Calling for applications to take the BCI for free!

Calling for applications to take the BCI for free! These final slots will be offered to several companies or organizations through the months of March and April. After much analysis, the decision was made to simply the process and create a more affordable version of the BCI.  Now included in the the cultural brand assessment …

View full post

Thank you and Your Brand

Accepting a thank you or a compliment Why is it so important to your career? How does it correspond with your brand? Why do so many people not handle it well? So this concept has been on my mind for some time now. Why does it seem like fewer people are extending thank you’s and …

View full post

Helping Our Military Heroes Transition

With the draw-down of troops comes the increased focus and attention on veterans transitioning into civilian lives. This past February I was honored to be chosen to facilitate week two of a three-week Veteran Transition program.  During my training I met a phenomenal facilitator, Joseph Almond.  Since then we have forged a friendship. He is …

View full post

Respect of the Circle

I found a quote the other day and it impacted me greatly. And it reflected personal truths as well as  indirectly – to me -  how we can view sustainable leadership. Sustainability is about respect  – respect for all around us – respect for the systems that interact to bring life forth. Native American Quote …

View full post

What we want to be when we grow up…..

When I first heard about LC3’s – I was thrilled. Then I learned about B-Corps and again I said “eureka!” But alas BlueRiop Strategies is just not there yet. So I can at least say when we grow up we want to be a “Certified B! or an L3C!!” Why, you ask? Well, it used …

View full post
Calling for applications to take the BCI for free!Thank you and Your BrandHelping Our Military Heroes TransitionRespect of the CircleWhat we want to be when we grow up…..

Feb 08

Calling for applications to take the BCI for free!

Categories:

Assessments, authentic communication, branding, branding communication, Leadership Development, nonprofit capacity building, organizational development, Pro Bono Clients

by admin

Calling for applications to take the BCI for free! These final slots will be offered to several companies or organizations through the months of March and April.

After much analysis, the decision was made to simply the process and create a more affordable version of the BCI.  Now included in the the cultural brand assessment is a survey for up to 150 raters, a report and a personalized debriefing phone session for each client. At launch this will cost $475 and will increase after the initial offering.

What is the BCI? This online diagnostic tool helps businesses and nonprofits understand how well their Brand/ DNA is integrated into their organizations and is viewed by all of the organization’s stakeholders.  it can be an incredibly valuable tool to understand your organization and to understand how your Brand is perceived by all of your stakeholders. More info is available below.

This tool & report offers direction and guidance for both building upon current strengths, and identifying potentially crippling gaps that affect the long-term sustainability of a business unit or entire organization. A 60 – 90 minute phone debriefing session is also included to review main issues or interests from report.

In short, it can deliver the following:

  • Insight for effective, sustainable change initiatives.
  • A picture of the current internal communication/brand culture from “leader to line.”
  • A snap-shot of current external stakeholders’ brand perceptions from – the board, selected vendors and community supporters, as well as a limited scope view of clients/customers’ perception of the brand culture.

    • A baseline understanding of what is working in the cultural makeup of the organization’s employee landscape.
    • A baseline understanding of the gaps that need to be addressed to effectively create a sustainable brand-centered culture system-wide.
    • Increased engagement around focused areas needing development and improvement.

 

Get on board now for no financial investment and receive an invaluable gift back – a thorough report and strategy debriefing session…. We will only choose a a few clients for this special opportunity. You can apply at the link below. To learn more about the BCI – visit the Leadership Tools site.

 

Apply here:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/7exhz2z

Tags: , , , ,

Leave comment

Dec 21

Thank you and Your Brand

Categories:

Uncategorized

by admin

  • Accepting a thank you or a compliment
  • Why is it so important to your career?
  • How does it correspond with your brand?
  • Why do so many people not handle it well?

So this concept has been on my mind for some time now. Why does it seem like fewer people are extending thank you’s and even fewer than that know how to respond when receiving one? I used to think that after doing some great work for someone and not getting a thank you – that the person on the receiving end must be rude – insensitive or plain just a jerk! Well, of course that is the reason – some of the time. And yet I started to notice a pattern: that those same people often did not handle well me GIVING them a thank you. So what gives?

If we look at anxiety, confidence and the concept of humility – all wrapped up It can spell “awkward misinterpretations.”

