To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

To Serve Well

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Staying in the spiritual gym

Happy Sunday!

Just like our bodies need us to focus on building muscles, exercising our cardiovascular systems and eating healthy, our spiritual growth needs a game plan to ensure we are operating optimally. I loved this concept and thought it was worth sharing.

The three key ideas I captured were…

  1. Staying disciplined.
  2. Lifting the word of God.
  3. Understanding that “resistance” is what makes us stronger (exercising faith).

A simple thought really, but powerful nonetheless.

If we are able to stay disciplined in our spiritual life we will be stronger. We will be able to better handle what comes our way and perhaps be more grateful along the path.

If we focus on the truth we find in the word of God, we can be sure our minds don’t get off track and run down a rabbit hole that isn’t speaking life into us. If we can understand that challenges and resistance can help us stretch and grow we will be less frustrated and make meaningful strides. I believe that takes faith and exercising this is a daily grind. It is a constant commitment to change our thoughts and recognize that God’s plan has us right where we are supposed to be… if we listen, we will know how that plan is supposed to unfold.

Cheering you on this week!

Stumbling upward… Going beyond the easy button in the diversity conversation

I like to tackle tough conversations. I always hesitate a bit to throw it out on the blog, but I need to be more brave.

There is a literal jewel of a book that just came out recently, “How Good People Fight Bias – The Person YOU Mean to Be,” by Dolly Chugh. It’s probably the most powerful book I’ve read on the topic, taking on the ideas that stir in many of us in a fresh way. The concept of “stumbling upward” in the pages made me want to spend the rest of my days doing just that: striving to be better in all aspects of my life. In this particular topic of understanding tolerance and diversity, I am certain I can grow meaningfully.

In the book, Chugh tells the story of two well-meaning business guys, “Fitz and Zach” who brought the “Unconference” idea to Chicago. The idea of the “Unconference” is to bring together a network of people with agendas created on the spot, generating much energy and innovation. The organizers are responsible for the who, when and where of the event. These two guys, started with their own network, initially 118 people and only 14 women – most men being white. When called out on by the audience, they both were quite embarrassed. They didn’t realize that their networks, unintentionally, had become a bunch of people that looked like them. It was a true “bro-fest,” as the book refers to it. Once their awareness was made clear, they were able to correct their ways and begin developing networks that broadened their homogeneous network.

“They asked people to nominate people “more amazing than you.” One time, they asked people to nominate “women and minorities.” Another time, they asked participants to nominate people “who don’t look like you, if you usually are in the majority.” No method was perfect, but every attempt was a stumble upward.”

By 2017 their events had equal numbers of men and women and diversity was evident. Chugh introduces concepts that we all need to be aware of, including ordinary privilege, willful awareness and others. These topics are important. We all need to be more aware, like “Fitz and Zach.” What would your event look like if you hosted one? We need to understand the issues, and can do so by reading books such as this, attending events, expanding our networks and conversations. If we want to serve well for both our generation and those that follow, we should consider this a critical learning opportunity. I’m in.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The difference between your social circle and inner circle

Happy Sunday night. So, I heard this recently and it really spoke to me.

The truth is, from our school years onward we encounter a myriad of people. Some become our closest allies and friends, and some that are better left for a different group. Here is what was powerful to me:

If they don’t believe God’s best for your life, then they don’t get to have access to speak into you or be in your inner life/circle. 

I had to stop and think if I have anyone in that category. I think I do. People I have allowed in perhaps a bit too much. Perhaps I have spent too much energy with a few of those, and not enough with those true cheerleaders that do have God’s best at the top of their minds for me, and I for them.

The final thought from this conversation was equally significant to me, and perhaps for you as well…

Draw your strength from men and women of God that are headed in the same direction (eternal) direction as you. 

I am praying your week is beyond wonderful.

Reveal your true self: Accelerating your relationships

I’m in a relatively new role at work, and one of my priorities has been to both get to know my entire team and to give them an idea of who I am — including my personal and professional goals.

There’s no surprise, that I loved hearing the story of Doug Conant — former CEO of Campbell Soup Company — who shared the philosophy that conveying a full picture of who he is right away to his team, including what he stands for and wants to accomplish was critical to his personal mission. When he took over, he was faced with reversing a severe decline in market value and “re-energizing” the culture. Conant led the company to deliver excellence, including world-class employee engagement in the 10 years he served as the company’s leader.

So, how does this point us to serving better all around? Here’s a quote from Conant that I loved from the Harvard Business Review, “Leadership is a Conversation” series, (Groysberg/Slind, June 2012):

“I explained that my goal is to take the mystery out of our relationship in a personal way, as quickly as possible, so that we can get on with the business of working together and doing something special.” 

