Shera R. Sever: Awakening Leaders™

Why do some projects falls short, while others soar to great success?  Why are some business relationships tainted with conflict, while others are smooth, fun, easy, and profitable?

According to Stephen N.B. Covey- it’s all about TRUST.

In his most recent book, The Speed of Trust, Covey builds a strong case for TRUST as the number one leadership competency in today’s organizations and positions TRUST as a key economic driver in the new economy.

When you choose to do business with someone, what do you base your decision on? Most likely it’s that gut feeling- your intuition, that says YES.  I trust this person.

Trust is about (1) credibility (who you are), (2) character (your behavior). True character is doing the right thing when no one is looking, and (3) competence: skills, knowledge, ability to produce results.

Building high trust requires:

• Talking straight
• Showing respect
• Keeping Commitments- Do What you Say!  Walk Your Talk!
• Having an open, transparent agenda (not a personal (WIIFM) what’s in it for me, agenda),
• Clear communication that clarifies goals and expectations.
• Motive and intent of care and service- this builds loyal customers, repeat clients, referrals and a motivated team!

In high trust environments, communicate is clear, processes are smooth, flexible, and fast; change is natural, results are extraordinary.

Seems pretty simple and straightforward. So why is it so difficult for some to build trust and credibility? Normally, it’s because one is not clear on their values and what they stand for, and thus out of alignment with their personal integrity.

So, how credible are you?

Here is a short assessment that you  can take on line, to determine your trust score (how you see/trust yourself)  and credibility score (how others see/trust you)

What was my trust score you may wonder?  88%.

How do I evaluate this?  (1)  Space to improve and grow, (2) make wrongs, right with sincere apologies and changed behaviors. Next step is to send this out to others to see how they see me. I’ll be doing this in the  September issue of Leading Visions to Action. I’m excited and looking forward to the dialogs this will create!

Let’s all give it a try and create more TRUST in the world!!

For more information go to:

Speed of Trust and Who Trusts You

Success Principles start with taking 100% total responsibility for everything in your life. It’s mid-year, 2010.

Take a look at the goals you set for yourself, your family, community, your business, your employees and clients at the beginning of the year. Where are you in your achievement and level of fulfillment and satisfaction?

All success starts with 100% personal responsibility and accountability.

Here is a great little exercise, that when completed, is a powerful jump start for goal refinement, redefining your direction, taking new action.

This can  be used for personal assessment,  as well as in pair and small group discussions around community building, team building, employee engagement, and more.

I
If I were to take just 10% more responsibility for my life, I would. . .(state action)
If I were to take just 10% more responsibility for my happiness,  I would. . .

If I were to take just 10% more responsibility for my health and fitness, I would. . .
If I were to take just 10% more responsibility for  the quality of my relationships, I would. . .

If I were to take just 10% more responsibility for the effectiveness of my business, I would. . .
If I were to take just 10% more responsibility for the development of my employees, I would. . .

If I were to take just 10% more responsibility for quality of life in my community, I would. . .

If I were to take just 10% more responsibility for the health of this planet, I would. . .

Just think if BP could honestly answer these questions.

Thanks to Jack Canfield for inspiring this exercise

In one of my past blog posts on business models,  I cited Seth Godin and his book: Tribes- We Need You to Lead Us!

Tribes are everywhere,and thanks to the internet, we can find who and what we want to connect with:

Work tribes, community tribes, spiritual tribes ,Ukranian dancers. . .

According to Seth Godin, assembling tribes (not money and factories) can change the world.  You don’t need everyone. What you need is 1000 dedicated fans, true believers, supporters, doers, etc.  The hypnosis of mass-marketing no longer works. Leading and connecting people and ideas does.

What do “tribe” leaders have in common?

• They challenge the status quo- who are you upsetting?
• They are curious and build a culture- who are you connecting?
  
• They commit to leading with unrelentless focus and passion

Get inspired- watch Seth Godin’s presentation from TED :

If you are feeling  a bit stuck or in transition, get our of your comfort zone, and do something! Just by taking the action (any action!) will unleash your potential, creativity, and attract others who want to get on board with you!

