I was standing in the deli of the country supermarket. No longer so remote and increasingly 'cosmopolitan' now the town could boast a range of coffee shops and franchises - Gloria Jeans, Jamaica Blue, Boost Juice and the list goes on. This was an emerging aspect of this thriving rural hub.
You experience something poignant when you return to the place where the fabric of your life commenced its' weave. Threads of relationships that haven't broken and somehow withstood time apart, the test of wear & tear,and maybe even some neglect.
On arriving here on Thursday I met my Mum at her sister and brother-in-laws home where the regular weekly get together was taking place. I spied my mum eagerly looking up and down the street for my arrival, and then, we were soon in each other's arms. Our shared solitude was short lived as we walked around the back of the house. I was soon ensconced in the banter between siblings that have journeyed through life together for more than 60 years. There was indeed a feeling of coming home.....
Aunts and Uncles have a unique, steadfast role in the life of their sibling's children. There is a constancy, a surety for us as we grow through life, wandering the planet, embracing technology and quietly knowing that our extended family are right where they've always been loving and supporting us from afar, back in that country town.
This trip was for my school reunion, yet on being in my aunts kitchen this reunion of family gave me a new appreciation for this generation of older Australians. They had so many tales to tell of rivers running and the life they contained, to scone mixes and beetroot plants, the richness of a healthy soil and the merriment that comes from being able to laugh at yourself and your family!
Back in 1984 I was a teenager about to embark on her grown up life. I could never imagine how much these people, my family would come to mean to me. Perhaps it is true that it is only when we ourselves begin to raise our own family that we can appreciate the joy, strength, patience and perseverance of the ones who raised us and continue to do so.
Now I best get ready for that school reunion!
Trafficking Leaders © – Pushing On or Pushing Around?
Ever heard question time in Parliament? Attended any interviews lately?
We often look at politicians and find ourselves disgusted with their conduct , to be fair not all of them,in what should be a professional setting. Many are shouting down others, letting fly with innuendo and mocking comments. Any other work place and they’d be challenged by the courts! They’re role models for us? Aren’t they our great leaders? Where is their dignity and regard for one another? Perhaps, hidden from view.
I read the Queensland Courier Mail on the weekend of August 8-9, 2009. The article appearing in Career One and written by Work blog, Kate Southam, Online Editor recounted an unusal employment interview attended by 'Caitlyn'. I agree with Ms Southam's heading "Creepy interviews aren't acceptable".
Generations are influenced by Politicians, and people they perceive in authority. Will Gen X or Y or the rest of the alphabet vote at all and how will they vote when they do? Someone, may be so put off by the leaders conduct that they elect not to participate in community. Yet, we know that unless individuals DO vote, then in reality we ALL get the government we deserve. That's apathy.
Like Caitlyn I also had an interesting experience recently which at the very least could be described as ‘politically incorrect’. I attended a student intake interview for a particular program. Participation, if deemed a suitable candidate, in the program is multiple thousands of dollars unless a scholarship, partial or full, is awarded.
From the entry to the room through to the conclusion of the interview every aspect resonated as being at odds with best practice and general good manners. It was contrary to professional leadership engagement as I knew it. I was prepared for tough questions that were direct, yes behavioural in kind, but not bullying in their tone.
Under the guise of determining my preparedness to participate in the tough program one of the two interviewers advised that he was going to ask some challenging questions and press me if he saw a potential ‘button’. So, I was forewarned, and believed that professional courtesy was a given. Not so. The questioning was personalized.
The questioning continued aggressively asking me ‘what are you selling?’, ‘what are you trying to sell?’ in reference to my posture (attentive, slight lean forward in my chair). Wording was ambiguous. I was asked what I would need to 'get rid of to be part of the program?' Confident that I could both gain a lot from the program and add value in return, I responded as best as I could even though my eyes leaked!
The interviewer wasn’t scary but it was a very uncomfortable process used by this person who on this occasion was in a position of perceived authority. It was a most extraordinary experience.
One week on and I still don’t think fondly of the experience, but it has benefited me. How:
• Reflection – am I ready for this, when I don’t know what the specific agenda is? How will I feel if I am offered a place or not offered a place?
• Resilience – that my character be shaped by the experience, the elements that I wish to reflect on, change, adapt or incorporate into my life
• Confidence – for people who don’t experience Christianity as a lifestyle this may be hard to appreciate. But there’s a confidence that comes from GOD. It doesn’t rest in man’s perception of who we are, what we do, what qualifications we may have or not have. It rests in HIM and how HE sees us. Check out Psalm 139 Old Testament NIV or NLT or Message Bible
• Leadership style - trust my own style whilst continually reviewing and developing!
