The Corporate Rebel's Guide To Being Of Service

Time to read: 1 minute, 15 seconds

I finally had a few hours to pour over all the input you sent after the New Year. You asked me to talk about things from the existential (How do we trust our inner knowing?) to the tactical. (How do I know when a meeting needs to be in person vs virtual?)

I'm excited to dive in on the things you care about.

Today is about service. A few of you asked how you can make a difference when the world's problems seem so big. You're needed. Really. Here's what I mean:

I recently started substitute teaching at my children's school. Although I teach in my business, I'm not a trained teacher and a classroom full of students terrified me. After my teens schooled me in how not to be lame, I took my first assignment in the middle school. Turns out I like middle schoolers and that everything I've learned as a trainer and leader made me pretty good at engaging kids.

There's much need these days so here are my three criteria for service so you can look around your corner of the universe and decide where to plug yourself in:

• What's in it for them? The main point of service is to actually meet a need and make things better. Knowing that you're making a difference, even to one person, motivates you. In my world, there aren't enough substitute teachers. The past two years have been rough on educators, and they need back up.
• What's in it for you? When you meet a need for others and yourself, it's a win-win. Find service that benefits you or people you love or helps you develop a skill or a new perspective. I want school to stay open for my kids and all kids. I'm also an extrovert and am happier when I'm out in the world, live and in person. And I get a free lunch!
• Can you do it? Use your skills and gifts. I wouldn't volunteer in technology or construction. I'm great with people, good on my feet and entertaining. Perfect for a class of 5th graders. I can also schedule my coaching to leave a few days open for subbing. Look for the openings in your schedule, even if it's just once or twice a month.

Today a 5th grader thanked me for being a good sub and a preteen told me she liked my dress. So worth it.

My Solution For Everything

Time to read: 1 minute, 15 seconds

When life presents you with a problem, the temptation is to do something - schedule the meeting, email the teacher, buy the product, make the phone call, have the conversation.

I'm a recovering over-doer, and I've discovered that there's a more effective path forward.

Do nothing.

This isn't a lazy, avoidance version of do-nothing. Instead, it's a powerful choice that enables life and work to flow smoothly. Often, the fast response is motivated by avoiding discomfort. When you learn to ride the discomfort and then act from a cleaner, clearer place, your action is easier, takes less energy, and yields more effective outcomes.

Here are my favorite strategies to help you powerfully do nothing:

• Pause. Even if it's only for a few seconds. Pausing allows your brain to come back online and buys you time when you don't know what to do next or how to respond. It's ok to sit in silence.
• Wait. This is a souped-up version of pause. When you wait, things shift over time. You get clear. Circumstances change. When I wait, the solution presents itself without any effort and is usually much easier than whatever I would have done if I charged into doing.
• Meditate. Mediation takes doing nothing to a whole new level. Worried about Covid? Meditate. Kid failed a test? Meditate. Deciding to quit your job? Meditate. Meditation is my go-to answer for everything these days. You'll be amazed at the wisdom you find when you sit quietly for 15 minutes.

In October, I met a woman who works in emergency management. She has seen and planned for any terrible scenario you can Imagine. She said when it comes to emergencies people think the right mindset is,"Don't just stand there, DO something!" Experts, however, teach, "Don't just do something, STAND there!" Standing there, she explained, enables to you look around, assess the situation, and proceed intentionally.

Exactly.

Do nothing on the path to more intention.

I'd love to hear about your experiments with doing nothing. Email me and let me know.

2022 Predictions

Time to read: 12 seconds.

Ahhh….2022

Welcome to 2022 wonderful Corporate Rebels!

Thank you for your responses to my request for input. I am digesting your thoughts and questions. You will soon see those in this weekly newsletter.

For today, I want to give you my predictions for 2022. (Yes, I have a crystal ball, and it shows the future.)

1. Make peace with reality. Covid isn't going anywhere. Separation and division continues. Chaos and disruption in the world does not mean that you have to live in despair and frustration. Accept the situation. Drop resistance. When you accept where you (and we) are as it is, new possibilities open.  
2. See possibilities. I laugh at my innocence in believing things would snap back to 2019 eventually. There is no going back, and the best choice is to keep going. I'm optimistic about the future. In my work I see healing, creativity and people stepping in to help. Pay attention to what is working. You'll be amazed by what you see and the possibilities in your work and life.  
3. Be empowered. The power dynamic between employers and employees has shifted. During the pandemic, people felt the importance of their labor, time, and talent. Employees are no longer willing to work crazy hours and burn out their bodies and minds. I see people from cleaning staff to corporate directors taking back their power at work. Now is a good time to ask for what you want.  
4. Be flexible. We're still in for a bumpy ride. In person at the office? Ha. Maybe. Maybe not. Online school? Goodness, I hope not. Covid rules? Who knows. Have grace for yourself and for the leaders and service providers you interact with. Assume positive intent and stay flexible with changes and interruptions. You'll be happier when you can easily pivot.

That's what I see for 2022. More coming soon.

Will You Do Me A Quick Favor?

Time to read: 12 seconds. Time to answer the questions 10-15 minutes.

It's the first week of 2022. Last year we were in lockdown.

And this year?

You are back at the office. Or you're not. You had fulfilling in-person holidays with your family. Or not. You have new energy and are ready to go this year. Or not.

I'd love to know how you're doing and what you're thinking. My goal in these newsletters and in the live events and courses I offer is to make a difference in your life and work. There's been so much change. I'm wondering, where are you now?

Will you shoot me an email and answer these three questions?

• 1. How do you feel these days?
• 2. What do you see ahead of you in 2022?
• 3. If you followed a terrific executive coach and she was super helpful to you in 2022, what would she talk about? What would she do?

I love to hear from you. Welcome to 2022!