It’s Sunday night and I just finished up a killer few days of team building programs with the Websense International Best Sellers.  Today was a Search and Rescue Simulation on snowmobiles in the Togwotee Wilderness. Yesterday was a combination of ZOOM and Teaming with GPS – Urban. The day before that was a unique sled-building slalom course event. No pictures at the moment~ but you can imagine!  The group was very eclectic international bunch from places like Brazil, Scotland, Sweden, Canada, HongKong, and of course, New Jersey. Many folks had never seen snow before!  The program was really about the incentive and relationship building through a series of amazing Grand Dynamics Jackson Hole Experiences. As with all of our events, I am continuously reminded of the one characteristic that makes all our events so great. ADAPTABILITY.  The ability to monitor the group, balance the needs of multiple clients (participants, Meeting planners, 3rd party vendors) and adjust on the fly is a hallmark of Grand Dynamics programs.  Timing, Weather, Site, Participant and Meeting Planner Expectations and Staff insights and communcation all come into play. 

I am also continuously reminded that my work is a direct metaphor of my life.  The ability to begin with the end in mind while maintaining a hightened sense of awareness and thus be able to adapt is a critical component of PRACTICE.  Develop Sensory Acquity and notice what is working, and what might need to be shifted to achieve your desired end result!

How are YOU adapting?

Check out this exciting preview of Bring it Back!.  This is a short, about a minute and a half, video that provides a peek into the 2006-2007 adventure that took me to Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia and Russia.  The trip was a quest for Self Actualization, and my search for the question of HOW PEOPLE LIVE TO THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL – World-wide.  This trip was a pivotal follow-up effort to donate funds I had raised for the Thailand Tsunami which I experienced December 26, 2004.  The quest included a first ascent of a remote wall in the jungles of Cambodia, a line which we dubbed, The Spirit of Mokwai.  This adventure was feature in Climbing Magazine’s annual EPIC edition in 2007, highlight the most EPIC CLIMBS of the year.  Thanks to Scott Fessler, life-long friend and independent film-maker, musician and writer in San Francisco who put this together. We are seeking a production company to support the development of the remainder of this film.  It is an incredible story, and one which needs to be shown to the world!  It is a perfect example of LIVING OUT the continuous life of SEEKING TRUE NORTH!  Please contact us for additional information.

ENJOY!

Here’s the idea in brief that I gleaned from the Harvard Business Review,  January 2009 edition on Transforming Leaders.  New leaders in an organization often focus on the quick win. However, in doing so, it is easy to fall into traps which paradoxically undercut what it is they are trying to achieve. 

One research study of 5,400 new leaders and their managers revealed that those who scored a quick win scored 20% higher their overall success in their new role. This research showed that, among the high performing leaders, on attribute stood out – a focus on results.   Of course this all makes sense, right?  The question is, HOW does one go about achieving those wins and avoid the potential quick-win pitfalls?

According to Mark Van Buren and Rodd Safferstone of Corporate Executive Board, there are five pitfalls to avoid, which include: Focusing too heavily on the details, reacting negatively to criticism, intimidating others, jumping to conclusions and micromanaging. In achieving the win-win, the new leader must shift their focus to their INDIVIDUAL quick win to the COLLECTIVE win.  As Muhammad Ali said it so eloquently in the shortest poem ever written, “Me-We.”  In creating that collective win, the leader engages with other key players in the organization and thus BUILDS the TEAM.  How can you tell if the quick win is a successful one?  It should demonstrate the following characteristics: 

VALUE:  The project either increases revenue or reduces costs.

FEASIBILITY: The project can be completed in a timely manner without distracting other team members from their daily tasks and without new resources.

COLLECTIVE IMPACT:  All team members are proud to cite their contribution toward the project and can see how they helped achieve the “win.”

OPPORTUNITY FOR THE LEADER TO ENGAGE: The project required the new leader to seek input from direct reports, peers and managers. 

OPPORTUNITY FOR THE LEADER TO LEARN:  In the course of the project, the new leader learns about the team dynamics, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations of the team members.

As new leaders engage in an organization and create a positive impact, remember to clarify not only the desired end results, but also the process in which you will create them!

INTRODUCTION:  Today is another beautiful day. I am in the Sacramento airport, complete with free wireless :o), heading back home to Jackson.  I feel relaxed and at peace.  This morning I had a great run, and to my surprise was exposed to some rare Metro-California wildlife.  15 turkeys roosting in a tree all started googling-gobbling LOUDLY at once as I ran through the wooded trail along the American River! They were huge and some had the full tail fanned out.  I have never seen that before.  I contemplated what that meant and why i saw them all… then remembered all the times in life I have been called a TURKEY – HA!, about the Thanksgiving Paradox (Black Swan Reference), and then the mind kept rolling…. that’s another story!     I am HERE, NOW, and take 10 long, meditative breaths and celebrate being alive on this planet. 

AT THE METRO:    Holly and I had a blast greeting and talking with Sacramento people non-stop for 5 hours!  At one point, we had about 25 people surrounding table-top initiative station working on the Great Nail Balance, spinning the Buzz Ring, and engaging in lively conversation derived from the Thumb Network Ball! Sweet. It was great to hear comments like, “Grand Dynamics is definitely the funnest booth here”,  ”This is really great to have a company like Grand Dynamics in Sacramento”, “When can we get together to plan something” and “Wow, I need this for myself – and my company!”

