Where to Now?

I'm Back!

2008-08-26T13:06:00.002-06:00

To those of you who continued to visit my blog while I have been hibernating, I'm back with some new interesting stuff for your consideration. I will be writing about the most powerful force in the universe--Love. Not only manifested forms of love, such intimacy, marriage, dating, or traditional ways we use and abuse feelings and emotions, but love as the source that can transform the consciousness of each individual as well as planet earth.

I also plan to discuss how this force can be harnessed in practical ways to center ourselves and provide clarity for each of us in terms of what is really important from a human experience. These determinations will be made by you of course by exploring alternative paths to the ones you may now be pursing and accelerating the path of those already "on track."

I'm sure you would agree we are at a crossroads with respect the path of human compatibility. So the question is can we begin infuse the power of Love into our daily lives to simply provide personal peace. I assure you, you or we can, but not the way we presently view reality. So, the choice is "pay now, or pay later!"

Bill

Rule #7-- It's Always Someone Else's Fault

2008-05-23T18:06:00.004-06:00

The example that immediately comes to mind are building contractors. I've been involved in building a cabin in the mountains for the last two years. When the plumber's assistant drilled into a supporting beam, the structure was not passed by the building inspector. The owner of the plumbing company, to this day, does not claim responsibility for the incident. Notwithstanding, I had to pay $1300.O0 to repair the mistake with another supporting beam. My major plumber said to me, "these things happen. It's not my fault, and I am certainly not paying you $1300.00!"

However, I had not paid him fully for the contracting work he had done. This is the ONLY card you have to play. However, it's not quite that simple. I still needed him to finish the job. And, he had plenty of demand for his work. So, what did I do? This is where negotiation begins. Particularly, since this guy is the best around. I'm thinking, this is such B.S. I don't need these games in my life. I need people who take responsibility for their screw-ups. But alas, not in the construction business.

By the way, this kind of screw-up was repeated by the painter, who refused to return to do final touch up as he promised. The most blatant form of irresponsibility is making promises and breaking them as easily as eating a hot dog. No integrity, no honesty, no sense of apology! That's just the way it is! Only new competition will change this situation or less demand for building contractors.

Now for the Good, in the midst of the Bad and the Ugly. My electrician (Dan Collings), my log stacker (Larry Smith of Spanish Fork, Utah is the absolute best in the business and reliable), and the guy who has done my inside work, tirelessly. His name is Mike Sanford in Spanish Fork, Utah. So, if you want a reliable contractor who takes pride in what he does. These are the guys! Oh, I forgot to mention some of my other contractors, but one was so bad I will not say anything further.

In spite of the situation I have described, the individual who also emerged with outstanding marks, is the guy who drilled my well. He has roots in Mississippi (and I am Black), he is almost threatening, and he's the best driller in Utah. My well stopped working and I called him to let him know I was against a wall with financing. He said he would check it out in the next few days; and he did!

In the process of testing the well motor, he burned the motor out. When he called he told me the truth and said he would not charge me for the burned out motor. I was astounded and pleased that I encountered a contractor who told the truth, kept his word, and worked until he repaired my well. (Water is precious in the mountains.) By the way his company is Miller Drilling out of Provo, Utah. He's the absolute best!

What's the point I'm trying to make. I've very rarely encountered a profession where the sequence of contractors who come in and do their work, often screw-up and claim no responsibility. In fact, quite often you have to make sure they've done the job right yourself or hire someone to do so. Like sheet rocking over electrical outlets, breaking light fixtures, painting over window screens, installing cabinets incorrectly, etc., and not really caring. If I ran my consulting business like some of the contractors I hired, on good advice, I wouldn't have a business.

Well, I think you've got it! "It's always someone else's fault"

Rule #6--Promise Things You Have No Intention of Doing

2008-05-13T18:09:00.002-06:00

It's quite amazing how many times in a day I promise people that I will call them, keep in touch, meet them for a drink, or say "we really must get together." When, in fact, it's all B.S. I just feel good about assuaging my guilt or pretending to miss them, or whatever it is that is driving me to promise things I have no time or interest for!

Why? God, I don't know. I guess I want to be in touch with the world. At the time, I really want to be with them and catch up on things, but I don't want to use up my future time to make choices.

My best male friend and I used to spend at least four days a week when I was going through a post separation process. He was my rock. He was the reason I made it through. He is my main man. I know I can depend on him no matter what. Now, we see each other possibly once a month. We vow to make it more often and we don't. However, I KNOW that if I ever need him he will be there.

The use of this rule to look more responsible is the "kiss of death." Particularly, in the workplace. It's amazing to watch people who want to be overloaded with responsibilities that they can't live up to. When they can't do what was promised, they point out how often they came through, how hard they worked, and missing a few promises isn't that big a deal!

