Reflections on the article by Nicholas Wade, “We May Be Born with an Urge to Help” from the New York Times science section, December 1. 2009, at www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/science/01human.html.
What immediately came to mind was a conversation I had over a laid back game of Uno with a guest at the local homeless shelter this past week. He is one week out of a month plus stay at the local halfway house for alcohol and drug addictions. He was telling me about his experience at the House and how much he appreciated the process and staff. He shared that his counselor had been a young woman from a wealthy Chicago home. At first he really wanted someone who had recovered from an addiction as his counselor because they would know more what he was going through. He said she told him that her addiction was helping people like him. This last statement had stayed with me mostly because I know this is true. She emphathized with his situation and used this to help him. I feel so lucky to wake up daily and have an opportunity to work with people like this counselor who strive to make a difference in this world. But why do they do it—it is empathy or deeper?
In reflecting on this article, I think this need to help is innate…and I also believe we are a society that volunteers because if makes us feel good to help others. Maybe this is altruistic…but what would it look like if we were able to tap EVERYONE’s innate need to help and give to one another?
Recently, I heard Rick Lynch (http://www.ricklynchassociates.com/about.htm) speak to the future of volunteerism. It was interesting as he pointed out that the HR model volunteering that was established in the 60s is no longer working. Volunteers now want…
-jobs they want to do
-jobs with an end point
-jobs without a lot of structure
-jobs the volunteer controls
-jobs the volunteer can grow from
-jobs that are fun (things people feel good about themselves)
-jobs that aren't 'jobs'
From working with a variety of nonprofits and volunteering myself, I agree. This means a heightened level of individualism and engagement for anyone leading volunteers. Elise’s question if empathy can be taught is important in this equation as it is up to these leaders to engage the volunteer in tapping into their empathy and appropriately directing it.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Social Media Revolution: Leadership Considersations
In response to the video is titled: Social Media Revolution: Is social media a fad? Or is it the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8)
As you all know, I am very interested in social media and its impact on our organizations and leaders. It has become an important part of my personal as well as professional life. Facebook is where I connect and interact daily with my family and friends as well as work colleagues. It is how I get in input from the young members of the family I work for…as well as build deeper relationships with my fellow co-workers and volunteers. I share updates of my personal life and happenings as regularly as I share professional updates and resources. My updates or “tweets” not only hit my 200+ twitter friends but also feed my profile on LinkedIn and my 730+ friends (including legislators, membership organizations, nonprofits, for-profits, etc) on Facebook. I comment on others statuses, pictures, and notes and they do the same for me. My car was determined and received its name; I chose the phone to buy from recommendations; and have discovered many new restaurants all through my network on Facebook and Twitter. I found our website designer through a social network in Indiana (www.smallerindiana.com). My birthday wish for donations to support local nonprofit treating children with autism raised over $150 through a cause page on Facebook (which if I wanted to know more about autism…the first place I would go is Wikipedia). As you know, I share my prosem responses on a blog (www.closingtraingles.blogspot.com) so my other friends and colleagues can also engage in my experience. And the list continues… I give these examples to say—that I choose social media and the technologies as a way to connect and build relationships. Relationships that I believe are sometimes deeper because of the blurring of my public and private life through these mediums.
Last Summer I went to a new media conference held locally and listened to Lori Martinek (http://www.pplusonline.com/lori.php) share her thoughts on how you can use “social technologies” to build your personal brand. When I asked how to account for this blurring of public and private life, she said that you can keep it completely separate and that it is up to each individual to determine. If one is an authentic leader what would it look like? I agree with Mark that “for way too long many people have had the luxury of living two separate lives.” I assert that social media gives a platform for leaders to be more “real” and open and accessible. I love it when I go to a meeting or community gathering and am instantly able to have a deeper conversation about a happening in someone’s life because of what they have shared online. It matters.
