Paddling The Rapids


N e w s l e t t e r  January 8, 2010  

IN THIS ISSUE:
Logbook
Resupply
Reading the Waters
Steering the Course
Guidebook
Navigation Tools


 LOGBOOK

Deb Carol color


New Year's resolutions can seem shallow and without verve.  But setting a personal agenda for something that thrills me is a different type of goal setting altogether.  This year I have started a Robert Fritz teleclass - in part because the content of his work is inspiring (Path of Least Resistance) and in part because I am curious about how the technology works with this type of professional development.  I'll report to you on what I'm learning as a form of personal accountability.  Also, this year I turn 60 and have challenged myself with training for a triathlon (sprint level) next August.  So, here it is, in print - another strategy to keep on track.  What is on your 2010 list that is inspiring you?



Carol 




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RESUPPLY

The Spirit of Ubuntu

Narrated by Former South African Deputy Minister of Health Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, this 7 minute video is best summed up in the translation of its title, Ubuntu: "I am because you are." Ubuntu is a way of seeing the world, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, and honoring those relationships. It is also a way of being in the world, and living our lives with the understanding that, in fact, we are our brothers and sisters keeper.

Ubuntu takes the idea that "It takes a village to raise a child" and expands it to the truth that it takes all of us helping each other to make the world a better place.


 





Scouting?

For more information,
to engage us in a dialogue about your learning goals for 2010, and/or to schedule a 30-minute, sample, coaching-session,
click here to email us.
















































Water drop Reading the waters
 
How do we nurture our own inherent curiosity and love of learning?  I pondered this question as I watched how intently my two-and-a-half year old nephews worked on learning new words and colors.   As leaders we want to lead learners - smart thinkers who are eager to learn.  How can we create organizational cultures where staff, board and constituents continuously stretch themselves and share new ideas?  We become models when we are inspired and engaged in our own learning.  What intrigues you?  How can you light sparks that invite others to join in?  In this new year commit to getting your own creative juices going.  The Daring to Lead study of executive directors recommends peer networks to support leaders in learning new approaches. It also encourages leaders to develop a leaderfull organization as a succession planning strategy.  Also, I am intrigued with the growing Pecha Kucha movement which emerged from the design world in 2003 and is a playful and effective way to share  ideas (each person presents 20 slides for 20 seconds each).  Portland will host a Pecha Kucha on February 18th at SPACE alternative arts venue, 538 Congress Street. Doors open at 6:30 pm and presentations begin at 7:20 pm.  Brunswick, Vinalhaven and other Maine locations have venues - check the website for a location near you.  Go for the inspiration.  Amazing things are being created right here, right now.  Perhaps you would be inspired to present your ideas!  Perhaps it will spark an idea in you!

How can we create a culture of continuous learning and sharing ideas?  Consider inspiring yourself and leading others to do the same in 2010.


 Water drop Steering the Course

 
Curious about what Deb and Carol are designing for 2010?
Join our free conference call on Tuesday, January 19, 4-4:45PM , 1-518-825-1300, code 271884# to learn more.

We will be sharing upcoming events, groups, and learning opportunities. Please join in and let us know what you want for your professional growth and that of your board members and staff.  What can we do for you?

Coming up:
 PADDLING THE RAPIDS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS IN THE LEWISTON AREA, Thursday, January 14, 10-11AM, 97 Blake Street, Lewiston, at the Center for Wisdom's Women.  Join with other executives in this free information session to discuss the power of a peer colleague group and when one might be launched to serve your needs.

THRIVING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES, January 26, 9am-noon. This MANP SkillBuilder is designed specifically to support the leadership sustainability of first-time executive directors with less than four years experience.
It takes tremendous courage to step into nonprofit leadership today. The forces of change, whether they be funding, economic volatility, community loyalty, or increased need, keep leaders in Class IV rapids. Can you enjoy the ride? How are you steering? Join us in this half-day SkillBuilder to learn some time-tested survival strategies, chart a personalized course for sustainability, add new and essential tools to your skill-kit, and meet colleagues on the journey who are familiar with the challenges.This SkillBuilder will include:
Practical tips for working with staff and board
The opportunity to build a value-added network of colleagues
A plan for personal/professional sustainability, and peer consultations on relevant issues
Fee: Member: $50, NonMember: $100
Location: Unum Learning Center, South Portland
Register now:  MANP

SHIFTING THE BALANCE. Often our professional lives require our attention to be diffused in so many directions that our personal and professional goals get put to the side. It is easy to get out of balance. We are offering facilitated groups (4-6 participants) to focus on shifting into better balance. Over the course of five two-hour sessions, participants will identify and commit to taking actions that are critically important to them but are continuously overlooked. Sessions 1-4 will be focused on setting intentions, identifying values, and designing actions that will move us in the desired direction. Tools for planning, accountability, and support will be key components.  Collaboration and peer consultations will be included where useful.

