You might be a little surprised to learn there is a Mrs. Strategic Monk, since monks are not usually in the habit of getting married (pun intended). Greg and I first met years ago, and were married before he became an Oblate at New Camaldoli or the Strategic Monk. I was eager to write this guest post for Greg while he is spending the weekend in California’s Gold Country, giving a presentation on brewing during the Gold Rush. I wanted... Read more
I am heading up to spend a weekend in California’s Gold Country, where I have been asked to talk about brewing during the California Gold Rush. California became part of the United States in 1848 in the settlement of a war with Mexico. There were around 7,000 United States citizens in California at the beginning of the Mexican War, and roughly 100,000 within three years as a result of the Gold Rush. California became a state in 1850. The overwhelming... Read more
I was talking with someone last week about going to church. They told me that, while they appreciated the beauty of the liturgy and worship at their church, they often walked out of the service feeling tired. They asked me, “Why do they always use so many words?” Our lives are filled with words. Words at church, words at work and at school, words at home. Words of wisdom, words set to music, words of warning, spoken words, written words.... Read more
Leadership is one step at a time. It is easy for me to get ahead of myself. I want to see the whole picture, work out all the details, identify all of the potential challenges, and solve all of the problems before I begin. I want to play the game several moves ahead. My analytical self assumes that I need to understand and adjust for all of the variables before I take the first step. My analytical self can keep... Read more
The Huntington Library has asked me not to hold quarterly Reflection Days on their grounds. I had worked out the arrangements and scheduled dates with them before I began inviting people to participate. They decided that, while they had seen the Reflection Days as group visits, they now view them as events which must be sponsored and presented by the Huntington. I recognize that they have every right to change their mind, and every right to ask me not to... Read more
Each of us is on a voyage of discovery. Each of us is sailing into uncharted waters, seeking a destination which often feels uncertain. We face challenges and obstacles, and are at the mercy of the winds and the waves. Even more daunting is that we are each making our way alone. We start from a place where we are comfortable, a place we feel at home. Our voyage requires that we leave behind the comforts and confidence we have... Read more
The best article of clothing I own right now is a sweatshirt. I do not remember how many years we have shared. The ends of the sleeves, the collar, and the bottom of the shirt are all fraying. My shirt was once black, but is now quite faded. We have a close relationship, which has included some painful experiences. I was wearing this sweatshirt when I fell down while I was running last fall. I own very few pieces of clothing... Read more
Some people tell me that their leadership is about putting out fires. They feel like they rush around reacting to crisis situations and people, that they never have time to do anything deeper. For me, leadership is much more about starting and spreading fires than putting them out. I believe in fire. Fire is power, fire is passion. Fire provides heat and light; it comforts us and helps us see the way. Fire burns away what we do not need... Read more
I was not very reflective by nature. I am an extrovert, more interested in talking to people than in reflecting. People fascinate me. I love irony, and I love words. My mind gets caught up in weighing all the aspects of a situation to resolve the issues and conflicts. There was so much to think about that I did not take the time for real reflection. I am learning the power of reflection. It has taken me a long time.... Read more
Welcome to the new and improving StrategicMonk.com! People talk about launching a new website, as if it were like opening a brand new store or building a new house. I hope that StrategicMonk.com is more like something alive that grows and develops over time. As I learn and grow, and as Strategic Monk gives me opportunities to do deep and meaningful work with people, the website will reflect those changes. You may have noticed some of the changes. People have... Read more
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