“The most exhausting thing you can do is to be inauthentic.” 

~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

StarDate 2024.0115 sent from Montgomery, AL

Y.6 N.2 – Nearer to Purpose (by Acknowledging Distance)

Hi ,

I’m in Montgomery, AL, and today is the day we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Coincidentally, in the states of Mississippi and Alabama, today is ALSO acknowledged as Robert E. Lee Day. Nope, I can’t make some things up. And, yes, there I go, showing my liberalness (as I’ve been told I did while living here in The South) again as I attempt to wrap my arms and heart around what we’re dealing with these days.

I’ve been reading my “annuals” this month, books I re-read each year to put my brain in the game. One is “A Gift From the Sea,” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. A brief online search brought up this quote: “The most exhausting thing you can do is to be inauthentic.”

Another book is “The One Minute Manager,” by Blanchard and Johnson. I decided to review this book each year way back when I was developing my craft, wanting to be the best I could be at both:

1)   Enhancing the experiences of team members, and

2)   Contributing to organizational success.

As an Air War College (Distance Learning!) student, I’m in my second class writing my first paper. This one is a non-graded event where I get to establish my focus – to plant a flag in the ground – on what I see as a critical strategic issue my organization is facing now that will compromise our ability if left unchecked.

Want to read the three sentences I’ve written so far?

Teammates who feel connected to the mission are more likely to embody the organization’s values and goals and foster a culture of shared purpose. Today, some teammates feel disconnected from the organizational mission. Embracing a member-focused and customer-centric model reinforces task alignment and collective resilience, fortifying our dedication and resilience.

The requirements of the paper gave me 50 words to “establish the issue.” But, those of you who know me won’t be surprised that I can get it down to “less than four words.”

Weak Connection Compromises Power

And, in asking ChatGPT for some help, I got these, so I went and found some video clips to go along with the quotes (click on the sources below):

• Wonder Woman (the movie): "Empowerment through united purpose."
• Taylor Swift: "Harmony amplifies shared dreams."
• Margaret Thatcher: "Resolute unity commands success."
• Nancy Reagan: "Connection fosters heartfelt commitment."
• Ray Dalio, Investor, Advisor: "Teamwork multiplies mission efficiency."
• Inside Out (the movie): "Feelings navigate collective endeavors."
• Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble.com: "Collaboration inspires innovative leadership."
• Robin Arzón, Peloton instructor: "Drive fuels collective ambition."

I will write more about what happens when team members feel connected - not just a connection via Teams and Zoom meetings with one another, but also to the MISH. My thesis will unfold using the readings I’ve been provided to establish a foundational theory focusing on #Connectation: Taking action to connect to more than just one another.

My ask: If you have a book, article, podcast, or video that addresses this concept, please hit reply and let me know. I’d love to read, listen to, or watch it.

When we connect to PURPOSE (or mission), I propose we open the door to feeling connected to either side of that fulcrum:

Connection to Self and Connection to One Another.

Next time you see her, ask Jodi about volunteering with Women in Training this week. And ask me about running a "BETA" class with four audiences worldwide last week as I prepare for the presentation of my life this coming Thursday: “High Performance Teaming & Psychological Safety: An Intro.”

What I’m workin’ on these days is all about how to collaborate create, build, and secure…together.

Eamus!

JW