Well Functioning Group

What supports a group in functioning well? Is it how individual members connect with each other from the beginning? Is it whether they work “as one” or keep their individuality? We have found that JICT Images can support a group in working more effectively. Using images, as we have said many times, supports individuals and groups in getting to “the heart of the matter”. When the individuals within a group share what they really care about… both as individuals and for the group, the understanding of each individual and the connection created among all members of the group supports an effective team.

What do you believe are some of the important considerations in leading a group and how do you include them as you facilitate a group?

Language shift

• What message does your language share in the world? 
• How does it reflect your values [or not]? 
• What shift(s) are you ready to name to language your values in the world? 
• Once you’ve named them, what actions will support you to shift?

Lots to think about … move forward with compassion. It takes practice and at least 30 days to change a habit!

Synchronicity

I get a daily message from the Universe (you can too, at www.tut.com) – inspirational or thought provoking.

As I prepared to write this column, a pertinent message came one day:

What if from now on and forevermore, people stopped using the word "evil" and replaced it with "ignorance"?

Yeah, less fear, more better; global transformation. Evil, on its own, does not exist, and yes, you can fix "stupid”. Umh, interesting thing about synchronicity!

No Shoulding

Think about language again … “I love to spend time with my grandkids” vs. “I should spend time with my grandkids”. For most grandparents the former is true. Consider the difference. Loving to do something exudes an entirely different energy that “should” do something. With “love” there is ease and excitement, a sense of peace. With “should” comes guilt and stress; a sense of dread. So, in which place do you want to be, the loving place or the shoulding place?

Where are there “shoulds” in your life that you want to shift to “love”? In most cases this shift will necessitate a major life change, a declaration that I will do things VERY differently. I’m up for the shift; how about you? What image speaks “no shoulding” to you? Mine is shown here.

One way to make a shift is to choose a symbol that reflects the place you want to be … mine is soaring, peacefully in the deep blue sky. When a “should” surfaces, I bring that image into focus and ask myself, “what new awareness would empower me to shift to “love”? And then, what changes are needed to move to the “love” place?

Coaching Collaboration Connection

Mary Welch, author of Alive Aware Awake wrote about the shift in our world from competitiveness and coerciveness to collaboration and compassion. Her words resonated with me; I feel it too!

Interestingly I got a notice about the first ICF MidWest Regional Coaching Conference. Guess what the theme is? Coaching: Celebration, Collaboration, Connection! Raising the Bar. I’m encouraged to see evidence of the recognition of the need to shift to a kinder, gentler way in the world. As I watch world events, I cannot help but dream that people the world over gain recognition of the need for a change language and adopt more empowering words.

I believe that as more women more into leadership in all places in the world, we’ll continue to see this shift occur. Increased feminine energy will support creating this shift ... we are stepping up to be the change we want to see in the world. Take time to embrace gratitude and share it not only for what you have, but also for who you are

Peace through Language

I’ve noticed how many times in how many places so many people use language that is destructive. “I won the battle” in relation to weight loss. “We are on a path to win the war” … against poverty, or homelessness or breast cancer. Let’s “fight the fight” to triumph over our inadequacies.

Language is generative! Use of “battle”, “war”, “fight” is creating just that. One of my intentions for 2012 is to pay closer attention to my language, notice what it is generating and eliminate the words and phrases that are generating destruction and negativity.

Who is interested in joining me to generate more peace in the world? Post a response to share your intentions.

This image and the accompanying question speaks of peace to me. What awaits you on the other side [of “non war metaphors”]?

Secrets of Geese

Denise Hedges, Business BreakThrough Institute, recently included an article on this topic in her newsletter; it inspired me. Thank you, Denise, for reminding me that geese have so much to offer our human species; they are amazing!

The “V” formation is efficient and taps the talents of all members of the flock. Whose talent on your team has been overlooked? Inviting that team member to fully participate will benefit the entire team (never mind encouraging the person invited!).

The “V” formation also ensures that ALL team members equally share the workload. Each goose in turn takes the lead; sharing the lead [and the updraft] allows the flock to travel 70% farther than any single bird could travel in the same time. Where are the places that shared leadership would create an environment of collaboration and support? None of us can truly do it alone! Notice places where an updraft would create efficiency!

When a member of the flock is injured or ill, others stay with her until she is healed and ready to resume flight. What a lesson for each of us. Who needs support and tending on your team? In so many places in our lives, the task is the “holy grail”; we forget that it is only due to the relationships that we accomplish the tasks. Think back to a time when you realized that together we can accomplish far more than one individual alone.

Denise ended her article with a particularly poignant story I’d like to share here …

And finally, geese mate for life, looking out for each other no matter what, for a lifetime.

There's a story I've never forgotten about a hunter who shot down a goose along a windy beach. As the goose lies dying, her mate comes down and nestles beside her, covering her with his wing in a way that seemed almost human in its tenderness and loving protectiveness.

The hunter was so affected by the sight and mortified by what he'd done that he just stood there in silence, his shoulders drooped.  After a few minutes, overcome with emotion, he flung his shotgun in the water and walked away. He never hunted again.

An unbreakable bond ... what's that worth? How does knowing that you'll always have someone by your side no matter what happens change things for you?

I’d echo Denise’s observation … we can learn a lot from geese.

JICT open position

Help us Spread the Word!  JICT LLC is looking for your help … our intention for 2012 is to add a sales agent to our team! 

We are looking for a good communicator who is trustworthy, service oriented and self-motivated with connections to our target market … managers, coaches, facilitators, human resource professionals.

The position is for an independent contractor who will work on commission basis to share JICT Images, a set of evocative images with questions, [http://bit.ly/jictorderinfo OR http://bit.ly/jictorder] in the world and meet jointly established goals.



How can you help?

• Contact us if you are interested
• Pass along this opportunity to share a unique product with colleagues.
• Share our need for a sales representative with those in your networks. The ideal candidate possesses excellent sales skills and is as interested in people development as in sales.
• Publish this message on your social media sites

Who in your network can lead us to someone who would enjoy sharing a message that supports people to “get to the heart of the matter”?

Choose to Look Up

Sometimes we find ourselves in a place of sadness and we curl up in resignation.

What would it allow us if we sat up straight, even arched our backs, and looked around?

Are there other choices to make now?

Which one do you choose?

All or Nothing

Do you notice that some branches are not frozen?

Where does this fit in your life?

What does it allow for you to see that it is almost never “all or nothing”?

Are there more possibilities available to you now?

What emotions arise for you when you step back and see the whole picture?

Choosing a Path

We have a choice in the paths we take. One may appear to be a straight line to our destination. One may be uphill slightly, down hill slightly and then have a steep climb. And, one may be slightly uphill and then downhill all the way.

How do you make the choice?

Bouquet for You

Here’s a bouquet for you… fitting for February and Valentines Day.

Which tulip are you?

How do you “fit in”?

Are you one of the bunch or the one hanging out to the side?

Where in your life do you desire to be the purple one and where do you desire to be one of the bunch?

With Someone

Who do you want to walk with in 2012?

We have a choice in who shares the different domains in our life. We have a choice in how we walk on the path with that person… together or apart. What actions can you take now that will support whatever it is you desire in your relationships?