I just returned from an uniquely designed LLF for clients of the hosting organization, SmithBucklin Corp. Of course the Forum process includes more reading, beyond the participant’s field, than many current business leaders are accustomed to…. thus the ?’s. My current reading list, with some historical data, is a frequent handout [Post 130 Reading 3-11-2014],in Forums and the “Core Books” list [Post 290 Core Books 3-10-14] is also reflective of my evolving focus.
Nov 19
Most, perhaps 99.9%, of those who have engaged completely, in the Leadership Learning Forum process, have had a deeply beneficial, both individual and group, “magical” experience. Some of us who have facilitated this over the years [ I began it in 1984], have communicated about how/when, & under what circumstances does the “magic” occur? And what might get in its way? There is already a body of thought resulting from this quest!
During the Nov.2013, 45th annual SIMposium, hosted by the Boston SIM Chapter [superbly done!!], I began pondering a revival of this research/dialogue, as part of this current 6th phase of life, my “legacy” phase. A quest revitalized, so to speak. That would be fun for me, very absorbing, and perhaps usful in coming years to those who wish to continue providing such powerful leadership development, as I am. I will reach out again to as many of you as I can.
This ” magic” surely happens in most Forums, but also in tons of other situations! All needed now, all over, and likely more so, in the world we are inheriting. It goes way beyond I.T., of course. Our past working of this quest already has shown that
Some past contributions/perspectives from my network, are posted under “Magic”, in this growing section of my website. hopefully you’ll find it useful. Please connect with me directly with you comments
Sep 27
Having been in several all day planning/exchange sessions the last two weeks, with I.T. executive leaders and clients, three topics seemed dominant, and concerned all:
3D printing – didn’t know enough [ only hype]- unsure of real applicability in theirorganization
Rampant mobility & personalization of tech. use – especially among new hires, & high level techs!
Disappoinment in the existing architechure/standards/governance process by those two groups
Great, but diverse, subsequent discussions!!
Aug 11
Conflict resolution is a process that’s been a functional area of concern for decades. It still needs attention by all evolving leaders, in my opinion, and is often not handled well by executive leadership. In a recent session during an internal Leadership Learning Forum, lead by Henry Givray, the CEO of SmithBucklin Corporation, participants discussed, and exercised cases, as a group, developing their own capacity with this process, using superb materials which are a part of that on-going program. Most staff are not so fortunate, to be part of such unique developmental opportunities, but never-the-less have a similar need to perform better. Attached [click here] is a brief checklist of ideas for you to consider pondering, & to develop your own increased effectiveness. We all need to get better doing conflict resolution in our work, in our homes, in our communities!!
In the same LLF session, three books were reviewed, all of which are LLF “core” readings: “Blink”, “Crucial Conversations”, and “Defining Moments”], and all helped integrate different approaches to conflict ,with examples of both sucess or failure. I will share again, in coming weeks here, a brief review, of these favorite LLF books and how they connected so powerfully
Jul 15
Issues or challenges that confront “C” level leaders, wherever I am these days, often require more experience, education, or capacity than they, or their staff, has! I’ve listed 15 trends or processes [click here], which are usually co-mingled in some way, and also 5 responses, both of which help that frame such discussions, and may be relevant for your environment. It’s an overview that’s surprisingly daunting for many staff leaders today!!
Jul 04
I chose to allow a long diversion from this communication vehicle, unbelievable c. 8 months…..while helping several Retainer Clients do their own form of internal Leadership Learning Forums…and because of two quite serious, surprise, unusual surgeries while vacationing on the west coast with Barbara. Luckily we were right by Stanford Medical Center whose emergency room staff, & recovery facility, handled me superbly well over 8 days. Now having returned to Cape Cod, & largely finished careful rehabilitation, I am refocusing in my 6th life phase. The Legacy Phase . And will detail those phases, on this website, in connecting with my Legacy Representational Perspectivre Next 15 years [LRPN15], which has been shown here for the last almost 20 years! [under”My work” as E -15 year Full Plan]
Dec 17
As the year come through these Holidays, it seemed appropriate to share a broadcasted note of thankfulness and serenity. We stopped sending “Christmas cards” years ago, but not of reaching out, to connecting to many with whom we are unfortunately, no longer often in contact with. I was able to stop travelling for TDG, Inc. engagments for 6 weeks, which is increasingly a happy state! So my usual “sign -off” – Peace, Energy Strength, and Joy, in abundance, to you and all your close connections
Oct 10
36 of us shared ideas, techniques and plans for internal Leadership Learning Forums, using the historically powerful First Division Museum @ Cantigny, outside Chicago, for the third time. Very provocative talks , tours, & breakouts. Nine presentations, plus 13 client leaders with short topics, or views presented from the audience, along with my stream of comments and context, made for a unique learning experience for all. The materials posted ahead of the forum, and several since added, are all available to clients, under Cantigny, under materials 2012
Jul 22
This year we will not give out any notebooks @ the session, nor any handouts from those presenting. All materials will be posted to this website under Cantigny, under “Materials 2012”. and I will ask all attendees to bring their laptops/tablets/handhelds – whatever – to follow the agenda, take notes, search for other referenced materials, etc.
This experimental use of technologys, for us, will be different for many but is more appropriate now, in my mind, to the kind of session I have always run….i.e., intense interaction, with many new views & ideas, provoking lots of off-line follow-up!!
Get the password from me to review materials for 2012 as they are being posted now, and for 2011 also, as we retrieve them.
Jul 15
On 7/12/12, General Hal Nelson U.S.Army [Ret.] lead a dialogue about our upcoming third forum @ Cantigny, hosted by The McCormick Foundation, 10/1-2/12. His slides and other materials are available in my website. Many of the participants on the call, had been to previous sessions and articulated the value to/impact on them! The importance of preparation [ pre-reading], and the deeper insights acquired by those who attended a 2nd or 3rd time, and the fact that Cantigny is so rich/diverse/large in scope and history, that whatever you need to learn about leadership….. it’s already there! And will be clear as the session unfolds!! All were emphasized. A truly unique learning experience!!! Join in with us to contribute and to grow.
Jun 16
On 6/14, as referenced below, we discussed complexity,and sweeping continual change, and their impact on current challenges in I.T. today [see “Horizontals” below also] . There was a very relevant dialogue about “Ethics” in all our careers. Also about preparing for “The Signularity”[ i.e., having a learning plan]. And about the professional value of TDG, Inc’s Cross Industry Field Trips, e.g., Normandy , Gettysburg, Cantigny [ next 10/1-2].
Join us on 7/12 to understand more about the unique benefit of our next Cantigny Forum.
A relevant ? for everyone… with such sweeping & continual change, what doesn’t change for you??
