The Leadership Blog by Ann Vanino

Collaboration

Ann Vanino — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:39:36 +0000

What is the key to effective collaboration? Knowing that we need each other. Collaboration assumes a coming together. In this coming together differences arise, similarities are identified and if effective, we end up better than we started. A Japanese proverb states that none of us is as smart as all of us. That’s a great starting point for collaboration.

Steven Slater

Ann Vanino — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:31:06 +0000

We’ve been hearing a lot about Steven Slater, the Jet Blue flight attendant who quit his job dramatically. Good choice, bad choice, dos and don’ts can be discussed, but what interests me is an undercurrent of the news reporting about people who are dissatisfied in their jobs.

There are reports that that Steven Slater is being approached to host a show in which unhappy workers quit their jobs in outlandish ways. I received a Facebook post from a friend who is a flight attendant addressing what it is like to be in their shoes and asking us to see the other side of Steven Slater’s experience.

I welcome this increased awareness and dialogue on fulfillment in your work, respect and dignity on the job and not letting things get so unbearable you lose it.

How Are You Doing?

Ann Vanino — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:23:13 +0000

Periodically it is good to stop and take a look at the state of your life. Call it a rest stop. At your rest stop, you can observe how your life is going. Are your goals clear? Are you on track? Is your life balanced? What needs a course correction? What will you do going forward? Enjoy your rest stop – it will set the best course for the days ahead.

Van Jones is Back

Ann Vanino — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:22:53 +0000

In 2008, I co – founded The High Desert Region Green Jobs Initiative with Linda K. Jones. The founder of Green for All, Van Jones was a large part of our inspiration. Van Jones went on to join and then leave the Obama administration. I waited for his return and that he did at the Netroots Nation conference in July. At the conference, he gave a keynote address and an interview. His message: Love Harder. In the face of conflict, sometimes we have to fight, but our focus should be on creating change and showing people there is a way through the conflict. He said we now are walking the road from hope to change; that change is harder than hope. He said DC will become more gridlocked and we must work in communities and love harder. It is a message of collaboration, positivity, focus, wisdom and hope on this path to creating meaningful change.

Joy, Joy, Joy

Ann Vanino — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:00:26 +0000

I will create joy in the month of August. That is my intent. Joy will lead to optimism, connection, fun and new opportunity. May you too, have a joyful August!

Recognizing Opportunity

Ann Vanino — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:55:18 +0000

Opportunity can come to you openly or in disguise. Sometimes its disguises are hard to take. Opportunity can knock with a crisis or a shake up of your life. It is not just about making the best of a bad situation. It is about recognizing that underneath the challenge is an opportunity you have been waiting for. As each new turn occurs in your life, recognize the opportunity it presents and embrace it. The road may be rough for awhile, but new insights and opportunity are waiting for you.

Light

Ann Vanino — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:08:53 +0000

Be a source of light

For your and others delight

Spread it far and wide

Creating A New Chapter

Ann Vanino — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:08:27 +0000

There is so much change and opportunity in the world right now. Conditions are perfect for you to create a new chapter in your life – one that brings you fulfillment and joy. If a genie appeared to you today, what would you ask for relating to your work in the world? Start thinking about how you can create what you would ask for. To do so involves making room in your life for the new to come in, letting go of limiting perceptions and believing that you can do it. It’s time to write a new chapter. Ready to get started?

Dark

Ann Vanino — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:25:17 +0000

Alone in the dark

Awaiting a path to walk

I must conquer fear

Freedom

Ann Vanino — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:50:11 +0000

There was a young girl named Jane

Told not to go out in the rain

As she grew older

Her therapist told her

The intention had been to restrain