These are individuals who love overload! They live on it! They thrive on it! It's what they live for. And when they occasionally come through, they want to be worshiped.I'm sorry, but I know the game. And many of you know the game also. In fact, you know someone who fits this profile perfectly. (You should refer them to this blog site. Or send them a download of the audio book.

The point is, this rule ultimately catches up with anyone who has this pattern. I once decided that I would pay close attention to what I promised and would not promise anything I did not want to do. It's amazing how my life cleaned up. How stress-free I was. And most of all, how centered I felt. Recently I've gotten away from that level of honesty. It's so out of the normal expectation, that began to feel something was wrong with me.

Well, I think you get the point about this rule. We probably all use to some extent!

Download the audio version and/or buy the book!

An Audio Version of the Failure Book

2008-05-02T15:26:00.003-06:00

In the right-hand column of this site is a conversational version of the Failure book. Download it, send it to your friends, and use it for exercising, walking, or just relaxing to have a good laugh!

Then, if you choose, buy it on Amazon.com

Bill

Guest Blogger--Ulla form Germany

2008-04-27T11:41:00.000-06:00

Reading the Failure Book I’ve got aware that there is one central theme called: Responsibility.

If we’re resisting learning anything new, if we’re promising things we have no intention of doing, if it’s always someone else’s fault, or if the truth is in the mind of the beholder, in each and every of these mentioned cases, we’re not willing to take responsibility for our own life.

What, in fact, doesn’t change anything – the only one who is responsible for what ever occurs in my life – is ME, if I like it or not. It’s never, and it never was, my parents, my older brother, not my teacher or my spouse. But it’s so easy and comfortable to put the blame on them.

Is it my fault, that my marriage was bound to go wrong? Sorry – yes it is. And that’s ok. Ahead of being able to take responsibility there is accepting. If there is no way to go on together, we’ll have to face the truth and take responsibility for our solutions. How ever they might be.

This book is including a wonderful secret, and the authors don’t keep it, they are giving it to us (thanks a lot): Every fault is a new possibility; nobody will condemn us, if we fail. They will pay us tribute, respect and regard when we’re able to accept us the way we are.

Reading some of the stories I started to think about how the authors came to know me so well. I don’t know Phil at all – but – he knows that my little girl once wanted to have a horse. It was my part to tell her, that I’m not able to buy a horse. We all have to deal with disappointment, more ore less, sooner or later; life is not always up there; sometimes it is down here. But we are only growing from challenges.

And this guy, Terry, how come that he knows that I was afraid of coloured people? It’s not Terry and it’s not me – we’re all afraid of differences, people not being the way we are. Different in thinking, looking and behaving. This should be a challenge, being curious about getting closer to them; listening to them. What we will discover: they are just the same than we are, there is absolutely no difference.

We are one – if we believe it or not.

Rule #5 in the Failure Book--It's All About the Money

2008-04-26T12:42:00.002-06:00

This rule is more prevalent than I had thought. I'm not out of touch with the reality of the world. However, I had thought that there was some ethical or moral character that would come into play in back-to-the-wall situations. Like political races or not selling out when you encounter a challenge that requires personal growth. But, you must know by now that I'm an idealist who is probably out-of-touch with the earth-plane reality.

In the course of my business lifetime, there were several customers who thought they controlled our company because they were contracted for significant sums. I must say that the combined agreement of our employees was never to sell out who we were for the money; and we didn't!

There was also an occasion when I gave a speech to a Fortune 50 corporation where there was excessive coaching by internal people of how, when, and what I should say. I followed their advice. The presentation was a disaster. I vowed then that I would never do that again. I would be my authentic self or not speak. When they sent me the payment for the speech, I sent it back, saying that I had not earned the sum sent to me; fully or in part!

So, what's it with you? Write and let me know. Is it all about the money or am I really out-of-touch with reality?

A conversational version the Failure book is attached as an audio file. It is a conversation between Sue Kwon, San Francisco TV Personality, and your truly, Bill.

Listen and enjoy! It's great! The chapters are recorded 7 to 9 minutes at a time.

The Science of Consciousness

2008-04-08T15:09:00.002-06:00

Ten years ago, I was asked to write an article for a journal about the intersection between science and metaphysics. More precisely, I was asked to comment about where I thought Newtonian-Cartesian Science was headed--possibly to the study of pure energy. I stated that it was obvious that the progression was from the study of "something" to the study of "nothing"--or the study of consciousness.

The obvious skills available to humans for the study of consciousness are metaphysical skills. So the next paradigm will involve study beyond the bodymind world of those things we can see, feel, and probe with every possible kind of instrumentation.

It will involve developing the power of the mind beyond the survival-driven programming that so totally controls our base motivations. We might even learn how to get along on this very small, but magnificent, planet. It is the obvious key to a transformation in the planetary consciousness so desperately needed to ensure our continued existence.

