BOOKER THINKING on LEADERSHIP and LIFE

Previous student of mine, is that you?

2012-01-30T15:35:00.001-08:00

Seeking former undergrad/grad students of mine who finished & I successfully instilled to 'NEVER STOP LEARNING'.

Maybe you are still learning and growing? Ready for next challenge in your Leadership growth?

A good leader now but, you are thinking I AM NOT THERE YET (as none of us ever will be :)

Now in Mid to Senior- level management!

Let's talk, explore....! I have something specific to share with you if this is you.

Regardless, let's reconnect, Booker

2012-01-30T15:29:00.001-08:00

Seek former undergrad/grad students of mine who finished & still learning! Ready 4 next challenge n Leadership?still growing? Let me know,

Resume, job

2012-01-26T17:53:00.003-08:00

Discovered I know of a manufacturing org seeking operators/employees w/ company, great future... $15/hr range. Let me know if you want more info!

2012-01-26T17:53:00.001-08:00

Know of a manufacturing org seeking operators/employees w/ company, great future... $15/hr range. Let me know if you want more info!

Comedy (David Koechner)

2012-01-25T08:37:00.001-08:00

...helping to spread the news:
Comedy Show For A Cause
Family Event to benefit House of Hope/CASA

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 / 6:30- 8 p.m.
Wentworth Military Academy Chapel
Lexington, MO (40 minutes east of KC)

Featuring David Koechner (Talladega Nights & Anchorman, The Office)
Tickets at the door
$20 adults
$10 age 12 and under
660.259.4766

When you put it that way...

2012-01-23T12:08:00.001-08:00

It's Monday morning; your boss &/or co-workers may be a pain...

However at least you have a job, food & roof over head.

So SMILE!!!! & look around for those who are struggling with these basics we take for granted?

Have a good one, Booker

2012-01-23T05:16:00.001-08:00

It's Monday AM, you have a job, food & roof over head. SMILE!!!! & look around for those who are struggling with these we take for granted?

KC location for Workshops

2012-01-22T13:06:00.001-08:00

For my Kansas City/area friends:
I am looking for a restaurant/pub/food establishment to do some Small Group Leadership workshops.

Some content will include GOD/FAITH, so hoping to find a location/ownership that is Christian-oriented - with a heart in that direction!

Please let me know if you know of a place or someone to contact; anywhere in KC area, North, South or otherwise...

Thanks, Booker 913.232.0244 / doug@bookertraining.com

It is about the AUTHOR, not the BOOK...?

2012-01-21T09:30:00.001-08:00

"...I'M JUST SAYIN'

YOUR COMMUNICATION ISSUES ARE ABOUT RELATIONSHIP...

Speaking with a great friend, client & senior leader, a very interesting discussion developed further validating the statement above ...which I have come to believe is true maybe 99% of the time.

The discussion was about input he had received about his leadership after seeking evaluation/input by those he leads. Now that's courageous to begin with, and for sure he received some interesting feedback (some that he didn't expect and some that will take further discussions to get clarified).

One of the areas where he received less than satisfactory marks, was in COMMUNICATION. If you met this individual, you would find it hard to believe that he could be 'marked down' in communicating. He is an awesome speaker, coach, mentor, listener and people seek out his counsel.

The fact that he is a great friend provides some clue to his being 'marked down' by his subordinate leaders in this category. You see, I would never see him as being an ineffective communicator ...because I have a great RELATIONSHIP with him.

After some honest reflection and thinking about the relationships of those assessing him, he saw that this was likely what this was about: - what they were really saying was the RELATIONSHIP(s) was less than satisfactory.

Think about those you have communication issues with; it's really a relationship issue, is it not?

Some GODLY application to this: It strikes me that all this is the same challenge we face when we struggle in our communication with God. As I really think about this, I think back to when I didn't know Jesus, ...the bible and most everything in it made little sense to me. The bible and His Word only began making sense and becoming clear to me AFTER HE became my friend. The closer and closer I get to Him, and as my relationship, trust and faith in/with Him becomes stronger, the more I understand about what He is saying to me.

The dynamics of these thoughts came out in Sunday School last week. After I tossed in some of this and made the statement that its not so much a matter of the content of The Book, it is first of all about the relationship with our God and Jesus. If the relationship is good, the communication will be good. A friend then tossed in this gem, something like, "...it's about the Author, not the Book".

How's that relationship with Him?

God's best to you and yours my friend,

Booker

2012-01-20T09:57:00.001-08:00

Parable-learning about the Workplace, for Leaders! http://ping.fm/I1czA

2012 Leadership-Dev offerings:

2012-01-18T09:10:00.001-08:00

1) EXEC LEADERS! If this is you/anyone u know, I am putting together a small group to learn/grow from each other- (for Exec/seasoned-managers, those leading leaders). KC area, group of 10 professional/quality people...looking for 3 more!

2) LEADERSHIP/PEOPLE RECOVERY: An in-house or public sessions for the manager or org. management that needs to regain/recover their workforce. Maybe you have over-worked, over-loaded, unfairly took advantage of, and otherwise abused your team/workforce over the last 2-3 years?!? You and/or your leaders need to develop some strategies to get them back!

