Welcome to the 103rd issue of CEE News!

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For the past few weeks, everything around us has been changing. The days are getting longer. Birds are building their nests. Flowers are bursting with new blooms. There’s no denying that winter is over and spring is here. As humans, we’ve learned to adapt to the inevitability of seasonal changes. When it comes to organizational change, however, we often resist being open to new ways of thinking and behaving.

If you’re engaged in the effort to set a new direction, orchestrate innovation, or mold a culture, here are six universal truths that can guide you along the way.

1. People don’t resist change. They resist being changed. As management guru Peter Senge suggests, resistance is greatest when change is inflicted on people. If you can give people a chance to offer their input, change is more likely to be met with enthusiasm and commitment.
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2. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Big goals can seem overwhelming and cause us to freeze. This simple truth, attributed to Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, is a reminder to get moving. Take the first step, however small it may seem, and the journey is underway.
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3. If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there. Many change efforts fall short because of confusion over the end goal. In the Lewis Carroll classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice asks the Cheshire cat which road she should take. The cat’s response reminds us to focus on the destination first, then choose the best path.
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4. Change is a process, not a decision. It happens all too often. Senior executives make pronouncements about change, and then launch programs that lose steam. Lasting change requires an ongoing commitment to the process reinforced by constant communication, tools, and rewards.
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5. Do not declare victory prematurely. In his book, The Heart of Change Field Guide, author Dan Cohen suggests that short-term wins do not necessarily equal long-term success. Cohen writes, “keep urgency up and a feeling of false pride down.”
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6. Be the change you wish to see in the world. These famous words attributed to Gandhi remind us all — executives with associates, political leaders with followers, or parents with children — that one of our most important tasks is to exemplify the best of what the change is all about.

Any form of change requires an adjustment period, and some take longer than others. While seasonal changes are predictable and tend to go over smoothly, organizational changes tend to be met with resistance and confusion. If you’re trying to implement changes in the workplace, consider which of these truisms might help you get unstuck and achieve the results you’re looking for.

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

Welcome to the 102nd issue of CEE News!

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If there had been Three Wise Women instead of Three Wise Men, they would have:
– Asked for directions
– Arrived on time
– Helped deliver the baby
– Cleaned the stable
– Made a casserole
– Brought practical gifts

That’s a joke shared by Susan Packard, Cofounder of HGTV, in her 2015 book, New Rules of the Game:10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace. I picked up Packard’s book when I attended the San Diego Women’s Week annual Leadership Conference in recognition of Women’s History Month that year. This year, I had the honor of speaking at the conference as a panelist to discuss the topic of Mastering the Art of Building and Leading Teams.

Since I’ve been in the management consulting industry for nearly twelve years, I chose to approach the subject wearing my consultant’s cap. One of my favorite ways to help teams achieve peak performance is to use an assessment developed by The Table Group to complement Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.

I’ve used the assessment with several teams at Yale University, a senior leadership team with a communications manufacturing company in Salt Lake City, and a team at the Port of Long Beach. Each team member responds to a set of questions that measures collective performance in five key areas: Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability, and Results. The resulting report displays the team’s aggregated responses in the shape of a pyramid, where each of the five areas are shown in a red/yellow/green schema. The results for Trust is at the base of the pyramid for an important reason.

As Lencioni explains, “trust is the willingness of team members to be vulnerable with one another, to admit their mistakes, weaknesses, and fears, and to rely on one another for support and guidance.”  Teams that take the time to build vulnerability-based trust with one another are more likely to engage in constructive conflict, focus on their commitment to collective goals, hold themselves and one another accountable, and achieve results.

In the competitive, power-based, often cutthroat world of business, admitting mistakes, weaknesses, and fears, and relying on others for support and guidance are not common behavioral styles. Entire organizations are more typically led by senior leadership teams where bravado, politics, and power-grabbing are the norm. In turn, the workforce finds itself struggling with gaslighting, mental health issues, and imposter syndrome.

Three Wise Women would have asked for directions. It’s not hard to imagine that they would have used their collective resources to show up on time, quickly assess the situation, and provide valuable support.