For many who shy way from attention – both offering and getting compliments and signs of gratitude can feel very uncomfortable.  It can seem like a situation of exaggerated confidence or lack of humility – or just simply being too much in the spotlight. Yet – not honoring these forms of attention can do a disservice to any relationship.

Even in a work environment or networking situation you are ALWAYS SHOWING UP.  Who you are and what you stand for is at the forefront of how people respond to you.  So how do you prefer to show up?  If you do something well and I notice it – I am thanking you – or complimenting you for value I see. By downplaying that – you are not only negating your own talents, but negating my opinion. This mirroring situation is two-sided and dynamic.

In other words – I mirror you and our experience with my reflection of your talents or gifts. I do that by saying, “Thanks – great job – or “really liked how you formatted that.”

When you say, “It was nothing – or “not really so great” or what I notice a lot now – you do not respond at all.  What in essence you mirror back is — that my reflection of you is inaccurate –therefore that I must be wrong. Wow – talk about setting up situation to fail. Now I feel badly about my insight and wonder why you can’t see what I see – or worse I become frustrated that you did not appreciate my gratitude.

Accepting compliments and appreciation is a huge part of relationship building. Just as offering gratitude is also crucial as you  invest energy into relationships = whether they be work or personal.

Sure – you will not always be noticed and you will not always seek or receive appreciation. But when you have the chance accept it kindly and professionally with a “Thank you – glad to help,” or Thank You – I am honored to serve. “ Or even just “Thank you”  You will be setting the stage for a more engaged relationship and understanding of your value – of your brand.

And to be sure – if someone helps you along the way – please feel obliged to say a quick – Thanks – that was helpful – or appreciate your time. Think about it – for many of us – time is very valuable and we do not give it freely.

This post has no tag

Leave comment

Oct 24

Helping Our Military Heroes Transition

Categories:

branding, Career, Military Veterans, Transitions

by admin

With the draw-down of troops comes the increased focus and attention on veterans transitioning into civilian lives. This past February I was honored to be chosen to facilitate week two of a three-week Veteran Transition program.  During my training I met a phenomenal facilitator, Joseph Almond.  Since then we have forged a friendship. He is a seasoned facilitator and having transitioned himself many years ago from the Army, he shared valuable insight with me as I began my work. Even as he currently works as a facilitator and consultant in many area including leadership and diversity, Joseph still dedicates time to helping Veterans. Below is an excerpt of an interview I had with him.

Jospeh Almond

Joseph Almond

Q: What was the transition into the Civilian work like for you? My transition was very smooth based on preparation and support from family.  It also presented challenges when I was hired as a manager trainee for an organization.  I was still in the military mindset of accomplishing the mission without compromise.  My civilian colleagues had the same commitment, however they sometimes approached things differently from what I had been accustomed.  I learned to shift my military mindset by understanding that there was a new culture I was being exposed to.  I had two mentors in the organization that supported me in my transition.  They provided coaching – which proved to be invaluable.

Q: From your perspective, is the transition into civilian life/world the same or different for veterans today? I see it as being very different.  When I transitioned there was no war being fought and our economy was strong.  There were numerous opportunities for employment.  Where as today, the economy is not as strong and it is very competitive with the unemployment rate being high.  The unemployment rate is much higher for veterans.  Organizations are hiring and firing everyday.  Having said that, veterans and civilians alike must brand themselves like never before.  Having a great resume just isn’t enough.  Networking is more of a necessity today then it was when I transitioned.

Q: What are you doing to contribute to the effectiveness of those in transition to civilian lives and why?  I work as a facilitator of a three-week transition workshop that is held monthly in San Diego.  It is amazing to serve men and women who have served our country honorably.  I have met some of the most talented people this country has produced.  The feeling I have when facilitating this workshop is priceless.  I have the opportunity to share my experiences with them as well as learning from their experiences.

Q: What do you see as maybe the top two or three challenges veterans face?  Preparation and Expectation.  Preparation through planning their lives is crucial.  Some of the Veterans I have encountered have not planned the next 3-5 years of their lives out.  They are focused on the now and surviving vs. tomorrow and thriving.  Managing expectations can create tremendous value.  If we expect to succeed at whatever cost then we will.  