3) REAL LEADERSHIP STUFF for the FIRST TIME MANAGER/SUPERVISOR: For those in leadership roles for the first time or are just still pretty new to the world of leading people. Registering now for a 4-part series of Leadership Development. Putting together two groups of 12 - one group/session nearly filled.

*If you have an interest in GOD/FAITH in the WORKPLACE, lets talk.

Call me if interested in any of the following for more details/to get a seat reserved while you explore further. Doug Booker, BOOKER TRAINING ASSOCIATES 913.232.0244

Make yourself Happy!

2012-01-17T07:30:00.001-08:00

Have a great day of ENCOURAGING, HELPING SOMEONE, SMILING AT EVERYONE and THANKING people.

Being Thankful for all we DO HAVE is something so many struggle with, in the midst of all the hurts, needs, woes of our lives.

To get you started, how about just Laughing Out Loud (LOL) right now and stir up something with those around?

Booker, on your side/here to help...

2012-01-17T07:29:00.001-08:00

Have a great day of ENCOURAGING, HELPING SOMEONE, SMILING AT EVERYONE and THANKING people. Being Thankful for all we DO HAVE is something so many struggle with, in the midst of all the hurts, needs, woes of our lives. To get you started, how about just Laughing Out Loud (LOL) right now and stir up something with those around?

2012-01-16T08:05:00.001-08:00

U know the JimmyDean commercials, the guy who plays the sunshine brightening the day 4all? How about being the sunshine n your world today?

2012-01-16T07:54:00.001-08:00

Friend with Home4Sale in St Joe: http://ping.fm/iHYvF

Leadership Recovery training

2012-01-09T15:40:00.001-08:00

Leadership work I am doing to serve you, see link: http://ping.fm/0ONEg

2012-01-09T15:39:00.001-08:00

Leadership work I am doing to serve you, see link: http://ping.fm/bB1Qi

Leader Dev offering: Management's Leader Recovery

2012-01-09T10:31:00.001-08:00

Just maybe, in these last few years of tough economics...

...maybe you have been over-working folks?
...maybe individual & departmental conflicts are on the rise?
...maybe you fired or laid off some you wished you hadn't?
...maybe relations have deteriorated?
...maybe even the bosses are fighting?
...maybe people aren't smiling at your customers?
...maybe you have been dictating vs leading?
...maybe even your good employees have been treated unfairly?

??? MAYBE 'Tension, Stress & Distrust'
have become the new Core Values!

THEN JUST maybe it's time to get EVERYONE back to work and making $$$ again!

THEN JUST maybe your leaders need some help recovering their team!

"Filling public sessions for individuals, or call me now to set up an In-house process for the whole Leadership Team!"

Booker, 913.232.0244

2012-01-02T09:48:00.003-08:00

With all the world's troubles & as we begin a new year, a great reminder of the GOOD in the world (heard about this but never watched the short video): http://ping.fm/Ig0Eh

Some GOOD in this world

2012-01-02T09:48:00.001-08:00

A good friend shared this with me today, thanks Mike!

With all the world's troubles & as we begin a new year, a great reminder of 'GOOD' in the world
(heard about this but never watched the short video):

http://ping.fm/asRxj

Hope you FIND it in 2012

2012-01-02T05:49:00.001-08:00

Sincerely hope this year brings better, bigger & brighter blessings to your life in 2012!

>Maybe more than anything, find Peace...

>Maybe try that new thing or finish old things...

>Maybe make relationships right that need it...

Interesting scripture I came across that is pretty fitting for some new dynamics I am finding myself pursuing:
(Isaiah 43:19) For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Happy New Year friend, Booker
(hope your football team wins if you are into that Bowl thing - GO CATS!)

2012 Leadership Development opportunity

2011-12-28T11:11:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/3yePt

...let me know quickly, BOOKER
(please forward if you have no interest :)

Workforce Changes in 2012, article:

2011-12-28T06:17:00.003-08:00

http://ping.fm/GETiG

2011-12-28T06:17:00.001-08:00

Workforce Changes in 2012:
http://ping.fm/4Y0Sy

ENCOURAGING Thoughts for Leaders

2011-11-17T09:51:00.001-08:00

Encouraging, encourager, …encouragement is something that always comes up in Leadership vs Management-discussions. These kinds of thoughts are expressed, “I want my leader to be an encourager” or “A leader encourages people”. I have always somewhat discounted it as a separate quality or trait.

Whether meant sincerely or not, I just see encouraging comments as superficial and oftentimes lacking depth in
meaning. What are these kinds of words worth really: “That was amazing Bob, …Shelia that was a great effort, …I am so glad to have you on the team, …You are the best widget-maker in the company, (or) …keep up the good work”.
On their own these comments just seem kind of artificial, forced and contrived.

If you know me or if have read anything of mine in the past, you know I am about appreciating, valuing, growing people, etc.
So I hope it is obvious I am not against ‘encouraging’ people. I just think we actually encourage people through all of our other actions/behaviors as the leader – our walk vs our talk maybe!