I have attached this paper to this site along the right-side column for your reading pleasure. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Bill

Rule #4 in the Failure Book--Always Look Out For Number One

2008-04-06T15:04:00.002-06:00

This rule probably permeates Western society and is rapidly catching on to the entrepreneurial types in other parts of the world. It's essence is doing whatever necessary for your own success, even at the expense of others or the environment for that matter. It's commonly referred to as "Social Darwinism." Although, what Darwin actually proposed is far from this notion.

I had a good friend who once used the phrase, "You eat what you Kill." He used it as his sales philosophy as well as how he operated, in large part, professionally. When sales were good, his philosophy was validated and justified. When his industry hit hard time, his organization used it to "right-size" him. It was a real come down that resulted in a lesson he has never forgotten about the value of others in his personal success.

My mother used to say to me, "Treat the people you meet good on your way up because they are the same ones who you'll encounter on your way down." What I've learned over the years is that we all experience "the way down" in some aspect of our lives where we discover what humility is--by experience. Whatever success we've achieved, it's never as profound as being humbled to the core. On the exit side is the Aha resulting from transformation.

Actually, looking out for #1 in an interconnected world is a dichotomy. I suspect if we live long enough, we ultimately discover the illusion of this rule. However, don't take my word for it, work it as long as it works. On the other hand, he sooner the illusion is realized, the sooner we discover ourselves through the authentic relationship with others.

Again, the book "How To Become A Total Failure" in on Amazon.com and on our website at innovint.com

Rule #3 in the Failure Book--Be A Jerk

2008-03-19T06:52:00.006-06:00

Being a jerk can have its advantages; particularly, if the people around you are willing to put up with insensitive, obnoxious behaviors. Since no one wants any extended time with a jerk, it appears that this individual can get his or her way. This sequence of thinking is NOT necessarily true!

I remember an occasion when my former wife had set up a meeting with a very prestigious woman writer. She was internationally acclaimed for her work in leadership theory. Since my former wife knew I channelled and had received some incredible material regarding FuturePerfect leadership, she set up the meeting so that we might get to know each other. To make a long story short, I behaved like a complete jerk! Why? I have no idea. The famous lady still hates me to this day (10 years). She pretends she doesn't even know me at meetings when we make eye contact. I really can't blame her. The tragedy is, together we could have come up with some incredible stuff. Well, that's life.

The Point: Being a jerk has no redeeming value. It's a losing, immature cause that has no advantages in the short or long term. The loss is what I could have learned from the famous writer. The lesson is what I have learned about being authentic as often as possible. I am still a work in progress. As you peruse your life, consider the time(s) you behaved as a jerk or someone you observed. Notice, if being a jerk is mainly driven by insecurity. It is cured by learning to be authentic. It begins with accepting yourself exactly as you are! Even though it might not fit the picture you have of yourself or others. At least, it's who you really are!

Buy the book on Amazon or our website. By the way, the book will soon be distributed by Costco and a major book distributor. Everyone who reads it thinks it is a bestseller! And it will be! With your support.

Rule #2 in the Failure Book--Don't Share What You Know With Others

2008-03-11T12:57:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately, this rule is more pervasive than we think. In a competitive, dog-eat-dog world, information that others don't have appears, in the short term, to be an advantage. However, information is a form of energy. If you try to control and store it, it will find some way to explode!

I had this realization several years ago when I used to be on the lookout for consultants using Innovations workbook materials. Then I realized how much time, energy, and effort I devoted to that activity. If I devoted the same resources to continually creating new ideas, exercises, and learnings of our work, we would always be ahead of the game.

This realization led to Innovations inviting over 300 independent consultants to our Salt Lake office to learn our two-day diversity program FREE OF CHARGE! This process not only led to new improved exercises, but a whole cadre of facilitators using our materials as the industry standard! This realization led to the next Aha! There is enough business for everybody. The real challenge is staying on the cutting edge with new breakthrough materials.

So the opportunity is how do we best use all the information we have to share to create the new knowledge we uniquely need. That's why I freely contribute everything I have learned on this blog site. I invite all of you 3000 visitors a month to do the same with each other!

The Failure book is on Amazon.com. Visit, write a comment or two, and buy the book!

Thanks,
Bill

Rule #1 in the Failure Book--Resist Learning Anything New

2008-02-28T18:09:00.003-07:00

It's amazing how prevalent the resistence to new learning is in most workplaces. The compromise most people like to make is "How can I learn the least in the longest period of time." After all, we have to have new learning simply to survive. Why do we resist?

The answer is, new learning will change our reality. After all, we already figured it out at 13 years old. Since then, we've been trying to prove that that point of enlightenment was the culmination of all new learning that could change our lives. Nobody wants to change when he or she has figured out the nature of reality.

