Whether I'm working with a team in an organization, participants in a public workshop, or with an individual in a coaching relationship - I'm struck by how in each situation we end up looking at how transitions, leadership, and learning are related.

Transitions are about the emotional aspects of adjusting to a change. That change could be big or small, desired or feared (e.g.: a new system at work, a different boss, a milestone birthday, learning a new skill) but it will have an emotional component. Leadership for me is about being conscious of your style and approach to coping with those emotions, how aware you are of yourself and the impact you have on the world around you. Leadership is as much about leading yourself (perhaps more) as it is about leading others, officially or otherwise. This self awareness takes us to how you learn and cope with what's new and ambiguous. Facing the uncertainty and the unknowns are a part of any transition, any leadership role, any learning process. Figuring out what is wanted and needed in a situation, discovering and choosing ways to influence the aspects that you can, is both learning and leadership in action.

For example let's take a look at my transition into this new communication system. For the past six weeks I’ve been struggling with writing the content and getting the system set up. I kept hitting barriers on both fronts. I wanted to use this new format to launch my long held idea of sharing stories and tools via engaging, well written and timely articles. I was imagining something fancy and 'perfect' compared to the quick emails I tended to dash off whenever the mood (or need) hit. But this time no words would flow when I actually sat down to write.

At the same time I kept getting hit with my lack of knowledge around the technological aspects of setting up something like this. One question would lead to several others as this newsletter required links and upgrades on the website which in turn led to contact lists that needed updating and so on. This too required time and attention that I didn’t have, or more accurately, didn't want to give to it. It all felt so complicated and overwhelming as deadline after deadline (self imposed of course) came and went.

Finally I realized I needed a 'perspective pause' to reflect on what was going on. Why was I feeling so stuck? What was driving this pressure I felt? What might simplify things for me?

I realized that my expectations were out of sync. I believed in, and therefore only saw, the complications and the blocks. Gradually I began to tease out what my core intention was (to update you), what my beliefs were that were thwarting me (perfectionism, IT fears, false deadline pressures), and which were encouraging me (slowing down, going with the flow, seeking help). With that awareness I was able to ease off the pressure, focus my energy, get back to basics, and find the support I needed. It appears to be flowing. With a little more help on the technology side, I fully expect to be able to send you this by tomorrow. Amazing power a little 'perspective pause' has!

Try this:

Take a moment to think about something you would like to have flow more freely in your life. What is the core intention here? What beliefs or assumptions do you have that are bolstering or blocking movement in this direction? Is it possible that you’re trying to make something move that isn’t ready to move? Is there another aspect that would make more sense for you to concentrate on at the moment? Where is there energy and ease for you? What would support you right now in getting to what you need?

Stay open to support appearing and the situation unfolding just as you need it to.

Our first multi-day retreat, after two plus years of your feedback requesting such a beast, is taking place this summer! Living an Authentic Life will be taking flight July 17 – 21, four and half days in Rupert with a small group of fellow travelers, to align with who you are and how you live. Early bird special until June 23rd. Details here. Please tell those you think might be interested about it.

The ‘Deliberate Lives’ Book Project is still on the radar screen and has garnered a fair amount of comment and encouragement. Thank you! At the moment I’m developing a support system that matches my learning style (dialogue and a flexible structure) to move me along. Thank you to Mara, Madeline and many different friends and colleagues who are walking and talking alongside me.

I'm looking for stories from both individuals and teams, regarding how they identify and move towards their vision. If you or someone you know has a story to tell about living their life deliberately, do drop us a line.

On June 2 Leading Ourselves began it's life when seven participants - managers, artists, teachers - took the day to learn more about themselves and how they might influence their world more effectively. Enjoying the day thoroughly, we decided to do a follow up gathering at the end of the month to ground and share the collective insights that have occured. See below for next scheduled Leading Ourselves

People wise, Jacqueline is still keeping me on track financially via her new business supporting micro-enterprises like mine. Mara has moved on to work that combines her interest in words and cultures but stays involved with RR via the book project. Kim and Alison at cardcommunications have been wonderfully supportive as I learn how to use this new tool to stay in touch with you. Melodie and I are now bringing our combined skills to the Merrickville CHC after our successful partnership with the Carlington CHC. Catherine and I are awaiting word on a proposal to work with another organization in Ottawa. It's wonderful to have such creative, talented and commited colleagues and clients to work with!

Our new and improved facilities are available, with or without facilitation and catering, to any small team or group for meetings and daylong retreats. The fall renovations (I'm delighted with the curved textured walls of the new entrance way and the rustic kitchenette with running water!) moved to unplanned spring renovations to fend off the squirrel squatters who were drilling holes into the ceiling to carry warmth to their nests. Smart guys! Thanks to Lachlan, I think they moved on.

See introductory offer below:

facility + facilitation + food

VISA payment by telephone will soon be possible. Call us for details.