STN OPEN ENROLLMENT EXCITEMENT:  Our Seeking True North open enrollment event in Grass Valley April 21-23 was quite a popular topic and I am excited to see many of the people I met there for a few days of inspired focused personal and business development. To those California people reading this that  I met – send me an email and let me know you are planning to come!

CA ECONOMIC CHALLENGE AND RESPONSE:    California, like most places right now, is filled with businesses that are challenged.  However, business representatives mostly remained optimistic that there they would make it through these though times.  And the general consensus at the expo was that it would require WORKING TOGETHER. Certainly internally with an inspired staff operating on full cylinders, but also externally with businesses supporting other businesses to further each other’s goals.  This is one theme that has become more and more apparant, and necessary, in challenging economy. COMMUNITY and working together in a way that businesses support each other. Certainly there is the exchange of goods or services, but the deeper question is how can we support each other in the BIG PICTURE of business economics.   Keep your eye out for opportunities to network and support each other.   When contracting with another company, is there a potential for a MUTUAL EXCHANGE so that both companies benefit?  What referrals can each of you provide for one another?  How can you help someone else as you further your own goals?   When we rebound out of the economic challenges, will you be proud of how you MAINTAINED COMPOSURE, CREATED INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS,  SUPPORTED OTHERS, or will have you just barely “made it through” AT ANY COST?

Today I awoke in Denver Colorado after playing percussion at a live show
last night with my great friend Ivan Huber and his band – Art Compost and
the Word Mechanics. Our music was the instrumental jam-band and warm up
for the Poetry Slam – where random people would perform poetry to our
eclectic instrumental fusion.  It was a great way to finish up this stint
in Colorado and another vivid example of people living out their passion
through artistic expression.

Last week was largely spent in Colorado with the national and
international GDI team at a “unconference” called NCCPS.  The format for
this conference is quite intriguing.  The format is known as Open Space
and essentially involves participants arriving at the conference with NO
SET SCHEDULE.  Have you ever been to a conference with NO SET SCHEDULE?

What an incredible concept!

About 200 experiential educators converged in Boulder Colorado to discuss
the art and science of experiential learning including leadership,
facilitation, work, play and team dynamics. I love this conference because
it provides the platform for participants to present and discover the most
important topics in their personal and professional growth.  The entire
agenda for the conference is created in the first 2 hours of the 3 day
conference.  This occurs by participants proposing that the time slots be
filled with Presentations (a ready-to-go presentation) Workshops (a
facilitated seminar with expertise provided upon request by the presenter)
Discussions (facilitated conversation or activity around topics of
interest) and I NEED (topics that participants want to have someone else
present on.)   This provides the platform for presenters to try new things
and get feedback from the audience and to really dive into the topics that
are most important.  Each day the conference schedule is revisited and
topics updated.

Grand Dynamics had an excellent presence and delivered several
presentations including The Master Facilitator (Holly Baade), New Games
and Activities (Will Leggett), Creating International Initiatives to
Change the World (Josh Morris) and of course, SEEKING TRUE NORTH!
I was inspired by our industry greats like Chris Cavert and Sam Sikes and
the plethora of facilitators I was lucky to meet for the first time, many
who have the potential to join the ranks for Grand Dynamics contract
facilitators. One cool workshop even included how to design and deliver a
team building workshop where participants find, build a GIANT CATAPULT!
(technically it’s a Trebuchet :o)!

Thanks to Tom Leahy and the whole NCCPS crew and to everyone that SHOWED UP.  I am looking forward to the drive home today and reflecting on all the great things in life and all the new opportunities that continue to
unfold for Grand Dynamics. And also looking forward to strategization of
the ACTION!  The energy and vibe is positive and the universe continues to
offer magical connections.

As I said in my NCCPS closing comments, There
is Genius and Boldness in ACTION. Whatever you can dream to do, do it NOW.
For Success is reserved for those that SEEK IT OUT.  Happy Hunting!

Here it is!  For the past 8 years, Grand Dynamics has partenered with the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) to provide the Spring Creek Annual Incoming Chapter President’s Leadership Advance. Comprised of mostly CFOs of large construction companies, these leaders come to Jackson Hole for a 4 day Grand Dynamics training and development experience. The business results and ROI of this program have been featured in the New York Times.  Watch for yourself as construction industry leaders comment about CFMA, Grand Dynamics, and the power of the Seeking True North models methods and tools.  The following questions/comments are addressed in this interview series.

1. How can a Spring Creek Program benefit an incoming Chapter President?  

2. Describe your Grand Dynamics experience.

3. How will this training impact your personal or professional life?

4. Describe the effectiveness of the Seeking True North Models, Methods and tools.

5. During challenging economic times, why is it important to invest in team building and leadership development?

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Thank-you to Mike Molaro, the CFMA team and all the incredible Chapter Presidents we have had the joy to share insightful and impactful learning experiences.  Thanks to Cal Beyer and Arch Insurance for their continuous support of this program. Thanks to Master Erick Erickson and Master Josh Morris, the Grand Dynamics facilitators I have been lucky to work with over the years. Thanks to the following 2009 Incoming Chapter Presidents for their interview:

Christopher Zaucha – Philadelphia; Sonya Quazchnick – Dallas/Forth Worth; Catherine Granger – Las Vegas; Bryan Johnson – Georgia; Jason Henley – CFMA National Chairperson; David Whiteman – Houston; Jeremy Vokt – Nebraska; Jack Geiffels – San Diego; Melissa Turner – Last Frontier; Larry True – New York; Charles Tasto – Arch Insurance Group Sponsor