One particular thing that impressed me over the weekend was how much the GE and Reagan Foundations strive for excellence in everything. Nothing is left undone, or done without thought. They set a high standard. The GE training classes achieved what I have seen many others only hope for: engagement of participants and active listening in the classroom. Amidst the removal of responsibilities (I did not even have to pick up my dishes!) freedom was allowed to think, create, explore, learn, try, and fail. So many times, they reminded us mistakes are ok; just learn from them.
While I must admit, many of the business applications were far beyond my understanding, the training seemed to be intentionally focused on broad principles of leadership, management, creativity, communication, handling change, etc... that stretched across universally to each of our fields or professions. Having received some other scholarships from other institutions, the GE-Reagan Foundation stands out for the amount invested in us! Not only have they kept up with us in school, but also the Foundations are excited to prepare us for the future. So, let us go out and be better leaders for it!
- Communication is the opposite of assumption which is so easy to fall into. If "trust is based on information and judgement" or decisions as Michele said, then we must not just state our conclusion but also our reasoning. Do not try to figure it all out yourself, and sometimes the elephant in the room just needs to be talked about. Communication and collaboration whether within a team or family or business requires the group to remember the big picture, not just the part that most closely affects oneself.
- Comparison is the enemy of contentment and growth. In comparing oneself to a certain person with a certain trait, one fails to realize the qualities that make you valuable. Anyone can make themselves look good, especially in the world of virtual realities. While it is certainly good to have role models, my ultimate standard cannot be another person. When all is said and done, my comparison can only be against the standard of God's Word and His character {Gal 1:10}. If we are walking in a way that is pleasing to Christ, in integrity, kindness, etc... then we do not have to worry about pleasing people. No one can disagree with those qualities. I can never be content if I only think about what I do not have or cannot do, nor can I grow while giving myself excuses because I am already "better" than someone else. No one's resume is full of their weaknesses. Know what you can do and cannot do. Do your honest best, and be gratefully for the results.
What does a resilience look like in a company?
- "Actively attend to their environments"
- "Prepare for disruptions"
- "Build in flexibility"
- "Strengthen and extend communication within and without"
- "Encourage innovation and experimentation"
- "Cultivate a culture with clearly stated purpose and values"
- Who are you?
- What is your passion in life?
- What has contributed to your success thus far?
I really appreciated others sharing their experiences:
- Family: parents instilling the principle to not live with a sense of entitlement.
- Discipline
- Community: we are stronger together. Resilience is drawing together.
- Travel: gain perspective. The world is bigger than me.
- Diligence: not giving up when the hours are long, when the work day drags on, when the classes are hard, when there is no recognition.
- Work-ethic: honest, dependable hard work
- Servant leadership
- See the potential in others and develop it.
- Challenge the norm and rise to a new standard.
- Balance: task and relationships. I think this is one of the hardest principles in life.
- Learn to think, make decisions, and accept the consequences.
Michele Dunn is an executive coach, certified by the International Coach Federation. At GE Crotonville, she has logged more than 2500 hours of coaching business leaders. She is also a master instructor, having taught more than 12,000 GE leaders worldwide over the last 25 years. Her repertoire is extensive and her leadership legacy is well documented with hundreds of recommendations on her LinkedIn profile. Her clients provide a consistent theme of empathy and excellence in this very personal area of professional development.
Michele has keen insight and a refined ability to connect quickly with individuals, understand the context of their challenges and works with them to develop strategic and tactical solutions. She is laser focused on the specific needs of her client. Her style is both warm and engaging and serious and strong. This gravitas is sought after by executives who seek one on one development. Her recommendations are based on the wisdom gained from her experience in global business, through cycles of both growth and retrenchment. She also has a unique way of seeing and understanding organizations and the people in them.
With such broad and deep experience, Michele serves as an advisor, course designer and instructor on such topics as strategic thinking, innovation, Emotional Intelligence, Influence, Negotiating, Conflict Management and Leadership. She has worked in Asia, Europe, Australia, Central and South America, Canada and the US. Her clients have included GE, Ford, ExxonMobil, Cisco, PepsiCo, Merck, Union Carbide, TimeWarner, SCM and the US Government. She has also worked within a wide variety of industries including Aviation, Power, Water, Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Healthcare, Insurance and Media. And functionally, she has served individuals and groups within Environmental Health and Safety, Finance, Legal, Medical and Corporate Audit Staffs. She holds a multitude of certifications including the Bar-On Emotional Intelligence, Situation Management Systems, Influence, Social Styles, The Forum Corporation, Chorda Conflict, Inside Out Coaching, Hay Group Resilience, Career Systems International, Situational Leadership, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Experience !t, Experience Point and FIRO B.
Michele is a member of the Association for Talent Development, the National Association of Female Executives, and the International Coach Federation. She has served on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals, Coastal Fairfield County Connecticut and is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. She has an MBA in Marketing from Pace University, NYC and a BA in Political Science and Business Administration from the State University of New York at Albany. She lives in Wilton, Connecticut, USA, is a widow and mother of four young adult children.