Fear

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Steve

With the advent of COVID 19, almost a year ago in the United States, there has been a transformation in how we look at ourselves, our relationships, work, and as a society in general. Where pre-COVID we trafficked in a currency of confidence and a “can-do” attitude we now use the currency of fear. Fear shuts down connections. Fear shuts down conversations. Fear shuts down moving forward. Fear isolates us. As social human beings this last one, isolation, is the one that has wreaked the most mental and emotional damage.

Fear causes us to grieve. We grieve because we have lost our sense of normal. We may have lost loved ones, our jobs, or our homes. Grief is the death of something. And fear triggers grief because we have lost our sense of normal and at the same time, as we move forward day by day, we have no sense of certainty about the future. In a way we are afraid to step out and move forward.

Grief

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Steve

Grief is everywhere! Our experience with COVID 19 has and continues to bring us grief. In my business coaching practice and in my own life grief is at the forefront.

Grief is the loss of normal. Grief is the death of something. In the businesses I collaborate as well as many others I know all of us are dealing with grief. What was normal, the way we did things is gone.

And when there is a loss of normal it is replaced by fear. We are grieving because we are fearful about the future. In the United States we are grieving as a society because we miss each other. With COVID 19 we are hearing grief in almost all aspects of our society. Why? We are collectively dealing with the loss of the world we knew.

How To Connect In A Crisis

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Steve

One of the biggest aspects of the COVID 19 experience is the loss of connection with others. As a business coach, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges and some of the benefits that have come to the various businesses I collaborate with.

Obviously, COVID 19 has disrupted the way we do business and as a result, we now look at how we do business differently. One of the biggest changes is the increased number of people working remotely from home. In some cases, this has increased productivity which is good. Is it sustainable? It all depends on the position, the business, and the industry. I believe it is safe to say that in the future many companies are going to reduce their office footprint and have more people working remotely.

Things Are Different

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Steve

Things are different than they were a year ago. This is a huge understatement! The arrival of COVID 19 and the effect on our lives worldwide has been immense. My business coaching practice in the Woodlands and in Houston has given me an observation point to see many businesses and how they have responded to the new world that COVID 19 has wrought.

The great news is that creativity, when it comes to survival is alive and well. The bad news is that in many instances it is not enough to survive. Each business, so to speak, is its own individual boat. When COVID 19 first arrived, some boats were already in a safe harbor. A safe harbor is a place where their business is not going to be severely affected. They are going to be profitable and survive. They will change because of safety concerns as to how they do business but overall, they are in good shape.

Unsettled

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Steve

As of today, November 17, 2020 the political climate is very unsettled in the United States. The business owners I collaborate with in my business coaching practice in The Woodlands and Houston are moving forward. But for each it is different. Some are striding forward with confidence and a “we shall overcome” attitude. Others are moving forward with less certainty. In Texas, where I live and work, the economic situation because of the pandemic has been hurtful but overall, we are doing well.

The question is, depending on who wins the election, what are the policies regarding COVID 19 and the economy moving forward. In Texas, with a great emphasis on oil and gas there is a great deal of uncertainty. Millions of lives and livelihoods could be affected over the next few years. Employers and employees feel unsettled.

Commandism and Tailism: How to Control A Country or Organization

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Steve

Commandism and Tailism are boundaries that are on purpose poorly defined. Let’s say you are part of a political movement, or you are working for a company. The leader of the political movement or a leader in your company asks you to do a special task or project. You approach it with enthusiasm and get it done on time and better than expected. Everything should be good. You should be recognized for your extraordinary efforts.

What Is Your Thinking Hat?

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Steve

What hat are you wearing when you think? Years ago when I was studying what makes an effective team I came across a book, The Six Thinking Hats by Edward DeBono. One of the premises was that for effective teamwork that it was important to have different perspectives. And, as a team leader it is important to have a variety of prisms in thought in order to be able to move forward on a project or task with greater confidence.

First, it is important to understand that each team member has preferred ways of thinking. As a leader, you may be able to discern what is the best hat for someone to wear.

What is Okay? What is not Okay?

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Steve

There is something I do know. The two most important concepts for a civil, peaceful society to function are to have a clear definition of “what is okay” and “what is not okay.

In your own life you determine “what is okay” and “what is not okay.” For society, “What is okay” has laws, customs and guidelines. “What is not okay” creates its own law, which in truth is the rule of men and their decisions at the moment as to “what is okay,” not law, along with their own special customs and guidelines. When “what is okay,” is not enforced, then “what is not okay” takes over. This is when lawlessness becomes the law. Fear sets in.

Extraordinary Times: What You Consume Determines What You Become—The Story of Raynaud III.

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Steve

Appetites and Misplaced Hunger

The coronavirus pandemic has caused us to look inward and outward in examining our lives. And, when you do this examination on a foundation of uncertainty it can make you feel worse, not better. But there is something you can examine. And, maybe there is some positive action you can take.

As we go through life, we all have appetites that we feel we must satisfy. It can be recreation, money, love, food, solitude, exercise, etc. So, what are your appetites? In my personal business coaching, which can involve personal development training, self-improvement training, leadership and personal growth and development coaching, I am always looking for appetites. What we have an appetite for will guide us to where we spend most of our focus and energy. And, very often, if we just alter that energy and focus, that appetite some, amazing improvements can take place.

Problem or Predicament?

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Steve

Over the past few weeks, the coronavirus has changed all of our lives significantly. We have never seen something like this. The medical impact can be frightening. And the economic impact, remains to be seen, but it could be disastrous.

Instead of writing about personal development, self-improvement, personal growth and leadership which are areas in which I collaborate with others in my personal business coaching practice, I believe it is best to share some thoughts that may support you as we go through a time where in many cases, and you can include me, our lives have been turned upside down. A time where fear and panic, the two horsemen of relationship and societal destruction are running wild.