Search Results for: comfort zone

Posted on

Maximize Your Purpose with an Altered Path

by

The Dream GiverYears ago I read a book called The Dream Giver.

It’s a beautiful little book that emphasizes that each one of us is born for a purpose. As children we often see this as our big dream.  Often between childhood and adulthood we forget the dream or walk away from it because it seems impossible.  And then one day we are reminded of the dream again and we make the choice to pursue the dream or to let it die forever.  Then the book helps you anticipate and prepare for the challenges you will encounter as you journey from where you are to where that dream is.

I purchased the book in 2003 shortly after it was published, simply because I liked the author.  As soon as I opened it I was hooked, because I had a dream as a child. It was a dream that I forgot all about as life happened. And then in 1999, I it came back full force. In 2001, I took my first very clear step toward the dream.

Since 2003, I’ve referred to that book several times a year. It’s highlighted, filled with notes, scribbles and pages that are bent back.  In October 2010 I referred to it constantly as I launched a new consulting business in a city I had never lived in and knew no one but my husband.

In November 2012 just as my new business was gaining momentum, my husband was asked to accept a position a half a world away, and this quote from the book filled my mind…

Posted on

Does Truth Drive Trust?

...And How Important Is It?

by

When I started Giana Consulting I chose core values that had deep meaning that would be used to guide behavior and decisions.

And then I ranked them in priority order to make the decision process clear.
  • It is a core value of my faith
  • You can’t solve any leadership or organizational development challenges, until you know the truth about the cause.
  • And I see truth as the root of trust.
There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy and civilization throughout the world – one thing which, if removed will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love.  …That one thing is trust. – Stephen M.R. Covey
Today character, truth and trust are fasionable buzz words.  However in spite of all the buzz…
  • Many people see truth as subjective.
  • Others don’t see a strong link between truth and trust.
This is how Webster defines truth:
  • : the real facts about something : the things that are true
  • : the quality or state of being true
  • : a statement or idea that is true or accepted as truth
And how Wbster defines trust:
  • firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something
During a recent day of pondering I reached out to several leaders and asked them to weigh in on the subject and gave them these questions as thought starters.

[Tweet “How important is truth to you?  “]

As a leader?  As a follower?  As a family member?  As a friend?

[Tweet ” Have you ever told a lie or withheld information?”]  (And yes taking a cookie from the cookie jar and saying you didn’t counts!)

[Tweet “When did truth become really important to you?”]

[Tweet “How do you discern the truth?”]
[Tweet “Do you hold yourself accountable to speak only the truth?  And if so – how?”]

THIS IS WHAT THEY SAID:

How important is truth to me…?
As a leader?  Truth is very important to me as a leader. This is because I hold it very tightly to my integrity. If I can’t uphold the truth, how can I expect to lead authentically? But there is an even more important art to master as a leader. And that is to listen (and act) to truth coming from my followers. Being a leader isn’t about being super-human. We make mistakes from time to time. It is accepting that I have failed and making the necessary changes that give truth its credibility.

 

As a follower?  Truth and “followership” are birds of a feather. As a follower, acting and speaking truth enables my leader to believe in me. It becomes easier for them to authentically aid my growth. In return, I get the opportunity to challenge myself out of my comfort zone.

As a family member?  Oh! Truth is the cornerstone of my family relationships. It is even more pronounced in this area. Could it be that family is for life? Maybe! Truth helps me to love better. However, I am also careful to speak the truth with love. Truth is not my passport to get back at a family member. I use truth to build them up, not to break them down.

As a friend?  Truth is the cement that holds friendships together. Once violated, friendships are broken, many times irreparably. When I feel a friend isn’t holding up to their end of the bargain, it becomes difficult to even share basic information with them. At the moment, I am preparing to end a ‘friendship’ that I thought was based on mutual respect. However, this ‘friend’ has spread untruthful words about something that is nonexistent. The damage has been done. I am willing to walk alone in truth, if that is what it takes.

