Making Change: Getting Involved in Helping Others
How are people using leadership tools to make change? Read stories about people getting involved to make real change for the benefit of others. Jan 26, 2012 Paula Deen: Her revelation points to a costly public problemPaula Deen revealed this month that she has a disease: diabetes. Sharing her private condition in a public manner generated a firestorm of response. However, this is not just about Paula. It is about all of us facing a huge health care bill in the future unless we turn the tide on chronic disease. Jan 19, 2012 Costa Concordia sinking: How often does it happen and what does it mean for cruising?Sandwiched between memories of being on an Alaskan cruise ship that tilted wildly and plans for a Caribbean cruise, the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia's sinking has me alarmed. Just how frequently does something like this happen? Jan 10, 2012 Joan Steffends new project after Decorating CentsIf life is like a play, then fifty-some year old Joan Steffend is in her fourth act. The first three included actor, news anchor, and television host. Now add speaker, author and non-profit leader. She is devoted and passionate, finding and sharing inner peace on the pathway to world peace. Jan 5, 2012 How to survive and thrive with workplace changesHas your workplace announced a reorganization or other changes? If so, you may be holding your breath hoping that it will all work out OK. Instead, take a few deep breaths and put your confidence into four crucial core values. Research done in organizations indicates that employees who approach change with honesty, trust, hard work, and hope bring about desired innovations. Dec 11, 2011 Christmas recipes for red and green saladsSalads are often the sensible, yet boring option on many dinner tables. By adding a new twist to old favorites, you will increase the nutritional value and move your salad from silent to stunning. Make your salad the talk of the party and be ready to share the recipe. Both of these recipes are easy and both start with cabbage Dec 9, 2011 Blue ribbon Christmas cookie and snack recipesJudges try hundreds of products and award top placement to very few. Launch your cookie and candy baking with these sure-fire recipes. Simple and promising to please, they are also quick and easy enough for children to make. Dec 7, 2011 Simple and satisfying Christmas cookie recipesLooking to add a new favorite recipe to your collection? Here are two proven taste treats for all ages. Are you baking for someone who requires a gluten free cookie? Try Peanut Blossom Cookies. Children love to help make this holiday cookie. If you want a unique recipe for a cookie that will be selected first from the assorted cookie plate, try White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. This is a winner! Dec 1, 2011 Succession Leadership Case StudyA succession leadership case study illustrating some of the the challenges and opportunties. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Succession Leadership Case Study" Dec 1, 2011 Payback Leadership CaseA case of extraordinary payback leadership that is helping hundreds of people throughout the world. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Payback Leadership Case" Dec 1, 2011 Crisis Leadership CaseShort leadership case about the Minnesota bridge collapse appropriate to discussion of crisis leadership. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Crisis Leadership Case" Nov 30, 2011 Food Day rivals Black Friday and Cyber MondayNovember 29, 2011 — Food stamps have been replaced by food electronic balance transfer (aka debit) cards. Low income people now get nutrition assistance when the government adds a monthly balance to their electronic account. When their food money arrives, people immediately head to the store to refill food supplies. Midnight runs help replenish food stocks that run out. It is a new twist on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Perhaps it could be called Food Day for the 46 million people who benefit from national food support. So many people shop immediately when they get their monthly benefits that it rivals more famous shopping days. Nov 15, 2011 Cyberbullying ruins lives but teens fight backNORTHFIELD, Minn., November 15, 2011 — Peter Jacobs was a popular soccer player until he missed a goal and lost the championship game. Cyberbullying started, and he lost his popularity, his girlfriend, and his confidence. Online bullying, or Cyberbullying, happens when teens use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teens. (NCPC), 2011). How can we speak out and fight back to reduce Cyberbullying? Nov 3, 2011 Kris and Kim Breakup: Was ‘Yee-Haw Minnesota’ a Problem?As a Minnesotan, I have to wonder, was a Californian's perception of Minnesota an