Culture is fascinating to me in so many ways and I feel passionate about unpacking and repacking the writing of authentic ones. I am struck by the idea, beyond our obvious country crisis, it is easy to predict that businesses and families are and will continue to be challenged to examine their cultures. Attempting to keep culture simple–I define it as “The Story” of your business, family, or personal life. A story rooted in clearly defined and shared values, decisions that are filtered through those values, demonstrating you live and speak in integrity to those values and there is alignment from member behaviors to internal/external communications to brand messaging. Of course, nothing at the moment is this “simple”. Through Narrative coaching, options exist to embrace exactly what story you are telling and what story do you want to be living. A coaching engagement values you as the expert of your story, an alternative to well-meaning consultants that are sharing their expertise. It is good to have choices when considering how you might approach, what I believe is, a meaningful culture opportunity. Coaching to Inspire a Better Life, a Better Way!
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The Fresh Start of a New Year always fills me with motivation, particularly around focus, organizing and disciplines. I started my 2021 business planning with revisiting why I chose to name my company, ReImagine Possibilities, by reading the definitions of reimagine and possibilities. reimagine (verb) reinterpret (an event, work of art, etc.) imaginatively; rethink. to form a new conception of : RE-CREATE possibilities (noun) the condition or fact of being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization something that may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners potential or prospective value Admittedly, I love the combination of taking action as described in the verb reimagining and validating how possibilities may be considered a tangible thing. It energizes me to consider reinterpreting imaginatively within abilities, capacities, and realizations. Confirming once more, I am passionate about the buckets of services offered in giving back from all I have been privileged to encounter in my career and life thus far, by... Creating, As lifelong entrepreneurs, we pursue solutions through product or service ideation and implementation. Coaching, In partnership, we tell, unpack, repack and write stories that respect you as the expert of your life, family and or business. Connecting, Combining decades of experience and hands on education, we offer an alternative to traditional business and executive advising/consulting. A potential client might visualize outcomes and solutions, for their pain points, or see opportunities, such as... *purpose - define it, be intentional about it *culture change - what story are you telling, what story do you want to live. Is it authentic, rooted in values and integrity? *aligned identity - strong brand message, right people in right seats *successful transition - manage through the unexpected in life events, careers, exit strategy. *satisfied curiosity - understand the difference between consultant and coaching partnership engagements *where do I "start-up" - what is process for developing new and innovative solutions into a business. *best practices - operationally, positioned for success, fulfilling potentials *inspiration - Thought leadership, putting human capital first, serving on their boards. *make dreams come true - pursue those burning questions of what if and disrupt what is. To know me, ironically, one could say this reflects my personal journey. I believe there is strength in providing insights and knowledge from what I also live. Empathy is undervalued and underserved. Finishing with a strategic double check, is the company vision answering... Who we are, What we do, Where we are going? Yes! ReImagine Possibilities is dedicated to Inspire a Better Life, a Better Way! That will uniquely embrace... Who you are, What you do, Where you want to go! Happy 2021, may abundance and prosperity be each of ours, by Reimagining what is Possible, together. Is it possible leading is as simple as "one" whose actions contribute to creating a following? The leadership/leader doesn't have to be good, bad, right, wrong... but "popular" or "fearful" with a following. Honestly, I really struggle with all the ideas and conversation about leadership. They make me cringe. Sometimes I think it is all BS. What makes a good leader? How do you become a leader? Is leadership inherent by character or position? What about leadership is important? What role does "power" & the intelligences play? Is it where the buck stops, regardless? I could be a bit guided by personal struggling, as I thought I checked a fair amount of boxes to feel my leadership be disregarded and insignificant in one career, and fortunate to be appreciated as a blessing in another. Concluding, is the focus misguided? What if it's about understanding those "one" leads. Their needs, wants, triggers and motives. If in alignment and respected, a leader leads effectively and influences change. Unaligned and disrespected, there is resistance and dissent. This is not a perfect summary. I am barely conveying the depth of my inner conversations...YES my own head is spinning! May I offer in this moment, who is leading who? And I suggest, those speaking the loudest are leading mostly emotional, not fully informed and balanced, actions and conversations. Maybe the outcomes will be ok. But perhaps it is a larger burden and or consequences being put on them then they are prepared for. If appropriate, when you look in the mirror today, are you leading or part of the flock? Who are you seeking to be? Has lead/herd become one in the same? Now what... ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.