Have you ever told a lie, a half-truth, or withheld information? (And yes taking a cookie from the cookie jar and saying you didn’t counts!)
The last time I checked, I am still human. I am not perfect. There are many times I have been tempted to withhold truth. In all instances, I can confirm that selfishness was at the front. All because I wasn’t ready to take responsibility for my wrong actions! Being self-centered and truth are like oil and water. They don’t dance very well.

When did truth become really important to you?
I think it goes back as far back as I can remember. As a boy, I vividly recall being given responsibilities beyond my years. I guess it was because I could be trusted. This is another facet of truth. As a follower, I can’t uphold truth if I can’t be trusted.

How do you discern the truth?
It is mostly in the attitude of a person. There are some basic values I hold dear. Once anyone goes against those values, the probability they uphold truth exponentially increases. My wife tells me that I am very intuitive. This is when my gut feeling kicks in.

Do you hold yourself accountable to speak only the truth? And if so – how?  Yes I do. There are a number of people that I have welcomed to hold me accountable for my goals, my character and my actions. I have given them permission to ask me difficult questions if need be. Some time back, I fed myself the notion that being accountable to self only can work. What a fallacy!

Telling the truth is not synonymous with being trustworthy.
I live my life under the theory that if you tell the truth, you don’t need to remember who you lied to!
That being said, there are times when not telling the truth is appropriate. Think:
1. Protecting your child from tragic news
2. Lying about how many Jews live in your house when the Nazis come knocking
3. Telling your potential rapist you have an STD
Finally, while it may be fashionable to speak of character, integrity and trust right now, many who speak (and write) about it should find another topic as they fail to “walk their talk.”
What a convicting question!
I’m tempted to pass on the reply, which means that the truth isn’t as important to me as I would like it to be. Often I let people believe things that are only true sometimes. I tend too often to focus on the positive things (and the positive side of negative things) I want you to believe. I have spun things. More than once I’ve been caught and had to admit the distortion I created. Some even very recently.
Often too, I can’t handle the truth. I stepped on the bathroom scale the other day for the first time in a long time and was very disappointed with the truth. Right before I got on the scale, I knew it was a bad idea, but somehow I just had to know. I wanted to line myself up with reality.
When I’m sane, I know the truth is what sets me free. Without it, I become chained to the lies. Every untruth must be supported forever which is too much effort for me. When I’m sane, I embrace my own laziness and choose the truth for simplicity.
I also know lying is a symptom of fear. I don’t like me when I’m afraid. When I’m courageous, I choose the truth because I know I can trust my God who is the Author of all Truth. But the truth is, I’m just not as sane or courageous as I’d like to be.
How do I discern the truth? Generally it is accurate regardless of what I think. If I don’t want to say it, and if I believe it seriously needs to be said, it may be true. As I get older, I realize many of my most negative thoughts are true but unnecessary.  The older I get the less necessary my thoughts become.
Finally, I don’t hold myself accountable for the truth as much as I would like. Few people have access to my life and I’m dangerous when un-examined. My biggest challenges are at work, where the lines between my faith and my results are harder to see. I need peers and people who will speak the truth to me so that I never forget the value of truth is and the cost of one lie.
Posted on

How to Refocus & Recharge – With or Without a Vacation

by

Several years ago I was in a role that was getting busier and busier. As the demands and distractions poured in I began to feel less energized and lose my focus.
 
And as my focus shifted, so did the focus of the entire team that I supported.  With no corporate retreats in our future we needed to figure out how to refocus and recharge. 

