Travel
I have been privileged to travel to Europe twice this year; during a pandemic that’s no easy feat. But my personal health and my loved ones’ health concerns prompted me to prioritize family connections. So I went to Germany in June and then celebrated my round birthday with family in Greece in September. The trips were invigorating and rejuvenating. I realize that not many people got to travel this year, or at least not how they would have liked to compared to how they did in the past. I am grateful I was able to. Lately, though, I am rethinking my own actions when it comes to flying. The carbon emissions from it are sky high and despite me purchasing carbon offsets, those don’t take the carbon out of the air again. I am seriously giving more thought to my own travel habits.
Health
After a little health scare earlier this year, I have been surrounded by others who have had fairly severe health issues, none of them COVID-19 related, though: clogged carotid arteries, broken hips, blood clots, broken heart valves, cancer — you name it. If I have learned anything this year, it’s that health comes first. Without health you have nothing. So please take care of your health and don’t ignore any early warning signs. Listen to your body! Happy to say my loved ones and I are just fine now. But my heart aches for all those who have lost loved ones this year.
Planet
I’ve long thought the planet is more of an afterthought in many executive suite discussions and I want to do my part to change that. From now on I will pull up a chair for Mother Earth when conducting my client conversations. What would she say to the decision you have in front of you? How do your actions positively or negatively affect our CO2 emissions?
I’ve recently connected with fellow coach and award-winning podcaster Joshua Spodek from “This Sustainable Life.” We are actively working on effecting thought leadership and behavior change regarding the environment. Feel free to reach out to either of us with any questions. [https://joshuaspodek.com]
Back to Work
I’ve had plenty of conversations about how executives are envisioning employees coming back to work. One thing is for sure, we can’t go back to the way things were prior to COVID-19. Yes, human interactions and connections will do your teams some good. But working from home is also efficient for most white collar jobs. I suspect we will see some hybrid solutions in a huge human experiment. Buckle your seat belts because it won’t be a smooth ride. If anything, over-communicate with your work force to get a sense of what they will tolerate moving forward. If not, you might see employees just walk out over the next few months. The new normal is different than the old normal and you can’t dictate your way through it. It has to evolve.
Burnout
I can see it everywhere. Employees are going through the motions. They are delivering, for the most part, but people are exhausted. You can’t will yourself out of that. People need help. Be the executive that recognizes that people are not lazy but burned out. If you are not sure, feel free to reach out and we’ll talk it through. not lazy, but exhausted. If you are not sure, feel free to reach out and we’ll talk it through.
Building
Yes, after seven remodels and two new home builds on two different continents, I am at it again. I pushed the pause button last year with COVID, but in May 2021 I gave the go-ahead to tear down my garage and rooftop deck and rebuild it. In addition, I am building an Accessory Dwelling Unit for a future rental. Little did I know that the lumber prices would go through the roof! Hoarding? Inflation? I had to assess the risk of building with the risk of the house being pulled down the ravine. So here I am. I definitely have the end goal in mind. And the end is near. As I am writing this, my tile setter is setting tile and the painter has already started. Building with supply chain issues is different, but thanks to my extraordinary team from Halderman Construction, I am confident we’ll get it done in time and on budget. Phew.
What risks are you taking?
Connecting
I am in the process of creating new and innovative ways for us to connect. Stay tuned for hybrid options that will support your own endeavors and bold, audacious goals. I am always open to specific requests.
Coaching
Of course I am continuing to coach executives through various channels: Coachsource, Lonely At The Top and various other consulting and coaching platforms.
If you are interested in exploring more and learning how to make better decisions, check out my free e-book, How to Make Difficult Decisions – A Blueprint for Better Decision Making.
Now that I have downloaded everything I am up to, what about you? What are you up to? Feel free to reach out via email at db@dbcoach.com or via phone at 1-844-322-6224 (1).
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Updated December 8, 2021, from Monterey, California.