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The Eye has to TRAVEL

The eye has to travel, is the basis of one of my 2017 well-formed outcomes and it is also present on my vision board surrounded by beautiful landscapes and activities that evoke the feeling and emotion of movement. This quote is my reminder to pause and to be present with gratitude and appreciation for all life has to offer.

On my recent trip abroad I fully realized and expressed the significance of this quote. By traveling to France and Germany, I was able to explore a new aspect of self through perspective expansion, empathy, appreciation, and acceptance of my role in reality creation. This unique perception pulled back my blinders and allowed me to be vulnerable by immersing myself in different cultures and languages.

In Paris, my boyfriend and I wandered into a fantastic bakery Bread and Roses. The display of authentic French pastry, apéritif, and dessert made our mouths water in anticipation. By not understanding cultural norms, his reach toward a baguette directed swift admonishment from the shopkeeper, “no, no monsieur!” Faux pas averted with a sly smile and apology; we quickly realized our vulnerability by not understanding the language or culture.

As we patiently waited for our turn to order, the following question persisted in my mind. Can we fully understand all aspects of compassion if we are always in our comfort zone?

When it came our time to order, we asked apologetically “parlez vous Anglais?” The shopkeeper answered with a bewildered, “no.”

Fortunately, our language disadvantage created the opportunity for us to receive the compassion and the random act of kindness from a stranger who stepped in to translate. Sure, we could have crudely pointed and gestured our way through the request; however, our vulnerability led the way for the grace of another. Plus, her recommendation of the baguette with seeds paired perfectly with our charcuterie picnic in the park.

When life is pacing at breakneck speeds, do you take time and pause? Do you consider, if ever so briefly, another person’s point of view? And, do you allow others to offer a helping hand or do you forge ahead without regard?

Our vulnerability and openness to happenstance provided a glimpse into the benevolence of another. The interaction was a delightful wakeup call to the power of presence, gratitude, compassion, and appreciation for all life has to offer. While remembering, the eye has to travel.

Michelle Zeiser | Executive Coach | Strategist | Consultant

Michelle.Zeiser@SelfIdeate.com

#Vulnerability #Appreciation #Compassion #Gratitude #SelfIdeate

 

 

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Why is it so hard to work with other generations? Because we are so different.

We have different needs, wants, and we value different things. Organizations are intentional in delivering and communicating purpose through the company mission, vision, broad goals, specific goals, and strategy to accomplish objectives. Leadership delivery and messaging of the vision is vital for a teamwork driven generation. Building an inclusive communication platform increases the likelihood of reaching the broader audience. Gone are the days of limited scope and reach within an organization. Leadership must assess multiple vehicles of communication to ensure information diversity. Creating a broad inclusivity of data that reaches all audiences.

Boomers use rapport-building techniques to increase communication effectiveness. However, disputes over communication skills and behaviors intensify with the use of technology. These differences can cause limitations and internal conflict or resentment across the multigenerational organization.

Gen X is a more realistic, some say a pessimistic generation that is not likely to follow orders without challenging the status quo. They are dreamers and entrepreneurs seeking to disrupt traditional lines of thinking by demonstrating growth mindsets toward complex problems. They prefer work-life effectiveness versus an always-on approach to business and this shift can upset other generations within the workforce.

Gen Y employees are articulate and self-assured however they have the least amount of experience within the workforce and more precise, organizations. This optimistic generation thinks hard-work, confidence, achievement, and setting goals will lead to their fulfillment of dreams. Other generations, at times, overlook their capability due to their immaturity within a corporate occupation.

The variety of value systems and motivations are the center of communication standards including the diversity of values that are ingrained within the generational segments. Communication skills have intensified stylistically with technology advancement. Where Boomers prefer face-to-face contacts, generation X and Y are more comfortable with email, voicemail, and text messaging conducting business uniquely. Ethical communication is a challenge for leaders managing multigenerational workers. It requires multiple vehicles of content to satisfy the needs of the evolving organization. The art of leadership includes knowing when to involve and excite generational dialogue for the greater good of the organizational structure and advancement of human capital.

Michelle Zeiser

Executive Coach | Strategist | Consultant

@SelfIdeate

 

 

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6 Simple Steps to Transformational Leadership

So you have been a leader of people for many years, but your team performance is down year over year, and the business is making changes, are you safe? Or will you be mid-life trying to reboot a new career with increased demands on how leadership “shows up”?

If you are ready to transform your leadership style and take control of your destiny, let’s delve deeper into ways you can make it happen! Continue reading “6 Simple Steps to Transformational Leadership”