Create an Experience1.  Create an EXPERIENCE:  

  •  I brought some tiny matchbox cars to a meeting and asked everyone to take a car and personalize it.
  • Then I gave them a bunch of foot-long crepe paper streamers and asked them to use a streamer to list one thing that was causing them to lose focus.  (And they could use as many streamers as they needed to.)
  • There were so many that the streamers quickly covered the cars and we talked about how hard it is to drive forward when you feel so covered up that can’t see the people you are working with, let alone where you are going.
  • Then I brought out a rocket.  (The kind you buy in a toystore that you can actually launch.)  The rocket was “beautifully decorated” with each of our objectives, and we talked about how looking up and focusing on where we were going could help us prioritize the demands and distractions, decrease our confusion and stress and increase our focus and results.  

And yes – when we achieved all of our objectives we drove to a field and shot off that rocket!

[Tweet “If you don’t have time to go away – How do you refocus?”]

Testimonials for Chery Gegelman & Giana Consulting

Speaking, Facilitating, Consulting, Service

Giana Consulting

Our Mission is to help you accomplish YOUR Mission.    

Years after keynotes and workshops:  Participants remember messages and share how they are leveraging what they learned.

Don’t just take our word for it.  Check out what others are saying in their testimonials below:

Speaking & Facilitating

Chery, Today was a hit! You were a delight and commanded the attention of all. We’ll be a better company. The feedback has been fantastic! Thank you for sharing your time with us. Teresa Knox
CEO – Community Care College, Clary Sage College, OK Technical College
Chery, God has blessed you with some crazy skills. You got it going on. You are poised, you think on your feet, you instantly connect, and you add loads of value. It was a pure pleasure to work with you! Dr. Bob Schooley
Director of Leadership Development - Cherokee Nation Business
I’ve had the privilege of participating in one of Chery’s programs recently. I was awestruck by the unique ability she possesses to successfully facilitate in-depth discussions within groups of strangers from culturally and historically opposing viewpoints. Chery is a great facilitator, communicator, listener, instructor, counselor and mentor with a passion for truth and real problem solving!Jaynia Samaroo
Chery went above and beyond for us and our students. Her presentation captivated our students and teachers.  (While sharing personal experiences and current information about life in Saudi Arabia, she emphasized critical life skills. Which motivated them to consider the limits of their comfort zones, think critically, solve problems and recognize the humanity of others.)  Chery is a pleasure to work with and  a great facilitator. I give her my highest endorsement.Kevin Hoherz
Principal, Beulah High School, Beulah, ND
Chery Gegelman is someone whose very fiber exists to exceed the expectations of every stakeholder and always deliver a quality experience. She has made an immense difference, always giving more than she takes. L.S. and R.W.
I had the pleasure of observing Chery facilitate a planning session for a local government entity in the fall of 2012. I was immediately impressed by the combination of clear direction and explanation, confidence and gentle humor with which she guided a room of power players. Her questions were insightful and enabled this group of diverse individuals to bring their best thinking and dialogue to bear on the issues before them.

Following this event, we contracted Chery to facilitate a discussion on the topic of innovation with one of our key clients. Again, she was spot on, giving life to an agenda that could have, in less skilled hands, fallen flat. Rob Benson
Lead Consultant, Learning Unlimited Corporation

I have been fortunate to attend Chery’s events, where she has unreservedly welcomed all forms of opinions. She has brought people of different mindsets and encouraged them to admit their deepest fears and apprehensions.  At the end, they have all left feeling inspired, energized and loved. Her patience, her empathy, her desire for truth and her noble intention to help people become compassionate human beings, are important elements which are direly needed in today’s world that portrays the darkness of fear and intolerance. With her comes the sunshine of peace and tolerance in much abundance.Tanya Badami

I attended Chery’s daylong Freedom retreat on bridging communications with people who are culturally different from you. She is an excellent facilitator with thought provoking questions that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and think differently about your pre-conceived ideas of the world. I loved her positive attitude, candor and humor in presenting humanity in a Christ-like way that motivates and inspires people to conquer their fears and reach out with confidence to help people of all nationalities. Rose Laning