irreconcilable difference? Oct 20, 2011 Bad at math? You may have dyscalculiaAre you are familiar with Dyslexia, the disorder that affects how the brain forms letters? Yes? How about Dyscalculia, the disorder about the brain and numbers? This disorder was unknown to me until recently. Oct 6, 2011 A Salute to Peter Benson, aka Mr. Helping Kids SucceedMillions have benefited from the work of Peter Benson, who died this week, finding out how to help all children grow up to be healthy, caring, and responsible. Do you want to increase your likelihood of helping kids succeed? Peter Benson and the Search Institute left a legacy of wisdom for you. For raising kids, they reduced trial and error and increased the science. Their most famous work is “Developmental Youth Assets.” Oct 1, 2011 Angel Food Ministries closes operations after 17 yearsNORTHFIELD, Minn. September 30, 2011 — A giant in the U.S. affordable food distribution system has stopped operations. Angel Food Ministries (AFM) had provided affordable food to more than 45 states. The increased price of fuel and food, along with a growing number of customers who were unable to pay, contributed to a decline in sales. Angel Food Ministries was a non-profit, non-denominational organization, dedicated to providing food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. While Atlanta was their home base, boxes of food purchased at affordable prices were distributed through local sites across the country. Last year we brought AFM food to town to supplement our growing need for affordable food. As a board member of Northfield Community Action Center, I watched the number of people seeking food from the Food Shelf climb. It appeared that we needed more options. So I organized meetings, championed a site proposal, and cheered when we received our first food from AFM. Sep 24, 2011 Best-Leadership-ToolsBest-leadership-tools, virtual for leaders, to save you time and money. Includes individual and team decision making assessment, organizational assessment and 360 assessment. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Best-Leadership-Tools" Sep 23, 2011 Is Granny’s quilt a lost treasure?DUNDAS, Minn., September 23, 2011 — Curious or just want to cash out on a quilt? Knowing its name will add satisfaction for you and/or could create value for your quilt. Rosie Werner has compiled pictures and information about 4,000 quilt kits. Quilt kits were popular in the 20th century. You would purchase one and it would include your fabric, pattern, and other resources needed to complete a quilt. So if my grandmother in North Dakota got a kit and your Grandma in Maryland did too, it is a similar quilt with the same name. Sep 18, 2011 Great Food Truck Race is OnNORTHFIELD, MN August 29, 2011—Maria Estrada wants more Minnesotans to eat on the go, literally. Owner/operator of Northfield-based Maria's Taco Hut, Estrada said she envisions a time when food trucks and carts serve meals to hungry residents daily, rather than just festival time. "Northfield could benefit from having food trucks around town," she said. "We serve good food that people like." Food trucks and carts are becoming commonplace on city streets throughout the United States, not just in large cities. For instance, the Minneapolis City Council voted earlier this year to permit food trucks to set up shop in more locations. Sep 16, 2011 Code-of-EthicsUse this sample code-of-ethics to develop your own for your team or organization. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Code-of-Ethics" Aug 29, 2011 Following Steve Jobs: Good luck Tim CookCEO succession events are critical junctures for organizations. When the executive is also a founder, it is trickier. Luckily, those who have been in their shoes and scholars think deeply about this transition. “You can replace an executive, but you can’t replace a founder.” (Anonymous Investor) Aug 24, 2011 Life lesson for high school athletesYouth athletes are gearing up for fall sports. Many dream of winning the big game. In reality many will struggle with drills, teammates, and losses. Inspiring life lessons were recently relayed to high school athletes and parents by Heather Dordinen Kampf. She fell during a college race, picked herself up, and went on to win. Aug 24, 2011 National Garden Clubs Inc. Welcomes New PresidentShirley Nicolai of Fort Washington, Md., leads largest volunteer organization of its kind in the world. Among current projects are “Plant It Pink,” an initiative that encourages clubs to develop local programs to promote breast cancer education and awareness through pink-infused therapeutic gardens; flower shows; school gardening initiatives for children; and a host of civic beautification and improvement efforts. Aug 2, 2011 Beyond phone hacking: Ethical standardSome organizations talk about ethical issues