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V.3 N.34 TSN from MGM "The Mirror" Days 982-987

Hi ,

I promised you and me that when I write on Sundays, I would write what's real.

When I started this reflective practice in January of 2019, I committed to NOT teach via this letter; instead, I wanted to find a way to share with my family and friends who I am, where I am, how I am, and what I see happening "out there" that affects me "in here."

There are three things that I'm going to ponder because of last week.

The first is this: If you're a leader, we are watching you. Closely. Your every move.

We see you doing the good, and we watch in awe and disappointment as you do the bad. My challenge to everyone in a position to influence other people is to pretend you're still in Zoom when you're in real life.

What does that mean? Look at yourself more. Pretend you can see you, as they are seeing you.

Back in the old days, I had a job where I made phone calls to sell services. I don't know how I came up with this, but I put up a mirror on the wall above my desk—phone in my left hand, pen in my right, and a mirror in front of me. Since I was young, I've always looked at "you" to find the reflection in "me."

Can you remember that scene in Avatar where Neytiri rescues Jake? Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about. "I see you."

Leaders, if you look out and realize that the other person is doing the best they can do right now (just like you assume that YOU are doing the best you can right now, right!), you'll realize they need to be seen. The added challenge is to see yourself when you do see them. You're a couple of human beings, not just human doings.

The second thing I'm going to be looking for this week - ok, for the rest of my life! - is how people "team." Yes, I'm using that word as a verb, much like I imagine Amy Edmundson or Kim Scott might use it. Here's something that has me thinking:

When people come together for event-driven projects, the energy flows directly between one another. And, we either resonate with one another...or we don't.

So, then the questions are:

• What happens when the energy flow is compromised?

• What happens when we miscommunicate, when something wrong occurs, or when a circumstance attenuates trust?

When a leader (see my first point above) gets it wrong, and the team (this time a noun) has been hurt, what do they do to get it back on track?

#askingforafriend

Ok, and number three...the BIG one that has me concerned.

I'm not enthusiastic about people coming back together.

Of course, this flies contrary to the momentum we're feeling throughout the country, even the world. Sure, I am as excited as you are to go out to dinner, to get on a plane, maybe even to take a trip for my 50th (mark your calendar, next April!).

However, I'm concerned about what it means for the areas of our country and world, the organizations that employ us, the teams we are assigned to serve, and the coworkers we work alongside who are not prepared to come together.

Now my questions turn dark...

• What happens when people who are different front one another meet up again?

• What happens when people have to work on a project together...alongside people they don't like, don't trust, and don't know?

• What happens when people have to think hard about challenging projects in ways they haven't before?

What happens when people are ill-equipped to sit down and see (see number two above) one another as fellow humans, who woke up that morning in an effort to show up and do what they could, where they were, with what they have.

Here's the note that made it to my journal:

The purpose of bringing people together is singular...with a 'nice-to-but-not-required' by-product.

The MAIN purpose of me inviting you to something TODAY?

It is to create a feeling that would entice you to want to regroup tomorrow.

The secondary purpose?

To get something done.

Much love from 'bama,

JW

Announcements:

9 Nov @ 1730 (5:30pm) Central

Gift and Power Experience... on zoom, all the info is here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pKEEV6j9agCIwGum0VvLcm_4XU0Rx2Vsu7F3yoUU7rc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3NHDJ3ROcFFZLQQJFG7unVrUjfesyBoqzmk8i-FnK2-1-45ajHgFtZXs8

12 Nov @ 1730 (5:30pm) Central

Meetup in Kansas City at Boulevard. Marco Polo me for info!

15 Nov @ 0900 Central

LDC 22B starts. I recently drafted my "Teaching Philosophy" and put it up on google docs. Hit reply if you wanna read it.

(Hey, if you're on the Marco Polo app, send a hello my way! Mobile# 805-798-1362 )

How did The Note* from MGM (Montgomery, AL) begin?

After being here for just less than a week, I opened up my email to send a note to my family in friends in California and beyond. Jodi was on her way to join me here, so I took some time to reflect on this significant life decision/change I had initiated. That Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019, I sent an email at 9:38 pm (or, as I was beginning to learn: 2138). Here's how it started:

Today was my first day as an employee of the United States Air Force. And, I am bold enough to say I've never been prouder or more excited to serve a community.

Though I "moved" to Alabama last Wednesday [Jodi plans to be here Monday], I went to my New Employee Orientation just today. The 90-minute briefing culminated in me taking the Oath:

"I, Jason Womack, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well; and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

All at the same time, I felt pride, Honor, and a hefty dose of responsibility. I'm helping leaders on a grand scale.

*The following Sunday, and many subsequent Sundays!, I've sent a note to my family and friends. Thanks for reading, and gratitude (more!) for clicking reply and letting me know what YOU'RE reflecting on!