December 11, 2016
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #17
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, Sun reflecting off the snow brilliantly
We either live with intention or exist by default.
– Kristin Armstrong
The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.
– John Burroughs
Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise; seek what they sought.
– Bashō Matsuo
What happens when you are pushed or pulled by someone or something?
For most of us, our default reaction is to push or pull back. In so doing we get into a shoving match or tug-of-war competition with no clear intention, and often leading to a lose-lose outcome.
It is easy to stay in the default existence of reacting to what triggers us. Our conditioned reactions are fight, flight, freeze or appease to defend and protect ourselves. Consider the impact on relationships, teams, organizations and communities in which people are reacting to defend and protect themselves. It can create a downward spiral tearing them apart.
To shift the dynamic, we must learn to create win-win solutions in the midst of what grabs us. It requires us to develop our abilities to respond with both clear intention and creative impact. Each moment offers an opportunity to consider the possible choices, and to perform creative deeds.
By observing and reflecting on the actions we take and their impact, we can clarify our intentions and choose to hone our skills to respond creatively when grabbed. Clear intentions give us direction. Creative impact holds us accountable to achieve what we intend. By refining them together we build our confidence to lead.
I believe in compassionate action to create a better future today. Aikido and Improv Theater are two practices that help me hone my skills to respond creatively when grabbed.
I assist people in creating a better future today, for themselves, their organizations, and the communities in which we live and work. To learn more, visit Resources.
Let’s create a better future today!
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #17
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, Sun reflecting off the snow brilliantly
We either live with intention or exist by default.
– Kristin Armstrong
The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.
– John Burroughs
Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise; seek what they sought.
– Bashō Matsuo
What happens when you are pushed or pulled by someone or something?
For most of us, our default reaction is to push or pull back. In so doing we get into a shoving match or tug-of-war competition with no clear intention, and often leading to a lose-lose outcome.
It is easy to stay in the default existence of reacting to what triggers us. Our conditioned reactions are fight, flight, freeze or appease to defend and protect ourselves. Consider the impact on relationships, teams, organizations and communities in which people are reacting to defend and protect themselves. It can create a downward spiral tearing them apart.
To shift the dynamic, we must learn to create win-win solutions in the midst of what grabs us. It requires us to develop our abilities to respond with both clear intention and creative impact. Each moment offers an opportunity to consider the possible choices, and to perform creative deeds.
By observing and reflecting on the actions we take and their impact, we can clarify our intentions and choose to hone our skills to respond creatively when grabbed. Clear intentions give us direction. Creative impact holds us accountable to achieve what we intend. By refining them together we build our confidence to lead.
- What are your intentions?
- What creative impact do seek to achieve in your relationships, teams, organizations and communities?
- What helps you lead with clarity and confidence when you're triggered by a push or pull?
I believe in compassionate action to create a better future today. Aikido and Improv Theater are two practices that help me hone my skills to respond creatively when grabbed.
I assist people in creating a better future today, for themselves, their organizations, and the communities in which we live and work. To learn more, visit Resources.
Let’s create a better future today!