Inspiring a better life, a better way It is fairly safe to say we all enjoy, even love a good story. Story is everywhere…what we watch, read, companies, behind consumer decision making, business marketing programs and leadership. Most personally, the story is in ourselves, family, relationships and how we show up. Life has always been an opportunity to tell the story unique to us and write (live) the story we want to leave as a legacy. The gift of coaching, story…allows for a Life Coach certified in Narrative to be your partner in telling, unpacking, repacking and living your story. Our stories are shaped early on through our families and childhood events. The events, good or bad, creating the narratives inside you that became your suitcase for traveling through life. How well do you know your story? I thought I knew my story – until I was tripped up, and to some degree forced to open my bags to discover what was inside them. Taking out “this” and discovering “that”, suddenly what was happening in the moment, connecting the scattered pieces. A bit invasive like a ticket check-in agent or security TSA, questions about over packing and or including in my travels something that had no value, didn’t belong anymore, exposed. This metaphor, a peek, into the journey possible with a Narrative Coach. It is important to mention Narrative coaching is not therapy. Telling, then unpacking is a validation and awareness of what exists for yourself. As important as unpacking a past that was, is the decision of what is worth repacking. What will be necessary and valuable to be successful going forward? With additional coaching exercises, it is possible to become empowered to live your story going forward through chapters written with greater intention and vision. Right now, a lot of stories are being disrupted, perhaps exposed or questioned, and filling blank page after blank page in a survival mode. What if you took the unplanned “gate delay” as a chance to sort through your bags? What will you need to pack now and tomorrow? If you can imagine, where will you go on this adventure…what experiences will you seek? Wishing you, the gift of… your story. ReImagine Possibilities., Inc. Inspiring a better life, a better way How would you like a gift right now? Given the state of events, our world, I offer there are valuable resources available that can assist you with not only getting through what you’re feeling and experiencing but position a growth opportunity from it in a way you may not have imagined. Your gift looks like a coaching partnership! It is a safe bet to say that information is overwhelming us greater than the day to day ever has, at the moment. So, keeping it simple and short, I want to share a well-known, common tool that is practiced often in coaching. It is G.R.O.W. G = goals – define the goal you want to achieve, problem to solve/overcome R = realities – list all realities around achieving the goal or solving the problem; surrounding factors, truths, data, etc. O = options – brainstorm what options exist for you to take or execute within the realities W = willing/unwilling – of the options, what are you willing or unwilling to try, implement, consider At the very least the exercise brings broader perspectives and choice. You become more prepared to make decisions from the inside out, less from the outside in. There is a sense of empowerment and alignment to YOUR values. The rewards for considering and engaging with a coach are numerous. This expanding industry offers many qualified coaches to align with you and your needs. Wishing you…the gift of, Grow! ReImagine Possibilities, Inc. Inspiring a Better Life, a Better Way During the holidays, and in a previous blog post, I shared my wish list of gifts for you, our society and what may be received through coaching. Continuing the desire to give, I introduce “Gifts of Coaching.” When entering a coaching partnership, one of our initial activities is revisiting, identifying and clarifying values. The work is so important because our decision making and behaviors ideally are filtered through and representative of them, (obviously)! There are numerous ways of exploring what are our values, not what we want them to be, a significant distinction. We can’t say we value honesty but live a life of lies. (slippery…truth is in the "eye of beholder?") We can say we value kindness and demonstrate it genuinely in ALL our words, behaviors and interactions. I invite you, in a way that works for you…reassess, investigate, consider…what are your personal core values? Are you able to identify a top 3 – 5? What if you (if you haven’t already), wrote a statement defining how you desire the value shows up for you. Significant, we are individuals with our unique interpretations. I.e.: One of my values is gratitude. My statement, “a deep appreciation for everyone, everything, everywhere.” In practice, throughout the day, in my overall life and established rituals, I will seek and acknowledge (in