As I “close out” 2017, here are some thoughts about uprooting 25 years of stability in Kansas City to become a “California Girl” and be a revolutionary in 2018.
The Reality of “Living the Dream”
Driving in SoCal:
- 6 lanes, bumper to bumper or going 80mph in 0 to 60 seconds. Most people are pretty civilized. On a 5 hour trip to Santa Barbara I heard one horn honk… which was mine – to warn a car veering into my lane. Contrast that to a week earlier when I was in NYC and the yelling and honking was deafening and unnerving. Chill!
- Thank goodness for GPS! – But when in doubt about getting home, head west and/or south! If you go too far, you’ll be in the ocean or Mexico.
- The 5, The 15, The 101…
Living in La Jolla
- The sunsets are breath-taking. Ironically, most people leave as soon as the sun is no longer visible. But a spectacular show begins after that and lasts for more than 30 minutes.
- Living on “The Cove” is restorative and energizing… except hold your nose near the seals.
- Most people here are tourists or retired. I am neither.
Meeting New People
- Most people aren’t from here, so we have that in common.
- Most people are really nice, very interesting and engaging…so we have that in common.
- Most people say they’ve had trouble making friends here… so we have that in common.
- I’m grateful for my friends around the country and Zoom. We “meet” for coffee or happy hour on the computer and catch up!
End of My “Sabbatical”
I’ve had the luxury of taking the past year to focus on my coaching clients, chair a national committee for the National Speakers Association, restore my health and wellbeing and reflect on our changing world. My “sabbatical” is over. I’ve hired 2 coaches and a videographer to help re-energize and re-purpose my work, explore how I can contribute and make a difference for people personally and professionally and organizationally.
In 2010, two years after the start of the housing and financial meltdown, I had a series of articles, training programs and keynotes called “The New Normal.” For the next 6 years, these programs helped us adapt because nothing we were experiencing seemed normal.
The events of this past year have turned “the new normal” upside down and inside out.
Navigating the New Reality
It can be exhausting and confusing sorting through claims of fake-news, alternative facts and doubling down as acceptable communication strategies.
The #Metoo movement has left many fearful or ignorant about sexual harassment. (FYI – The HR exec in me says neither approach will work in 2018.)
We hear of leaders who are so intent on “winning” and their rewards are so high that “integrity” sounds quaint. (Think Wells Fargo and Volkswagon… and the new tax bill…)
Rage Leads to Revolution
Finally, rage and divisiveness have infiltrated our communities. While there have been senseless and tragic shootings at churches and concerts, we’re also seeing rage expressed in more peaceful ways about inequalities and injustices, starting January 21 with the Women’s March on Washington. About 500,000 protesters marched in Washington D.C. and another 3,200,000 marched across the world to promote women’s rights, immigration reform, and LGBTQ rights, and to address racial inequities, worker’s issues, and environmental issues.
I like this kind of “rage.”
Revolution Leads to Transformation
It’s pro-active, inclusive, purposeful.
It’s about looking out for what’s good for the whole, not a select few.
It’s strategic and long term.
It’s how Transformational Leaders lead.
Want to join the revolution?
Want to be a transformational leader?
Watch this space.
Marty Stanley, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) is author of From Type A to Type T: How to Be a Transformational Leader in a Bottom-Line World. In this book, she describes how to be a transformational leader and create a work culture that is inclusive, productive and profitable.
Marty is a revolutionary and cultural architect. She was a front-line leader in two separate organizations at a time when they each were going through massive change and each re-defined their industries as a result.
Who do you know who needs help Navigating the New Reality?
Contact Marty to be your next speaker, trainer, coach and facilitator. She’s the real deal.
816-695-5453 or 858-432-6764
martystanley@alteringoutcomes.com www.alteringoutcomes.com
For more information on being a Type T leader, watch this 1 minute video.
Or order the book on How to Be a Transformational Leader in a Bottom-Line World.
