TheLeadershipNotebook

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

“The soul never thinks without a picture.”

~Aristotle

 

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the first stage of a strategic planning workshop for a community organization where I volunteer. The session was facilitated by Jim Haudan, CEO of Root, a company that specializes in strategy planning, execution and employee engagement.

Jim is also the author of an excellent book, The Art of Engagement, an extremely useful resource to organizations and leaders looking to take their strategy process from paper to action with employees engaged along the journey.

I’ve participated in many strategic planning sessions over my career and facilitated some as well. But the unique aspect of Root’s process (I’ve participated in more than a few that Jim has facilitated) is its emphasis on the power of a picture in each phase of the process.

An example of the impact of an image in the process is in building shared meaning among the group. Words like “excellence,” “vision” or even “strategy” mean different things to different people.

Look at these two pictures:

 

 

When you say the word “bear” two very different images can come to mind. Expanding the concept further, a bottle of aspirin (Bayer) or a baby’s “bare” bottom can be conjured up. Without clarity or shared meaning, one concept of “excellence” can mean different things to different people.

Root’s “Learning Maps,” focus on pictures, and the premise of creating shared meaning among participants, has transformed strategy and culture from large multi-national corporations to small not-for profits across the globe. 

I’m looking forward to continuing the process.

What do you think? Do you have a clear picture of where your strategy is taking you?

To your success,

Mary

 

 

Connections and Community

 

“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned

that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”

~ Dorothy Day, legendary social activist

 

This is a guest post written by Elizabeth Conlisk, Vice President of Communications and University Relations  for Big Ten Network (and, full disclosure, Elizabeth is my sister).

 

When I first moved to Chicago for my job just over five years ago, I knew one person. It didn’t really matter for about the first 11 months because I was working nonstop to help launch the Big Ten Network. Any free time was spent sleeping, working out or fulfilling family obligations. (Lots of graduations that year!)

So, when the dust settled from all that hubbub, I lifted my head up and realized that it was time to make some friends, time to build some connections in my new city and time to build my community.

 

The first thing I did was start a book club, which had been such a source of friendship back in Columbus. I’ve had the same experience here. Not only was I able to convince two of my first new friends here to join, they and others have brought their friends. And don’t tell my Columbus book club, but the Windy City Book Club is my favorite ever.

Making some connections was next on my list. I joined a couple of professional organizations and met some people who graciously introduced me to others in their networks.  I’m a part of a Midwest communicators group that consists of other PR professionals who give me insight into their worlds which can be very similar to, and very different, from mine.

 

And I frequently attend inspirational and informative talks. Chicago Ideas Week is this week and I’ve heard some amazing speakers give their views on innovation and disruption.

But building a community for myself has been a bigger challenge. I’m happy getting together one-on-one with friends and neighbors, but have wanted to connect with something bigger than myself, with others who have a shared purpose.

 

One step I took was joining the Chicago board of the Positive Coaching Alliance, which helps students, parents and coaches be “better people, better athletes.” Given the role sports played in my youth and adolescence and how it plays such an important role in my professional life, joining PCA made perfect sense. And it’s been rewarding to see our chapter grow over the past year.

I think I’m on the right track, but feel there’s more I can do to really and truly create the life I want to live.

What about you? Is your community all it can be?

Thanks for your insights, Elizabeth. 

 

To your success,

 

Mary

 

I CAN

 

“If you think you can do it or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

~Henry Ford

 

 

This image greeted me on my way into my office yesterday.

 

I just completed my first week in my new position as President of St. Ursula Academy and Junior Academy. I now work with 587 young women striving to be their very best selves and faculty and staff who are truly committed to making that happen.

This week also marks the start of high school visitation and recruitment for potential candidates to next year’s freshman class. The emotion in the building was contagious as the girls, faculty and staff showed all the best that SUA has to offer. Tours, parent meetings, and an incredible, spirit filled pep rally marked each day.

It was emotional for me as well, coming back to my alma mater and feeling a bit like I had never left. But at the same time bringing with me a lifetime of career experiences.

The theme for the week was set up by our wonderful recruitment video, “I CAN”, encouraging each girl to reach to achieve their potential, whatever that might mean for them.

 

40 years ago, as a young girl interested in pursuing accounting and business, in a then male dominated field, SUA instilled in me the belief that I CAN and now I have the opportunity to see it the eyes of these young women. And believe it myself as I take on this new and very different role.

Whether you are 16, 36 or 56, believing in yourself and striving to do what you do best is the foundation for much of life’s success.

What do you think of the picture? I thought it was a good omen.

To your success,

Mary