thought or written down), what has happened or is possible to be grateful for and or about. For me, living with this value it is amazing the countless moments of gratitude that happen. I.e.: Just a few from this week, there was a chance to feel how blessed me and my kids are to live aligned in our beliefs. I witnessed joy, conveyed in smiles, body language and demeanor, from one of my newest clients. I experienced, yet again, the willingness of people to connect and pursue a possible mutually beneficial relationship. A tolerable Minnesota winter, my granddaughter’s imagination, a glass of wine cozy by the fireplace and so much more! I envision you get the point (and that I can go on and on about gratitude – it is everywhere!!). Once comfortable personally with your values and created statements... *Consider noticing how you are living them in your actions, words, choices, work and contributions to cultures (family, work, community). *Perhaps establish a routine for reading or saying them regularly. Wishing you…the Gift of, values! ReImagine Possibilities, Inc. Inspiring a better life, a better way! It’s official…I give myself the month of January to wish as many as able to a “Happy New Year” and to bridge between the years in reflection and planning. But now it is February and time to implement carefully thought out promises (my new word for resolutions=”promises to myself”) and strategic direction.
I don’t know about you, but I often remind myself that resolutions and strategic plans, may have dates attached to achieving them, but more so are meant to be a process over the full 12 months. Did you engage in creating some? How are you doing first month in? What benefits would a trusted partner offer to stay on track? A life coach, a change agent, is an option to consider on your journey? Our goal is your goal. We offer tools for your success. A chance to do something different, so new results are possible. Sometimes it’s simply not trying to go it alone and having a partner along the way to keep us going. Or perhaps reframing the language, as noted. With my personal value of integrity, I am likely to keep promises I make to others. How good though am I at honoring them to myself? Seems a bit in contradiction, perhaps an opportunity to improve integrity at my core and achieve greater progress? Stepping out of the box? How would it feel to be patient and realistic with yourself? Breaking down promises and strategies by day, month, quarter or milestones? Could you ask yourself routinely, “Am I moving forward?” We don't need to complicate the goals. If stuck or slipping backwards, what obstacle got in the way? How will you decide to overcome the detour? One last time…Happy New Year, Decade!! I wish you peace and promises met. - ReImagine Possibilities., Inc. I do not have to tell you we are living within an environment of extremes, whether it is business or personal. The goal is to live in balance and true to ourselves both in work and play. I suggest, we are in a crisis of spirit at the core, allowing many layers of concerns to build upon it. We need to expose the opportunity within the challenges, differences and or suffering being experienced. Along with celebrating courage and conviction that is demonstrated when truth, well intended and honorable agendas show up. Thus, the growing industry of Life-Coaching! Existing and offering for individuals, families, teams and companies some of the following within the partnership and engagement commitment you decide. *Identify your core values *Filter decision making through and aligned primarily to discovered principles and beliefs *Be in integrity with words and actions *Stop and prevent group think! *Honor the freedom you possess within giving respect to common law *Belong to, trust yourself first *Empower your inner wisdom and imagination *Expose critics and blocks *Determine champions supportive of your betterment *Take ownership of only your narrative not others *Pursue the potential unique to you *Discover your dreams *Fulfill your purpose *Seek possibility in and appreciate differences with others *Be willing to take alternative perspectives *Avoid conflicts with a healthy exchange of ideas *Exemplify tolerance, openness and acceptance *Allow, not shame or condemn, opposing opinions *Implement boundaries rooted to core values, when necessary *Believe in the abundance of greatness for all *Do not impose limiting but consider expanding beliefs *Position for success *See failures as lessons learned *Embrace personal responsibility *Don’t give away power of choice and destiny *Reduce renting space within you to others, let go! *Unpack and overcome fears that are controlling emotional responses *Speak confidently in your authentic voice *Listen to hear what is said, not filtered by inner agreements *Be present and give presence *Write your own story Hopefully, I have given some justice to a rather long list of what is possible. Other Life Coaches can add to it! We are not Therapists or Counselors, we are certified Professionals and your Partner to discover and honor the expert of your life, lying within your inner spirit. Turn down and or off the external noise and trust, Now More Than Ever… it’s time to explore a journey to being, living and inspiring your personal and professional BEST! Change starts with you, but it doesn't start until you do. - Tom Ziglar