One of my favorite elements of social media is that it flattens hierarchies and provides an opportunity for everyone’s voice to be equal. Geographic boundaries are erased. This also presents a challenge for leaders to even more deeply engage EVERYONE in building the brand and communicating change, especially those in the Millennial and younger generations who have all grown up with technology and have an expectation (not always an affinity for) for its integration in their personal and professional lives. Emmanuel’s point of the impact that the technology divide presents is very real. Actually, I think we will learn and benefit from the mobile technologies being developed in rural, developing countries. This is also an area for leaders to ensure they are engaging everyone regardless of accessibility.
I agree with Elise that social media cannot solely replace face-to-face communication or relationship building but I think it offers unique opportunities to deepen and build those relationships for those who choose to join. I do think that this is way more than a fad. This is only the beginning. Web3.0 is already on its way (http://www.slideshare.net/JohannesBhakfi/web30-986081 FYI: Slideshare is great, free Web2.0 tool for sharing your PowerPoint shows with others). Those leaders not engaging in this fundamental shift in communication and helping their followers plan for the implications will be behind. As leaders, it is imperative to consider and honor this change.
As you all know, I am very interested in social media and its impact on our organizations and leaders. It has become an important part of my personal as well as professional life. Facebook is where I connect and interact daily with my family and friends as well as work colleagues. It is how I get in input from the young members of the family I work for…as well as build deeper relationships with my fellow co-workers and volunteers. I share updates of my personal life and happenings as regularly as I share professional updates and resources. My updates or “tweets” not only hit my 200+ twitter friends but also feed my profile on LinkedIn and my 730+ friends (including legislators, membership organizations, nonprofits, for-profits, etc) on Facebook. I comment on others statuses, pictures, and notes and they do the same for me. My car was determined and received its name; I chose the phone to buy from recommendations; and have discovered many new restaurants all through my network on Facebook and Twitter. I found our website designer through a social network in Indiana (www.smallerindiana.com). My birthday wish for donations to support local nonprofit treating children with autism raised over $150 through a cause page on Facebook (which if I wanted to know more about autism…the first place I would go is Wikipedia). As you know, I share my prosem responses on a blog (www.closingtraingles.blogspot.com) so my other friends and colleagues can also engage in my experience. And the list continues… I give these examples to say—that I choose social media and the technologies as a way to connect and build relationships. Relationships that I believe are sometimes deeper because of the blurring of my public and private life through these mediums.
Last Summer I went to a new media conference held locally and listened to Lori Martinek (http://www.pplusonline.com/lori.php) share her thoughts on how you can use “social technologies” to build your personal brand. When I asked how to account for this blurring of public and private life, she said that you can keep it completely separate and that it is up to each individual to determine. If one is an authentic leader what would it look like? I agree with Mark that “for way too long many people have had the luxury of living two separate lives.” I assert that social media gives a platform for leaders to be more “real” and open and accessible. I love it when I go to a meeting or community gathering and am instantly able to have a deeper conversation about a happening in someone’s life because of what they have shared online. It matters.
One of my favorite elements of social media is that it flattens hierarchies and provides an opportunity for everyone’s voice to be equal. Geographic boundaries are erased. This also presents a challenge for leaders to even more deeply engage EVERYONE in building the brand and communicating change, especially those in the Millennial and younger generations who have all grown up with technology and have an expectation (not always an affinity for) for its integration in their personal and professional lives. Emmanuel’s point of the impact that the technology divide presents is very real. Actually, I think we will learn and benefit from the mobile technologies being developed in rural, developing countries. This is also an area for leaders to ensure they are engaging everyone regardless of accessibility.
I agree with Elise that social media cannot solely replace face-to-face communication or relationship building but I think it offers unique opportunities to deepen and build those relationships for those who choose to join. I do think that this is way more than a fad. This is only the beginning. Web3.0 is already on its way (http://www.slideshare.net/JohannesBhakfi/web30-986081 FYI: Slideshare is great, free Web2.0 tool for sharing your PowerPoint shows with others). Those leaders not engaging in this fundamental shift in communication and helping their followers plan for the implications will be behind. As leaders, it is imperative to consider and honor this change.