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to study, observe, and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. It’s also a time to reflect on what leadership styles are more likely to result in predictive team success, and what styles are about as useful as myrrh was to Mary.

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

Welcome to the 101st issue of CEE News!

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“What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?” If you were a fan of “Inside the Actor’s Studio” hosted by the late James Lipton, you’ll recognize that as one of the ten questions taken from the Proust Questionnaire that Lipton asked his guests at the end of each show. Both Cate Blanchett and Dave Chappelle, “Architect.” Michael J. Fox and Eddie Murphy would have liked to have been teachers.

If I could choose any other vocation, I would want to be the Librarian of Congress. Reading, writing, and sharing stories have always been a large part of my personal and professional life. Some of my most treasured childhood memories were of loading my arms with piles of free books from our local library. I loved the adventures, marveled at the prose, and empathized with the protagonists – the antics of Pippi Longstocking, the determination of Francie Nolan’s, Jo March’s bravery.

Since September 2016, the role of Librarian of Congress has been held by Dr. Carla Hayden. Dr. Hayden is the 14^th person to be named to the position, and notably the first woman and first African American to lead the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections.

Her remarkable journey was captured in this October 2023 interview at Mount Vernon. In it, Dr. Hayden shares how, as the Director of Baltimore’ Enoch Pratt Free Library in 2015, she made the decision to keep the library open following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray. Although the streets of Baltimore roiled in protest, the Pratt Library kept its doors open and served as a respite. While the streets burned and protestors marched, the library offered food distribution, restrooms, and internet service for all – with Dr. Hayden standing front and center.

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re recognizing notable Black Americans – both historic and contemporary. In addition to this story of one of my personal idols, Dr. Carla Hayden, we’re sharing an infographic about Black explorers, scientists, and activists like Pauli Murray and Matthew Henson.

I invite you to take the opportunity to be especially mindful of the lived experiences and influence that Black Americans have had in the world – this month and beyond. If there is a Black American who you especially admire, take a moment to share the impact they have made on American culture and the influence they have had on you personally. 

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

Welcome to the one hundredth issue of CEE News!

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We are thrilled to mark the occasion of wrapping our 10-year anniversary celebration this month and coincidentally releasing the 100th edition of our monthly newsletter, CEE News! It’s been an honor to celebrate a decade of commitment to our mission – Taking you from what is to what is possible – and making an impact on hundreds of organizations and their teams. As we toast to this double celebration – 100 consecutive newsletters and 10 years of making a difference – we want to express our profound gratitude for your support.

100 Editions of Insightful Contributions
CEE News has been more than just a newsletter. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and community building. From the very first edition to the 100th, CEE News has evolved into a trusted resource for emerging and seasoned leaders alike, offering solutions to everyday challenges and highlighting stories that inspire.

In addition to the customary “Message From Our Founder,” CEE News has been your companion through thick and thin, providing valuable sections such as “Sticky Solutions” to tackle your everyday business hurdles, a “Business in Focus” segment  spotlighting people-centric organizations, and a “Resources” section brimming with free content, including our contributions to Forbes™, infographics, white papers, and webinars with thought leaders who have shared their insights on pressing issues of the day.

The 10×100 Campaign: 10 Months of Giving Back
In honor of our 10th anniversary, we launched the 10×100 Campaign, a heartfelt initiative designed to give back to a world that has given so much to us. We pledged to donate $100, each, to 10 deserving nonprofits and share Q&A’s with their Executive Directors to spread their message of impact. What a joy it’s been to visit five San Diego-based nonprofits while also donating to five nonprofits that our followers chose through a survey.

This campaign has been our small way of saying ‘thank you’ for the support and trust you’ve bestowed upon us over the years. Together, we’re contributing to the betterment of the world, one donation at a time.

10×100 Campaign kickoff with Ashley Blanc, Executive Director of Girls Rising in March

Dropped in on Gary Weitzman, President of San Diego Humane Society and goodest girl Missy in April

Toured the San Diego Food Bank with CEO Casey Castillo in May

Enjoyed our time with Michael Halterman, Vice President of Operations of The Honor Foundation in June

Caught up with Cheryl Kilmer, Founder & CEO of TERI, Campus of Life, in July

What Lies Ahead
As we embark on the next 100 editions of CEE News and beyond, our commitment to providing you with valuable insights, actionable solutions, and stories that inspire remains unwavering. We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to continuing to empower you on your leadership and organizational growth journey.