Here is a brief listing of substantive ways we really encourage folks, or not:

• Listening to them, him/her (who I listen to is who I value/care about)…
• Developing a relationship with them, her/him (if I spend time getting to know you, it says I see you as important)…
• Asking their opinion, involving them in all that goes on (creates a sense of belonging and being wanted)…
• Helping them achieve their goals/what they want…
• Praising them for specific accomplishments in front of others (even if they say they don’t like that sort of thing)…
• Showing you genuinely care about them / not just about their widget-producing
(after all your job as the boss ‘requires’ you to care about their job; leaders also care about the person)…
• Protecting/shielding them from abuse (not letting others tear them down)…
• Delegate to them (this says much about your trust & value of them to you)…
• Coach and mentor them (again, spending time with people to grow them)…
• Find time once/month to formally sit down and give them honest feedback on expectations & accountability.
(the good & the bad, help them improve, etc)…

Believe me, if you lead in these ways, he/she WILL feel and be encouraged. I hope this encourages you to go
‘Walk ENCOURAGEMENT, and not just Talk it’.

[ If you are a parent, I am betting these thoughts have you thinking, huh? ]

Blessings my friend (which I should point out encourages me - that you are my friend),

Booker

It does not get any better than this - again this year!

2011-11-14T09:23:00.001-08:00

Lots of emotions and thoughts in my head over recent days due to family, Thanksgiving, Church, Veterans Day, holidays and well, ....LIFE!

It struck me the phrase (above) made popular years ago, and how it used to be MY greeting to anyone and everyone back then. I used it for several years. I used it as an optimistic point of view to internalize and portray a positive attitude.

Interestingly it was during a time of struggles and I think it helped me. It was also before I knew HIM. Somewhere in the midst of some deeper human struggles in life it went away from my vocabulary.

Sunday, in church I got to thinking about this for some strange reason; HE, the pastors, Sunday School class and my church do that frequently (make me think); that is a good thing.

I was praying for my wife’s health, my work and business, finances and oh yeah, ........ALL those zillions of people in this world who are struggling soooooo much more than I am!

That is when that old phrase hit me. I was thinking of how so many years later, now that I have BECOME NEW and God is all over my life, I should REALLY be using that phrase. I plan to adopt it again - because truly IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!

You see, it cannot be any better, because it is His Will and HE is there with me (and with us) huh?

Our struggles are relative and someone is always worse off than we are. Still our struggles are very real! It is where we are, the pains, suffering and struggles are ours indeed. That place is as good as it gets, because HE determines it so.

We are TO BE glad for this day - to be thankful for where we are, right? Did this make any sense to you? Be thankful if it did~!

Thanks for letting me share that with you. It does not get any better than this.

Think about others this holiday season.

All for the moment, Booker

Senior Executive Development Consultant

2011-11-10T15:10:00.001-08:00

Another St Louis opportunity just sharing: Senior Executive Development Consultant (#10169)

St. Louis based Ameren Corporation (AEE) is among the nation’s largest investor-owned electric or gas utilities with approximately $24B in assets. Ameren is the largest electric utility in Missouri and the second largest in Illinois. Ameren’s 9,800 employees provide energy services to 2.4 million electric customers and 1 million natural gas customers throughout its 64,000 square mile territory. Learn more at www.Ameren.com.

( don't have any other info myself)

2011-11-10T14:29:00.001-08:00

HR job in St Charles, MO: HR position, the St. Charles City School District (don't personally have any other info)

2011-11-08T19:11:00.001-08:00

RECOMMEND: If you wonder about your purpose, see movie, 'The Least Among You'. It will TALK to you about much, to include your Faith!

2011-11-08T07:09:00.001-08:00

In city area Wed and Thurs late morning thru late afternoon this week. If you are free and we need/want to connect, holler at me!

2011-11-04T11:01:00.001-07:00

BOOKER UPDATE / NEWSLETTER:
http://ping.fm/j1nWj

2011-11-04T07:42:00.001-07:00

Something I came across. Please find a minute and take a look: IAMSECOND.COM

http://www.businessinsider.com/8-habits-of-highly-effective-google-managers-2011-3

2011-11-03T15:28:00.001-07:00

Nice list that Google has here, as many orgs/businesses sometimes have developed. The challenge is always of course in the follow-thru and making the list reality in terms of the leaders/leadership in the trenches. Frequently the shortfall is in the fact that we never carry thru to create these ideas/concepts into a set of competencies for leaders that are then used for the actual identification, interviewing/hiring, promoting, growing, training, mentoring & coaching of leaders. Of course this has a huge connection to the fact that the current leaders there (generically intended, not about Google) were not grown accordingly. Again a good start but can these be sustainably used to find and grow leaders?

http://ping.fm/vPEZw

2011-11-01T11:50:00.001-07:00

Friend needing to find a photographer in KC area quickly to do a family photo shoot.. If you could do this, let me know so I can connect you!

SEASONS and YOU, and ME

2011-10-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

Just thinking this morning and sending you best wishes for a great Friday/weekend. Very likely with the season changing, we are not going to see many more nice days.
GO ENJOY THE CHANGE.
APPRECIATE THE JOURNEY.
SOAK UP THE GOOD STUFF ABOUT IT.

While we're on the topic: CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CHANGE. Clearly if we are not changing, we are not learning, growing & improving. If we are not growing - then we are done, dead, finished or minimally just existing...?!?