Reflections on 2009...2010 Intentions
Over Christmas, we had a conversation about if people really enjoy and read holiday updates. Even though other’s don’t…I do! You get to catch up on someone’s life from their perspective…and the person has a chance to reflect on what has meant the most to them over the past year. One of the things that drew me to (and has continued to engage me) in my PhD program is the encouragement and expectation to be a reflective practitioner—making sense of daily experiences in light of what we learn and know to be true. So as a way of making sense of my past year and setting my intentions for the coming year, here are my top 10 of 2009…and hopes for 2010.
2009 Highlights
1. During a work outing in Florida, we ended up stuck for three extra days in late February. This ended up being my only beach time this year. I totally love playing in the waves, sinking my feet in the sand, and the feel of salty wind in my hair.
2. I started looking at homes early this year…and fell in love with 16 Elm Ridge! It is perfect…not too big on the first floor, guest space upstairs (everyone is welcome) and a cozy basement complete with wet bar. I truly cherished the housewarming party and was thrilled to have friends from Indiana and northern Illinois to visit. I am so thankful to my friends who came to visit as well as help decorate and put finishing touches on my home!
3. During my Mom’s Spring Break, I had a chance to visit Texas. I loved spending time with my Mom and sister on the farm with the bluebonnets in full bloom!
4. I have become quite the fan of boating over the past two years. I am so at peace on the water! When the stars aligned and I was able to sell my jet ski and purchase a pontoon boat all in the same week, I was a happy camper. I especially loved the last few outings in the late summer when my best girlfriends and I spent the day laying in the sun on Lake Shelbyville.
5. In July, the Lumpkin Family who I work for had their family reunion and meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was so excited that my brother and sister were able to meet me there post-meeting and we had a family reunion of our own with our grandmother. Santa Fe is such a special place and having an opportunity to share time with them there is a forever memory!
6. In August, I started pursuing a life dream…to have PhD. I have felt challenged yet so affirmed by this experience and as a bonus have already started relationships with fellow students that I know will last a lifetime…and lead to many adventures. This year already it led to adventures in the corn fields on Ohio, a lake house in New Hampshire…and a wonderful side trip to visit my cousin Carl and his oh so lovely family in Vermont. And, I am really enjoying the writing even more than expected!
7. goodWORKSconnect.org launched in late August. I have been a part of quite a few new ventures but this is something completely different due to the technology twist. It has been challenging yet rewarding to take what works in person and re-tool for the online community. I have also been really blessed to work with people who truly care about and know nonprofit leaders. The visual of the balloon launch is in the memory lockbox!
8. Just before starting school in August, Ellie the Element found a new home and I found the 4-Runner Mad Max. I have already put the towing package, sun roof, heated seats and 4-Wheel drive to the test! What fun roadtrips to Northern Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri…and can’t wait for more! By the way, those of you who know and love Murray the Moose (bobble head my friend Heather and I found while in Alaska—Heather has the kiwi), he is back.
9. I am so blessed to have my blood family and adopted family. This year was super special because I was spent a relaxing Thanksgiving with my adopted Obert family and a festive, warm Christmas day on the farm with much of my Mom’s side of the family. It is so cool growing older and peering with my aunts, uncles and cousins!
10. I know I am lucky that I get to spend my day’s helping to make the world a better place. And love that outside of work, I have been able to make a difference as well as make new friends. It has been so much fun to watch Sullivan Area Arts become a reality, the merger of the Moultrie County United Way open new possibilities for the area, Mattoon Rotary continue its growth, Grantmaker’s for Effective Organizations plan for a 2010 conference with some topics I can’t wait to learn about, a Coles County Junto group come to fruition, and a Young Professional Group germinate!
2010 Intentions
1. Updated kitchen
2. Continue PhD work- Seattle, LA, etc.
3. Become an auntie!
4. Quality friend time on lake
5. A trip out to Western US with my bestie!
6. Run at least a 5K
7. GEO conference in Pittsburgh
8. Creative outlet…more singing!
9. Support my friends and family through more intentional communication
10. Make goodWORKSconnect the place to be.
More to come!
Blessings to you and all those you love!
Annie
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