I believe that each of us are in possession of our own unique stressors - whether personal, professional, situational, chronic, expected, unexpected or anywhere in between.  I find myself unconsciously applying a leadership strategy I learned in what seems another lifetime (aka the 1980s). Summarizing this principle in an (implied) statement, it would go something like this... “Please hold my place on the dancefloor. I’m stepping out to the balcony for a bit.” I admit to using this concept in a variety of ways on countless occasions - in both personal and professional matters. I step away, even if only for a couple moments, from chaos, noise or confusion that is not life - threatening. While I cannot remember the source or the author, this link to an article written by Russ Linden more than adequately elaborates on this basic principle - as much a staple in my ‘interpersonal menu’ as fruits and vegetables are to my diet. My (symbolic) balcony allows me to return to a tumultuous situation with a clear head about what, if anything, I can contribute towards a positive outcome. Oh, and no surprise that my interpersonal menu has some musical selections du jour … and please, enjoy the silence and clarity that one can find ‘on the balcony’: I thought this quotation from Adam West (yes, Batman…!!) was a fitting way to conclude this week’s desk post: "Over the years, I've learned that if you can just hang in there and, regardless of what's presented to you, take it as a challenge and try to bring in something fresh, then it works." ShoutOutsUntil next week, remember that peace is preferable, starting from within.
Hugs, mar
20 Comments
Laraine Amoia-Watters
1/31/2018 09:26:22 am
Love the stepping out for a moment. I often send my students "to the window" and away from their stress...Looking out the window for the moment allows them some clarity ! I definitely do not miss the stress of managing people, performing performance reviews, doing monthly reports, making quotas and the other corporate baggage. Stepping away seems like a great way to put things into perspective when the pressure is on. Love the music choices.
Susie
1/31/2018 10:16:18 am
The image from Gerd Altmann is really so "spot on". As usual, your writing is beautiful. Thank you for the weekly input and sharing your "anniversary"...love you Mareer!
Mike Friedman
1/31/2018 02:59:14 pm
I have not heard 'Silence is Golden' in quite a while. Thanks for the musical hit parade. I left management abruptly, though not as abruptly as you. Your metaphorical balcony is great advice. There is a Wiley Coyote joke in there somewhere. It will come to me after I submit this comment. Now to go pitch a tent out on that balcony.
Dear Maria,
First, being in a position of leadership is StREsSFuL. Lordy! In my two-year stint running the after school program, I used to wake up in the night worried about the welfare of those kids, everyone's safety, what kind of boss I was and if I was fair, personnel decisions, what all was best for the program, juggling interpersonal relations between the school district, the university, the after school site, and the elementary school itself...and...and...when our funding ran out last July it was bittersweet: I was sad for the kids that they wouldn't have this place to go anymore. But I was also relieved to not have to be "in charge" anymore. The stress is part of what drove me to 60 minutes of meditation a day! I have a newfound respect for people in positions of leadership within organizations - to the point where I've noticed the director of the school where I am working now has been under more stress and I've checked in with her a time or two to be sure she's all right. Before I was a director, I never knew the exquisite stress that comes from "being in charge" and now I'm perfectly content NOT being in charge, thank you very much. But that also means that I learned a lot about people and about myself and what I want out of life. So, I understand where you're coming from with what you're saying here.
Dear Cynthia,
Paula
2/1/2018 01:13:35 am
Maria.....I love that you bring us such common sense, practical inspiration. So often, all it takes is a comment from a wise friend, to help us smooth out some annoying wrinkles in our lives. 2/6/2018 03:09:35 pm
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