I have had the privilege of witnessing Chery Gegelman’s work a number of times involving community mediation, personal development workshops and building community spirit amongst a large group of multinational expats. Chery’s respect for the individual, her calm approach, wisdom, ability to provide solutions and passion for continuous improvement is inspiring. Chery has a remarkable ability to connect with people, motivate and inspire them. My daughter attended one of Chery’s workshops for teenagers which was very beneficial in helping her set goals and work toward achieving them. Thanks Chery for offering your encouragement and inspiration wherever it is needed.Susan Turner
Gifted speaker and communicator only partially describe Chery’s skills and abilities. As Chery addresses her audience, one gets the distinct impression that she makes listening and speaking one fluid process. This style of engagement has a way of putting her audience at ease,which allows them to actively engage. Additional words I would use to describe Chery are: bridge-builder, truth bearer, confidence holder, active listener and trustworthy. Chery has a heart for helping and reaching out to others in a way to makes them feel valued and significant. Time spent with Chery will challenge you to acknowledge and expand your worldview.Sonia McFarlane
Chery has great leadership and problem solving skills, very fair and honest, in many situations I saw how she was capable of bringing different people together. I love the positive atmosphere she creates and it’s really contagious to each and everyone around.Reham Fouad

Learn More About Our Keynotes & Workshops Here

Chery is a fantastic presenter, motivator and all around wonderful person… I have had the opportunity to witness her skills and I was very impressed by her ability to capture the attention of a large diverse audience. Not only was she able to keep their focus but she was able to convince them of the vision she was talking about. Chery, would be a fantastic asset to any organization seeking someone of her caliber.Richard Bergner
General Manager at Richardson Brothers Chevrolet & Polaris
Ms. Gegelman gave an excellent presentation and has impacted my life in a very powerful and positive way. Juanita Muiga
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
I met you several years ago when I was teaching at _____. We heard several speakers in the 11-1/2 years before my retirement last year. Almost all of them felt contrived and a waste of time.

Not yours. Your talks and encouragement left a lasting impact on me. I always felt your sincere, honest and heartfelt desire to help us work as a team and strive to do our best in that fractured environment. C.C.

Reaffirmed that there is a need for change, no matter the current culture in your workplace and that change can evolve given the right tools. Tony Rivera
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel
My class found your information insightful and especially helpful in processing their experience. They all mentioned that their future planning will include your wisdom and they stated that their newfound awareness of the natural processes you outlined will help them retain their positions, maximize their outcomes, and offer support to those in their circle of care. Parish McDaris
Employment, Essentials Training Instructor - Goodwill Industries
If there is one person who knows how to work a crowd, it’s Chery! I have had the honor of working with Chery on two leadership events that consisted of panel discussions and Chery served as the wonderful facilitator. Not only was she professional, well-spoken and poised, but her connection with the audience members was outstanding! I received many compliments from guests after the event about how much they enjoyed her! Ashley Farthing
Owner, Farthing Events
Conference question and answer sessions thrive or die based on the facilitator’s ability to be professional, prepared and perky! Chery Gegelman does an excellent job of using all three qualities to put the audience at ease, engage them in meaningful dialogue while keeping the conversation on topic! Barbara Slagle
Tulsa Community College
Chery Gegelman Keynotes and Workshops