over coffee. Other may find themselves in the headlines. Some proactive ones ask their employees to take a survey. Data provides a starting place for conversation. The results direct action to vital areas. Some employees act like Pollyanna. Nothing is wrong. Others are more like Chicken Little. The sky is falling. The reality is often in between. Jul 26, 2011 Workplace success: Secrets for supervisorsWhen organizations hire new people, extra effort is needed to ensure workplace success. Organizations encourage and/or inhibit certain behaviors by individuals. Supervisors will find it pays to pay special attention to the culture surrounding the new employees. Jul 17, 2011 Volunteerism: Don’t let criticism sideline youHow are soccer and volunteerism similar? They both have players in the game and viewers on the sidelines. How this relationship works makes a difference to how the game is played. Shouts from the sidelines can encourage or distract the players from making their goal. Jul 9, 2011 Space shuttle final flight: Did you see it!If your bucket list included seeing a space shuttle launch, you have run out of time. Today ended a thirty year era for NASA space shuttles. When I was a single, young professional four of us went on a spring trip to Florida. While there, I became an ‘accidental space launch spectator.’ Now, more than twenty-five years later, I appreciate that the beach we chose was near the launch site. Jul 1, 2011 State government shut-down is not Minnesota-niceToday is the first day to see what it means to have state government meet some of your needs. Few can be met. Much of the state t is closed for business. We are used to this on Saturday and Sunday. Not during the week. Yesterday I drove past a sign that said, “Rest stop open 2 miles ahead.” Listening to the radio, I knew that was not true. The rest stops closed the day before. Jun 24, 2011 Is locally grown food going to your school?‘Farm to School’ is the name given to efforts linking farmers' products with school district food needs. Almost 10,000 schools in the United States use products grown or made in the area. The movement is growing. Jun 14, 2011 Public participation: Voices of unusual suspectsVoices of people from all walks of life help shape social movements or policy changes. Think for a minute about a public forum or meeting. Who is there? Active participants are often called the ‘usual suspects.’ How do you go beyond the usual suspects for fuller public participation? What about the ‘unusual suspects?’ How do you get the ‘right mix people’ in a meeting? How do you get more voices to chime in? Jun 7, 2011 Mighty Mississippi Soon to be Science LabThe Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. How much do you know about it? Twelve students and five adults who helped restore the 43 ft. river boat now know a lot more about the river. And more of us can benefit too. May 27, 2011 Oprah: Role model for self disclosureOprah has ended her daytime TV reign. Other talk show hosts are jockeying for audience share. We are left to wonder: how did she do it? Connect with people? Build a powerful audience? Self-disclosure may explain some of her popularity. My introduction to self-disclosure theory came in graduate school. One professor was a fervent fan of it. He lived it as a professor. That meant we got to know him as a person as well as a professor. May 25, 2011 Public events: Seeing more incivility and hostility?The League of Women Voters believes in the power of public events for a strong democracy. Began in 1920, they sponsor non-partisan forums and programs. Active at the national, state and local levels, hundreds of events occur with their leadership. Incivility at public events is of concern. At the Minnesota state convention, I gave a session on “The Power of Civil Discourse.” This story is about what it is and how it is being threatened. And why we should care. What is civil discourse? May 22, 2011 College student aid hunger reliefPotters create bowls. Others make soup. The community is invited to buy a bowl and fill it with soup to eat. The funds go to relieve hunger. Then you take your bowl home. Each time you look at it you are reminded of the empty bowls in the community and world. How did I get acquainted with Empty Bowls? At my regular monthly Board meeting of the Community Action Center the Executive Director announced the upcoming Empty Bowls effort. So, I trekked to Carleton College, scrounging fifteen dollars to bring along. On the lawn, during a beautiful spring day, the event took place. Six hundred and seven homemade pottery bowls, valued at $15 each, adorned some tables. Ceramic art students stood behind the bowls wearing T-shirts proclaiming “Empty Bowls." May 20, 2011 Difficult-GroupsTools and techniques to make working with difficult-groups easier Permalink -- click for full blog post "Difficult-Groups" May 11, 2011 Mission: Become your own bossAdults do it. Kids can do it too. What they ‘do’ is run their own business. If you are interested in becoming a ‘Chief Executive Officer’ get started with a business plan. There are many excellent resources to get you on your way to your dream. May 4, 2011 Obama birth certificate raises a question for each of usIs your information accurate? If not, want to change it? Read about how one birth certificate was amended and why. They don’t call birth certificates ‘vital records’ without a good reason. Do you know if your crucial facts are correct? If not, you may want to change your birth certificate. When I discovered that my birth certificate named me as a ‘male’ rather than a ‘female’ I amended it. Do you have a copy of your birth certificate? Have you scanned it for accuracy? Because I traveled to Canada as part of a youth trip I needed a copy of my birth certificate. We saw the mistake. At the time we joked about the error. Later, the implications of the error were more apparent and we got serious. Apr 27, 2011 Layoff: Survival tips for the spouseNORTHFIELD, MN (4-25-11) – Bright and early on a Monday morning my spouse got a call from Human Resources. “Please stop down to our office immediately “says his colleague. After a long walk down the hall to HR, the message from the HR Director was clear. “Your division will be eliminated and tomorrow will be your last day” he said. Layoff! Shortly afterward, I got the phone call with the news from my spouse. My morning chore list lost its urgency. Like thousands of others before us, unemployment became a new reality for our household. As the spouse of the newly laid off partner, I had no experience to fall back on. So, what did I do? First, I asked other spouses to share their experiences - survival tips for the newly initiated. Apr 21, 2011 Who do you call for help?Sometimes we need help to juggle tasks and manage life. Who do you call for help? As the debate rages about public support, it is wise to remember private support. Private assistance helps people manage practical tasks. This informal type of help is often referred to as “social support.” Studies have shown that the most frequent helpers for low-income mothers are their mothers. With Mother’s Day approaching, this is a good time to remember to say ‘thank you.’ Apr 14, 2011 Ever wonder about building a personal web-site?How does a baby boomer reach people around the world to share what they know? Quite easily it turns out. Mar 22, 2011 Do you want to write a children's book?Be inspired by a woman who published her first book. It is an award-winning children’s picture book. Mar 2, 2011 Does your church have a strategic plan?Does your place of worship bring in new leaders at the beginning of the year? If so, how do you form a working team heading in the same direction? Recently, I completed a planning process for a church. Here’s how. Feb 24, 2011 Strategic PlanTools to use for a simplified strategic plan. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Strategic Plan" Feb 22, 2011 CultureValues will vary across cultures. Leaders can gain a better understanding of the possible variations in values or culture preferences. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Culture" Feb 21, 2011 ConsultantAn experienced and affordable consultant for planning, assessment, facilitation, and more Permalink -- click for full blog post "Consultant" Feb 21, 2011 Pay equity for women to be repealed?In the United States, women make 77 cents per each dollar men make (Census, 2010). It used to be even worse. Governments in Minnesota have been operating under a pay equity policy for women to insure fairness. Now the policy is under scrutiny. It brought back memories of my first year of work where I got no raise since I am a woman. Feb 17, 2011 DePaul University makes ACT or SAT scores optionalDePaul goes Test-Optional for 2012” was a blog post that caught my attention. DePaul has made ACT or SAT scores optional for freshman admission in 2012. Factors other than test scores will factor into decisions. Feb 16, 2011 Women entrepreneurs learn and shareWomen consider starting their own business for a number of reasons. Follow their bliss. Combine work and family. Pay the bills. Business development coaches can be a key asset for start-ups. Attending an informal seminar, I found that several ideas struck home with me as an ‘emerging ‘entrepreneur. Feb 11, 2011 Intercultural-CommunicationUse these intercultural communication cues about oral and print preferences to enhance your cultural competency. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Intercultural-Communication" |
This blog features stories of people who are actively working to make a difference in their own lives or for others.
