Dayna's Blog

Never waste a crisis....

2009-08-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

I recently heard author, speaker and pastor John Ortberg address the challenge of making the most of tough times. It is the 'topic de jour' these days. Most of us have experienced one kind of crisis or another - be it illness, job loss or something else. And, how we respond to those crises can often have dramatic impact on the trajectory of our lives going forward. In light of the current economic crisis, where unemployment remains high even as many companies and the markets begin to rebound, individuals are still hurting. Millions remain either unemployed or underemployed. This morning, on Good Morning America, Diane Sawyer interviewed special contributor, Tory Johnson. She has just released a book titled, Fired to Hired. I have not read the whole book yet myself, but after watching Diane's interview and reading the Amazon.com details, it's safe to say that this book encourages readers to use their pink slip as a way to start over.

Tory talked to Diane about her own story and how the experience of being fired actually opened the doors for her to go and do something she really loved. I recently spoke to a friend who told me an incredibly sad story of a guy who washes cars. That's his job. Any guess how much he makes for each car he washes? Eighteen cents. That's it. Obviously, he is having a really hard time feeding his 3 young children or paying his bills. So, he's thinking about starting his own car washing business. And, if he feels that he's good at washing cars and he is passionate about starting his own business - then he should! What appears at first glance as a crisis (a travesty, to be sure) could actually force him to take some short-term risks that pay-off in the end.

At Larcen, we not only help companies and individuals manage through periods of change and uncertainty. But, we also work to help those same individuals and companies to leverage strengths and build upon passions. This may sound both simplistic and optimistic, but my guess is that one of the defining characteristics of those who emerge from this tough time, even stronger, will be that they're doing something they're better at than anyone else and they're passionate about their work! If there were ever a time for this kind of investment - in a firm or in yourself, the time is now.

Clay Christensen has done extensive research on disruptive technology, and the stage has indeed been set for companies to emerge with bold, new ideas that redefine the way we think about and use certain products or services. These ideas may come from start-ups or they may emerge even from large firms that resist the temptation of feelings of entitlement or attempt to externalize blame. These, among others, are some of the reasons that Jim Collins outlines in his book, that great companies sometimes fail. On the other hand, the subtitle to his book is, 'and why some companies never give in'. From this, there's a ray of hope that some companies can resist these temptations and successfully fight to survive....and, maybe, even thrive.

If individuals and companies are to emerge from a crisis, even stronger than before, then they must not only build upon strengths, developing new products/services that are in some fashion 'disruptive', striving along the way to avoid pitfalls of the likes that Collins outlines....if they are to emerge, then the last requirement is that of resilience.

When I was young, there was a phrase some would use, 'if it doesn't kill you, it can only make you stronger'. I'm not sure that's 100% true, but I think there is some wisdom in learning from tough situations, rather than allowing trials to perpetually put you in the position of 'victim'. Psychologists Karen Reivich and Andrew Shatte have written a book called, The Resilience Factor. Their book is based upon the idea that your thinking style determines your resilience. And, thus, you can increase your resilience by changing the way you think about adversity. They offer a variety of different thinking strategies that can help in this effort. One is called the ABC's. In a nutshell...

ABC's Stand For:

A stands for ADVERSITY (what pushes your buttons)
B stands for your inherent BELIEFS about life (triggers your responding actions/feelings)
C stands for CONSEQUENCES

The ABC Model in Practice

We can't avoid A's
If we analyze and 'revamp' our B's the result will be
Our C's will improve which leads to greater personal peace and happiness

At heart, I am an optimist. While I try to simultaneously maintain a firm grip on the realities of life, I prefer to look at the world with a 'glass is half-full' approach. And, thus, I am optimistic about the future. I do believe that individuals and companies will come out of these crises stronger than before. But, I know it not be an easy process! Along the way, we'll see some great companies who simply can't resist the temptations that inevitably lead to failure. From those ashes, perhaps new start-ups lead by people determined to finally do what they really love will emerge. No matter where we are - at a big company, a start-up or even if we're a mom at home raising young kids - we can all use this time to boost our resilience factor and build upon the things we love and can do better than anyone else! That's one way to never waste a crisis.