As a friend made me think about yesterday in conversation - that growth is on us/up to us each individually to seek it. As seasons change, so must you, we, me, all of us.

Therefore seek growth in your life. Have a great day of watching the leaves, weather & season change. Change is a necessarily good thing; I wonder if others are seeing and observing our leaves changing?...

ECCL 3:1-8 says some amazing things in these regards and oh yeah, this all reminds me of that great old song, The Time of the Season, the Zombies from the 60's!

Take care, BOOKER

not a communicating issue

2011-10-29T07:00:00.001-07:00

RELATIONSHIP is the key and answer to most COMMUNICATION issues in our lives.

Don't let the symptom of communications cloud the reality that it is really a relationship issue!

Same is modeled in our Walk with God, without RELATIONSHIP with Him first, communicating just won't happen.

Try reading the bible without the relationship/acceptance of Him first...

Lot of lessons for leaders here with this: (more to come on this topic :)))

Take care, BOOKER

sharing, good stuff

2011-10-21T08:33:00.001-07:00

from DAY 295 | October 21, 2011 www.LeadLikeJesus.com, Daily Devotional...

Each day provides new opportunities to serve God and others. Your opportunities will be unique to your life and situation. Don't miss them. God has placed you where He needs you in order to serve others in Jesus' name. What opportunities will God bring you today?

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit--fruit that will last--and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.-John 15:16

Prayer... Lord, I want my life to bear fruit for You. I do not want to miss the opportunities that You bring my way. Help me to see the opportunities You place in front of me and respond by serving others. Use me, I ask, in Jesus name, Amen

When it is all good

2011-10-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

You know that feeling when a relationship has been rectified, a conflict with someone has been resolved, some issue take care of – all is good between you and that person? Been there, done that. It is such a happy, peaceful/stress is gone kind of feeling. It is all good! ahhhhhhhhhhh

On a whole other level it is that same feeling -times(x) maybe a million- when we are right with God. When we are doing right, the relationship is right, we are communicating, not distracted by worldly stuff, …that is when it is ALLLLLLL GOOD for real, big time.

It is likely only then when we can get that Galatians 5:22-kinda thing:
…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control... All about relationship; nearly always is huh?

Do you have a relationship in need of repair; waiting on them to make it happen? How is that working out for you!?! Cease the insanity and find that PEACE thing-it is always so worth it.

JUST THINKIN, Booker

whose got your back

2011-10-13T12:15:00.001-07:00

"I'VE GOT YOUR BACK..." Some recent lingo that seems to have applicability here in the leadership world as well. How,well thanks for asking! Think about the meaning of it?

Having your back is about someone that is close, trustworthy, dependable, reliable, etc Kind of like a leader ought to be for his/her people! No matter what people/the team mess up, their leader is there to
...stand up for, maybe take the hit for,
...create a Freedom to Fail culture,
..there when the delegated project struggles,
...there when others come messing with his/her people

- you get it right?

Sounds like a nice goal for a leader to become just that, a GOT YOUR BACK LEADER; and to create that mindset among his/her team, in their relations with each other.

Makes me think of our relationship with our Creator, our Lord, our God - that comfort, peace and knowledge HE is there all the time anytime - HE has our back if we ask Him to be there.

Just thinking...

2011-10-11T05:39:00.001-07:00

employment info: 30-35 hrs/wk front office work-kc area. Receptionist, medical background helpful. Need to fill the position ASAP.

No good deed goes unpunished

2011-10-11T03:08:00.001-07:00

I came across one of those things that made me go hmmmmm. It is to do with doing the right thing, doing kindly things, helping others, etc. It is about doing those things with no expectation in return, doing them just because… Got your interest?

So I am reading and thinking and something about our belief in our Almighty God and how that does not mean life will then just become great and easy. Now that is not really new to me; but this from Timothy 3:12 made me think of it all from a different angle. Paul is teaching: ..In fact, everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…. Well there is a big YIKES, huh? However all of us that decide to proclaim him (I like to call it me coming out of the closet regarding my belief :) know this to be true on some level.

For some reason as I pondered all this, the old phrase No Good Deed Goes Unpunished came to mind. In our human minds we may come to think and maybe expect something good in return for doing something good. That is just not reality, even though it sometimes happens for sure.

Regardless here is to all your good deeds today being rewarded!

In wrapping this up, I think this is possibly about short-term vs long-term/big picture thinking and thinkers?!? I will let you work on it and get back to me hopefully. My shoulder is hurting, maybe the meds are impacting my thoughts; and so if this is a bit unclear or there are typos, cut me some slack will you?

That WOULD be the nice thing to do, and no I do not know if there will be any reward in it for you or not

Your friend Booker

Surgery update

2011-10-06T06:57:00.001-07:00

surgery complete, lots of pain, keep praying. Thanks much, will update

Be something bigger than an ant

2011-10-04T07:41:00.001-07:00

I just don't want to be like an ant!

I guess it is why routine bores me; I get to thinking of myself like an ant. You know how you can look down & see ants scurrying around - that just seems what we humans resemble at times?