Find a  group or cause that is disconnected- organize and connect them. This is what you do for a living!

Start something that matters.

Start.

Do it.

We need it (and so do you!)

Not sure where to get started?  Contact me . . . 1, 2, 3,     GO!

It’s graduation time throughout the USA.

In this compelling, heart warming Stanford commencement address, Steve Jobs shares three stories about love, loss, and trust. . . from being a public failure , to starting over and following his heart.

You can’t connect the dots looking forward.

You can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that somehow the dots will connect in the future.You have to trust in something, your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever, believing the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well worn path and that will make all the difference.

You’ve got to find what you LOVE!

The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to LOVE what you do.
If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking and don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.

Keep looking..don’t settle!  Stay hungry, stay foolish.

Steve Jobs Commencement

We hear these mantras all the time from success leaders like Brian Tracy, Richard Branson, Oprah,

T. Harv Eker, and so many others:

Your network equal your net worth.

It’s not who you know, but who knows you.

Take a look at the five people in your circles and network,  you share the most time with-this is a direct reflection of your personal and professional success.

Ask any leader and successful business owner the key to their success, and they will tell you that one golden nugget lies in their ecosystem of relationships, networks, and teams.

How is your ecosystem?  Who comprises  your network? Whether you are looking for a new position, starting a new business or expanding your current business, your network needs to be diverse.

I recently came across a blog post* that identified various roles/functions of a network.  I believe the categories were designed specifically for a “job seeker”, however, I think they apply to any professional network.

Take a look and see who you can identify in filling these functions in your circles:

1. The Mentor: This is the person who has reached the level of success you aspire to have. Normally a mentor has known you through several peaks and valleys in your life and has watched you evolve. You can learn from their success as well as their mistakes gained. A good mentor will share with you their wisdom, experience and  lessons learned along their journey.

2. The Coach: I believe everyone needs a coach at different times in their life. A good coach will help you access your inner wisdom and clarity by asking questions , guiding you through transitions and critical decisions with your best and highest interest as their priority.

3. The Industry Insider: This is an expert in your industry/industries. Think of this person as your personal consultant , who will keep you informed of what’s happening now and what the next big thing is (think- ipad and mobile devices). Invite them to be a sounding board and advisor for your next innovative idea or entrepreneurial project.

4. The Trendsetter: This is someone possibly outside of your  direct industry who keeps up on trends and the latest buzz on topics/content you are interested in.  A wonderful guest at any dinner party and someone who is able to connect the dots in sometimes unconventional ways. Green business is a great example

5. The Connector: This is a person who has access to people, resources and information. As soon as they come across something related to you, they are sending you an email or picking up the phone. Connectors are great at uncovering unique ways to make connections, finding resources and opportunities that most people would over look.  Connectors are vital to your network and team.  Be sure to recognize and acknowledge them accordingly for their time and resources.

6. The Idealist: This is the person in your network you can dream with. No matter how “out there” your latest idea is, this is the person that will help you brainstorm and mindmap ways to make it happen. Creative and without judgment, they are focused on helping you flush out your dreams in high definition, even if you don’t have a solid plan yet on how to make it happen.  A good friend, indeed.

7. The Realist: On the flip side you still need the person who will help you keep it real. Think Devil’s Advocate. This is the person who will  give your vision and ideals a grounding cord and encourage you (often times with tactical and strategic tools) to  actively make your dream happen.

8. The Visionary: Visionary people INSPIRE. They are powerful and can positively change your life and direction with their leadership, integrity, and accomplishments. This person can help you envision and create an actual plan to reach your goals.   by their journey. They are similar to the Idealist, but the visionary can help you envision an actual plan to reach your goal.

9. The Partner: This can be an intimate partner or spouse, family member or close friend.   This can also be your business partner who compliments and supplements your skill set with resources, opportunities, and information. Partners do alot of sharing, and are on a similar path.