Is that not brilliant? So, YES, it is my feeling we can all learn something here. Both in my personal relationships (and certainly work relationships) I have found that the more we are able to share our true selves — be transparent, honest and authentic (with a positive approach…) — the quicker we are to move forward.

More often than not, when we are able to take out the “mystery” factor, we are able to forge ahead. I love this. Just today, in fact, I experienced two of my team members at work came together to reveal themselves and, as a result, are on a better path.

Do the people you “do life” with know who you truly are? Is there an opportunity to advance your relationship so that you can truly being “doing something special?”

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Simple Thoughts Sunday – Power in the waiting

I am hopeful that this hits someone else as hard as it did me personally. What an incredible thought… It wasn’t mine, but it is is worthy of sound thinking around the idea. So many times in my life and as I interact with my boys and close friends and family, the topic of praying and what we are hoping for in our lives comes up.

What are those dreams you pray for? How about just a prayer to make it through the next conversation? Through the test? The interview? The next day?

Does it ever come to mind that we may not be prepared for exactly what we are asking? That our patience and in our waiting is where we are becoming prepared. Or perhaps, we will never be prepared, and God knows that and takes us in another direction. Waiting is where we are strengthened, equipped and prepared.

I am thankful that God hasn’t always given me what I wanted when I asked for it the first time. At times, it has been many, many seasons of wondering where He is at in my prayer. I now know that it is because I wasn’t fully prepared. Does that resonate with anyone?

As you go into the week, I hope that you will find renewed hope in your prayers. I have found that God gives me peace when He has prepared me. In other words, that conversation may not need to happen until I get that peace – that “go ahead,” so to speak. I firmly believe that God is with us at all times and is actively preparing us for all that we are supposed to do in this life.

Have a powerful week.

How do you win the war?

What a great question. I mean, who really wants to go to war anyway? The truth is that we all go to battle many days of our lives. The battles on the ground to bring value to our workplace, to our community and to our families.

I did a little research on a well-known, French military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, who led several campaigns. Here is my absolute favorite quote I could find about him (for the record, I believe that this behavior is the absolute reason he won most battles…):

“Bonaparte would generally rise up sweaty, dirty and covered in gunpowder.”

Here’s what I love: He was in the mud with his team. He wasn’t hiding in an office or in a meeting. He was there, shirt sleeves rolled up, in the mix. That’s huge in my experience.

“He also made an effort to remember his soldiers’ names and visited their campfires before battle, chatting with them about home and expressing confidence that they would triumph over the enemy.”

Here’s what I love: Goodness, why is this so hard for some leaders? We have to know the people around us – their names for sure and hopefully something important to them (their family, their pets, their hobby, their experiences). In addition to the whole “know their names” behavior, he expressed confidence in his team. Every single person I know needs encouragement and needs to know that their leader believes in them. EVERY SINGLE PERSON.

In Bonaparte’s army, soldiers that came from humble backgrounds could rise through the ranks to be leaders, as Bonaparte himself had done. (Taken from Francesca Gino’s ‘Rebel Talent’)

Here’s what I love: The background here is that in that time, only the elite were able to be promoted. Not on Bonaparte’s team… Politics were not in his playbook, but rewarding grit was. That, in my opinion, is spot-on good leadership!

So for today, let’s win the battles with a lot of love and a focus on service and honor to the people within our ranks. Let us be like Bonaparte and work alongside our teams for the best results. That, my friends, is true service!

The ripple effect of our actions – or our inactions – are enormous

Now here’s a statement I could probably just leave as is and not opine further. It’s something for us all to think about and it certainly hit a nerve with me.

Most of us hear the word “ripple” and think of positive change… Things we do to “pay it forward,” and that have a lasting impact. I love that idea the most. It’s healing and somehow magical to think how we can all make a such a difference in our world. For that part, keep dreaming it and keep doing it! We need all of the positive ripples we can get.

For the last part, well, how often do we really think about our inaction? What are we not doing that is leaving a lasting impact? I don’t know, but here’s what came to mind…

  • Am I not telling my team how awesome they are enough?
  • Am I not doing enough?
  • Have I not done my part to create a neighborhood that’s caring and fun, and that embraces the spirit of what a neighborhood should be?
  • Have I not showcased to the next generation how to foster and build community?
  • Have I not stopped lately to pick up a piece of trash in my walking path? How does passing by that effect the world and that of our grandchildren and their children?

Hopefully you can track the train of thought here. It was definitely a stop-and-think statement, and I hope it does the same for you. Have such a wonderful week and let’s all go for the positive ripples and take action!

Welcome August! (Well, not really — but let’s make it stunning anyway!)

I am sooooo not thrilled that it’s August. It’s a fine month and all, but thanks to whoever thought it was a good idea to start school during the second week of the month.

Let’s just say that now we get a rather strong signal — in my opinion too early — that life is about to get crazy, and that the longer and warmer days are dwindling.