We need purpose vs just existing through our hourly/daily grind of life. Seems that is what brings us real PEACE - when we have that direction/purpose clarified. Well anyway just thinking & wanted to encourage all of us:
Do NOT just be existing.
Be happy & joyful in your Walk.
Make others Smile.
Help someone - focus on OTHERS which is where we all find peace & real purpose, at least I do.... in & thru serving.

The down times are when we focus too much on us, ourselves, OUR problems. That is when we struggle; think about it (or not).

Regardless go cause cheer & good stuff today; if you are a LEADER, go fix something!

Lastly, paraphrasing something I read here: Spread the Gospel always, ...and when necessary use words.

Gods best for some REAL purpose today my friend! BOOKER

Leadership & Faith Learning Forum

2011-10-03T06:20:00.001-07:00

Sharing a few of the comments about the Leadership Development Forum kicked off Sept 29th:
"...what a diverse group of quality, management professionals to learn with." "...Throughout the session there were times when my mind was thinking about how I could apply to my staff (team)..." "Thank you for helping me find understand better my inner self and it seemed God never left my side! " "...I came away very energized and in a good mood which lasted all day, ...I can already see that I am gaining knowledge just by listening to the others." "We have an awesome group and you are so blessed to know all of them! I walked away feeling like I just made ten new friends."

In preparation for this (LGT)Leader Development program I just began (involving God/Faith into the leader's daily walk) I discovered something intriguing and interesting about our approach to each.

Now we have all heard about the necessity of taking time out to listen, pray and seek the Lord - nothing new there. This TIME factor is something I hear from leaders I work with; hearing some say words such as “I just don’t have time for leadership.” Some think of the art, mastery & practice of Leadership as though it was just another task / hour to plug into the daily planner at the end of the day!

These are the ones who haven’t quite gotten it. Leadership is not another task for the TO DO list - but a way of life, who you are, how you do what you do …& who you are. For real leaders and real leadership, it is the way you walk your daily walk & how we behave, causing others to want to follow us (or not). For leadership to be effective, it must be intertwined & be a part of everything the leader does - words, actions, habits, presence, etc. It is about his/her personality traits, qualities, skills, principles, values and practices; again not to be an extra hour to force into the day somewhere?

Now going back to the idea of setting aside time for God; in some ways I think this is the same misled kind of thinking. Our time with God should be something that ‘goes with you’ every minute of every hour of every day. Isn’t it through the minute-by-minute talk & interaction/dialog with our creator & most awesome leader that we grow in our lives? For me, it is that personal relationship & communication that goes on continually that is important. It is what gives me peace & where I find comfort in God, that all-day-long relating that goes on between God and myself. Not plugging in another hour somewhere, somehow…?

Yes, indeed we need to find time to study Him, His Word, our bible and maybe seek what others say about Faith as well. In that same vein, this LGT program we just kicked off is with leaders coming together to focus on Leadership ‘continuous improvement’ to take back & make our leadership-walk a better one. What makes this program, this process (at least for me) so great, is we are taking time to study & focus on improvement in GOD (AND) our LEADERSHIP at the same time!!! The (WIFM) WHATS-IN-IT-FOR-ME for the dozen leaders is taking time to increase our understanding and skills to make our Leadership better every minute, every hour, every day; and to raise our consciousness of focusing on that personal relationship and bringing Him along every minute, every hour, every day as we lead those we are serving.

May God give you the Wisdom to understand what I was attempting to share & communicate here! Did you get it?

*new forums being put together as we speak; let me know if interested.
BOOKER

Real Leaders are FISHERS OF...

2011-09-30T07:43:00.001-07:00

I have always liked this concept/idea in regard to leaders & leadership:

.....Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel. As he went along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen).

Jesus said to them, ...Follow me, and I will turn you into FISHERS OF MEN (people). They left their nets immediately and followed him.

Is this not what we should be as leaders with those we lead - Fishers of Men, as well as developing/creating more FISHERS OF MEN?

As a leader, are people following you? How willingly and faithfully do you follow your leader?

Of course, the bigger question is about how you/we are following our Savior, the BIG Fishers of Men!?!

Im just thinking... BOOKER

2011-09-29T18:45:00.001-07:00

Awesome day-not to mention the weather!(guess I just did?) Led Leader program w/12 great leaders/people, w/God/Faith part of conversation...wow

IT position, Lexington, MO

2011-09-23T07:27:00.001-07:00

The HCC is hiring for a full time HIT Manager. Resumes with references should be sent to toniann@hccnetwork.org or laurie@hccnetwork.org before Friday, September 30th, 2011. Resumes may also be mailed to HCC or faxed to 660.259.9019.

Target start date is November 1st, 2011. Salary range is +/-$40,000 per year plus benefits.

