Sal's Reflections

A large portion of our lives are spent at some form of employment so it matters how we feel about our work.So much emphasis is spent on how much we make that it often overshadows the deep need to be valued and to feel vital and necessary. Too many days are spent toiling without a sense of purpose and meaning and there is a hunger to have some sort of legacy. I have been most blessed in that on most days I have loved my work and have been invigorated by the connections with others. My fondest wish for all my friends is that at some point in their lives they love what they do, and it brings them a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

When I look at my network of friends on Facebook it is obvious that it is a treasure chest of talented persons from every walk of life.In light of this awareness I wonder if there is a way that we can be helpful as a talent pool for advice and help. I have a great deal of experience in Leadership,coaching counseling,strategic planning etc and would be privileged to assist any member with whatever skills would be helpful.I believe that being available as resources would benefit everyone who has a particular need because of the trust and personal connections that exist in the network.I would ask you to think about whether this has practical implications, and also what skills or talents you would be willing to share,

If you have someone in your life that makes you laugh you are blessed. There are special people that as soon as I think about them it brings a smile to my face and heart. Usually they not only make me laugh, but are part of an never ending series of teasing and playful criticism. My friend Joe is a perfect example of the joyful banter that goes back and forth every time we are together. Once when we were playing golf with a couple in South Carolina they told us that we should create our own sitcom because the needling had them in stitches.If you have such a person in your life contact them today because it will not only bring a smile to your face ,it will make their day, and keep their funny bone tongue sharp..

Received a funny note today that suggested I write a “Dear Abby” Column.In the note the person stated that she reads my posts when she wakes up and finds it helps start her day. Flattering to say the least, but the more I thought about it the more I realized how our words touch the lives of others. Kind words support both loved ones and strangers while harsh ones often leave scar tissue that lingers.It costs nothing to positively monitor what we say and the kind words that we so blithely utter may be the nicest words that someone hears all day.

he magic of life can be dimmed early on when the words realistic and unrealistic become constant companions to our dreams. They are often shared so that we may not be hurt, or suffer some form of rejection. Certainly there are actions,plans and ventures that may be filled with major challenges but why stop dreaming because there may be some hurdles. Much of what makes life so precious appears to be unrealistic, and the cushion of comfort in striving to always be realistic may have a huge price tag. I admit that I have always been a dreamer as well as a doer, and there were moments when the price may have been in disappointment.However, there have been so many moments at the top of the mountain because I was unrealistic in my desires and dreams.The middle path may be safe and secure but there are rewards in the paths less traveled. Maybe it is time for you to give up one of the realistic barriers and place your toes outside of the comfort zone.

I love the opportunity to be a personal or organizational coach because watching others grow is so fulfilling.In the sports world even the most talented athletes have coaches who assist in the development of their skills.Coaching is not really about training, but rather development. Each of us would benefit from having someone observe,suggest and monitor the progress that leads to our most cherished goals.In my case it is not merely pointing out areas of deficiency but mutually creating a plan that offers real growth.The bonus is that as a coach Ihave found that much of what transpires with the other person is a souurce of personal knowledge that helps me to grow as well.Feedback is not harmful criticism but rather learning that keeps the process on target. If available I would strongly urge that you seek the guidance of a coach to partner with you as you learn new data that enables you to continue to grow. In my case I have found that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Met my friend Perry yesterday and as usual I felt like I was learning at the feet of a person filled with wisdom.He has experienced the many restrictions that advanced age often brings ,and these have led him to a deeper appreciation of what he has at times taken for granted.He told me”My eyesight due to macular degeneration gets increasingly worse but all of my life I have had the gift of marvelous sight. My hearing despite aids has gotten to the point that at times I am close to being deaf ,but I have heard the sound of music my entire life.Walking without my cane is at best perilous ,but I have climbed mountains and walked through most of the major cities in the world. My life in essence has been blessed, and I realize that so many do not ever experience what I have because of lifetime handicapping conditions.We are blessed Salvatore and I never forget to be thankful and mindful that others walk a much more difficult than we have.” I never met Aristotle but if you look at Perry’s DNA I am sure he is related to him.

It has been my ongoing experience that a good percentage of people feel underutilized at work.Vacations often conjure up the desire for a new job, or if they are in the middle life period the possibility of retirement is appealing. This dissatisfaction may occur because they do not see the relevance or value in what they do for a living, and yearn to have more meaning and a sense of legacy in their work. This awareness through my consulting career was the foundation for developing the framework for Roving Leadership.I am committed to the premise that dependent on the challenges everyone can be a leader. The organizations that thrive are those that understand development and a value driven philosophy that each person and each department matter.It is truly amazing when those that run the organization share their power with the rest of the employees. In the final analysis Leadership is not about control but rather development and inspiration.