• Commitment – my firm decision to keep making a difference where I have influence now! Maybe, just like Esther in the Old Testament, perhaps we have all "come to the Kingdom for such a time as this?"- to make a difference. We do have a choice and both an opportunity AND vitally a responsibility to embrace our gifts and talents and be a blessing not a curse to our community. There's no growth in isolation. Even if we do make each other uncomfortable.
Alan Keith of Genentech said "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen”. (Wikipedia - Definition of Leadership. I believe each leadership encounter we have should simultaneously encourage, inspire and bring dignity to all the parties even as we roll up our sleeves, ahve tough covnersatiosn and get on with the job.
We won't always be politically correct - even Christ rocked the boat and challenged the status quo. I believe that we can still do that without pushing people around. There's another way to role-model leadership and it's akin to 'loving people to life!', valuing one another and while focusing on getting the job done, we remember to have fun along the way and build relationships with people.
Let’s push on and influence positive change in our community. That's Leadership on the move - "Trafficking Leaders" for social change.
We often look at politicians and find ourselves disgusted with their conduct , to be fair not all of them,in what should be a professional setting. Many are shouting down others, letting fly with innuendo and mocking comments. Any other work place and they’d be challenged by the courts! They’re role models for us? Aren’t they our great leaders? Where is their dignity and regard for one another? Perhaps, hidden from view.
I read the Queensland Courier Mail on the weekend of August 8-9, 2009. The article appearing in Career One and written by Work blog, Kate Southam, Online Editor recounted an unusal employment interview attended by 'Caitlyn'. I agree with Ms Southam's heading "Creepy interviews aren't acceptable".
Generations are influenced by Politicians, and people they perceive in authority. Will Gen X or Y or the rest of the alphabet vote at all and how will they vote when they do? Someone, may be so put off by the leaders conduct that they elect not to participate in community. Yet, we know that unless individuals DO vote, then in reality we ALL get the government we deserve. That's apathy.
Like Caitlyn I also had an interesting experience recently which at the very least could be described as ‘politically incorrect’. I attended a student intake interview for a particular program. Participation, if deemed a suitable candidate, in the program is multiple thousands of dollars unless a scholarship, partial or full, is awarded.
From the entry to the room through to the conclusion of the interview every aspect resonated as being at odds with best practice and general good manners. It was contrary to professional leadership engagement as I knew it. I was prepared for tough questions that were direct, yes behavioural in kind, but not bullying in their tone.
Under the guise of determining my preparedness to participate in the tough program one of the two interviewers advised that he was going to ask some challenging questions and press me if he saw a potential ‘button’. So, I was forewarned, and believed that professional courtesy was a given. Not so. The questioning was personalized.
The questioning continued aggressively asking me ‘what are you selling?’, ‘what are you trying to sell?’ in reference to my posture (attentive, slight lean forward in my chair). Wording was ambiguous. I was asked what I would need to 'get rid of to be part of the program?' Confident that I could both gain a lot from the program and add value in return, I responded as best as I could even though my eyes leaked!
The interviewer wasn’t scary but it was a very uncomfortable process used by this person who on this occasion was in a position of perceived authority. It was a most extraordinary experience.
One week on and I still don’t think fondly of the experience, but it has benefited me. How:
• Reflection – am I ready for this, when I don’t know what the specific agenda is? How will I feel if I am offered a place or not offered a place?
• Resilience – that my character be shaped by the experience, the elements that I wish to reflect on, change, adapt or incorporate into my life
• Confidence – for people who don’t experience Christianity as a lifestyle this may be hard to appreciate. But there’s a confidence that comes from GOD. It doesn’t rest in man’s perception of who we are, what we do, what qualifications we may have or not have. It rests in HIM and how HE sees us. Check out Psalm 139 Old Testament NIV or NLT or Message Bible
• Leadership style - trust my own style whilst continually reviewing and developing!
• Commitment – my firm decision to keep making a difference where I have influence now! Maybe, just like Esther in the Old Testament, perhaps we have all "come to the Kingdom for such a time as this?"- to make a difference. We do have a choice and both an opportunity AND vitally a responsibility to embrace our gifts and talents and be a blessing not a curse to our community. There's no growth in isolation. Even if we do make each other uncomfortable.
Alan Keith of Genentech said "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen”. (Wikipedia - Definition of Leadership. I believe each leadership encounter we have should simultaneously encourage, inspire and bring dignity to all the parties even as we roll up our sleeves, ahve tough covnersatiosn and get on with the job.
We won't always be politically correct - even Christ rocked the boat and challenged the status quo. I believe that we can still do that without pushing people around. There's another way to role-model leadership and it's akin to 'loving people to life!', valuing one another and while focusing on getting the job done, we remember to have fun along the way and build relationships with people.
Let’s push on and influence positive change in our community. That's Leadership on the move - "Trafficking Leaders" for social change.
Trafficking Leaders © People on the Move or People In the Road?
