Mark Twain once said: “A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way.”

We all have been there – many days, months or years later, we say, “that was the best learning experience I ever had.”… but while we are going through it, we are cursing the day this person or situation came into our lives.

Here’s to appreciating the gift of the painful lessons. I suggest not shying away from whatever it is that seems distasteful to you, especially when you know there are high rewards – if you can “suffer through it.”

Suffering is so overrated. Let’s skip that part – just for today. Carry the cat anyway.

Copyright 2010 Sage Leadership Strategies, LLC   All rights reserved.   www.sagelead.com

~Oscar Wilde, Lady Windemere’s fan, 1896

We seem to only pay attention and really get the learnings when we make mistakes. Is it possible to garner great experience and start learning with grace and ease – without having to make mistakes?

And when you make mistakes do you take the time to reflect on what the learnings are?

“If experience was so important, we’d never have anyone walk on the moon.” (By Doug Rader)

Sometimes you just have to trust your intuition. We are living in times where old structures, identities – what we have known to be true - are falling away or dying – because they don’t work. You can’t lie to yourself anymore about who you are or what your purpose is. Companies can’t cut corners on integrity anymore.

The times are calling for new vision, courage and the bold audacity to reinvent yourself or your business.

It’s time to clean out and reboot.

…And lean into the wind of possibility.

Copyright 2010 Sage Leadership Strategies, LLC   All rights reserved.   www.sagelead.com

This is the ultimate paradox of life. Sometimes you just have to throw yourself into the wind and know you’ll land on your feet.

To live is to risk.

To risk is to live.

Go for it.

Copyright 2010 Sage Leadership Strategies, LLC   All rights reserved.   www.sagelead.com

-Hindu Proverb

- Lao Tzu

Today, France celebrates it’s independence with fireworks, as we in the U.S. did, just 10 days ago.

The storming of the Bastille is the symbol of the victory of the French people against the Monarchy. What started as a revolt became a Revolution that changed the face of France’s policy forever.

France put in place a Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen, defining a set of individual and collective rights for all the people, regardless of their estate. This is very similar to what happened in the United States, however the U.S. was being ruled at a distance by the King of England. Interesting that our declarations occured just 13 years apart from each other in the 18th century.

Both stories are inspirational in that they show, it is possible, even when your head thinks you are “out numbered,” to fight for what you believe in – and win, against all odds. And the energy and committment of small numbers of people can be more powerful than weapons and large numbers.

We need to remember this as we continue to hold the flame for enforcing basic human rights around the world. Many other countries are not as fortunate as France and the U.S. And, we all still need to stay vigilant with how our elected officials govern, particularly in these turbulent times.

Anything is possible.

Copyright 2010 Sage Leadership Strategies, LLC   All rights reserved.   www.sagelead.com

-Unknown

It’s easy to lead in good times. Sometimes all it takes to be perceived as a strong leader is to just be in the right place at the right time and take advantage of the opportunity at your feet.

But true leadership is demonstrated when someone makes tough choices, tradeoffs, or takes a courageous stand when times are tough and uncertain.

We are seeing a number of our clients doing this now. They may not have regained their complete stride back but have felt enough of an uptick in their businesses that the time is right to bolster investment in their talent – especially after the previous 18 months were many leaders were asked to cut back and do much more with significantly fewer resources.

We have had a number of our clients make significant investments in development opportunities for their senior leaders this quarter, which is giving them a renewed perspective and energy jolt. Many are revamping or creating for the first time, development programs aimed at fostering strategic thinking and navigating the whitewater environment of today.

We partner with our clients to create or facilitate these kind of high impact experiences that are embedded in the context of solving significant business challenges. We continue to “receive rave reviews” with sustainable results.

Please don’t hesitate to call for a consultation today. 203-730-2103.

Copyright 2010 Sage Leadership Strategies, LLC   All rights reserved.   www.sagelead.com

We live in incredible times. I can be sitting at the beach watching the fireworks and have you “there” with me. Snap, crackle pop – sideways!

Fireworks

“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”   ~Erma Bombeck