HIT Network Manager

SUMMARY: The HIT Network Manager will be responsible for the day to day operations of the HIT Network and participating members.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experienced in working with organizations with diverse backgrounds to reach consensus regarding issues

2. Able to provide technical data in ways that it can be understood to both IT and CEO audiences

3. Supportive of the collaborative nature of the HCC and its work

4. Willingness to help develop on-going revenue streams through HIT initiative

5. High energy individual

6. College degree preferred (Information Technology a plus)

RESPONSIBILTIES:

1. Lead and manage all day to day operational responsibilities for the HIT Network

2. Responsible researching, collecting data, and making recommendations regarding the future activities of the HIT Network

3. Aggressively pursue grants geared to Rural HIT that would be of value to the Coalition members and are consistent with Coalition goals;

4. Cultivates relationships with HIT partners at the local, state and federal level

5. Maintains close relationships with media throughout the country, communicating the successes and “lessons learned”.

6. Ensures all programmatic goals and outcomes are met. Submits all required financial and written reports to the appropriate funding sources in the required format in a timely manner

7. Actively participate and contribute to the sustainability of the HIT Network, including the development of a fee for service menu that can be marketed to potential new members

8. Maintain close communication with Coalition/Network Board members

LEADERSHIP vs MANAGEMENT

2011-09-21T11:20:00.001-07:00

Today I was in discussion with a new relationship in life - a leader & teacher. As we finished I was just pondering a bit. Part of this also stemmed from a discussion with a church leadership group.

One thing that came to mind was the old argument of MANAGEMENT vs LEADERSHIP...

Did you know that churches struggle just as businesses, teams, departments & organizations struggle? ...with stability, changing, maintaining, growing, etc?

Anyway, it just hit me that the old phrase about OUT OF THE BOX-thinking has applicability to this difference (ldrship/mgmt).

So many people, cultures & MANAGERS think purely INSIDE that box - maintaining what is known, keeping things stabilized, feeding comfort zones and essentially managing what is there now.

Few people think systemically and in terms of process. Leaders indeed work outside of that box - they GROW, LEARN, IMPROVE, CHANGE, TEACH & MAKE THINGS BETTER...

They are the ones who are not stuck or constrained by the borders of the box. They see & realize the BETTER WAYS are outside that old box. They also realize that when things are comfortable & stable, they are vulnerable. Work on that for a moment. Can things be too comfortable, too good, too right..?

Anyway, just thinking (with my new friend Larry)

2011-09-09T08:18:00.001-07:00

3 weeks to go: Awesome small group of professionals learning/growing together in LDRSHIP/FAITH/PERSONAL GROWTH... Sept 29 -few seats left in KC

2011-09-07T21:11:00.001-07:00

In Jonesboro(AR) visiting my 2 awesome kids& families thru Tues. If you are n the area, let me know. Meeting w/ some past friends/clients.

2011-08-31T18:18:00.001-07:00

http://ping.fm/OgULN

RECENT Update link

2011-08-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

If you find info at link

(http://ping.fm/yqN5q )

...useful and would like to be on Distribution list, go to the bottom/footer and subscribe!
Take care, BOOKER

no laptop, ipad or notebook instead

2011-08-28T15:04:00.001-07:00

Looking for input, experience, thinking on this! I am considering doing away w/ laptop & going to IPAD, NOTEBOOK or something like that. Any thoughts or recommendations, info regarding decision?

2011-08-28T15:03:00.001-07:00

considering doing away w/ laptop & going to IPAD, NOTEBOOK or something like that. Any thoughts or recommendations, info regarding decision?

2011-08-22T16:14:00.001-07:00

Saw movie, The Help. Won't try to influence thinking here, but Trust the Coach & check it out. The best & worst of God's people in this one...

Hang in there

2011-08-21T05:51:00.001-07:00

So many are being challenged. You are likely facing & trying to get through something huh? If not, think about & pray for others! Whether you are struggling or helping someone thru theirs, I hope you find some peace in it today.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-5).

...Hang in there
...You can do it
...Keep your head up
...Smile
...Let others help you
...Ask for help
...This too shall pass...

God's best my friend, DOUG

Pursuing Godly Leaders

2011-08-14T20:18:00.001-07:00

Past 20 yrs I worked to develop indiv leaders & org leadership. For next 20 I intend to work on Godly Leadership ..starting w/ me!, ..& You?

2011-08-14T20:17:00.001-07:00

Past 20 yrs I worked to develop indiv leaders & org leadership. For next 20 I intend to work on Godly Leadership ..starting w/ me!, ..& You?

2011-08-12T13:34:00.001-07:00

Friend/professional looking for someone with a high level of expertise with creating & dynamics of LLCs and Trusts?

Hey Leaders, what THEY want from you

2011-08-09T21:06:00.001-07:00

Many years facilitating management development, culture, team, etc, led to the creation of the following list. From people at all levels, who all have to follow to some degree, these were the top desires of people from their leaders.
What does it mean? Well for sure any leader routinely leading according to these factors would be one darned good leader in most follower’s eyes!
Here are the Top 10, as expressed by people in all kinds of organizations serving in all kinds of different capacities. Interestingly, the vast majority of these observations, complaints, voids, wants and needs are mostly from management folks themselves, really! Think about the significance of what that says for a moment!
Here are likely the words and thoughts of any, maybe most - how about you? Would this make a pretty good leader to you?

1. I WANT my boss to support me, shield me and care about me-not just care about what I can do. Caring would include clear feedback every now and then also…

2. I WISH my boss would deal with that one person that makes everybody else miserable. That one (bad apple) is just allowed to do what he wants, because they are afraid of him. They really believe that we can’t live without him, what a joke.