Q: What are 1 – 3 things that any Veteran in transition can do to increase the success of the career transition?  Decide what they want.  Network with others.  Support others in achieving their dreams. Develop their dream team.

Q: What can others do to help? Most people have family members or friends that are or have served.  If we would check in with these people and ask how we can be of support in their transition it would be powerful.

Q: What drives your passion? My family provides the fuel for my passion.  Also, my desire to be in contribution and support others in achieving the lives they want.  I believe when others are living their best life we all benefit.

Q: What do you foresee in the future? I see organizations hiring veterans and supporting them in entrepreneurship.  There is a sea of talent out there and organizations are going to cast their nets wider in their search for talent.

Q: Who is/are your mentors?  I have a dream team of a diverse people who I learn and glean from on an on going basis.

Q: What are you thoughts on coaching or mentoring for the veteran in transition? I think both coaching and mentoring would prove to be very valuable for veterans.  Both have provided me with the support and knowledge that have transformed my life personally and professionally.

Q: Any parting words of advice? Veterans bring tremendous experience to any organization. They want an opportunity to show what they have just as most people do.  Any organization that is wise enough to hire a veteran should be wise enough to leverage their skill sets.  It’s important for the veteran and the organization to share and communicate expectations in order to ensure a successful transition.

You can read more about Joseph Almond, President of JAE Consulting at his LinkedIn profile: 

Tags: ,

Leave comment

Oct 01

Respect of the Circle

Categories:

Leadership Development, Transitions, Uncategorized

by admin

I found a quote the other day and it impacted me greatly. And it reflected personal truths as well as  indirectly – to me -  how we can view sustainable leadership. Sustainability is about respect  – respect for all around us – respect for the systems that interact to bring life forth.

Native American Quote

“The Circle has healing power. In the Circle, we are all equal. When in the Circle, no one is in front of you. No one is behind you. No one is above you. No one is below you. The Sacred Circle is designed to create unity. The Hoop of Life is also a circle. On this hoop there is a place for every species, every race, every tree and every plant. It is this completeness of Life that must be respected in order to bring about health on this planet.”

~Dave Chief, Oglala Lakota~

I have read this over and over again and realize that if we could all approach the systems in our life  with the concept in mind that we are all part of a larger system – a circle – than perhaps the need for specific achievement would shift.  It is natural to crave success – to desire achievement. Yet, in this quest it often happens that we see ourselves as before, above or behind another – instead of basing the achievement on what we give back . The gifts and talents may differ but in our humanity and respect for life – we can be equal.

Tags: , ,

Leave comment

Jul 28

What we want to be when we grow up…..

Categories:

branding, branding communication, nonprofit capacity building, organizational development

by admin

When I first heard about LC3’s – I was thrilled. Then I learned about B-Corps and again I said “eureka!” But alas BlueRiop Strategies is just not there yet. So I can at least say when we grow up we want to be a “Certified B! or an L3C!!”

Why, you ask?

Well, it used to be that the single bottom-line was all anyone cared about. Some still do. At BlueRio Strategies we honestly believe you can affect a triple bottom-line that is ROI (profit financially driven) but also ROP (Return on people and planet – not just investment of $$$.) The Triple bottom line = People. Planet. Profit In this we hope to make a difference in our community and in the world. A sustainability entrepreneurship of sorts –responsible and sustainable – especially when it comes to social impact. Until we grow up – we hope to service those that have already chosen their path – other B-Corps and Lc3s… So what are these structures?

What is a B-Corp?
I stumbled upon this site: B-Corporation
“B-Corporations are a new type of corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corps are unlike traditional businesses because they:
• Meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards;
• Meet higher legal accountability standards;
• Build business constituency for good business

What a great way to help improve triple bottom line goals.

And what is an L3C? Per Marc Lane – an expert in the field:
“The “low-profit limited liability company” (L3C) is a new, hybrid business form which can leverage foundations’ program-related investments to access trillions of dollars of market-driven capital for ventures with modest financial prospects, but the possibility of major social impact.
An L3C can have different classes of investors – - individuals, nonprofits, for-profits, and even government agencies. But foundations, primarily seeking social payoffs, take the lion’s share of economic risk yet content themselves with below-market financial returns. No wonder for-profit investors, seeing the risk-reward tradeoff shifted dramatically in their favor, eagerly commit their capital and expertise to investments they would otherwise reject out of hand. “Marc is the force behind Illinois’ Low-profit Limited Liability Company (L3C) legislation, and has been instrumental in promoting L3C legislation in other states.” says Intersector L3C Partners.

