On Choice and Change – Taking Charge of Change at Work and In Life
“Change Imposed is Change Opposed.” If this popular axiom is true then how do organizations implement vital change while managing such resistance? Taking this paradox head on, Kathy Cleveland Bull creates an unparalleled experience for participants as she shares powerful stories, proven organizational change models as well as the latest advances in integrating organizational and personal change strategies necessary for successful, long term change. Participants discover profound truths about change that give individuals and organizations a quick and easy way to understand change and internalize their responsibility in “Taking Charge of Change”.
In this powerful keynote and seminar, On Choice and Change, Kathy Cleveland Bull helps organizations explore the dynamic equilibrium necessary for creating successful strategies to harness the energy of rapid fire instability. Participants will leave inspired, motivated to act and with specific applications for creating the successful, proactive and flexible organization of the future.
Practicing Gratefulness in Turbulent Times
“Gratefulness is the inner gesture of giving meaning to our life by receiving life as gift.” – Brother David Steindl-Rast
How can we appreciate the great gift of life while at the same time hold the suffering of those in our community and in our world? What is grateful living and how does one develop a practice of gratefulness that can inform our work and our life? In this emotionally intense and dynamic seminar, participants will engage with the art of grateful living through story, poetry, sharing and video. Together we will explore more deeply and intentionally the concept of a freely given Universe and how to integrate the only appropriate response, gratefulness!
Life Balance: Mastering Life’s Twists and Turns
True success in life is not a static result but a dynamic, balanced approach to living with constant change and the ebb and flow of all the different aspects of life. Not judging as good or bad, fortunate or not, but just part of life to meet head on. This modern and healthy approach to living isn’t destabilized by change – but includes change as a reality. Change is viewed as a catalyst, an opportunity for growth. And in this world, no one can argue the existence of change.
The new paradigm for learning to embrace change has to do with imagining a way to live in healthy balance in a changing world. At NCompass Consulting, we call this the Maze/Labyrinth metaphor which is based on a book written by Kathy Cleveland Bull entitled, McKaleya’s Journey, a Timeless Tale for Mastering Life’s Twists and Turns.
Running the Maze Walking the Labyrinth: Timeless Lessons for Mastering Life's Twists and Turns
Certain aspects of living are maze-like, others are labyrinth-like. Struggling to survive, competing for a life partner, providing for our families and the host of dramas we create to play out these basic motives are maze-like activities. We are goal oriented, we can win or lose, there is the sense of temporal urgency, hope and fear, adrenaline, a sense of victory and accomplishment or of defeat.
Other aspects of living are labyrinth-like – participating in the rituals that remind us that we are part of a greater whole; family dinners, reconnection to animals and nature, holiday celebrations, church, engaging with friends and neighbors, gardening, going to concerts, marriage ceremonies, funerals, and other rituals and cultural celebrations.
Different cultures value one over the other as do different personalities. The ideal solution involves a balance of both. On the one hand, our modern society has led many to overbalance to the maze mentality: where people become machine-like, efficient “multi-taskers”, striving to get ahead but losing their basic connection to family, friends and spirit. They are unable to enjoy what they have worked hard to earn in life. On the other extreme we find those who try to abdicate responsibility for their own lives by merging with whatever idea is fashionable or with whatever new age agenda presents itself next. In this we might see a compassionate individual who is committed to a worthy cause but has not developed the maze skills needed to provide the basics for his/her family.
The people we admire most and who seem to be successful and content have a good balance between and an integration of the Maze and the Labyrinth. They can then achieve success at work and enjoy the sunset. They bring a balanced rhythm to their work and to their life. They work hard and effectively for the benefit of their family and the greater community. And they bring beauty and grace to their work. We call these people “high maze/ high labyrinth oriented”.
Other Speaking Topics:
On Choice and Change: Taking Charge of Change in Work and in Life
Practicing Gratefulness in Turbulent Times
The Celebration of Act III – New Questions for Life After 50
Mastering Life’s Twists and Turns – Life Balance for Dedicated Professionals
Finding Your Choice and Voice in Chaos and Change