Thank you for being a part of the CEE News family. Your support has been the driving force behind our success, and we’re excited to see what the future holds as we continue to learn, grow, and celebrate together. Cheers to the next 100 editions and another decade of making a difference! 

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

Welcome to the ninety-ninth issue of CEE News!

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As November unfolds marking an unquestionable change in the seasons, now is the perfect time for leaders to embrace a practice that can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of those they lead. Gratitude, often underestimated in its power, is a quality that can foster positivity, resilience, and stronger connections within your team. Consider these three ways that you can practice and model gratitude this month as a leader, and create a ripple effect of appreciation and well-being.

1. Take note. The daily crush of meetings, emails, and Teams distractions can consume even the most disciplined leader. To pierce through this noise, start a daily practice of “catching” someone doing something right. Maybe a team member showed adaptability – one of your organization’s core values – by pivoting to a change in priorities. Perhaps another covered the workload of a fellow employee who’s dealing with a bought of Covid. The more your eyes and ears catch moments like these, the more you’ll prime yourself – and find – positive ways your team is intrinsically supportive of your culture and each other.

2. Express appreciation. Don’t let an opportunity to express genuine gratitude go to waste. Make time this month to show appreciation for your team’s hard work, creativity, or dedication. Write a heartfelt note, have a one-on-one conversation, or carve out time in your team meetings for a brief gratitude circle. These gestures not only boost morale but also inspire others to adopt a similar attitude of thankfulness.

3. Give back. Leading isn’t just about managing, it’s also about serving. November is an especially easy month to engage in a volunteer activity or initiate a charitable project with your team. When leaders actively participate in supporting the community, they send a powerful message about the importance of appreciation for what they have and compassion for others.

As a leader, most everything you say and do is amplified. Take time this month to cultivate gratitude and set the stage for a more positive workplace. Setting aside time to create a culture of gratitude will help your team develop resilience that will last long after the month is over.

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO

Welcome to the ninety-eighth issue of CEE News!

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When my husband and I were driving our rental car from Hannover to Bremen, Germany, for a family wedding this summer, he used the down time to log into the last few minutes of his daily Team’s meeting. It was 3:12 p.m. in Germany (9:12 a.m. Eastern in the U.S.) I listened quietly on the car’s speaker system as one of the team members spent a few minutes sharing some interesting facts she’d learned about owls. After the owl talk, another team member took the opportunity to share that one of their employees in North Carolina had found a stray dog – he called it Founddog.

No one had answered local posts about the missing stray, and a quick trip to the vet revealed that she had not been microchipped, but that she had heart worms. The team member speaking then said that after treating Founddog for her heartworm condition, their North Carolina employee would look for a forever home for her. “The treatment costs around $1,500,” the speaker said. “If anyone would be willing to help offset the cost, I know that would be greatly appreciated.” In the closing seconds of the call, I heard “I’ll pitch in” and “Count me in” coming from several of the fully-remote participants on the call, including my husband. The speaker thanked everyone and added how proud he was of witnessing the company’s culture in action, ending the meeting on a very satisfying note.

Although my husband had told me about this team-building discipline that his employees had instituted during the last few minutes of their morning “standups”, this was the first opportunity that I’d had to listen in. As my husband answered a call from one of his managers immediately after the Team’s call, I took time to reflect.

I knew that, under my husband’s guidance as CEO, the company was on a hockey stick growth trajectory and that there were massive projects to deliver and commitments to keep. Yet, precious minutes sharing fun facts and personal updates like owl facts and the Founddog story was a way that his team had found to bridge physical distance gaps and create a common ground culture through topics outside of the day-to-day demands.

Although collaborating as a fully remote team can create challenges, setting aside time and energy on small talk can yield big benefits. I’m happy that I got the chance to experience this culture-builder in action. I’m also happy to report that Founddog’s heartworm treatment was successful and that she’ll be wagging her tail in a North Carolina-area forever home soon.

Sheri Nasim | President & CEO