3. I WANT to be involved early on regarding impending changes, new ideas, solutions to problems… When I am not involved, I just start not caring about how well things are done, get an attitude and become very apathetic. My motivation is well, you get it...

4. I NEED the opportunity to develop myself, be taught new skills, have the opportunity to be promoted, or maybe just be recognized for what I do now.

5. I WISH things were done fairly, no matter who knows who, or who the boss likes at the moment…

6. I WISH I could be communicated with on what is going on, not just what he/she thinks I need to know. I find more out more from co-workers than I do from him/her, above…

7. I WANT conflict to be dealt with fairly, quickly, … When people are in conflict, it is just allowed to fester, drive everyone else crazy and puts everyone on edge…

8. I WISH we would take the time to do things right. We rush through everything; like when someone new is hired, we just give them a few minutes of training and throw them into the routine. We barely even introduce them, and for sure we are setting them up for failure, because of poor training. Team-Relationship building is basically non-existent…

9. I NEED my boss to be real. I need him/her to be personable, open to being wrong, admitting when they are; be willing to be a friend as well as a firm, consistent and honest boss...

10. I WISH I was more challenged, maybe even get the boss to delegate some things to me. She is afraid to let anyone else do anything for fear of her own job, or maybe he just doesn’t trust anyone. How will we ever get any better?

These as well as others you are probably thinking of right now, are what is required for me to flourish, grow, learn and become more and more productive and useful to ME, to YOU, to the ORGANIZATION.

Maybe the question is, are you OK with me becoming you…., are you modeling the right stuff?
Some food for thought... Take care, DOUG

2011-08-09T05:00:00.001-07:00

My Abandoned Life for Your Abundant Life http://ping.fm/B58Sj

2011-08-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Have friend looking 4 connections w/mentoring youth -his passion n life/seeking focus? Plz holler if U would be open to connecting w/him

2011-08-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

Seek location/KC area for 10+ people to conduct a 3hr meeting, 1-2/month. Need privacy, comfort, min. technology& access to refreshments?

Are you a mid/senior level manager?

2011-07-29T10:35:00.001-07:00

...and with an interest & desire to explore, grow, learn & dialogue with other leaders regarding Leadership challenges of Faith, Walking your walk, Being a Christian in your role, God in Workplace?!?

This Fall I am putting together a couple of groups of mid/sr-level managers (in KC area in person & online component) to do just this.

If this of interest to you or you know others who may be interested, plz let me know. Many more details to sort out, but seeking to fill out the initial couple of groups first of all.

Take care, BOOKER

2011-07-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

Are u mid/senior-level mgr w/interest in exploring, growing, learning w/others regarding Leadership challenges of Faith, God in Workplace?!?

2011-07-25T15:26:00.001-07:00

Recent blog link: MidYear Review, Evaluation, Grace & Thanx http://ping.fm/3MpVE

Friend needing short-term place to rent

2011-07-25T09:03:00.001-07:00

Now thru Sept? She is needing place to rent KC/OP area. In the College/Metcalf vicinity or close nearby, maybe along I-69 corrider? Need 1 BR, washer/dryer, furnished (or could rent some myself) and accepts pets. Covered parking is always a good thing if available.

Let me know and I will connect you...BOOKER

2011-07-19T06:29:00.001-07:00

Job notice, passing on: Compensation & Benefits Manager (salaried position) with 5+ yrs experience. Must have experience performing salary, wage, market and classification analysis. Experience in a manufacturing & a bargaining union environment is helpful. Please send your resume to EddieMorris@SourceRight.com

2011-07-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

Wed & Thursday in the Topeka vicinity. For any of my friends in that area (or maybe Lawrence), holler and maybe we can connect and catch up!

BlogThis!

2011-07-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

BlogThis!

I was asked for advice (speaking, leadership work, etc)

2011-07-18T08:19:00.001-07:00

I was asked by a friend seeking advice for his daughter, who wanted to get into Motivational Speaking-type work. After rambling a bit in response, I thought I would share some bullets here with you. Just my thinking mind you:

Success & Life is all about PEOPLE-WISDOM first and foremost – it is about THEM and not YOU! That kind of education needs to be at the top of your list. It is not about how smart you are, how impressive your record, your expertise - but rather your understanding of people that will cause you to succeed in life. Do you engage people in person or spend your life emailing/texting, TV, Facebooking, etc? Go learn & relate to/with people. Become conscious of others in school, the grocery store, church, neighbors, those at the other tables in the cafeteria, go visit companies/businesses, HR people, knuckleheads everywhere, etc. And oh yeah, realize that on some level you are also a knucklehead.

Are you a People-person? I love to ask this question, especially to managers in the workplace. Many of us will say we are (a people-person). If one too quickly wants to impose their opinion that they surely are – I always challenge them with, (how do you know…do you really get to decide?)

>>>People get to decide this about us, not ourselves. Do people seek you out for wisdom - all kinds of people, & not just friends. Anyone can be successful with those they like?!?

LISTEN to others. LISTEN to others. LISTEN to others. Grow in how others think, behave, and study WHY.

