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talktodiana

~ Igniting the power and passion in others…

talktodiana

Tag Archives: teamwork

Face to Face

23 Sunday Apr 2017

Posted by dianasschwenk in Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, In My Opinion

≈ 27 Comments

Tags

200 words, addiction, alone, community, connecting, depression, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, family, health, herd mentality, human nature, humanity, interaction, interdependent, isolation, living in the moment, love, Relationships, social, teamwork, technology

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.

– Albert Einstein

I’m sure that when we first got mail service, a mother who missed her adult son said, “Now he doesn’t have to visit, he just writes a letter,” and it broke her heart.

And I’ll bet when we first got telephones that some jilted lover missed seeing her man face-to-face when he called.

And TV sure did it’s part to break up the family conversation around the dinner table.

But we got used to these things. With the passing of time, we became accustomed to each new way of communicating and being, and only bemoaned technology when a new one popped up.

These days with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, texting, it’s almost like technology is enabling us to connect again.

But is it really?

When you don’t see facial expressions or reactions, are you really connecting?

With record numbers of people struggling with depression, addiction and loneliness and countless others thinking suicide is their best option, isn’t it time we reexamine the value of connecting one-to-one and creating a sense of belonging through community?

Isn’t it time for us to get face-to-face?

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

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When Inspiration Begins To Reveal Herself

07 Sunday Aug 2016

Posted by dianasschwenk in Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, In My Opinion

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

200 words, bigger purpose, creativity, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, hard work, helpful, inspiration, mission, teamwork

IMG_6475-Recovered

Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.

Pablo Picasso

Maybe your mom used to tell you that idle hands were the devil’s workshop. She may have felt that if you weren’t working on something productive you would end up getting into some kind of trouble.

I’m sure we can all recall times when we longed for our muse to inspire us, hoped for that next great idea that would catapult us into fame, desperately tried to move past the latest round of writer’s block…

So when I read the above quote it reminded me that inspiration doesn’t just present itself to you on a silver platter. Inspiration typically hits after a long and arduous period of hard work and/or an I-wanna–poke-my-eye-out-with-a-screwdriver monotonous time period.

It’s while we’re living our lives, doing those mundane tasks with loved ones, co-workers and sharing our thoughts and hopes and dreams with each other.  It’s when we do something, anything that is productive while letting the inkling of ideas turn themselves over and ruminate and bloom in the back of our minds that inspiration begins to reveal herself.

Inspiration does exist but it must find you working.

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

Can You Catch Me In A Lie?

06 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by dianasschwenk in Hump Day Chronicles, In My Opinion, My Stories

≈ 55 Comments

Tags

body language, community, deceit, Diana Schwenk, Hump Day Chronicles, lies, Personality trait, team dynamics, teams, teamwork, Truth

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I’ve always been very interested in personality tests. I think it’s because I love the idea of teams working together and if I understand what makes individuals tick, I can more easily figure out how to get a group of individuals to work together toward a common goal.

Just in case you’re curious, I’m an ENFP according to Myers Brigg, a Number 7 (generalist, visionary) according to Enneagram and Orange in the True Colors Personality test.

Anyway, you have no idea how excited I was when I had the opportunity several years ago to attend a Body Language workshop facilitated by an experienced police investigator!

In this workshop we learned, among other things, how to tell when someone is being deceitful. To practice what we had learned, we were divided into groups of 3 or 4 people and given time to come up with two truths and one lie about ourselves and then try to catch each other in the lie. I was amazingly good at it!

I know that you don’t have the benefit of watching my body language but I thought it would be fun to share two truths and one lie about myself here and see if you can spot the lie. And in turn, I would love if you shared two truths and a lie about yourself in the comment section so I can try to catch you in a lie.

OK, ready? Here goes!

  1. I once saw Neil Young at a Tim Hortons.
  2. I once did a standup comedy routine at Yuk Yuks.
  3. I once auditioned for a small part in the movie Cadence.

So can you guess the lie?

Is it 1?

Is it 2?

Maybe it’s 3?

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

So….

What are your two truths and one lie?

A Formidable Force

10 Sunday Jan 2016

Posted by dianasschwenk in Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, In My Opinion

≈ 36 Comments

Tags

200 words, Alberta, Calgary, Canada, collaboration, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, mission, passion, Purpose, teamwork, together, vision, world issues

fredericks-artworks.blogspot.ca

Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together. – Vesta Kelly

A SINGLE SNOWFLAKE is very fragile.

When I catch it on my finger, or with my tongue, it melts quickly, way before I can even fully appreciate its beauty.

Having lived my entire life in Canada, I can tell you that when thousands or millions of snowflakes join together it takes a concerted effort to keep sidewalks and roads clear enough to allow traffic to move freely from point A to point B.

When those individual snowflakes connect, they are a formidable force!

Recently, I saw an ad for an upcoming episode of a superhero show. The scene went something like this:

A group of superheroes discuss a common enemy.

One says, “I’m not strong enough to overcome him!”

“None of us are strong enough alone. But together we can defeat him,” says their leader.

