Category Archives: Uncategorized

Friends

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Yesterday I had the incredible blessing of getting together with four of my closest childhood friends. It was a  hastily put together reunion because one of the group lives outside of the U.S. and was in visiting. We all drove in to one of our group’s new house out in the countryside. We were only together for a few short hours but what a special time. I came away feeling so uplifted. We shared great stories. We consoled each other. We made fun of each other. We encouraged each other.

I realized I had a bond with these tremendous people that maybe others do not always experience. As my wife and I were driving home I talked about  the overwhelming sense of being blessed that I experienced. I began to reflect on  the role friendship has in our lives. Friendship is a one of the most important healing forces God has given us.

Why would I say that? Here are five reasons.

We laughed together: Whether we were remembering the antics of our junior high basketball coach, flunking chemistry, or the times shared in high school marching band, we laughed the kind of laughs that make you cry and that wash out your insides.

We were genuine with each other: My friends have seen me at my best and my worst. They’ve seen  my ups and downs, success and failures. I do not have to pretend.

We validated each other: No matter who was talking, we took the time to listen and accept what was said. It is not because we all agree about everything but we give each other the right to have an opinion. We accept each other’s lived experience.

We sought to restore each other: We believe the best about each other and we spoke words of encouragement to each other.

We shared God’s blessings with one another: As we were leaving, I commented for the umpteenth time how much I loved my friend’s  new place, especially the spacious backyard. He made sure I knew I was welcome back any time.

So there it is. Five things about my life long set of friends that added some healing to my life this weekend. They are a gift. I pray that God gives you the same blessing…a few good friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 skills every executive must have | Behavioral Healthcare Magazine

Mental Health, Topics in Leadership, Uncategorized
Photo by: ralphbijker
Photo by: ralphbijker

Donna Marbury hit the nail on the head identifying the traits mental health leaders need to embody during this time of transition. Ohio Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) are going through a period of fundamental change.

In her article she highlights the need for executives to 1) Embrace technology, 2) Encourage program innovation, 3) Be in tune with staff, 4) Understand patient needs, and 5) Have patience.

For Ohio CMHCs, technology is going to be one of the keys to staying relevant. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Ohio Behavioral Health Redesign (BHR) are emphasizing outcomes. Agencies that are stronger  at demonstrating patient improvement will have an edge. Being successful at this means embracing a powerful technology system that makes data easily accessible. Knowing the patients that are  served and how to adapt programming to increase accessibility and help them accomplish their goals will be essential. It also means finding ways to help each patient holistically. The outcomes that the ACA and BHR want to see reflect both physical and mental wellness.

Great clinicians and support personnel make this happen. No director can succeed without excellent staff that works well as a team.    Gary Humble of Pinnacle Partners, who is quoted in the article below says it well, “the infrastructure of the organization—the clinical and administrative pieces—must be in unison.”

There are many articles out there about what it takes to be a leader. If you’re in the behavioral health field, this one is  worth the read.

http://http://www.behavioral.net/article/5-skills-every-executive-must-have

Do you ever feel like your solution just created more problems?

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Photo by: ralphbijker
Photo by: ralphbijker

Reading the article below reminds me of how often as a leader I see the applicability of Newton’s Third Law to systems, organizations,  and societies. I have learned, often the hard way, that every decision has consequences that the decider can’t control. This article also provides an example of the reality that the multiplicity of forces driving human are complex and personal…which is probably why solutions often create new problems.

Flash – Refugee crisis tests Sweden’s lofty aim of ‘equality for all’ – France 24
http://m.france24.com/en/20151127-refugee-crisis-tests-swedens-lofty-aim-equality-all?ns_campaign=reseaux_sociaux&ns_source=twitter&ns_mchannel=social&ns_linkname=editorial&aef_campaign_ref=partage_aef&aef_campaign_date=2015-11-27&dlvrit=65413

Don’t Stress About Finding Your Calling | RELEVANT Magazine

Uncategorized
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Photo by The Wandering Angel

This is a nice article. It might help relieve anxiety for many of my young (and not so young) friends who are stressed about figuring out their direction in life.
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/maker/dont-stress-about-finding-your-calling

When They Brought The Wolves To Yellowstone, They Had No Clue This Would Be The Result | True Activist

Uncategorized

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I really like the story in this video. Its an example of how making a small change to a system can bring things into balance. This can be true for families or organizations.  Many times when things aren’t going well we go for a total make over when in fact a properly applied small intervention is all that is needed to set things right.

 

Top Predictor Of Career Success

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One of the concepts  from my graduate studies in leadership  that has made a difference in how I see things is Margaret Wheatley’s  application of the laws of thermodynamics  to organizations. Closed organizations that do not take in new information die. Organizations that stay open and adapt to new information live.
Interestingly,  Michael Simmons reports that working in an open network happens to be the greatest predictor of career success.
http://www.businessinsider.com/top-predictor-of-career-success-2015

The importance of being present.

Life, Topics in Leadership, Uncategorized, Work

zion_20_bg_111003.jpg Focus

I have always considered myself a multitasker. Lately though, I have  had a growing awareness of how this  keeps me from being the supportive leader the people in my organization need me to be.  In fact,  one of the most important things I can offer all of the people in my life is my undivided attention. Turning away from the computer, setting down my tablet or phone, or putting  down my notes to look  at and really listen to the person who has asked for my attention is essential to a caring and supportive relationship. By focusing my attention I am sending  the signal that the person who has asked me a question  matters, what they care about is important to me, and that even though I am busy I have time for them. I can think of few more powerful messages a leader could send.

Granted, there are times I do not feel I have a spare moment to listen. If that is the case I try to schedule a time I can listen rather than trying to act like I care while emailing or texting someone else. I want the people in my life to know that they matter.

As leaders, we are always communicating by our actions. Try sending the message that the people in your organization matter enough to set aside the distractions, look them in the eye, and really listen.

Whether you are the manager of someone at work, have a friend , or are the parent of a child with ADHD, this article shares some good reminders.

Uncategorized

As a manager, administrator, and parent I like things to be organized. I like point A to lead to point B. Knowing and working with people who have ADHD helps me grow out of my linear mindset. Sometimes the path zigzags and loops around a couple times… and that is a blessing.

20 Things to Remember If You Love Someone With ADD

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/20-things-remember-you-love-person-with-add.html