For example, we live in the knowledge-base era. New learning is expected to be a necessity in the world of work. And most Gen Xers and Gen Yers are right on board when new learning involves Information Technology (IT) The same is not so true when it involves creativity, innovation, or quantum-thinking. These cognitive skills require transformation in the most fundamental way. In this sense, younger workers are no different than mature workers.

When Shelly Novak joined a high tech, cutting-edge organization on the West coast, she saw it as a dream come true. She quickly learned that she was not as skilled as she presumed herself to be. Having come from an organizatiion that had put up with resistant learning on her part, until they figured she had no future there, she found herself agreeing to a mutual parting of the ways. In her new position, she sudenly found herself surrounded by hotshots that operated in different reality. She concluded the gap was simply too much cover in her desire to meet the expectations of her new organization. Her fate was predictable. Find a place where she could "nest," and fake it for as long as she could finesse it! As of this writing, she's still surviving.

So, what's the point? Without continuous learnig, your days are numbered. And that goes for us all. We are only as valuable as our personal stock. That is, our value on the Market of Work--similar to the Stock Market. Are we blue chippers, junk bonds, or quick risers and fallers?

This is the discussion in the first chapter of the book, "How to Become a Total Failure." Free download on wwwtenwaystofail.com. Buy 10 copies and get a discount. Give them as gifts to friends for which you want to send a message. There are some wonderful messages in this book.

Buy copies form this website or www.razorpages.com.

New Bestseller by Bill and Phil

2008-02-23T07:27:00.002-07:00

Phil and I have just published our new book "How To Become A Total Failure." The Ten Rules of Highly Unsuccessful People! You can link to our incomplete blog site for more description at www.tenwaystofail.com/blog.

We share wonderful stories about how we sabotage ourselves in thinking that looking out only for ourselves is the road to success. Only to discover that it's an interconnected world and no one makes it to the "top" alone.

The book then suggest ways to convert patterns of failure into formulas for success; ending with The Ten Rules for Success. It's a great read with numerous, humorous stories.

You can purchase the book by emailing or phoning Innovations International, Inc. It will soon be available on Amazon.com. In fact, you might email them now requesting it.

Phone 1-(800) 487-3354 or fax 1-(801) 268-3422 or email: innovationsintl@qwest.net

I look forward to your feedback on the book. I guarantee you will enjoy it and will want to buy copies for your friends!

Bill

Ulla--Guest Blogger Responding to My Last Blog

2008-02-15T12:09:00.002-07:00

I was reading "Finding Life". I cannot agree with your statement that most people don't care about material things or money. My point of view is that they would not like to give much attention to these things, but, they think they need to. Because the most important responsibility is to take care of family, then friends and relatives.

To be able to take care of them, the common source is money. Very few are aware that giving love,feelings, and emotions is much more than material. They even cannot imagine that it could be this way. This is too easy - and life is hard and difficult, it has to. To let go, to follow the flow your life is taking you, is like giving up. People are looking for the difficult ways. We're all raised with the words: "If you want to reach something in your life - you'll have to work very hard!" And that's what most are living. To transform is like: giving up your strong held beliefs and giving in to something you don't know but you're needing to trust in.

If we want people to transform, what is our absolute goal, we're asking them to let go safety and protection (or what they seem it to be). We're asking them to open and to show who they really are. We're asking them to show the world their inner most secret. Falling in love at first sight is much easier than falling in confidence at first sight. We tend toavoid disappointment and we have to face it: There is no being able to avoid anything!

Finding Life

2008-02-13T19:42:00.002-07:00

I've been travelling quite a lot lately. Therefore, I've not communicted with you in a few weeks. What I have learned is that people pretty much the same everywhere. They want to be able to provide for their families, raise their children, support their love ones and friends. And on occasion, they want to celebrate life.

Most people don't want very much in the way material possesions or riches; just to be above food, shelter, and clothing. Most have no interest in control, domination , or power. Why doesn't this consciousness dominate the the planet?

I have discovered that if I live consistent with my passion I feel satisfied with my earth-plane existence. Even if I have not made a differnece. It's more important to me to be a differnce. For example, I had dinner with a colleague who does seminars with thousands of people a year all over the world. We began discussing the impact of her work and she tearfully shared that there was an emptiness in her work. I asked her what were her expectations. She responded that she wanted her participants to face up to their difficulties and transform.

I reminded her that their transformation was not in her control. That such an objective was her own ego-satisfaction; and had little to do with her clients or their well-being. That the drive to make a difference often lead us to attempt to control the fate of others rather than assuming the the "universe" will lead to the best resolution.

So what I have been reaffirmed of is that life finds its own "fault line" if we just let go and help others find their own path and self-created fate. There can be no better way of making a difference by being a difference.

Ciao,
Bill

From 40,000 Feet

2008-02-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night. I was observing the human dynamics on the planet we have named Earth. In spite of the efforts by many to live "from" love, violence and division dominant the planetary consciousness. Not only in terms of mass conflict of armed encounters, but also in our most popular books, video games, newspapers, television, or any form of information delivery that is most popular. And we wonder why violence and separation are inherent in our relationships, societal systems, and countries of the world.

