Final Paper-- Totally optional

The grading requirement has NOT changed. Those desiring a grade were asked to contribute to this blog, sharing their experiences, thoughts and engagement with the content and thereby, at the same time, being helpful to their class mates. Those who have done this posting need do nothing more, unless they want to.

Separately, there were a few who felt they wished to write a paper. Great! So, the final paper "alternative" or option was included in your handout from Class #7. Look over the questions. If you care to write about some or all, it can enhance your learning from the course. Send it to us, or alternatively, you could post portions of your thoughts under this heading.

Absolutely optional... but we would be pleased to read and comment upon those papers that are sent it.

Leading Change

If change is the only constant, then leading change becomes a major part of every leader's job. We have covered a number of frameworks regarding change-- and there are plenty of others around...

What has been your experience with either leading change or "being part" of a major change or turnaround effort. What did you experience? How did you cope to get through it?

Do you have thoughts about our two cases: Avon and Nissan (to be discussed in our next class on 11/30)?

What lessons can you draw from either of the CEO's involved that can be applied to your own situation?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Hal & Julie

Week #8 Recognize your Decision NOW

You have two weeks to work on this live-with. Please pass on your experiences with this and the whole issue of balance in your life

Also think about which live-withs can be MOST useful over a holiday period. Sometimes when families gather, it can be very stressful. It can be a "field day" for the VOJ and having some pretty strong expectations about interactions and outcome. So... relax and try some of your NEW tools. Then, share any thoughts and experiences you have.

Week #7 - See With Your Heart

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

What a lovely week this is - a week of seeing with your heart, which allows you to see what is invisible to the eye.

As you probably noticed in the exercise in class, it is only when you move past seeing with just the eyes and mind that you can really see another human being at all, and can really begin to be in relationship, whether it is with another or it is with your Self.

Make sure to practice this live-with both internally and externally. Once you begin to open your heart to yourself, and your Self, you will know your deepest capacity for love and compassion.

On a very practical note, use your precise observation to see what shifts at home and at work when you see with your heart. What changes in the dynamic of your relationships? How is the 'other', whom you are seeing with your heart, changed? How does is your creativity, and the creativity that comes from your relationship, changed?

Just Do It!

You now have two new tools in your tool bag:

1) The Three Stressors: categorize for clarity and forward action.

2) Face your fear: speak it out loud, then re-frame it as a Hero's Journey. What would breakthrough on the journey look like? What is the vision you see ahead? What will it take to Leap?

Try using these two tools and following your live-with, JUST DO IT!, this week in order to take action on your course challenge. How can you get enough clarity, so that you can take appropriate action on your challenge and any other challenges you might be facing?

Again, as Hal stated last week, go for progress, not perfection. Remember:

"Perfect is the enemy of done." clarissa pinkola estes