Most of us aren’t trying to defeat an enemy. But maybe we are working to accomplish something important. Something that would make the world a better place. Something that would have a better chance if we work together.

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

When You Find A lone Nut Doing Something Great…

06 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by dianasschwenk in Hump Day Chronicles, In My Opinion

≈ 37 Comments

Tags

building community, community, courage, Diana Schwenk, humour, Hump Day Chronicles, leadership, mission, passion, Purpose, teamwork, vision, world issues

Follow_the_Leader

How do we create a viral video? How do we get everyone to come onboard with our plan? How do we get people excited about our campaign? How do we start a movement?

Well it’s not gonna happen by creating a clever ad that no one but you understands, or presenting a logical argument to folks who don’t care about what you’re doing, or creating a boring, wordy, just-the-facts-ma’am document – you may get an initial response, but it will soon fizzle out.

Movements always start as a result of someone who has had-it-up-to-here with the way things are and passionately believes in their vision for a better world. This person’s fiery passion is contagious and quickly spreads in the hearts of others who also want change.

There is no formula for creating a movement.

There is no strategic plan that will achieve a movement.

It is an emotional response to an unacceptable situation or way of doing things.

It is a uniting of hearts and common purpose to change the status quo that creates a movement.

I love this short-and-to-the-point TED Talk on how to start a movement by Derek Siver!

So, to recap…

  1. One lone nut courageously steps forward.
  2. The first follower transforms the lone nut into a leader.
  3. The leader embraces the follower as an equal.
  4. Another follower makes it three and that’s news! (Now it’s public)
  5. More followers come. They emulate the first follower, not the leader.
  6. The fence-sitters come, this is the tipping point, now we have a movement.
  7. As more people join in, it becomes less risky for others to join in.
  8. Eventually, it becomes uncool not to join in, but there’s still time if you hurry!

I don’t think I’ve ever personally been that lone nut leader that courageously stands up and delivers their vision, but I’ve certainly been that first follower many a time!

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

When you believe in something, do you passionately step forward to the point of risking ridicule? When you find a lone nut doing something great, do you have the courage to be the first to follow?

How To Gather Honey

20 Sunday Sep 2015

Posted by dianasschwenk in Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, In My Opinion

≈ 45 Comments

Tags

200 words, common ground, Community engagement, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, gifts, integrity, kindness, life, love, Purpose, Rules of engagement, teamwork

If you want to gather honey, don’t kick over the beehive. -Dale Carnegie

Himalayan Honey Hunter

Himalayan Honey Hunter

I’ve heard it said that you can catch more flies with honey than you can with sh*t.

Yet for some reason we often choose the latter approach.

We come into a situation with our own agendas, asserting our views, demanding honey – in affect kicking the hive to make our point.

And we are surprised, or sometimes even hurt, when others fight against us.

It stings!

I mean can’t they see how brilliant our honey hunting idea is?

It’s all in the approach, don’t you think?

I’ve seen it many times in work situations; where it seems impossible to unite a group of people toward a common goal.

The simple truth is that when you show you’ve got someone’s back and you value the gifts that they bring to the table, people begin to have your back and value the gifts you bring to the table.

You can create a safe environment that fosters empowered teams who achieve beautiful things.

It’s the difference between drop-everything-you’re-doing-right-now-and-do-this-thing-for-me-and-make-it-snappy

and

Here’s-the-situation-and-I-immediately-thought-of-you-because-you’re-so-good-at-this-will-you-help-me-carry-out-this-project?

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

Wouldn’t you rather collaborate with willing team members than struggle with resentful ones?

A New Chapter

17 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by dianasschwenk in Hump Day Chronicles, My Stories

≈ 65 Comments

Tags

addiction, Alberta, believe, building community, Calgary, caring, Charity, Community engagement, courage, Diana Schwenk, dream, Fundraising, Homelessness, Hump Day Chronicles, life, living in the moment, Oxford House, teamwork

Tulips (2)

Good morning!
It’s a wonderful day!!
Thank you!!!

Those are the words I wrote on my whiteboard at the end of April.

It was the springboard to a shift in my thinking; from fear to trust. From despair to hope. A knowing that if I brought my best self forward, things would work out.

Hanging out my own shingle as a consultant was a wonderful experience. I learned so much from the few clients I worked with. But early in the year, it became very clear that it wasn’t going to be sustainable, and I began looking for full-time work.

So as I was closing off a very successful campaign I’d been working on with an amazing group of people, I turned my attention to finding full-time work.

It was a trying time, in the sense that jobs in my area of expertise seemed to have dried up all of a sudden. I had a few bites here and there and even a few close calls to maybe jobs, but nothing panned out. Although I still had enough money to keep me going for a few months, my future was unsure.

Let’s just say that by the time April came, I was ready to do any kind of job. So I picked myself up by the boot straps and wrote the above message on my whiteboard to help me start every day on the right foot. A message that I read out loud every morning on the way to my coffee pot in the kitchen.

And then some promising opportunities started to come my way. A phone call from someone in Vancouver who heard of me from someone I had coffee with because someone else suggested we should meet, and another job posting that looked promising and finally another possibility to work with someone I hold in high regard and respect tremendously.