Quite simply, we create the reality we observe. All of us, worldwide! We like to amuse ourselves with talk of peace, love, and unity. But the prevailing consciousness of this small planet of highly intelligent human beings do not appear to have the potential to create such a reality! Why? I dont't really know. But the need to be right permeates the dominant human consciousness right down to the core of our programmed realities that we collective declare to be truth! I would still like to meet the person who "knows the truth, by spiritual experience; not through teachings and mass agreement."

So, an intersting question is "Where are we headed? Because we are definitely headed in a specific direction toward a specific outcome. At least, when we get there we can all say we were right; and extinct. If you believe in going with the flow, then wherever we are headed is okay. Just remember, there are no victims, we are all collectively responsible and accountable for the human fate of planet Earth.

These comments are not meant to discourge the efforts of those who do live in a context of love, peace, and oneness. Because there are many who do. Such a consciousness is simply not doninant, at present. I wonder what would happen if 50% of us decided to stop gossiping about others, help those less fortunate than ourselves, and began accepting those in our lives, unconditonally. I do not think such a situation is possible in a given community of human inhabitants of this plant; except for those aboriginal to this panet.

Well, I think I'll program my dream state to do another visit from 40,000 feet. Maybe, I've missed the point. Maybe, I'm seeing what I want to see, even in my dream state. I certainly hope so!

Love and Peace,
Bill

Those of you in Europe, espically my visitors from Sweden, come to my seminars just outside of Frankfurt this month. Email Ulla Knoll at ulla1301@yahoo.com

Guest Blogger from Germany--Ulla Knoll

2008-01-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all of you out there!

Today I want to share, what a very good, close, friend was telling me:Focus on your relationships, not to the world. You’re like a stone thrown into the water. If you throw a stone into your pond you’ll see the waves it’ll make. There are circles getting bigger and bigger. That’s how you’re acting in your relationships. You don’t have to see or feel a change. But there is one.

And live your life out of your “inner brain” not with your head. Listen to your feelings. If there is a sudden feeling, listen to it.This inner brain is not influenced by the way you’re brought up. During growing up you forgot about acting out of your heard, your feelings, your inner brain. You’ve started thinking, and you’ve started weighing up: If I do that -what may happen? Will I be doing good? And you’ve been captured in a net. You’ve lived your life, creating an new one. A life that’s called:

How others want me to be. Just return listening to your inner brain. And by the time you’ll become centered, you’ll know what to do and for all that you’re taking responsibility. ’cause it’s YOU.

I’m sure, this is the way we all should go on. Focussing on ourselves, being a change in the world. Would be great if I could give you some words to discus about.

Looking to hear from you.
Ulla

Popular Guest Blogger--Phil Davis

2008-01-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

I couldn't agree more with you Bill. I'm backing Barrack Obama for president, not because he's the most experienced candidate or the best manager. Hillary has more experience and Romney is probably a better manager. But we don't need a manager (or a puppet) as our next president. We need inspiration. Already Barrack has influenced the other democratic candidates as they are beginning to focus on being change agents, a message Obama had from the beginning. Leadership is about vision and influencing people and as Barrack says, words are important to accomplish this.

Seminar in Germany

2008-01-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

I will be presenting a seminar near Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. It is open to the public. It is described below: (Also, see the previous blog for the seminar "The Power of Personal Performance" presented on Monday February 18, 2008.)

Leadership for the 21st Century—Creating an Inclusive, High-Performance Organization

PERHAPS THE MOST CRUCIAL ELEMENT for professional success in the 21st century is leadership. I define leadership as the ability to influence others. Influence their

• commitment to achieving an objective (thinking)
• willingness to change (transformation)
• willingness to perform (behavior)

These competencies involve the combination of both cognitive (mind-set) and functional (performance) skills—thinking and behaving. The greatest challenge in combining these two skills for maximum performance is changing one’s mind-set and correspondingly, one’s way of thinking.

For example, the most important shift in thinking, necessary for success today, is expanding from cooperation to collaboration. I define cooperation as working together for a common purpose, benefit, or joint action driven mostly by necessity. Whereas, collaboration is working together out of commitment to maximize performance, where one’s individuality is secondary to team success. It involves trust, respect, and humility in addition to exceptional performance capability.

“Leading high performance in the 21st
century is synonymous with
leading collaboration.”

Several years ago, I attempted to bring to together seven different consulting firms to explore ways we might work together in a more collaborative way. We had already mastered using each other out of necessity, in terms of limited resources such as people and expertise for large projects. However, we had not learned to reduce our individuality sufficiently to engage a project that anticipated the future. As a group of seven different firms, with incredible energy, creativity, and talent, we were only partially successful in our collaborative efforts.