Developing Young Leaders

2009-07-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

Image by Wesley Fryer via Flickr

I have always had a passion for developing young leaders. They have energy. They have passion. If nothing else - they are our future. Yet, it is astonishing to me the disconnects between the world filled with grown-up leaders, and the generation that will one day take-over the reigns of leadership.

I am currently working on a few projects, related to youth leadership organizations. They do a great job in their own right, inspiring, teaching and motivating youth. Part of my job has been the link some of the tools we traditionally use for business executives and make them applicable and relevant for young people. What has astonished me along the way is the lack of information, re: articles, books, etc., on how to best develop young leaders. If you search under amazon for 'developing leaders and youth' most of the results that come back are actually related to 'youth ministry (church) leaders'. And, mind you, a few authors do this very well, borrowing typically business lingo, like 'alignment' or 'focus'. One book was even titled, 'Youth Ministry Management Tools'. They seamlessly blend these themes with those of 'purpose,' 'passion,' and 'relationships/community'. Kudos to churches for being more focused on this issue of developing leaders within their own ministries than the mainstream! True, there have been some great books written for the adult audience - like Bowling Alone byRobert Putnam, which brilliantly discusses the need for community. But, it seems to me that there is a great opportunity to do two things:

First, whether it's a youth ministry at a church or just a youth leadership organization - there are some great lessons that we in the adult world can learn. We can learn about their passion, about their desire to connect and form relationships (whether with each other or God). In the corporate world, we like to separate 'work' from 'pleasure' - as if work should be the mundane (maybe, even uncomfortable) existence we tolerate simply for a paycheck at the end of the week. Why do we settle? Are there not the same desires throughout life for passion or community? Are only the young allowed to enjoy both and are we so much the better for becoming both so mature as well as so constrained in our adulthood?

Second, it's a shame that you can't find more literature on developing young leaders. Where are the studies on what works in terms of developing their strengths/passions and successfully applying them to a career path? We have plenty of books on helping them pick a college, but what about the preceding step of developing a greater sense of self-awareness? Why do we wait until an executive is 20 years into his career, completely burned out and disillusioned, and then we step in with tools that help him understand himself and how he can better align his strengths/weaknesses with the right occupation. Why do we wait? Where are the books on developing a new generation of leaders? Do we think that the young will simply figure this out on their own? It's no wonder that they so often think we don't care....do we?

So, I am very excited about these projects. In part, I am thrilled because I love working with young people (even if it does make realize how much has changed since I was in high school). More importantly, I feel that there is a great need here. Sure, there are internships programs and collaborations between universities and businesses a plenty. But, I'm talking about something more fundamental here - this is not about businesses gleaning the best and brightest for themselves. This is about developing tools that can help young people ensure that they're on the right path. I know this is not an exact science and I have no allusions that even if given the tools that all teens are going to magically turn into great leaders. I do believe, though, that we can do better and that we'll ALL benefit - from the teens themselves to the businesses that eventually hire them. And, while we're trying to teach them a thing or two about leadership...maybe we can also take a moment to learn from them.

What works?

2009-06-29T11:44:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

My MBA thesis explored the topic of 'what actually works' when it comes to training Asian executives. I was living in Taiwan at the time, hence my focus on this particular demographic group. It was an interesting question for those of us who are in the world of training and consulting to actually ponder. With all that we do to help others learn, are they actually growing? Are they changing?

I am so excited about the endless possibilities that Web 2.0 presents when it comes to training resources. There are so many more options than when I did my MBA research. The ability to access information, share information, track learning - all of these types of tools are now more readily available. But, again I come back to this question of 'what works'?

There were many lessons from my thesis research. But, a couple of them were actually related to the topic of a recent blog posting in which I shared an article from Nicholas Kristof. The commonality between his findings and my own is this one of commitment. When a person is driven and committed to learn/grow - they do! In the case of an executive, other factors come into play - like the individual's boss/supervisor and the company culture. Whether or not these factors are also aligned around the development goals and supportive of them are key.

