LOGBOOK
It seems as if the word connection has been tenaciously linked to technology as we scramble to understand the what, how, when and why of the growing social networking mediums. Fan pages, tweets, blogs, nings, moodles, and more. ...... How is that working for you? Do you feel connected? Media pushes the importance, relevance, and necessity of these networks. I arm wrestle myself with my curiosity, desire, and resistance to connecting through my computer screen. So, we press on, experimenting, asking you questions about value and are now perched to launch a blog. I look forward to the opportunity to write, with purpose. But mostly, I look forward to sitting around the table and tapping into the deep well of our ingenuity, desire, innovation, vision, and vulnerability. It is here, unplugged, that I feel most connected.
Carol
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RESUPPLY
Is Social Media a Fad?
Or is it the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution? Watch this 4 1/2 minute video which details social media facts and figures that are hard to ignore. This video is produced by Erik Qualman, the author of Socialnomics.
What do you think?
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Scouting?
For more information,
to engage us in a dialogue about connection, and/or to schedule a free 30-minute, sample, coaching-session,
click here to email us.
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 Reading the waters
How are you connected? This question is rooted in what we have experienced working with scores of leaders who are embedded in layers of relationships within their organizations. The fact is that many leaders feel isolated. Yes, isolated. The positional authority has created barriers, real and imagined, to connection. These leaders may be in a variety of positions - executive directors, board chairs, supervisors. Many feel like they, alone, are carrying the weight of the organization (paddling solo, so to speak), unable to surface their deep musings while attending back-to-back meetings, responding to email and phone calls, and tending to the infinite demands. Our ethic is that leaders need others in the boat with them, paddling together. Board chairs and executive directors can form powerful alliances in service of the organizational mission and each others leadership. Peers - other board chairs or other executive directors - can become resources and sounding boards for each other. We need wise counsel when faced with hard decisions that require courage. We need others who understand the complexity of factors under consideration. We need to be seen as whole people, not just in our role. And we need good companions on the journey - to laugh, to share good news with, and to ask essential questions. Who is in the boat with you? How are you connected? |
Steering the Course
Our free conference calls are a great way to connect with Deb and Carol to learn more about what is being offered by Paddling the Rapids.
When? Information calls are scheduled for:
- Thursday, February 11th, 4:30-5:15 PM
- Tuesday, February 16th, noon-12:45 PM
- Friday, February 26th, 8:30-9:15 AM
Call 1-518-825-1300 and use code 271884#
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:
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. Register now.
Cost: $250 - a $150 deposit will reserve a place for you.
Portland: 5-7PM; Wednesdays, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 Bangor: 4-6PM, Tuesdays, April 13, May 11, June 1, June 29
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. PADDLING THE RAPIDS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS IN THE LEWISTON AREA, a new group is forming. It's format and design will reflect the expressed needs of the participants. Are you interested? |
Guidebook
While we believe that you can't learn leadership from a book, we do know that reading good books can inform good leadership. This book keeps popping up as recommended. Although it hasn't yet made it to my nightstand - it has my attention. You decide: Good to Great (2001) and the companion monograph, Good to Great and the Social Sectors(2005) by author Jim Collins. These books look beyond financial success as markers and are filled with a broad array of real-life examples, and helpful graphics. Watch Jim Collins present in 2 1/2 minutes What defines a Level V leader? What trait stands out among the greatest leaders? Ambition, talent, innovation, persistence, inspiration, perspiration? Nope. Listen and decide if you agree with him. |
Navigation Tool
We often use a Dialogue Line when facilitating conversations that have levels of difference, dissent, and lively engagement. It is a tool that can be customized to many situations and gives instant feedback to the group. The information can then support awareness, next steps, and deepen connections. It can be used as a starting activity, during the event and as an evaluation tool. Here is how it works: 1. Find a space that will accomodate the size of the group if positioned along a straight line (sometimes masking tape defines the space, a hallway can work, as well as a wall). 2. Ask participants to position themselves along the line according to their response to a reflective question (e.g. How much did I listen? To what extent did I communicate? How useful was this meeting? How committed am I to taking the next step? or for starting dialogue around core questions such as "Should we change the name of our organization?") 3. Participants may not talk while placing themselves on the line (each end represents an extreme, most to least). 4. Once all members are positioned, you have two options. One is to pose additional questions after first encouraging the group to look where people placed themselves along the line. Another option is to ask people to speak from their position on the Dialogue Line about why they placed themselves where they did. During significant discussions, people can change places on the line if their viewpoints shift. Here are some examples of possible questions:
- Why did you place yourself where you did?
- What story are you making up about the group?
- What information represented here will help us?
- Do you want to move now that you see where others are placed? Why?
5. There is no right or wrong placement. You can ask if anyone has a comment about where they stand or you can end the activity without comment. Both have value. Watch what happens. If the group is stuck during the meeting - stop - do a Dialogue Line - and watch the results when you resume the meeting. It gets the energy moving.
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