October 2007

How to Deliver an Inspiring Vision

I've written before about my son, Jeremy's, experience on Up with People and my involvement with and dedication to the program, not only as a parent of a participant, but as a member of UWP's Board of Directors.

Established in 1965, Up with People has been flying under the radar in recent years, and most of the very people who should be in the program (age range of 18 - 29 years old) don't even know it exists.

That's all about to change.

The UWP cast will be performing in both the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade, and our hope is that by their stepping on to the world stage we'll generate a nice buzz about this inspiring leadership development program.

This past August in Tucson, Arizona, Tommy Spaulding, the program's president and CEO, delivered his vision for the future of the program at the opening session of the Up with People alumni reunion.

And it was one hell of a speech.

I know; I was there. (Not as an alumnus, but as a Board member).

But here's the thing: it wasn't just a great speech about one organization's future, it's a lesson for any leader about how to communicate an inspiring vision and enlist others in making it happen.

So let's turn this into a lesson for the rest of us. Here's the plan:

1. Put Yourself in the Role of Audience Member: assume you're an alumnus of the program, and you've been frustrated with the organization because, in recent years, it hasn't lived up to your expectations. At one point it even temporarily closed its doors, and you were afraid that it was going to stay closed forever. You've come to this reunion to re-connect with old friends, and now the new CEO steps up to the stage to give his vision of the re-launched program's future. You want to believe him, but you're more than a little bit skeptical. Cynical, even.

2. Understand the CEO's (Tommy's) Challenge: He needs the audience to believe in the new strategy and direction. He needs their good will, their support, and, sometimes, their money. He has to re-energize the optimists, and convert the cynics.

3. Take specific notes on what Tommy does and how he does it.

4. Make a list of the principles you could use in communicating your next leadership/vision message.

5. Write your observations in the comments section below.

Heeeere's Tommy:

Posted by steve at 10.29.2007 | Comments (5)

What Would You Pack When Fleeing a Fire?

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all my near-neighbors who've lost their houses in these San Diego firestorms. Our neighborhood was untouched, and aside from a pool-full of ash and a smoky smell to the air, our place is fine.

My wife, three step-daughters, and I evacuated for a couple of days, which, with the exception of the fire-related stress, was more like a mini-vacation than a refugee experience. When I checked in at the Manchester Hyatt (we were lucky enough to find a couple of rooms before they were all snatched--thanks, Andrea!) the agent asked me if I was part of the "fire group," which would qualify us for a special room rate and a 20% discount on all food and beverages.

"Ummm...okay...the fire group. I guess that would be us."

The hotel staff did a great job of handling our "group," but I was a little disappointed that I didn't get a name tag.

Hello My Name is Steve. Poway. Evacuee.

It was interesting to see what each person in our family had packed to take with them. In addition to a few changes of clothes:

Presley, the 12 year old soccer player (state cup champs last year), took all her soccer medals, a soccer ball, and a picture that my son, Jeremy, had drawn for her a couple of years ago. And, of course, the Wii.

Kelsey, 17, took all her shoes.

Heather, 14, grabbed the PS2.

My wife, Veronica, packed the important documents, select family photo albums, and a folder full of old letters that my father had written to my mother in the years before I was born. Jeez...I hadn't even thought of that.

I gathered up my favorite guitars: my Martin D-45, Fender Strat, 1959 Gibson ES-330 and 1980 Gibson ES-347. Those, and my laptop, were all I really cared to take with me.

Frankly, as long as my family was safe, nothing else truly mattered, but still, it seems that what we pack when fleeing a fire says at least something about who we are. At least in that adrenaline-stoked moment.

So here's a question for you: with a fire marching towards your home, and minutes to decide, what would you pack?

And may that question be forever hypothetical for you and yours.

Posted by steve at 10.25.2007 | Comments (9)