10. The Student: This is someone you can serve as mentor to: someone new to your industry or  in transition and exploring your industry.  Someone you can help shape and guide based on your experiences. When the teacher is ready, the student will appear!

If you approach your network with the attitude of “what can I do for you?”,

you will be amazed at how rich your life and lives of others becomes.

Giving back is what keeps our communities alive, healthy and growing.

note:  the above categories were originally introduced to me  by Tai Goodwin, Career Coach

Anything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given”- Deepak Chopra

Earlier this spring, I accepted an invitation to attend PJ Van Hulle’s Prosperity Summit. It was just what I needed- an investment in myself and learning alongside 300+ motivated and committed entrepreneurs.

One of the many treasures from the summit that I left with was a deeper understanding of the concept and practice of offering VALUE. Another was focusing on asking “How can I help YOU?” in conversations with other business owners and leaders.

It’s true that most people and companies prefer to do business with people they know and have a trusted relationship with. But relationship-driven business is NOT enough. Your business needs to be “value driven”. Having clients clearly perceive the value they’re getting from working with you is imperative.

So how DO YOU communicate VALUE to your clients?

1. Make your clients’ needs more important than yours. How often have you encountered someone who is SELLING you the features or services of their business without taking a moment to ask:

Who are you? What do you need? How can I help? If you weave these three beginning “value-driven” questions, into your conversations, you will surely create a connection and evoke curiosity with an invitation to  “tell me more.”

2. Put your attention on your client’s satisfaction and fulfillment. Go beyond what you promised by exceeding expectations. Business Coach, Venture Capitalist, Bill Walsh says “Provide your client with 10 times the value of the product or service that she/he has paid for.” This IS value, and the result will most assuredly be repeat business and referrals.

3. Creating value, creates capital. What will your time, experience and resources bring to your client? This is the beginning of developing your VALUE statement. What is the value you put on your time, experience and resources?

4. Remember: Selling is Service- Take the time to find out what your clients’ needs are rather than forcing your agenda upon them. Selling comes from honesty, integrity, compassion, confidence, and the sincere desire to serve. Make the experience of doing business with you a privilege and pleasurable experience. And make it easy for your clients to refer you to others.

5. Be an expert and coach to your clients. In my many years as a presenter, trainer, and facilitator, I learned that one of best ways to provide value is through “consultative sales”- educating, coaching and consulting clients. Becoming your clients’ trusted expert and possibly even mentor, will ensure a sustainable relationship built on trust, service and value!

For myself and many that I have spoken to, 2010 got off to a slow or, perhaps, a false start?  Projects didn’t quite get off the ground- some were completely tabled;  goals, strategies had to be revised. The Health Care Reform Bill that was finally passed on the first day of Spring , March 21, is a perfect example that indeed it is time to Spring into Action!

Aristotle said it best:  Excellence is a habit. As a leader or entrepreneur, you know that Action is the most important Habit.  So now that spring is finally here, it’s time to put your 2010 plan in action.

7 Success Strategies to keep the momentum going, making you Unstoppable.

1. Commit to 3 disciplined actions (habits) that you will engage in each day-My daily disciplined actions include: some form of exercise (swimming, bicycling, or at least a brisk walk) ,meditation listening to one motivational CD, webinar, or teleseminar,  and journaling my progress/ success and gratitude at the end of each day.

2. Expand your circle of influence-We’ve heard it many times- take a look at the five people you spend most of your time with-and that will show you where you are at in your life.

Your circle of influence is a direct reflection of  your values, self-worth, and most likely your level of success/abundance. What are they doing? How do they enrich the lives of others?  What are their habits? Just think about it- we become “rich”, by enriching the lives of others. If you want to have more success, wealth, and abundance in your life, hang out with people in the winner’s circle.

3. Create a Vision Board. At least once a year, I facilitate a Vision Workshop, where participants are guided through a focused goal-setting process- we then find images that  match where we want to be in our lives and create affirmations that support the vision.  I find that reciting the affirmations out loud several times a day as if the experience already exists to be one of the most powerful tools for manifestation.

