remen

Balancing Act

Great leaders understand that one reality in business is paradox. They leverage the inherent creative tension between quality and cost, Wall Street and employee well-being, service and innovation. They find ways to generate revenue by building strong relationships. They know that between the past and future is the present (where the best solutions arise). They lead from heart but honor head and gut. They don't strive for work/life balance but alignment with what is (regardless of where they are). They resist the pull of fight or flight and unfold. It's is the ultimate balancing act!

Check out the videos of artist Michael Grab at work on www.gravityglue.com and ponder what needs more alignment in your leadership and where the sticking points are. If rocks can do it so can we.

Thanks Bill for the resource.

Reflection, Contemplation and Leadership?

Thanks to whoever sent me the book "Leadership Wisdom From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma.

The first insight I appreciated (other than the fun title) was, "Reflection and contemplation are among the most important of all business skills." 

We don't often think of these leadership competencies as a part of business (or busy-ness) and yet what if they were?

Imagine an office where people (regardless of title) allowed time and space for the wisest part of them to lead by:

• Staring out the window 
• Pausing and regrouping between meetings
• Sitting with their legs up on a desk pondering
• Attending to energetic and emotional shifts (in self and others)
• Being outside for breaks or lunch
• Listening beneath words
• Walking mindfully
• Asking, "Is it my assignment?"
• Responding to biorhythms
• Breathing more deeply
• Aligning with seasonal cycles
• Allowing silence to reveal 
• Meditating
• Appreciating calm and quiet

What difference would these practices make to leadership, team and organizational health? Try a few (or make up your own) and see for yourself.

For more explore www.robinsharma.com/resources. And....for those of you who devalue your expertise, Mr. Sharma also has a great story about Pablo Picasso. He drew a little sketch for an admirer later in his career and then asked for $1 million dollars. The lady replied, $1million dollars for 30 seconds?"He said, "My dear, it took me 30 years to draw that in 30 seconds."