Aligned Communication

Have you ever heard this before about an organization? “They’re drinking the Kool aid” or “they are like a cult” Or maybe it’s been said about your organization?

Well then, Congratulations! are in order.

Often the “Kool Aid” is a cynical statement. And granted, I am trusting a few things to be true when I say “Congratulations”. So with that in mind, let me explain:

You have created an organization with strong values and your team is alignment with those values.

This takes vision and commitment. Steadfast, even.

You operate your business based on these values and you hire people that align with these values. You communicate these values regularly.

Does this mean that no one disagrees on the team? No. (Sorry, Kool Aid) Just the opposite. I may align with the vision and our values, but I may have a different idea on what it means, or how it defines decision making or even what it might mean to our end user. We know that diversity in thinking is part of the magic sauce of successful teams.

The other part is communication. How we communicate our vision and values and the culture we create around how we communicate conflicting ideas amongst the team.

Communication is always a work in progress. So are we. So are our businesses. It’s never too late to promote strong culture around vision and values. It’s also never too late to welcome more open communication and alternate ideas to the table.

It's been a busy year, and the time has flown...some of the items we had hoped to get done were pushed aside for ones more pressing...I suspect many of you can relate.

Wishing you some moments to rest, reflect and celebrate those accomplishments!

2024 is a great time to decide if those undone items still need doing, if they are still in alignment with your vision and goals.

If you need some help, you know where to find us.

Warmest of wishes,

Carolyn

2021 was a year full of learning. I suspect I am not alone in this. One of the most valuable things I learned this year was the power of the word "AND."

Not "BUT"
Not "OR"
"AND."

What does that look like? Maybe it's something like:

"I am a strong business person AND an empathetic leader."

or maybe

"I have performance standards AND I can listen to another person's point of view."

or maybe even

"I have done things a certain way for a long time AND I can make room for a change."

what about

"I am a successful leader AND an involved, loving parent."

What is your "AND?"
Where can you replace "BUT" with "AND" in your mindset? In your relationships? In your leadership?

A question asked to me by one of my team members.

"I hire for the person. Someone who shares our vision and our values. Beyond that, it's our job to make sure they have the tools and resources they need to be successful."

How do you hire?

There has been a theme to my conversations this week. Even showing up in my granola - a weird kind of wonderful for sure.

Regardless of our education, our experience, our talents, when someone shines a light on what is possible, reminds us what we are capable of, it is simply that - an incredible gift.

As leaders we encourage, challenge and inspire our teams. Sometimes we may not even realize the impact our words have had on a person. That moment we took to shine a light and show them what is possible. Sometimes we may not even remember the moment - but that team member did.

This holiday season, we wish you time to rest, to celebrate and to consider what is possible in 2022.

Warmly,
Carolyn