It has been a wonderful summer, and although the heat came on fast and furious, the opportunity to be outside and to relish in all of the outdoor fun gives most of us renewed energy. So, for today, my first blog after a month break, it occurred to me that we need to pause and consider what summer has been teaching us. It is my thought that every season of our lives — whether it’s tied to the calendar or the ebb and flow of life — we are intended to learn something that will help us grow and become our best selves. Life is pretty darn cool in that way!

So, here are a few things I’ve been learning… I’d love it if everyone shared one of their own!

  1. SAY YES. I have been trying to say YES to almost any social invitation. That is not the norm for me and in fact, I like to protect my personal time and stay in absolute balance. (I know some of my friends don’t realize that, but that’s been my modus operandi (M.O.) for the last few years. I’m not sure it was a good decision.)  I have learned I am having fun and a better person when I’m out enjoying life at this level. I would highly recommend you give this a try if you don’t already!
  2. DON’T MISS THE FARMER’S MARKET. In other words… Do everything you can to not miss the little things that will fill your soul! There is something that happens when I pull in the parking lot at the Overland Park Farmer’s Market. Surrounding myself with hard workers who have enduring passion and love for their work and who, as a result, make lives healthy and happier. It’s the entire environment. Whatever it is for you, by all means make it a priority. Our days are incredibly important, as you know, and the sum of those creates our story.
  3. MUSIC! Turn it up, loud and proud. I too often miss this enormously amazing part of life, forgetting to turn off the soundtrack in my head and get lost in someone’s incredible gift. I have been playing everything from Kenny Chesney to Kenny G as often as possible… Filling our home with the gift of music. This alone elevates the climate and can transport you to another place. (Shout out to the 80’s!)

Okay, now it’s your turn. I’m so thankful to be back writing. I am super happy to have this community to do life with! Have an amazing weekend and let’s rock this crazy month!

Time to hit Airplane mode

Happy July y’all.

It’s July 2, and therefore the perfect time to throw on the airplane mode feature on our phones, and (as much as we can) implement that idea into our lives.

I’ve been writing the blog now for four years and decided two years ago to not write during the month of July. The time away creates space to think, pray, read, reflect and hopefully be inspired in my writing. That is the intention I’m setting!  This year I am going to push out some inspirational messaging that “I heard on Peloton.” I recently purchased one of their bikes and it has been an incredible experience. I won’t blog (although I’m sure I have plenty to see about some of the great content) but will focus on what I feel is a simple and powerful message during my regular postings, Sunday, Tuesday and thursdays.   I hope it will add a bit of fun to your summer.

It is such an honor to serve you all with these short thoughts and I am so grateful for your support. My prayer is that you too will go on “airplane mode” so to speak. Look up and savor the joy in this season. What a gift we have been given to live out what God has provided us with.

Have a wonderful 4th of July celebration this week!

GO AMERICA! WE LOVE YOU!

Let’s not be bystanders. Standing up is required for all of us.

Glennon Doyle continues…

“Now is the time to do what we tell our kids to do. Do not be a bystander – not in this moment in which the very humanity of our country is crumbling. Do not  be a bystander- not while bullies take crying babies from their terrified mother’s arms. It’s the bystanders that allow the bullies to rule.  If we don’t speak up and stand up for these children- it’s time to stop pretending we ever will.” (Via Glennon Doyle’s  Instagram campaign early last week. Her organization @together.rising, has raised over $3 million while generating public awareness to challenge our government to do the right thing.)

I generally do not shine a light on my thoughts about many of our worldly challenges in this blog. It gets too messy and you can’t possibly provide adequate context in a short blog. I stood by recently, watching this crisis unfold, and today took time to catch up on the latest developments.

The issue in summary – if you are like many who don’t stay tuned in to the daily barrage of news media – is that under this administration’s “zero tolerance” policy, the U.S. will give preference to immigrants who have waited their turn. This means that those undocumented adult immigrants who did not come through a legal entry point, have been arrested and separated from their children. While there’s some ambiguity, federal officials shared intentions over the weekend to reunite over 2,000 children with their parents – after a literal outcry from Americans. This, only to happen after their parents have completed their court proceedings. Further family separations have stopped… thanks to a refusal of the masses to not allow the “bullies” to win.

This is not what our country is about. Our country was built on the backs of immigrants, many of us claiming that bloodline. I hope that you will stay connected to this issue and others like it. We really cannot just say, “I don’t watch the news, it’s too negative.” We have to find some avenue to be AWARE, to ENGAGE when needed and to ensure AMERICA remains a country that rises above in integrity, love and honor for all.  It is all of our responsibility.

Here is a short list of organizations you might want to explore (in addition to contacting your elected officials this is always the first line of defense):

  • ACLU: The American Civil Liberties Union
  • RAICES: The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services
  • @together.rising, as mentioned above