Channel for Change: November 2011

Monday, November 28, 2011

As a Leader…. Do You Strike the Match or Put Out the Fire?

Organizations have fire starters: those who escalate issues causing havoc and drama in the process. They also have fire fighters: people who scurry to find a way to pacify, implement or solve emergencies. Regardless of the position, it costs the company and everyone involved lots of time and money.

My issue with many businesses, especially large ones fraught with multiple layers of management is that a simple dictate from a high ranking exec may start out as a "when you get a chance" kind of comment, but later turns into a " fire drill" as it's passed down the chain of command. Sure there are honest critical crunches when all hands on deck is imperative to meet deadlines. But in the corporate telephone game, since these directives are rarely formalized or written down, confusion or others' interpretations often drive a normal delivery time into needing it yesterday. It can also happen through some self-serving manager along the way trying to look important by claiming the item is "hot" and needed ASAP by the executive who casually mentioned the detail in the first place. In the meantime schedules are juggled, meetings and tasks are postponed in order to attend to the now frantic issue. Gaining momentum as it circulates through the organization, very few people push back or even consider going to the original source for clarification.

As a leader, communicating and yes, even formalizing requests with clear due dates can make a huge difference regarding time, energy and profits. It keeps everyone on the same page and gives realistic priorities to the work at hand. Using this process, if a situation arises that truly is needed STAT, it will get the necessary immediate attention. An executive's awareness of the requests put forth and how they are implemented is essential to keep an organization running efficiently. Although you can't keep your finger on the pulse of all the issues, at least know the ones you've initiated have been clearly communicated with realistic deliverables, directions and expectations.

Those in an organization who regularly spiral assignments to frenzied levels, are just fanning the flames. The world will not end if every project does not have priority status. Don't cry wolf, save those matches for a real crisis when you'll need to light a big fire.

Monday, November 21, 2011

So Tired......Tired of Waiting

There is nothing more frustrating than waiting, especially when you don't know what it is you're waiting for. With the recent 11-11-11 and 12-12-12 hoopla, many people are feeling a sense of anticipation, but are unable to pinpoint exactly what it is that is about to happen. They sense changes occurring in their lives, but are unclear what those might be or how they might be affected. Unfortunately when we're anxious and know we are on the brink of discovery….often all we can do is WAIT.

Much to my chagrin, I recently spent 12 months waiting to birth a business. Yes I realize the normal gestation period is 9 months, but the information was not coming in. I was so close; could feel it, touch it and see it, but not quite reach a point where all the ideas would solidify. So I waited. And when the concept came together, I understood the importance of spending the time to allow myself and the world to go through some changes. Sometimes we have great ideas, but the timing is not right.

Here is an excerpt from the November 10, 2011 Meeting with the Masters Channeling:

"What's interesting in the waiting is what you think you want, what you think you've figured out, what you think is the answer often comes full circle after you're finished waiting. And may look completely different. For we make you wait because you can manifest so quickly. If we allowed you to have access to the powers you will eventually have to create, you would have created all sorts of things, including a mess."

"The waiting makes you stop and think, makes you evaluate and determine what it is you really want. So when you finally latch on to what it is, it can happen rather quickly. Another reason for the waiting is because many people have clearings they need to do. It could be in the realm of relationships, childhood or a past life, but all of these must come to the surface. And that is part of the process. The waiting allows these all to bubble up into your awareness."

In our annoyance of not knowing the future, trust in the process. Have faith the answers will be revealed to you. Even if it is not in the timeframe of your choice, know it will be unveiled at exactly the right time. In the meantime, pay close attention to the thoughts that are floating through your mind, looking closely to see if any of those need attention and clearing. Or are they clues moving you closer to your solutions? And even with all that great advice, the bottom line is….you just wait.

Contact Becky Arrington for an individualized channeled/intuitive reading to help you understand the next steps in your awakening.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Make Space for the Strong Silent Types

There are all types of personalities in an organization. The red faced blustery ball buster that gets things done through intimidation. Nervous Nellies who badger people to death making sure schedules and deadlines are adhered to. Smooth talking Salespeople who have an uncanny knack of spinning while often avoiding the real issues. All of these have distinct personality traits and ways to work the system.

In any organization, 80% of the employees don't easily slot into any specific methodology to produce results, they just do it. Working in an efficient manner, not calling attention to themselves, these silent staffers get the job done. These are also the people who have excellent insights into how to increase production, solve problems and improve the company. But rarely are they heard from or even asked, for input.

In the world of office politics, the Type A attitude is the one who gets ahead through aggressive techniques. The movers and the shakers are constantly vying to be heard and noticed, but do they possess the greatest ideas?