Have you ever worked with a bunch of people drawn from a diverse range of experiences but who came together with a common focus? I had the priviledge of partnering with a group of individuals drawn from all walks of life, the building game, a chef and a beauty queen for example.
I held a position for 6 years as a founding manager of a non government, not for profit, Christian based ministry delivering supports to the community within the disability sector. Sounds like a mouthful doesn’t it? What a blast!
We had a clear Vision and Mission to make a difference. We lived and breathed our core values based on the Christian faith. Not as a ‘religious unction’ but as a living breathing vibrant example of faith in action on the planet. We had a blast and the ministry continues growing today.
Over 6 years we had an average of 90% staff retention. Morale was high, conflict wasn’t feared. We dealt with issues and behaviours not character assassinations. We were up front, laughed a lot, reviewing our progress regularly. Our client base grew and satisfaction was high. Our team were people moving forward, not on. They were an example of Trafficking Leaders - People on the Move!
It’s worth asking ourselves if we’re embracing our ability and that of others?
When’s the last time you and I took a look in the revision mirror, checked where we’ve been in life and determined to be a person on the move, stepping forward confidently for the benefit of all, and bringing other people on the journey with us? Maybe we should do it now? Let’s look ahead, focus on the future.
Make a decision to STOP getting in our own road!
Be a member of the Trafficking Leaders© team. It’s up to us and we’re going to have a blast!
I held a position for 6 years as a founding manager of a non government, not for profit, Christian based ministry delivering supports to the community within the disability sector. Sounds like a mouthful doesn’t it? What a blast!
We had a clear Vision and Mission to make a difference. We lived and breathed our core values based on the Christian faith. Not as a ‘religious unction’ but as a living breathing vibrant example of faith in action on the planet. We had a blast and the ministry continues growing today.
Over 6 years we had an average of 90% staff retention. Morale was high, conflict wasn’t feared. We dealt with issues and behaviours not character assassinations. We were up front, laughed a lot, reviewing our progress regularly. Our client base grew and satisfaction was high. Our team were people moving forward, not on. They were an example of Trafficking Leaders - People on the Move!
It’s worth asking ourselves if we’re embracing our ability and that of others?
When’s the last time you and I took a look in the revision mirror, checked where we’ve been in life and determined to be a person on the move, stepping forward confidently for the benefit of all, and bringing other people on the journey with us? Maybe we should do it now? Let’s look ahead, focus on the future.
Make a decision to STOP getting in our own road!
Be a member of the Trafficking Leaders© team. It’s up to us and we’re going to have a blast!
Trafficking Leaders
The day had finally arrived when the 'Good Ol' Boys" would once again ride off into the Never Never, forgoing the art of showering for some weeks in favour of tall stories and rollicking adventures. Tales of male bonding and friendships strengthened would emerge from a journey covering 4000km in 12 days.
The bike of choice amongst 7 riders - Dave Deane, Bruce Lumb, Andy Herman, Geoff McBride, Jim McBride, Laurie and the man known as Rod "Rocket" were being backed up by Big Kev in his Swiss Army Knife 4 Wheel Drive. The 4 wheel drive prooved invaluable in the 2006 bash that the boys did out to Alice Springs (but that is a whole other story).
On Friday 24.07.09 I rode my Ducati 600 Monster down to Ballina and across to Alstonville with Dave and our friend Laurie. This was to be my turn around point where I'd farewell the lads and head for home. On my solo journey back, I found my mind reflecting on my road bike competency test and a lesson for life learnt that day. The Instructor had shared with our class the following points:
- we need to look confidently ahead
- chin up
- eyes firmly fixed
- do NOT look down
- do NOT drop your chin
- know your centre of gravity
- know your emergency braking
Following are the opportunities and some would say, hazards, of people on the move, of 'Trafficking Leaders' to remember the above lessons and the impact on everyday living, playing and working: driving, riding, or walking on the Motorway of life:
- where your chin leads, your eyes will follow > look down , fall down
- you will be putting others at risk by not looking clearly ahead and anticipating what's coming around the next bend > look ahead, shape the future
- clear vision, clear goals = clear purpose, greater influence on outcomes
- know your centre of gravity > what your values are, what your faith is based on, what shakes you
- recognise, anticipate as best you can when something is about to rock your world and know how to STOP and take stock, reposition yourself for the next part of the ride of life.
So every time I ride, I remember to lift my gaze, consider the lessons of the past, be mindful of hazards and seize opportunities. Our challenge is to apply these same principles in our regular world, ever day. Will you join me?
Trafficking Leaders ~ for People on the Move
People Are Important Designs - PAID
The day started with rain and though it was night, ended with Sunshine!
Relationships are the all important factor that will continue on long after we have gone from this place. How we are NOW with one another will leave an impact, a footprint as it were on the generations that we do life with.