And so we get back to Web 2.0. As learning environments become even more flexible, does learning become easier.... for either the student or the teacher???? And, even if the learning process is somewhat easier....is it any better??? I hope the answer to both of these is 'yes'. I hope that the learning process becomes easier and that the biproducts of those learning efforts is actually longer lasting personal growth.

Me and just about every other consultant out there is trying to get ahead with our blogs, our twitter sites, online learning systems - you name it. Hopefully, it's all for the 'greater good'. At the end of the day, I still think we'll be left with the same question of, 'do you want to learn' and 'are you committed to the process'.

Just a thought....

The benefits of juggling work and family

2009-06-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I was very surprised to read an article, summarizing the results of a study done on mothers juggling work and family. The full text of the article is below. In a nutshell, those of us who are working on a customer presentation while getting a toddler a bowl of cheerios are actually healthier than those who are full time homemakers.

What do you think? If you try to juggle both work and family responsibilities, do you see any physical health benefits? What about the emotional/psychological factors? This study did not include those. Do you find that the balancing act is worthwhile in the end? Or, do you do it simply because you have to pay the bills?

Here's the full text of the article:

Busy moms do better?

A research study published in 2006 found that women who juggle a career, marriage, and parenthood tend to be healthier than homemakers, single mothers, and childless women. A team of researchers analyzed self-reported health records of more than 2000 women provided first at age 26 and later at age 54. The analysis showed that homemakers were more likely to report poor health, followed by single mothers and women without children. Homemakers also reported the highest rate of obesity, while women who were mothers, wives, and employees reported the lowest.

Keep in mind, however, that large studies of population groups, known as epidemiologic research, draw large conclusions. While this study, like others of its kind, reveals a broad trend, individual women may find that their own lives contradict the statistics: many women who are able to choose not to work outside their homes report good health and do not suffer from obesity. On the other hand, women who are concerned that being employed while mothering small children may be too stressful can be encouraged by the results that show, on average, juggling the two seems to help keep women active and in good health.

This article, titled 'Your toddler: Managing work' was published on 6/22/09 as part of the Good Samaritan Hospital's weekly email publications.

Your IQ can only take you so far....

2009-06-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

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I have to confess that it gives me just a tiny bit of satisfaction to look back on a few of my former classmates and see that not all of those who were the 'teacher's pet' or 'destined to save the world' have in fact attained such glory. As it turns out, IQ can only take you so far.

Nicholas Kristof recently wrote a fascinating article on this topic, debunking some common myths and also shedding some light on the factors that really make a difference in the end. I highly recommend reading the whole article. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/opinion/07kristof.html But, if you want to save a few seconds I'll tell you what his research concludes: hard work and determination are what make the difference.

One of the other interesting elements to this that of ethnicity/race. He not only shares some statistics on groups like Jews or Asian-Americans, who typically do well in academic settings. But, he then adds an interesting twist. Did you know that even when you have your typical white student, with a certain IQ and then compare him with an Asian American student of a LOWER IQ, the Asian American student will still do better! Why? Kristof goes back to his original argument that within certain groups, we can see that a value for education combined with the sheer grit and determination to do well - which can actually win the day in the end....even if you don't have the highest IQ.

I read Kristof's article from a unique personal perspective - I am, myself, white. My husband, is Chinese. And, growing up, I also had lots of Asian-American friends who did fall into that typical stereo-type of over-achievers with high IQ's. I do think many of them had the benefits of 'nature' - most had parents who were obviously bright, boasting careers in medicine, banking or law. But, I have to also concede that most also worked very hard. In their families, this was a 'given'. Failure was never an option; doing well at school was always paramount.

This was likewise the case with my husband's family. He was born into poverty. But, as the title of Lee Kuan Yew's book explains, Singapore jumped from a 3rd world country to a 1st world leader in a period of less than 50 years. (Interestingly, Lee Kuan Yew himself believed that 'nature' trumped 'nurture' but that's a topic for another blog....) My husband wittnessed this transformation before his eyes. And, like so many other Singaporeans, he knew that education was the key for his future and for the future of the nation. He always worked hard. He never looked to someone else for a handout or a shortcut - he was simply driven to change the course of his life. And, he did. And, so did his brothers and sister. All are very successful today. Their parents have only a grade school education, but they set the example of hard work and then encouraged them to change their own fate through the doors that could be opened with a college degree.