On the other hand, we did experience a series of successes from two or three firms working together. We learned that the intention to collaborate had to also involve recognizing one’s own critical skills and teaming with others to complement the other necessary components. In spite of the fact that we were all multi-talented as entrepreneurs, the central idea driving successful collaborations was to focus on one’s single-most extraordinary talent. We learned one partner was exceptional at networking (marketing), one partner was exceptional at design (creating new products and services), another was exceptional at production (scale level production), and the final element was delivery to the public and service (sales and customer service). These components are no different than the various divisions of a corporation. The key is learning how to balance individuality (which is crucial for success) with collaboration. The two are not mutually exclusive! Therefore, learning how to leverage the power of collaboration is a critical leadership skill for personal and organizational success.

The third critical element for leading high performance is inclusion. Inclusion is an environment where all employees experience equity of opportunity for success. It is an environment where everyone feels wanted, appreciated, and valued for his or her contribution to the organization’s success—irrespective of differences. The key word in the previous statement is differences; differences in sex, ethnicity, nationality, education, native language, position or title, or culture. It is estimated that 80% of the loss processes in producing a product or service is due to interpersonal difficulties resulting from differences. These difficulties include miscommunication, poor relationships, ethnocentrism, lack of collaboration, continual conflict, and control-oriented management. Each contributing to the underutilization of people and significant loss in performance, productivity, and profitability. Learning and implementing the leadership skills of inclusion is the key to creating “profitable environment of production.”

This seminar will provide highly interactive and experiential exercises for learning these three leadership skills:

• Leading high performance
• Leveraging the power of collaboration • Creating an inclusive environment

The site is Klosterberghalle, Langenselbold; kontakt@academy-of-new-life.com is the site for registration. Telepnoe number in Germany for Ulla Knoll:Germany 06055/937369

Seminar in Germany

2008-01-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

I will be presenting two seminars/workshops just outside of Frankfurt Germany. "The Power of Personal Performance" on Monday February 18, 2008. The description is attached below:

The Power of Personal Performance

The most important asset we each have in the “world of work” is our performance potential. That is, our ability to bring value to workplace activities that result in greater performance, productivity, and profitability. Profitability is the result of producing our products and services in the most effective and efficient manner. Effectiveness involves the best processes (e.g., Six Sigma) or management system (e.g., Empowerment); whereas, efficiency involves the best utilization of resources (e.g., time, people, materials, and money). Empowerment is the capacity to perform.

Performance potential begins with an individual’s talents, skills, and experiences driven by a mind-set of success. It’s important to recognize that one’s performance potential, in practice, is no greater than the power (mind-set) that drives it. This is a mind-set which assumes a high degree of responsibility and accountability for his or her success— in spite of workplace challenges. For example, it is not uncommon, worldwide, that we all experience inequities in the workplace for which we feel victimized. The question is, “Is it possible to transform that feeling of victimization to one of ‘empowerment,’ in spite of the inequities we might experience?” The answer this seminar proposes is a resounding, Yes! This transformation in mind-set is primarily a result of making a distinction between “unfairness” and “personal responsibility” with a focus on performance.

After establishing a mind-set of “empowerment,” we are prepared to learn new skills involving new personal competencies, as well as new skills in working effectively with others. In addition to maintaining one’s performance potential at a high level of competency through continuous learning, today’s workplace expects employees to be able to plan prioritize, execute, and focus their workplace responsibilities with the least amount of oversight and management. This is self-management. When given an assignment, do you know how to plan it, organize it, and secure the people and resources necessary to execute it? Or, do you need to be told how to perform these responsibilities. An essential part of personal performance is learning a method for organizing and executing your professional (and personal) activities.

The third element of personal success is knowing where you want to be in the short-term and long-term—however you personally define these two phrases. The more your desired future is specific, definable, and a clear picture in your mind, the more probable you will achieve it.

What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it; boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

--Goethe

In addition, the instant you commit to that desired future, the greater the probability unforeseen resources will come to your aid.

Once a person commits to something, providence sets in; all forms of support will come to his or her aid that could never have been predicted.

--Goethe

This seminar will provide highly interactive and experiential exercises for learning these three skills for exceptional personal performance:

• Personal empowerment
• Self-management
• Designing you future

The site is Klosterberghalle, Langensebold; kontakt@acade
my-of-life.com for registration. Telepnoe number in Germany for Ulla Knoll:Germany 06055/937369.

Relections on the Old Year--And Hopes for the New Year

2007-12-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

I always become very reflective around this time of year. Mainly because something inside of me is activated. A feeling. An urge. An overwhelming sense of urgency to make sure that I am moving from the old year to the new with a break in consciousness.