 Consulting

In the past 2 years I have witnessed and experienced Chery’s phenomenal skills in problem solving, helping others with personal growth and conflict resolution. Chery possesses a rare talent that helps empower people professionally and personally. Showing second to none skills in the art of conflict resolution including bridging cultural, religious and personal differences to come to an effective outcome for all involved. Chery’s talents would be of benefit to any organisation or persons wishing to find tools to promote themselves and tap their full potential. Can not recommend this lady highly enough.Nicky Sporer
International Housing Compound Resident
The culture here is classist, sexist, racist. You helped to break down those walls with love, truth, fairness and respect for all. JS
You handle everything with such aplomb! NF
Giana Consulting successfully completed a complex study on the establishment of a new training facility for the community college system in our state. It was done on time and on budget and exceeded our expectations. She is a true professional and was a pleasure to work with. John Spain
Executive Vice President, Baton Rouge Area Foundation
I have had the opportunity to work with Chery Gegelman for a number of years now, as an associate and more recently as a client. I continue to be impressed with her ability to form and lead a team or project and with her ability to maintain her strong values along the way.  She can see maximum potential in a project when very few others can and executes. Whether it is refining existing business practices or creating something entirely new she has the drive and experience to make things happen.  She is responsible for the origination and development of some of our most successful initiatives, many of which have become an important part of our daily operation. Chery’s ability to read people and to read a situation is clearly exceptional and it is obvious to me that her success stems in large part from these strengths, time and time again. Faced with a new opportunity or a need to refine and existing one, Chery would be my first choice to make things happen.D.K.
Chery is a big picture, strategic thinker who understands the importance of relationships in making things happen. Her work with our Workforce Investment Board has demonstrated that once she has a vision, she can identify what needs to be done and motivate others to work as a team. Chery is a natural and skilled leader whom others are happy to follow.Debbie O'Connor
Executive Director at Up Alliance (formerly Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition)
It was a pleasure working with Chery to provide organization wide training for Goodwill Industries of Tulsa. Her command of the subject matter in combination with her enthusiasm and communication style engaged the audience and provided for a very effective training session despite the diverse nature of the attendees. Just as importantly, Chery has regularly stayed in touch with Goodwill Industries of Tulsa since the training to monitor progress and provide additional insights. She truly cares and is committed to improving the organization. David E. Oliver
President - Goodwill Industries of Greater Tulsa
Many of the projects Chery has been involved in required multiple departments with agendas that were not always aligned to work together. In those situations I always saw Chery work diligently to bring the different members of the team together. Making sure to include everyone’s point of view to ensure a collaborative outcome, and speaking up for the soft-spoken if need be to make sure that everyone’s viewpoint is expressed. R.M.
Delivers truth and insight into many issues, not only in a business context but also on a personal level. Makes you reflect and think on your own approach to issues and assists with developing strategies and finding ways to implement these in many modalities of day to day life. Considers things holistically to ensure all information is gathered, from every level, individual and thoroughly disseminated to reach a positive outcome.Trish Sinclair
International Housing Compound Resident
Chery is a voice of reason in the midst of dysfunction. RK
Chery is an inspiration to those that work with her.  She gives her all to ensure that organizations and their people learn to work together to achieve amazing results.  Working with her is a life-changing experience. Rachel D. Hutchings
Tulsa Area Workforce Investment Board

Service

Chery  brings energy and excitement to every opportunity.  She is strategic in her ability to see the big picture and also humble enough to jump in wherever needed and make things happen. She does everything with excellence, focusing on her client’s best interests, cheerfully but also truthfully without compromise. Mike Henry
VP Operations - SageNet LLC

Chery inspired and motivated us to: listen intently, think broader, laugh louder, care deeply, expect excellence, celebrate success, learn from mistakes, accept challenges, embrace changes, cherish friendships, value values, speak with conviction, believe in others, believe in ourselves, seek knowledge, be enthusiastic, challenge inequity, persevere, problem-solve, spread joy, be playful, cry openly, and accept differences.K.A.

To learn more about booking Chery for your next event

Send an email to:  chery@consultgiana.com

 

Giana Consulting

Posted on

Continuous Improvement: Cures The Two-Year Itch

by

Several years ago I had a long but fun job interview. In that interview I was honest with my prospective employer about my strengths, my passions and my need to be challenged.

I pointed to my historical pattern of two years of achieving in a role, before I got bored and needed to learn something new and needed to make a greater difference. (Which usually meant I moved on…)

The interviewer smiled and nodded and shared that he had the same problem. …Until he came to work in this company…

He had my attention.

I had his attention.

And I got the job.