4. Own your shadow by identifying your limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging patterns and behaviors. Commit to doing the work it takes to release/transform these beliefs once and for all. I was amazed (shocked?!) to recently uncover some deeply held subconscious beliefs,  that even after several decades of committed work, I am still being affected by. It’s deep work and takes daily efforts. Find methods, help, support with this. This could be mastermind group, a women or men’s circle, workshops, a counselor, somatic therapist, shaman, or simply a small group of supportive friends.  Just remember, you are not your past.

5. Invest in your personal/professional development. The best investment you can make towards your success is in YOU. Find a seminar or coach that resonates with your goals, enroll, and go for it! As I look at the last year (2009),  this was one area of my life, where I didn’t put as much attention on as I normally would  ( I chose to spend an extensive time on several islands instead- which indeed was revitalizing). I say  a better strategy is to combine your travel with a seminar, or clear goals- i.e. finish the book you are writing!  Several weeks ago, I was invited to participate in PJ’s VanHulle’s Prosperity Summit, which I highly recommend.  My, did the light bulbs shine!

6. Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone. Get out of your comfort zone and do at least one thing this year that scares you. That’s right! Susan Jeffers, Ph.D., made millions helping others “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway ! Acting /taking calculated risks in spite of fear is very empowering and freeing. What will your scary action be? Traveling alone, investing in a  joint venture, committing to a relationship, sharing your vulnerability and “failures” , letting go of a habit or limiting belief?

7. Give Back by Volunteering, Becoming a Mentor, serving on Boards of Directors. Share your knowledge, skills, and resources with organizations and causes that you are passionate about. I’ve been volunteering with organizations for over 30 years, many of which I stepped into a leadership role by training volunteers and volunteer coordinators and directing communications systems.  There are thousands of opportunities within your communities, park services, and, of course, internationally. Become an unstoppable role model by mentoring and giving back.

Providing value, creating more equitable resources for all, while being sincerely committed to helping others grow and succeed is the business model for the new economy. I guarantee that if you follow these 7 Success Strategies, you are well on the path to unstoppable action this Spring!

Are you curious about how I can help you jump start your Unstoppable Success this spring?  I am offering complimentary coaching sessions to the first five that respond to this blog post by March 31.

I’m sure many of you are familiar with  Keith Ferrazzi, author of Never Eat Alone, and his most recent book, Who’s Got Your Back.

Ferazzi believes leadership, at its essence, is a spiritual journey- it takes courage, motivation, discipline, and commitment. Strongly grounded in many years of Vipassana practice, Ferazzi’s weaves his spiritual practice into his leadership style, sharing life-changing strategies for anyone committed to building a lifeline team.

In order to continue to be the best we can, I believe it’s vitally important, especially in these times, to create our own Personal Board of Directors- a small committed group who are not going to let each other fail, ever!

REBUILDING TRUST in A WORLD of GREED & FEAR

According to Ferrazzi, successful networking (our abilities to “connect”) is not about the size of our “rolodex”. Rather success is more readily available to those who can pick up the phone and say, ” I need help”.

Particularly in these times, Ferazzi encourages us to focus on *Relationship Capital* by building a Personal Board of Directors or what he calls *Lifeline Relationships*- the ones that help us rebuild TRUST in a world of fear and greed.

BUILDING Your PERSONAL BOARD of DIRECTORS:

* Identify at 3 people you know who can change your life.

* Call them and share this idea about LifeLine Relationships. Ask them if they will be on board with you.

* Lifeline Relationships lead with generosity. Who bends over backwards for you?  Who do you bend over backwards for?

* Lifeline Relationships are transparent: Who can you let your guard down with and have it be okay?

* Lifeline Relationships hold each other accountable. Who can kick you in the butt when necessary? Which of your peers can you depend upon to TELL the TRUTH and help you face the brutal facts

* Lifeline relationships agree to forgive in advance when we slip up. Sparring is okay (even encouraged!).