An urge to reflect, to examine, to evaluate myself and the state of the world. So that I don't just take for granted the freedoms and opportunities I have by being an American citizen. That is not to say that I condone the "isms," injustices of what certain groups courageously endure everyday, and even the pain we cause ourselves. I still believe, perhaps naively, that my happiness is primarily my responsibility. And that the more happiness, joy, and enthusiasm I "bring" to my relationships, the happier I will be.

I realize that there are places where there is suppression of the expression of the human spirit, but the human spirit itself cannot be suppressed by anyone except myself. That is, living in a state of empathy, compassion, humility, and love. This is the state where I find peace and happiness with how things are rather than how they should be.

I also recognize that I am constantly in a state of becoming, mainly driven by the experiences and forces of life. Some lessons are harsh, from my perspective, and some are loving and gentle. For me, the harsh ones are the most profound. Like losing someone we love with all the intensity and strength we can spiritually express. It is this type of experience that has the potential for creating an everlasting spiritual connection within ourselves. The process is "letting go" of the mental attachments that appear to sustain us on a human level and allow the spiritual expression to find its own way in human form.

The transition also reminds me of my desire to base my life on a personal vision. This vision has no form of how the world should be. It is simply to assist in creating "human compatibility" among human beings on planet earth. For me, this is a state of being. A state of consciousness that I believe to be a necessity for our continued existence. That vision is the major purpose of this blog site.

I am convinced that if we can collectively experience a critical transformation in human consciousness, permanent solutions will follow with blinding speed. In fact, most of the solutions we require exist today, and have existed for millenia. However, they have all been driven from a context of survival and threat. Therefore, what ultimately shows up are temporary fixes that we somehow know will not be any lasting value.

I am constantly reminded by the optimists I encounter that that the consciousness that I speak of is increasing in number and intensity. I'm not so sure. I struggle between wanting to believe them and yet grounded by my scientific upbringing of tangible, measurable results. In spite of these doubts, I will live my vision everyday as though I am an infinitesimal difference that is influencing human consciousness toward a state of human compatibility.

Have you given thought to what your personal vision is for yourself, those you love, and the world. When you have it, then live it everyday in your sphere of influence. Together we can make a difference by first being a difference.

Your comments are appreciated.

Guest Blogger--Dan

2007-12-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

We live in this society which socializes us to value money and achieving it as a way to validate the self. Now, I am speaking about my socialization world growing up, and if you came from a world where the love of doing something in itself was the top prize, regardless of the money situation, quite honestly, I admire that and am a little bit envious.

Growing up, I thought if I could have just enough money to raise a family and keep everyone happy, that is success. Although fleeting thoughts of "what I wanted to do in life-a passion" crept in at times, I often chose paths that money would follow.

Now, at the age of 40, reality has hit in like a ton of bricks. Sure money is important, yet it is not even close to everything. My relationship with my wife, Elizabeth and three boys, Michael 5, Matthew 3, and Cole 1 are the most prescious.

Recently, I discovered a revelation about myself. Whenever, I am desiring the need to be famous or achieve external rewards such as money, it occurs when I am not doing something of "passion" or something that is alligned with my values.

In November, I completed the Philadelphia Marathon. After training for 6 months, and experiencing the pain, sweat, and tears of the process...an elation came over me of joy and peace. This feeling is what is important...as this goal was alligned with my values. My lesson: One of the best experiences in my life, had nothing to do with money. Secondly, it was one of the most difficult challenges and successes in my life.

As we move forward in to 2008, my goal is to really uncover the layers of the onions to my true work passions and continue pursuing them and that it works for the fabulous four.

Happy Holidays to all, thanks for listening.

Ulla--Guest Blogger

2007-12-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to you that you've not mastered this
major area of relationships? (This question is only to
be answered to yourself! I didn't either.) For me I
don't know if there is really a mastering of
relationships anyway - I guess it's more a learning. A
relationship is the most difficult challenge in life,
especially an intimate one. My point of view to what a
relationship is about has totally changed. There are
two people, they're finding each other. To love
somebody to me means: I'll do all I can to support and
to help him. To let him be the person he already is
(and this is the real difficult part). As soon as I'm
trying to change anything he does or he is - I'm
automatically changing the one I love - would I still
love him, when he's meeting my expectations, when I've
made him change his habits and behaviors? No - because
he's no longer the one I was falling in love with.
Love is not to be exprienced in good times it's more
important to experience love in bad times. And love is
needing truth and confidence as well as imperfection
and failures.
It's more important to give than to get. Listening is
more important than talking. Being here is more
important than going out. Sharing times together in
quietness and silence. Being one.

Am I too romantic or unrealistic?

The more years we can count the more value is our
life. Therefore conflict and gossip are things we
don't need anymore, that's wasting time, and we don't
have that much and we should'nt waste it. But
sometimes they are facing us - that's the time to show
the results we learned in our unique "workshop of
life".

