As we celebrate the start of winter, I am reminded that change too brings us four seasons. Interestingly, this fall mirrored the first phase of change -- disruption -- with its global upheavals. September arrived with surprising financial shifts after years of relative stability. So, perhaps it will be in winter that we enter into the second season of the change process, which I like to call "chaos" or "disequilibrium."

Winter and disequilibrium are similar in that they bring more "opportunity" to explore the darkness or the unknown than do their sister seasons. During both winter and the chaos phase, we are counseled to rest when we can, recover and take stock in what we do know. These are periods in which we are to practice having faith in an eventual spring. Temperatures dipping below -25 degrees this week in Bozeman drove home  just how hard it can be to believe in a warm and bright future. Yet, nothing is permanent, be it financial turmoil or miserable weather, even though it may drag on beyond the limits of our patience.

So, following cross-cultural advice, I take comfort in knowing that you are each part of my community. As I take stock, I share below news of some efforts that I hope will be of support during these chaotic times. And, I send you wishes of abundance and that this season provides you time to reflect and regain strength over the coming months.

With appreciation and friendship,

Deidre  

A New Blog -- Playing Well at Work and Beyond

Following conventional cyber wisdom, I have taken to blogging on a favorite obsession;  how to perform well under stress to better enjoy our professional and personal lives.

Using a cross-cultural lens, I have been adding posts weekly on  conflict management, leadership skills and tips for overcoming challenges. I hope to continue to provide techniques, pertinent articles/video and ruminations on how to play well.

If you might not have visited a blog before - here's a few tips to get started:

1.    You can receive automatic email summaries when a new post is published (happens about once a week).  On playingwell.org,  click on "Receive Playing Well updates via Email" in the upper right-hand corner. You'll then see a pop up window in which you will need to confirm your request.  Emails will be sent from FeedBurner.com.
2.    To search on a particular topic, say "conflict management," just click on that tag listed on the right side bar.
3.    Feel free to leave comments! I welcome your questions and insights to help chart the blog's course.

Click here to read this week's post
 

 

  Standing in a New Life

I have been working on another book, which a friend remarked is "now becoming unfortunately timely." Standing in a New Life explores cross-cultural approaches to moving through the extra difficult times. Be it illness, divorce, bankruptcy or other unwelcome surprises, these are those periods is when the structures upon which we once relied are taken away. Luckily, when we are knocked down, there are practical approaches from around the world that can help us get back to standing.

I'm hoping to have a completed book available in 2009, but in the meantime, I will be posting excerpts on my blog at playingwell.org and invite your comments and insight..

 

  Classes and other Services

I will be providing a pilot workshop in Bozeman, MT entitled "Thriving through Tough Times" on January 23 and 24, 2009.  This interactive workshop will be held Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 4:30 at Pilgrim Congregational Church. We are asking for a donation of $20 to cover refreshments and lunch. Class will be limited to 25 participants. To attend this pilot session, please contact Mary Wagner at 406.587.3690

In 2009, I plan to offer a certification program for conflict resolution trainers who wish to teach the Way of Conflict philosophy. In this course we will explore how to apply this cross-cultural system to improving customer service, leadership development and change management. Participants will receive intensive instruction, periodic coaching and all materials needed to teach the Way of Conflict fundamentals and Leading through Change courses. Additional information will be posted on combsandcompany.com early 2009. Please contact me if you might be interested in this program.


And I continue to offer executive coaching, consulting and corporate workshops using Way of Conflict principles.