That last possibility moved to the top of my wish list and I am happy to say that’s the position I was offered and accepted.

So finally my dear friends, as promised, here’s my update.

On May 1st, I started my new job at Oxford House; an organization that provides homes for men and women in recovery. Oxford House has 31 homes across Calgary and Edmonton. Each home has 4-5 bedrooms and provides a safe and welcoming space for men and women who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

Oxford House has its beginnings in the United States with hundreds of homes throughout that country. Here in Canada, Oxford House was founded by the previous executive director who sadly passed away late last year . I am learning about him and the rich history of this incredible organization from the small group of people who make up the staff here.

A passionate staff, all of whom are also in recovery and some are even previous residents of Oxford House; deeply committed to helping others take responsibility for their recovery and make valuable contributions to their community.

How lucky am I to be part of something so amazing? I look forward to learning more about Oxford House and working within this dedicated team to build on the wonderful foundation that has already been laid.

The community-builder inside me is beside herself with joy.

I can’t wait to tell you more in the coming weeks and months!

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

Getting My Rhythm Back

13 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by dianasschwenk in Hump Day Chronicles, My Stories

≈ 55 Comments

Tags

believe, career, community, courage, Diana Schwenk, fate, happy, Hump Day Chronicles, job, joy, laughter, living in the moment, passion, Purpose, teamwork, trust, work, working together

IMG_20150510_150645

Today is Day Nine.

My daily routine has changed. And as with any change, it takes time to get one’s bearings.

And it’s going to take some time to get my rhythm back.

Looking back over the last five years, I can see how all my experiences have led me to this place right here, right now.

All the learning; the good times, the hard times, the fun times and the not-so-fun times – have taught me so much.

And I’m grateful. I feel joy. I’m excited to help build something amazing.

Here’s why. As of the first of May, I am happily employed at an amazing organization that makes a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of people.

Today is Day Nine.

I’m getting my rhythm back. I can’t wait to find new ways to build community.

I promise to tell you more about my new role in subsequent posts, but for now, I’ve got to get ready for work!

Until then, here are some pictures I took on the Mother’s Day weekend.

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IMG_20150506_143435
IMG_20150506_171034

I couldn’t spend Mother’s Day with my mom or with my daughter, but an edible bouquet from Michaela delivered to my new office on Wednesday made my day!

On Mother’s Day, I took a long, long walk downtown. Here are some pictures I took.

An ominous shot of the Calgary Tower
An ominous shot of the Calgary Tower
What is it with long line-ups at Ice Cream Stores? Village Ice Cream, Calgary AB
What is it with long line-ups at Ice Cream Stores? Village Ice Cream, Calgary AB
Central Memorial Park, Calgary AB
Central Memorial Park, Calgary AB
5th Street SW, Calgary AB
5th Street SW, Calgary AB

Wishing you all a great day!  🙂

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

When you look back on your life, can you see the events that led you to where you are now?

Using the talents of those around the table

28 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by dianasschwenk in Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, In My Opinion

≈ 30 Comments

Tags

200 words, community, compassion, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, dreams, goals, living in the moment, make a difference, mission, needs, passion, talents, team dynamics, teams, teamwork, vision

Use your eyes to see the needs, and use your talents to meet them. ~ unattributed

imagesWe all have things we are passionate about and most of us want to make a difference in the world.

We have all been gifted with unique talents and abilities.

And I have been amazed and delighted at how often the passions and talents of people are fortuitously matched; equipping them to accomplish their desired goals.

Even more alluring to me is how people with a common passion and a wide range of talents are drawn to each other to work together toward a common goal.

It’s like a choreographed dance or a beautiful symphony.

How lucky for me, that it happens this way, as that is my passion.

Because I believe we all have a mission and we are equipped with the exact right talents, education, experience and passion to accomplish it.

I believe that every person/skill you need is right there sitting around the table with you and together you can change the world.

 ~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

What’s your passion? What unique talent(s) help you to accomplish your goals? How do they complement the talents of your team?

Success Together

01 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by dianasschwenk in Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, In My Opinion, My Stories

≈ 40 Comments

Tags

200 words, Alfred North Whitehead, community, diana, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, success, teamwork, together

No one who achieves success does so without the help of others ~ Alfred North Whitehead

On Friday I had coffee with Kathleen. As we visited and reminisced, I was reminded that no one ever succeeds alone.

Kathleen & me at Starbucks

Kathleen & me at Starbucks

Kathleen was my executive assistant when I was in charge of development at an organization that cares for the homeless.

The Development Department was made up of what I called the ‘Dream Team.

Every team member’s unique skills and gifts complemented those of the other members.

Kathleen’s gift was to be fully present with whomever she was with.

She noted the smallest details like the birthdays or major milestones of our donors.

Kathleen was instrumental in ensuring that I stayed connected with supporters in meaningful ways.

Without Kathleen and the rest of the team, I would not have been nearly as successful.

I hope they all know how thankful I was.

I don’t care who you are, what you do, or how driven you are – if you are successful, it’s because you have been supported by others.

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

Do those who support you know how thankful you are?

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