My Special Day Report

2007-12-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Just as Ithought. When I let go of control all kinds of thoughts began to surface. Particularly, with respect to relationships in my life. I guess it's not surprising. It's the major area of my life that I have not mastered. I feel good about the other parts of my life in terms of growing and learning.

I have a basic dilemma. I enjoy my time alone when I don't want to meet anyone else's needs. And, I also enjoy being with others in meaningful interactions and conversations. I've also reached the point where I understand myself fairly well. Therefore, frequent conflict or gossip is not something I have much patience for anymore.

My point in sharing my thoughts is not a confession, but perhaps to stimulate your own self-examination. I find that it's a powerful exercise to do a regular mental check-up of expectations we have of ourselves and others.

During this season, I plan to continue my introspection process. So that I can do sufficient housekeeping that none of the "stuff" built-up in 2007 will be carried over to 2008. However, prior to transitioning into 2008, I will be writng my vision and objectives. Hope you do the same. If your mind doesn't know what you want then you'll probably be unhappy with what you have.

Love,
Bill

A Special Day

2007-12-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

I recently had conversation with one of best friends. He shared with me that he takes a day off every month to be with himself. The day is unplanned and evolves, and is driven by a force within himself. It's like his inner self knows exactly the activities he wants and needs.

The major lesson in his Special Day is trust. Not external trust of others or even himself, but an inner, probably spiritual trust. You can begin to see that such a trust in one's self means a complete loss of control. Because you don't know where it may lead you or the "inner game" you may be participating in! If control is vitally important to you then your Special Day would be one which is well-planned with no deviations or probable surprises.

On the other hand, if you are an adventurer of "inner space," then a spiritually driven special Day per month is perfect. That's exactly what I have in mind for myself today. Just writing this blog has already created a process within me of foreboding or the rumblings of fear. There must be something down there that is just waiting to come to my conscious awareness. I will find out before the day is over and let you know.

In the meantime, why don't you ask yourself how much you trust your self being totally out of control. What might you learn or already have inkling of. Particularly, if you have had this feeling of foreboding for some time. The programmed psyche is a truly mysterious thing. But nothing compared with your spiritual consciousness when it demands to be "heard." Again, I know this from experience.

If you read this blog early enough today, why don't you experiment with me on a half-day basis. Then share with me what you experienced. Or not! Well, "I'm off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!"

Ciao,
Bill

A Time for Reflection

2007-12-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

During the Thanksgiving-Christmas season I always take time to reflect on just about everything: Am I doing what I really want to do in my work? How well do I prioritize my time with people and events? Do I know myself well enough to know the kinds of relationship(s) I want; especially intimate ones? Do I feel compelled to fulfill the expectations of others? What are my short and long-term goals and aspirations? How well am I managing money for the short and long terms? And most of all, what comprises happiness for me?

These questions require quiet meditation for me. It appears to also require a kind of selfishness where the answers are all about me. That's okay, because the next sphere of consideration is, "How does my reflection affect and include someone or those around me?" For me, this should be a stepwise process of me first without the aspirations of others mixed with my answers and then recognizing that I don't live in a world without those I love, work, and serve, my personal aspirations and goals must include them.

This is the difficult part of growing up or maturing. How do I "include" others without losing myself or feeling forced to do things that breed resentment--either spoken or unspoken? Moving through this delicate process requires "two" people who are willing to learn and grow. I notice that a number of maturing individuals, particularly women, choose to be single rather than simply "putting up" with a warm body to feel complete. There are a few lessons I have learned through the "workshop of life."

1) Don't feel the need for someone to complete you, you are complete, whole, and perfectly learning, just as you are.

2) Don't look for someone to make you happy or fulfill your dreams, this expectation, in practice, will only breed resentment, polarization, and and unhappy relationship. Bring your happiness with you "to" the relationship and you both will have extended periods of bliss!

3) Don't try to hide the difficult conversations. Things change. People change. Relationships change. And sometimes things can hurt real bad. I know from experience. But hanging in there with a trusted friend can lead to the discovery of a new person inside yourself.

4) As you reflect on the questions above, begin to create a vision or a dream for yourself in whatever spheres of life that interest you most. Then make a "quick plan" for achieving that vision. Then figure out who and what you will as resources. Remember, most of the vision or dream depends on you!

As always, the more ambitious your dream, the greater the test. Oh yeah, somewhere in the process you will be tested as to how badly you really want your dream. I know you have been reading "The Secret," but your dream will not materialize without sweat, pain, and passing your unique tests. So dream something that is both realistic and challenging.

For now, just take a week or so for reflection. Pose the important questions to your subconscious and just be receptive to the answers popping up at unpredictable times; even while you are sleeping! Then move the second phase: formulating a vision or a dream so vivid that you could see, taste, and feel it! Then, move to phase three: planning. As you implement your plan, visualize your end-state every morning. It will guide your daily activities in the direction of your dream.

Let me know how you doing with your process or bumps you might encounter.

Love,
Bill