It can be difficult juggling all the demands on our time, the people we need to see, want to see, those who want to see us and spend time with us... Each encounter an opportunity to let one another know, despite the reality of timelines, that hey right now - you're it and there is no where else I'd rather be.
Today my husband and I spent some time with 2 of our nieces, Georgia and Lu Lu, while their Mum took the youngest girl to the Doctors for her shots. So, here we were in Aunty Tari and Uncle Davo's kitchen pretending like Aunty Tari was a contestant in Masterchef. It was a brave move as yesterday my Guacomole Dip had Georgia declare "Sorry Aunty Tari but you're the Loser". Harsh from a 7 year old. Today however, we made a warm pumpkin and pine nut salad for lunch. The girls sat on the bench and our conversation turned to step families, my daughter (their favourite they said!) and the following conversation unfolded."Tari you and Davo will die one day but you want to see us married and have our own kids too. But don't worry if you're dead we'll write you a letter and let you know the boys name. Then we'll give the letter to God and He can tell you all about the wedding so you don't miss out".
Kids see things so simply. These girls squeal with delight and love hanging with their extended family. We over complicate life sometimes don't we? Let's place value more, and more, and more on relationships.
Rather than get caught up in the global financial crisis (gfc), why don't we undertake a GLOBAL FAMILY CHALLENGE - GFC? Strengthening ourselves individually and collectively by purposefully investing in our community. Talk to our neighbours, encourage our youth, lend someone a hand. Stop politicising, break down barriers and recognise the high price PAID by Love. Turn negativity on its' ear!
The day ended with Sunshine and hope for the future.
Relationships are the all important factor that will continue on long after we have gone from this place. How we are NOW with one another will leave an impact, a footprint as it were on the generations that we do life with.
It can be difficult juggling all the demands on our time, the people we need to see, want to see, those who want to see us and spend time with us... Each encounter an opportunity to let one another know, despite the reality of timelines, that hey right now - you're it and there is no where else I'd rather be.
Today my husband and I spent some time with 2 of our nieces, Georgia and Lu Lu, while their Mum took the youngest girl to the Doctors for her shots. So, here we were in Aunty Tari and Uncle Davo's kitchen pretending like Aunty Tari was a contestant in Masterchef. It was a brave move as yesterday my Guacomole Dip had Georgia declare "Sorry Aunty Tari but you're the Loser". Harsh from a 7 year old. Today however, we made a warm pumpkin and pine nut salad for lunch. The girls sat on the bench and our conversation turned to step families, my daughter (their favourite they said!) and the following conversation unfolded."Tari you and Davo will die one day but you want to see us married and have our own kids too. But don't worry if you're dead we'll write you a letter and let you know the boys name. Then we'll give the letter to God and He can tell you all about the wedding so you don't miss out".
Kids see things so simply. These girls squeal with delight and love hanging with their extended family. We over complicate life sometimes don't we? Let's place value more, and more, and more on relationships.
Rather than get caught up in the global financial crisis (gfc), why don't we undertake a GLOBAL FAMILY CHALLENGE - GFC? Strengthening ourselves individually and collectively by purposefully investing in our community. Talk to our neighbours, encourage our youth, lend someone a hand. Stop politicising, break down barriers and recognise the high price PAID by Love. Turn negativity on its' ear!
The day ended with Sunshine and hope for the future.
Winter ~ A Season of Reflection
It might seem that very little happens during the colder months. Leaves have fallen from the trees. There is a crispness in the air that chills the bones as the winter winds come in from the southwest across desert lands and collide with offshore gusts. In the house on the hill the heater is on low from midday. The wind swirling below floorboards and palms bending with the gusts. Yet, the diehard surfer is never put off by the chill. A faithful 'steamer' and clean crisp waves beckon for attention. The husband is delighted and almost skips out the door with anticipation. The wife relaxes and reclines, content in the knowledge that her Prince is doing something he loves. The call for a late morning coffee comes with the suggestion that surfing may be completed. She walks down to Burleigh and into the Vanilla Bean for Ginger Infusion and the promise of a date with her husband, the barefooted surfer.
Later, sitting in the fleeting sun, trying to hide from the breeze, she sits reflecting. Winter is a nice time for that. A touchstone of rememberance in Psalm 139, of value and worth and love. Winter, where a lot happens beneath the surface, hidden from the naked eye. A repositioning, harbouring a season of potential and the promise of Spring - a flourish of growth that will nourish many in the months to come
Later, sitting in the fleeting sun, trying to hide from the breeze, she sits reflecting. Winter is a nice time for that. A touchstone of rememberance in Psalm 139, of value and worth and love. Winter, where a lot happens beneath the surface, hidden from the naked eye. A repositioning, harbouring a season of potential and the promise of Spring - a flourish of growth that will nourish many in the months to come
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