ReImagine Possibilities, Inc. “Make peace”, was the subject of a sermon I heard, and the perspective made so much sense! I feel compelled to not keep it to myself, but share in the event many more benefit as I think I have. What if "making peace" is less about the absence of conflict, corruption and hate? What if "making peace" is acceptance, embracing and yes, love? Love by definition, an extension of oneself for betterment. In this life, we tend to believe and strive towards everything always being good and achieving perfection. But life is a broken mirror, hairline to shattered. This brokenness presents us with opportunities, possibilities, or crosses to take up. Some crosses are temporary. Other crosses have a journey. Along the journey, we are exposed to and given possibilities. Has there ever been an opportunity, if you choose to see it, that hasn’t proposed an expansion of what you have or know? Sometimes the lesson is about your capacities from abilities to limitations. Other times, it may be about someone’s character and value. Of course, it could be about life itself and all its offerings and boundaries. A boundary representing protection and respect, not denial. Thus, the practice to question and adjust limits as appropriate. What all this has in common is, a blessing. Blessing by definition, a special benefit. Coming back to "making peace". Are you meant to be a channel? Accept life is NOT supposed to ever be perfect. Especially since perfection is in the eye of the beholder, potentially unattainable in agreement. Embrace the cross, journey and lesson in what appears to be broken or is not measuring up to a standard of good we have imposed. And yes, love the special benefit as a beautiful reflection, of conflicts, corruption and hate. If only moment by moment, consider…"make peace with brokenness, bearing its crosses and the blessings you will receive by doing so." ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.
I find such wisdom in enduring clichés. Perhaps a contradiction that I am attempting to inspire thought around this popular and timeless truth, “actions speak louder than words,” in words. Life is funny, we should smile and laugh at it more! While reflecting on the messages I was presented with in morning rituals, my thoughts drifted to motives. Why and what motives us? Do we think about our motives, how often? Isn’t the relationship between words and our motives fascinating? (I like the word fascinating – so much potential in it!!) A key component and tool of effective Life Coaching is to identify one’s values. What is motivating us, why? All our being is either supportive or in conflict with our values. I suggest we are unable to fake them, for if we try our words and actions will challenge each other, perhaps not immediately…eventually. How well do you know what you value? Not what you want to value, but actually do. It’s normal to just go through our days, doing what we do without the filter of connecting to our values or considering a motive. (It would be an exhausting practice) Each interaction and deed reflect a message about what matters to us, or perhaps is expected. If you paused to validate, "I choose this because", or "I am doing such in honor of", would you see a pattern of what you value? Not what you desire shows as your values, but actually is. Thus, my fascination between the complex relationship of our words and motives. I am suggesting we can simplify. Our actions speak louder, or in today’s environment, SHOULD speak louder. One could debate, on any level, we are in word overload telling us what we value (and think and are, etc.) and the act or actions of doing so, often suggest compromised motives. If we are willing to do a little observation of our own, it’s easy to identify through ACTS motives of love, empathy, kindness, betterment, integrity, hate, self-serving, power, greed, jealousy. A bit trickier to unpeel when the motivation may be fear, truth, commitment, honor, achievement. See the fascination, it’s a potential ongoing discussion. Reimagine how a motive allows us to know what one values. In understanding (not judgement), is it possible to make better decisions and be truer to our own values? In the end, a new cliché…”actions and words speak in harmony.” Happiness is when … What you think , What you say and What you do are in Harmony ~ Mahatma Gandhi Inspire a better life, way! ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.
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AuthorChristina Brandt Archives
September 2022
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