Whole Person Process Facilitation is a meeting technique designed to tap into the wisdom of ALL the participants and give them a voice. Different learning styles are attended to in a forum where all are honored. Sitting in a circle, there is no boardroom table to head up or hide behind. In the presence of the meeting, all are equal. A talking object is passed and the one with the object is the ONLY one who speaks, thus muffling the dissenting voices that often interrupt.At the beginning of meetings all participants list their hopes and fears anonymously regarding the subject at hand. This is an excellent way to get concerns out in the open and allows the facilitator better insight into the anxieties the group may be experiencing.

Aside from allowing people an opportunity to talk and share their ideas, the greatest benefits of WPPF meetings are the outcomes and solutions that surface. Many consultants come into businesses thinking they have all the answers and can solve an organization's issues. But the Genuine Contact approach trusts that through skilled facilitation and innovative processes, the wisdom within the organization prevails. Who knows your company better than the people within?

Contact Becky Arrington to further discuss Whole Person Facilitation and other unique techniques to manage change.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Is Your BFF MIA? Believe Me…. It's AOK

In elementary school a best friend was the one who stood by your side when others were bullying on the playground, or shared their peanut butter and jelly sandwich so you wouldn't have to eat the meatloaf your mom packed.

There were the party hearty pals picked up in college when a favorite friend was the one who kept you from calling your main crush and looking like a fool , made sure you got home safely from a wild evening or held your hair as you made friends with the "porcelain god."

If children graced your life, choices for companions were other parents through school or organized sports, sometimes producing a special confidante to tie up the phone for hours, commiserating in the pursuit of happiness, or lack thereof.

A shoulder to cry on, a person who was in your corner, a bff was always there when you needed them. But what happens when you no longer resonate with your bosom buddy?

My favorite cohort and I used to gossip about other people, making fun of their……just fill in the blank, we found the humor in everything. But one day I realized how mean spirited it was and didn't want to engage anymore. My constant companion was very frustrated with me, claiming I was no longer "fun to be around." By me changing, the dynamic of the relationship altered as well.

As more and more people begin to expand their consciousness, they may start to see close relationships become more distant since they no longer have much in common. This happens not only in the activities you do together, but is evident in subjects you're interested in and discuss, what you put in your body, outlook on life and your attitude towards others. A myriad of things begin to shift when you open to a widened energetic field. But that's ok. You don't have to suddenly cut off all your old friendships, most likely they will take a natural course and adjust or even fade away.

My advice has always been to allow it to play out. Sometimes those close to you see the changes you've adopted and begin to make the same transformation. And if they don't, just know they will find their own path in their own time.

In the meantime, look in the mirror to see if you like that person for a new best friend until another shows up. Because miraculously, since like attracts like, new people will come into your life who are drawn to the current attitude and beliefs you carry and will be a perfect match.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

I Can See Clearly Now

I grew up in a small town in Kansas where people didn't lock their doors, spoke to everyone on the street, knew their neighbors and believed in the American Dream. In those halcyon days I wore rose colored glasses since everything looked perfect and idyllic in my narrowly experienced world. Of course WE ALL were wearing them in an effort to be more psychedelically cool. After I left for college the same pink tinted specs graced me as I viewed prospective mates with a kind of idol mentality, seeing the potential as opposed to the reality, they made everyone look good.

Over the years after I was married, settled, raising kids, moving across the country and dealing with middle age events, the spectacles turned to a sad blue from the many trials and tribulations that can come in life; disappointment, doubt, death of parents, mid-life depression, divorce, dashed dreams, etc.

After pulling myself out of that funk and getting re-established, I donned green shades representing envy and money. Sadly I was jealous of others' houses, cars, jobs and lives who had not been hit with divorce and the personal and monetary toll it takes. Getting ahead in my career and recovering financially was my primary goal resulting in long hours, travel, a job promotion and transfer. Sure it also came with worldly travel, 401 Ks, a vacation home and a job as Vice President, but I risked my relationship, health and well being in the process.

No matter how far up the ladder you get, if it is built on false principals, you're bound to topple. And fall I did as I experienced a devastating job loss that brought that shaky house of sticks tumbling down. In the aftermath, I had X-ray lenses as I scrutinized each phase of my life to understand the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual paths I had experienced, the decisions and actions I took and the reasons why. Anytime a major event happens, it is the universe's way of bringing you back to basics. All the material wealth I had acquired held no meaning if I didn't have time, happiness, vitality or anyone to share it with.

My glasses are clear and magnified now giving me a more in-depth, focused view of myself and others and they make it easier to read small print too. Much like the guy who was handed the magical frames and lenses showing him the true story behind each person he encountered, I no longer see people at face value. Leaving judgments and preconceived ideas behind, I look deeper to understand what others may have experienced or issues they are currently dealing with. A word of kindness or compassion from me might make a difference in their world.