“What in the world? What have you got there, Cora?” “Hi, Dad! Look! I have a stop sign for my room!” At sixteen, for some reason, having a traffic sign in one’s room was deemed “cool.” Trying to explain to a parent why was an effort in futility. However, for this sixteen year-old, the parent chose to capitalize on the act as yet another profound learning event. As I continued on my way back to my bedroom to find a place for my new found treasure, my father stayed in place as he … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned From a Stop Sign; The Power of Purpose
COACH CORA BLOG
The Power of Weakness
Many years ago I was in a class learning about the fascinating topic of team dynamics. The class was divided into teams and assigned a project to present to the whole class. Each team presented their projects with creativity and enthusiasm- except one. Apparently there were significant struggles with their team dynamics and they were unable to complete the assignment; therefore they chose to simply present on why they were unable to produce an outcome. After all, they thought, the class was on … [Read more...] about The Power of Weakness
Self-Leadership on Gopher Valley
1979. Gopher Valley Rd., Sheridan, Oregon. “Cora, run to town and get me a pack of cigarettes.” “I can’t. I can’t drive. I can’t do it. No.” “You can do it. You will do it. Go. Now.” At 16, having had my license for 3 months, I totaled my father’s car and put myself in the hospital. By the time I got out of the hospital and was up and walking around the motto of “I am never going to drive again” went from being a casual comment to a lifelong commitment. My father’s leadership style … [Read more...] about Self-Leadership on Gopher Valley
INFLUENCE OR COMPLIANCE POLICE? WHAT IS YOUR POWER SCRIPT?
Being a four-year old bent on testing the boundaries, I often felt compelled to challenge house rules. Such as dragging my Barrel of Monkeys out and walking away from them when my attention wanes. Leaving the monkeys spread out all over the floor; and violating house rules that required me to put away the toys that I took out. This scenario sets the stage for the same dynamics that play out in living rooms, board rooms, team meetings, and performer/manager interactions daily. As the … [Read more...] about INFLUENCE OR COMPLIANCE POLICE? WHAT IS YOUR POWER SCRIPT?