Someone new

Getting ready for a new employee to start. The process reminds me how important it is to document processes and procedures so that someone else can step in to a position without having to recreate the wheel. Why is that so hard to do?

A friendly discussion

At the Women's Leadership Luncheon we listened to Annette Meeks and Cathie Hartnett, the "Polichicks' from Radio Station 107.1. There were major philosophical differences between the two ladies, but the discussion was fun, pleasant, calm, and respectful. No name calling, no bickering, no ugliness. Quite a concept. The Politicians should take a play from their playbook.

Enough Already

Let's just vote and get this all over with. I know all I am going to know about the candidates. There is no changing my mind. I just do not think I can listen to/read about/ or see one more ad.
My name is Kathy Johnson and I approved this message. Like I said, enough already!

Leadership

Just read this in 180 Ways to Walk the Leadership Talk by John Baldoni: "GET LOST! Occasionally make yourself unavailable and inaccessible. Let people know that when you're gone, you expect them to assume responsibility and make decisions. This technique is great for fostering leadership." And so, I am out of here, traveling for a family get-a-way at Lutsen. Back next week.

Am I losing it?

Yes, I am losing it - my money and my mind. Everyday when I listen to the news and read the paper, I find myself to be speechless. I simply to do not know what to say about what is happening in the world, on wall street, in my very own personal retirement account. I am trying to abide by what everyone seems to be saying...stay the course. It just doesn't feel right though. I do know it is time to live within my means. I will keep my eye on the MSAE budget. We will save when we can, and be thankful that the reserve funds are safe and FDIC insured. (Those poor organizations who invested with the Petter's Group.) MSAE's investment policy has always been conservative - thank goodness for that. Is it time to revisit your organization's investment policies?

Three people you'd like to have dinner with?

Katie Couric asked the two Presidential Candidates which three people (who are living today) would they like to have dinner with? Interesting question that got me thinking. Who would I choose as a dinner partner? I'm thinking about it? How about you?

Renewal?!?

I know we billed the fall conference as a time for refocus, renewal, refreshing. Then what I want to know is, why am I so darn exhausted today back in the office? It's because it was a high-energy weekend filled with high-energy people, all wanting to discuss and explore new ideas and resources. It won't be today - maybe tomorrow though... I will try to begin the process of incorporating what I heard and experienced into MSAE's journey of moving from good to great! How lucky are we to work in an industry that gives us these great opportunities?

From Nisswa - a final update

A few final comments about the conference from MSAE members:

• "These two days have been great, just to be away," said Linda Harden of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. "I got a couple really, really great ideas and I'm excited to go back and implement them."

• "I was reminded that there's a tremendous amount of wisdom in the room, " said John Kemp of Neighbors, Inc. "It's a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn a lot from people in this business if they choose to listen.

"I also learned that the Pines golf course is one of the most beautiful in the country."

• "A big thing I got was about using mentors for advancing in your career ," said Julia Vant of the Sheraton Hotel Bloomington. "I also liked the young professionals workshops because they showed what you can accomplish as a whole."

And finally, some insight from the conference's closing speaker:

John Wodele, a communications consultant and former chief of staff for Governor Jesse Ventura, focused on balancing work and life. He said Ventura was the one who taught him about the importance of having balance in his life.

One evening, he called the Governor from the office. "Jesse asked me, 'John, where are you? What are you doing at the office? Go home and be with your wife.' I had someone in my life who cared." Wodele then set up an office at home so he could be near his family in the evenings.

He encouraged MSAE members to work hard but work smart: He said, "Know a little about everything. Know a lot about three things. Be patient and be honest."

From Nisswa - Renewal

A jam-packed day of education and networking. The mesasge? There were many. Here's one. Be present.

From Nisswa - Monday afternoon member reactions

Becky Pomorin of the Millenium Hotel in Minneapolis appreciated what speaker Dan Domagala of Russell Herder had to say about marketing this morning.

"He was talking about commercials and said not to focus on 30-second ones but rather, to look at the 'nano-second' ones, a five-second pitch, so our message is completely focused."

Mark Salter of Forius Busines Credit Resources shared a couple insights he has gained so far from the Good to Great Conference here. One came from Linda Hutchinson at this morning's session about teams.

"She gave me a simple model for planning any successful project which focuses on 'What, so what, and now what.' It really keeps the focus on the end user of the project."

Salter said another take-away was "realizing that one of the most valuable things we can say about our business is not on our business card." That realization came in an afternoon exercise at Dr. Cheryl Leitschuh's first session about getting and maintaining peak performance.

Finally, Mary Detloff of the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers said she's been enjoying the conference, and the chips and salsa served during today's afternoon break. From her point of view, "The great thing about being at conferences like this is that you can regroup and refocus on things you know you should do but you never get to because you don't have time in the office. It's sort of a kick in the pants."

From Nisswa - Creating Teams and Learning Communities

In this monday a.m. session, Linda Hutchinson of Hutchinson & Associates, referred to seven elements of effective teamwork, identified by Robert Fisher and Bo Thomas in their book, Real Dream Teams. She asked us to look at ourselves and our teams to identify which of the seven areas worked well for us and which we need to improve:

1) Commitment to clear mission
2) Mutual support and encouragement
3) Clearly defined roles
4) Win-win cooperation
5) Individual competency
6) Empowering communication
7) Winning attitude

MSAE members broke into groups to work with eggs and straws to develop and sell a product as a way of noticing how we work in teams. It was a lively, fun exercise.

From Nisswa: Six MSAE members receive awards

Six MSAE members received first-year Outstanding Service awards Sunday night for their volunteerism. The MSAE board instituted these new awards to recognize the members who exemplify the strong support and participation needed to make MSAE thrive and succeed.

"We really wanted to acknowledge the time that volunteers put into MSAE," said Paula Siewert, MSAE President. "This public recognition is long overdue."

Here are the winners:

• Young Professional Volunteer of the Year: Amy Nostdahl, Visit Minneapolis North
• Oustanding Association Volunteer: Mark Salter, Forius Business Credit Services
• Outstanding Allied Volunteer: Renee McGivern, Spark Plug Consulting
• Best Supporting Company: Jerry Archambeau, Grand Casinos

Fron Nisswa - Renewal

Monday morning. Despite the rain, it was a fabulous day in Northern Minnesota. Golfers (those who 'stayed the course', were chilled and wet - but also recognized the fact that this might have been their last time out this season. We all love fall, but we do what is coming next. Two of us biked in the rain. The surroundings, the paths, the views - perfect. And MSAE? Well, with the help of ventriloquist, James Wedgewood , several members performed a unique - their very own Northern MN RAP. It was a sight to behold. A day packed with educational opportunity to come.

Fron Nisswa -Rainy Days and Sundays

Sunday @ Grandview. Yup it's rainy and it's Sunday. That won't stop the die hard MSAE golfers. They are already over at the course. We will just have to see how the rest of the day plays out. Beautiful up here though. Fall flowers and pumpkins - brilliant colors galore. No matter a little inclement weather - we are resilient. The bike ride? Will let you know. I'm ready!

Getting Away

The office is bustling today in preparation for the fall conference. It's a lot of work. But I do look forward to it. I have seen friendships made, resources found, answers discovered, and stories unfold at past conferences. These fall conferences are a part of the tapestry of MSAE. It's a time for renewal. And it is really the best opportunity to meet colleagues in a different way. Sometimes it is just good to get away from the day to day.