I am one of those people who believes that education should be one of the highest priorities for our nation. And, I also think that education is a life-long endeavor, which means that even those of us in offices with our diplomas on the wall should continue the pursuit of knowledge. Far too many in America do not even have the opportunity for a decent education. Even more, fail to fully leverage what they DO have. Kristof shows through his research and statistics that you can go far in life if you simply work hard. I believe that the follow-on to Kristof's insights is that we cannot afford to wait for society or government to fix all the problems. We must roll-up our sleeves and do the best we can with what we've got.

I am currently working on a project for high school youth. One of the messages or learnings that I hope to pass to them is that you can go far in life, if you are driven and committed. If you have any other thoughts on this, do share them!

Above the White Noise

2009-06-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

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The term, 'white noise' was coined sometime between 1965 and 1970. It's used to describe the steady, unobtrusive sounds that mask other unwanted noises. White noise can be useful when it drones out an unwanted sound, but in the world of online information it seems that there's an awful lot of 'white noise' that makes it hard to hear what needs to be heard.

These days, you're a step behind if you don't have your own blog, twitter account, etc. And, while the plethora of information - from individuals, companies, organizations - you name it - is great, it can also be a little overwhelming. It creates a kind of online 'drone' that almost makes it hard to sort out the those ideas that are truly 'cutting edge' and 'fresh', from those that are, frankly, worthless. Don't get me wrong - I think that the internet has probably been more good than bad. It has been one of the greatest equalizers of our time.

And, I suspect (and I hope), that the 'next big thing' for the web will be tools that somehow make it easier to sift out quality content from online trash. I, for one, don't want the white noise of the internet to drone out the people, ideas, products and solutions that can make a positive difference.

This idea of 'hearing' and synthesizing is actually one of the key senses that Daniel Pink identifies as a high-concept aptitude that will be increasingly critical for personal and professional success. He distinguishes synthesizing from just analyzing, stating that with the former, you can see patterns and relationships. According to Pink, neuroscience research shows that this kind of simultaneous, symphonic thinking occurs in the right hemisphere of the brain. And, how do we develop this kind of thinking? Drawing. No joke. Pink's book is titled, 'A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future'. I like the title. I like the message. Why? Because I am definitely a 'right brained' person. But, drawing? I cannot say that I am an artist. A musician, maybe. I did take music lessons long ago. I'm not sure if that counts.

What I do know, is that Pink is right in his assertion that we need to collectively work on this notion of symphonic thinking - sifting out of the rubble the great ideas and then masterfully assembling them into meaningful and fresh new approaches.

With this new blog, I add my voice to the online chatter. I certainly hope that it doesn't simply add to the volume of 'white noise' but can, perhaps, rise above with a few new perspectives and ideas along the way.

The Popcorn Man

2009-06-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

I am new to California. I was born in the Midwest, and since then my personal and professional life have collectively taken me on a journey around the globe. One of the things I love about this part of the country, is the wide array of farmer's markets. California has such a wide variety of produce. I addition to the fruits and veggies, we have recently become fond of a freshly made kettlecorn that they sell at the market. There's a man who we always see. He never seemed very cheerful on past visits. It was hard work, I imagine....standing over that big kettle, the California heat beating down, stirring kernels of corn for hours on end. Today, something was different. The popcorn man had a smile on his face. Quickly, the reason became self-evident. He had gotten a device for the the big kettle that with the simple flip of a switch, would stir the big kettle automatically. The 'pain' had been taken out of his job. Now, all he needed to do was cheerfully scoop out the bags of hot popcorn to happy customers.

At farmers' markets and in offices, there are a lot of people out there waiting for the day that someway somehow, someone will take the 'pain' out of their job. For some, maybe they're in the wrong job. For others, maybe it's a matter of making some simple changes - like automating certain functions. Whatever the situation, I think the most fulfilling part of my job is helping people figure out how they can be more fulfilled and more successful at their job.