The first four meetings will occur every other week for two hours. The fifth and final session will be scheduled a month later for check-in, peer support, accountability, and tune-ups. Is there something that you have been wanting to move forward in your life? Are you looking to re-adjust for more balance?

This group is open to anyone in any role who is interested; it will start after 4 individuals have registered.  We will collaborate on setting dates that work for everyone. Fee: $250.  Location: teleconference, Augusta, and Portland. Contact Carol with your interest/questions or to register.

STRENGTHENING YOUR SKILLS AS A BOARD CHAIR: Board chair consultation groups. Board chairs are volunteers with significant responsibility for the oversight, stewardship, and planning for the sustainability of their nonprofit.  Meet with other board chairs in a facilitated and confidential forum to expand your knowledge about your role, build a toolkit of resources to maximize your effectiveness, and discuss issues of relevance.  Each session will use a combination of best practice presentation, discussion, peer consultations and case study inquiry.  Sign up now and take your board leadership to the next level.  4 sessions, 2-hours per session, meets monthly.  Forward this newsletter to your board chair.
Cost: $250 - a $150 deposit will reserve a place for you.  Each group is limited to six participants.
Portland: 5-7PM; Wednesdays, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2
Bangor: 4-6PM, Tuesdays, April 13, May 11, June 1, June 29







 GPositive Nouidebook
Join your colleagues in a lively facilitated discuss about the book, Immunity to Change. Discussions take place in Portland and Bangor,  February 2nd and 16th, from 4-6PM and by teleconference on February 11th and 24th, from 4-6PM.  Do you have immunity to change?  Try the brief self-inventory on Kegan and Kahey's website to find out.

In Immunity to Change, authors Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey show how our individual habits and mindsets, along with the collective norms and beliefs in our organizations, combine to create an overwhelming immunity to change. The authors go on to show us what we can do to overcome these forces. 

Sign up now for a book group discussion!  Discussions are happening in Portland, Bangor, and through teleconference.


Water drop Navigation Tool

"It is easier to tone down a wild idea than to think up a new one."- Alex Osborne

Osborne is credited as the originator of brainstorming.  He was a Madison Avenue advertising executive in the 1950's. Since then the technique has been used, overused, studied and researched.  Many have taken issue with its effectivness as it was originally designed and its misuse as a tool.  However, when it works it can unleash tremendous creativity and remove barriers to positive momentum.

Brainstorming on your own can have many benefits - goal setting is only one of them.  Consider mindmaps when brainstorming.  Mindmaps allow the free flow of information to be linked and organized in a visual template that is created as you brainstorm.  There are many types of mindmaps and templates available online that are worth exploring.

A mindmap template creates an interconnected web. To make notes on a subject or to brainstorm your thrilling goals for 2010 using a Mind Map, draw it in the following way: Write the title of the topic you're exploring in the center of the page, and draw a circle around it. As you come across major subdivisions or subheadings of the topic (or important facts that relate to the subject) draw lines out from this circle. Label these lines with these subdivisions or subheadings. As you "burrow" into the subject and uncover another level of information (further subheadings, or individual facts) belonging to the subheadings above, draw these as lines linked to the subheading lines. Finally, for individual facts or ideas, draw lines out from the appropriate heading line and label them. As new information is discovered, link it in to the Mind Map appropriately. A complete Mind Map may have main topic lines radiating in all directions from the center. Sub-topics and facts will branch off these, like branches and twigs from the trunk of a tree. You do not need to worry about the structure produced, as this will evolve as you develop your mind map.

There are numerous websites with templates and software programs with mind mapping solutions.  If you find this useful - explore more.
 
Upcoming Events

January 14 /10:00 AM / Explore starting a Paddling the Rapids Forum in Lewiston /contact Klara Tammany, Center for Wisdom's Women 513-3922

January 19 / 4-4:45PM /  Paddling the Rapids Information Conference Call (see above for number)
 
January 26 / 9AM-noon /  Thriving in Uncertain Times / MANP Skillbuilder / UNUM, Portland

February 2 & 23 / 4-6PM / Immunity to Change / book discussion group / Portland, Bangor

February 11 & 24 / 4-6PM / Immunity to Change / book discussion / teleconference

February / webinar / Adjust-Re-Adjust: The Geography of Balance / to be announced

March / Portland & Bangor / Strengthening your Skills as a Board Chair: Board chair consultation groups / 4 sessions / info above




 
... learning is a place where paradise can be created.--bell hooks
Contact Info

Carol Carriuolo | carol@paddlingtherapids.com |  207.781.9816
Deb Burwell | deb@paddlingtherapids.com | 207.338.2162