* Lifeline relationships have a RELATIONSHIP ACTION PLAN. (R.A.P.) which is rigorous, routine, strategic, and systematic.

Your Personal Board of Directors can come in many forms: Mastermind Groups, Learning or Coaching Communities, Wisdom Councils, Women’s or Men’s circles, or Spiritual Communities.

Rather than changing who we are, enlist others to help us become the best we can be. This is where the true strength of any team, organization or initiative lies. For more information on Ferrazi’s model, check out  Greenlight Community.

How many of you have this lifeline team in place? I’ve had several “lifeline” teams over the years (work groups, learning communities, friends, spiritual sanghas, performance groups) that were extremely beneficial for their duration.

And now, I am looking at creating the strongest, most sustainable  one yet!  Will you help me?

I am eager to partner with an organizational leadership team that needs a powerful provocateur, collaborator, and communications maven/ director to weave it all together: vision, strategy, marketing, communications, engagement, and human capital. Let’s start the conversation!

Happy Holidays!

What a wonderful time of year for giving and receiving, sharing love and reNEWal!

If you survived the last 3-6 months with your sense of humor still intact, take a moment now to CONGRATULATE yourself for your amazing navigation and accepting “what is” skills.

A friend recently shared this wonderful reminder with me:

LIFE is an endless transition. Go with the flow, change the flow, surrender to the flow,

be the flow, create the flow… the essence of the flow is: Transition

When we look at nature (biomimicry) we see how true this is.

It’s been quite a time of transition and reorganization for so many!

Most everyone with whom I speak has commented on the “intensity ” of the times with many of us undergoing, slow, yet massive changes in our homes, careers, businesses, and relationships. I believe we are all undergoing a collective re-organization.

What has changed for you this past year?

How are you reorganizing your life/business?

Any new approaches/attitudes you’d like to share?

The on-going theme for me  is SIMPLIFY. I didn’t realize how complicated simplification could be. It takes tremendous courage and trust to get out of our own way, surrender, and let go! As all manifestors know, the clarity of our intentions along with committed action/discipline is what creates “so-called” miracles.

Now is a wonderful time to move from hoping to knowing/feeling what it is we are creating in these times.

“Everything comes to us that belongs to us when we create the capacity to receive it.” -Rabindranath Tagore

Clarity, love, acceptance, and gratitude are wonderful gifts to give and receive. In this holiday season, I am wishing us all more ease, beauty, moments of peace and rest, more compassion and understanding as we continue to navigate and reinvent our lives, businesses, and relationships.

Change cleanses the soul. Enjoy the ride and be kind to your fellow travelers.

Wishing you warm and happy holidays!

The Slow Money movement had their first national conference in Santa Fe a couple of weeks ago.  Over 400 people from around the country showed up to discuss the concepts around slow money, slow food and small, local farms.

The slow money movement has its roots in local, organic and sustainable farming.  But it is part of a broader trend towards creating and supporting local economies and businesses. Read  more in Business Week and Wall Street Journal .

Slow Money is said to be a  new economic vision. Or is it  the reinvention of a system that once functioned?  I see it as a re-emergence of investors, donors, farmers, and activists committed to building local economies starting with the soil of the economy. FOOD! Some “experts”  refer to this as the “nurture capital” industry.” I call it Natural Capital.

I’ll be attending the Economics of Peace Conference, Oct. 18-23 in Sonoma, CA. This conference will be showcase some of the most successful and inspiring examples of economic models that value people and planet before profit. Looking forward to meeting leading thought leaders and hearing their views on collaborative businsess practices and innovative exchange systems for Transforming Money, Rebuilding Community, Redefining Wealth. Featured speakers include: Judy Wickes, (founder of BALLE),  Jacob Needleman, James K. Galbraith, San Keen, Fred Freuddlich & Mikel Lezamiz (Mondragon Cooperative), US Rep. Lynne Woolsey, et al. Still investigating whether conference planners will be livestreaming.