So all depending on what BlueRio Strategies evolves into when it grows up – I dream that it will make lasting impact socially at large levels!

Tags: , , ,

Leave comment

Mar 27

Making Assumptions to Conserve Brain Energy

Categories:

authentic communication, interpersonal neurobiology

by admin

I know first impressions count. And yet I do not take that much stock in them. I mean we are all products of our experiences and that includes the hours before we meet each other.

Consider all that can affect a person’s mood and how and why they may show up a specific way – then watch for themes and only then start – and just start – to make assumptions. How often have you said or heard a friend say, “It’s weird when I first met him – he was awesome and then it’s like he’s Jekyll and Hyde” or “She used to be so polished, I can’t understand why she has such an unprofessional and casual demeanor. She really took me off guard.”

Of course sometimes we do change. And often it was just that we had a very bad or a very good day when we first met someone. Still, it seems to me that a more powerful way to learn about another is to temper assumptions and to become adaptive in how we see others. At the point that we can digest themes or repeated behaviors is when it may serve us better to create our own interpretations of others and their intentions. Even then we can be wrong.


Someone said to me recently “I try not to question the intention of others.” And my first reaction was to respond saying – “Sure but perhaps if we all questioned more – we may understand each other better.” Upon further reflection I think I get what she is saying. We can analyze so much we misinterpret why someone acted in a particular way.

I do believe there is a middle ground. Brains and minds need to make sense of surroundings and input in a way that takes the least amount of energy. I read in a book that our brain has the ability to use about as much energy as 40-watt light bulb. If this is the case, it makes sense that we rush to conclusions. We are trying to save energy. So, sure – we may have to rely on assumptions and quick interpretation of others. It’s a safety thing – it’s a survival thing – it a human thing. Can’t we though remind ourselves that we do this because our brain needs us to and that we can make mistakes? I just think it is a good thing to remember our environment affects us every day – which means it colors our interactions with others. We are not always what we appear to be. Understanding, open-minds, forgiveness, acceptance and inquisitiveness are empowering.

Tags: , , ,

Leave comment

Jan 05

What can $1 dollar do to help a Veteran?

Categories:

Career, Leadership Development, Transitions

by admin

Over the past two weeks I have been playing phone tag with people who developed a very powerful program to help our US veterans transition from military life to civilian life, called ReBOOT. When I listened closely again to the latest voice mail message, I heard a new concept: “Operation Legacy”. So I did what many of us do – I searched Via GOOGLE and found a web site dedicated to another ambitious and valiant effort: a workbook to also help veterans in transition. The statistics are alarming. Perhaps what is most shocking to me is the lesson of leadership that could be learned from these veterans and is slipping through their dedicated hands.

They understand crisis, resolution, critical thinking and teamwork. They need to understand more about transforming – staying part of who they are now – but also developing into a leader in the civilian world by gaining new skills. They deserve the opportunity to build a healthy, sustainable career just as anyone else does – but they start in a different place – from a different platform. They need specialized attention to help them with this transition. The workbook may just do that. Before going on – read these facts reported on Operation legacy site:

Female Iraq war veterans are the fastest growing population of homeless in the U.S. One in four homeless persons is a veteran.

Suicide rates among veterans far exceed the civilian population.

The number of active-duty soldiers getting divorced has been rising sharply with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Joblessness for Veterans age 20 – 24 is three times the national average.”

Now consider what you can do to help. What impressed me was the message not of giving hundreds. Let’s face it – many of us are also out of work. No – the message was asking even for $1. What could happen if ALL who read this gave just $1? Could we supply 20 veterans with this handbook, 200, 2000 – maybe 20,000?

The authors’ goal is two million books. Can you help?
I hope to interview the authors soon and will post updates on this.

To read more about the book and the project, visit this site. http://www.operationlegacy.net/home.html

Tags: , , , , , ,

Leave comment