Learn to function, relate and succeed with all kinds of personality types. A good gauge of this and how well you do this is to think of others around –teachers, bosses, those not in our cliques, social circles, etc. Can you relate and communicate effectively with them? Anyone can do well with those that fit in well with our own thinking. The challenge is to succeed with those who don’t. Of course you do well with MOST, it is the others/the minority; that category of teachers, bosses/people around us who drive us nuts initially. I always tell students in my grad/undergrad programs to focus in on those teachers (and there will be some) who you do not like for whatever reason. Pretend they (and their personality-type) are your next boss, co-worker, etc. Once we leave school, and enter the work/adult world, we don’t necessarily just get to hang out with our chosen-cliques anymore. Employers don’t check to see if you get along with those you will be asked to work around/with…

Develop an understanding of the Power of Relationships. Very simply stated - consider and practice: Have a cup of coffee (or whatever) with someone before you need and/or want them for something.

Engage people in all areas of your life - all directions, all diversities, up/down, etc. Learn and grow thru them (ALL) and their thinking. Read books on people who have succeeded and try to understand why they did…and copy/use their techniques and habits.

What are your messages, …your philosophy of life, …your principles, …what are you about, …why would others listen, …what do you have to share that is unique? Evaluate and understand your whole person - what is lacking, where do you need to grow yet (other than in age, experience and wisdom)? There are tons of great people around; again, why should someone choose you? Marketing and Networking need to become your friends and areas where you focus and emphasize and learn!

Understand, ponder, practice and become what this quote is all about:
People don't care how much you know until first they know how much you care.

Put your faith, hope and trust in God (faith) first of all vs YOU (and other humans!). Attempting to do this on your own (or anything you pursue in life) requires God(faith) to be right by your side. Seek His advice and counsel always in your daily walk.

Be REAL. Be YOU.

Never Stop Learning. This may just sound like a worn-out phrase, but it is huge to the success of anyone/anywhere. When we stop learning, we are done (in more ways than one). Leaders and Teachers, and for sure even consultants and speakers are challenged by this – seemingly getting there and thus not learning anymore.

Just some thoughts I should have understood as a High School student, BOOKER

2011-07-16T02:56:00.001-07:00

Myebook - The Conference for Leaders http://ping.fm/eXKEA

passing along, some employment?

2011-07-15T07:20:00.001-07:00

Firm looking for support with a quick turnaround e-learning project All, A contact of mine at Jackson Walker L.L.P. in Dallas is looking for some help developing e-learning modules to support a migration between Document Management Systems. Following is the information and a point of contact. If you have experience developing short e-learning modules using Adobe Captivate, you may want to look into this opportunity.
Thanks, Mary
We are developing short (5 min. or less) e-learning modules for the training of iManage Worksite 8.5 through Adobe Captivate 4. The total content will be about two hours in length. We have a design template and an outline for the content. We are also going to develop an online assessment as well. What we need is a developer with Captivate experience who can help us with the recording and editing of the modules and the assessment. This would be a resource that we can bring to our office, set them up with a login, workstation and outline and set them to work. It would be about two to three weeks of work.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask. If anyone is interested, have them contact me at jwbryant@jw.com

PERSONAL, Sharing & Askin

2011-07-14T06:58:00.003-07:00

PERSONAL, Sharing & Asking, (plz take a minute here) Link: http://ping.fm/zbQPj

2011-07-14T06:58:00.001-07:00

PERSONAL, Sharing & Asking, (plz take a minute here) Link: http://ping.fm/mKBXc

2011-07-13T06:00:00.001-07:00

Shipping books - new book now avail: Kindle, eBook or actual book www.bookertraining.com/2.html
Make it an awesome day 4U & those around U!

2011-07-06T18:42:00.001-07:00

Looking for a PROJECT MANAGER type willing to take on a project that could become your business. Holler if you seem to be a fit...

2011-07-03T06:11:00.001-07:00

Just sharing a good song, with a good message, Ray Boltz, The Altar http://ping.fm/fSFM2

God, bless America

2011-07-01T19:57:00.001-07:00

Quick thought connecting to this holiday.

As I have been growing closer to God and placing Him on top above everything where He belongs - the words & phrase (God bless America) had become seemingly almost insignificant!?!

I love this country and what all it is, but as I pondered this recently, what made it become important again was simply adding a COMMA!

God, bless America. It was not just a well-known and commonly used phrase, it was now like a prayer. God, please bless America?

Just made it work for me again and that is a good thing! ...thanks for listening to my rambling and have a great holiday my friend.

God, bless YOU!

Take care, BOOKER

My new book is available!

2011-06-29T11:23:00.001-07:00

Hoping you will choose to take a look at this book, The Conference for Leaders. More later on book signings and more formal announcement but wanted to quickly get the word out to my friends. On Kindle (Amazon) http://ping.fm/gHNit

Also printed version and eBook available thru my website, www.bookertraining.com

Thanks and please help me share the news and spread to people you may know who may have a connection to: Management, Women in Leadership, CEOs and Human Resources, Leadership Conferences and in-house training, Faith/God in the Workplace, Culture, Leadership Principles for Business, ROI and Leadership Development, etc... additionally Kansas City and my hometown of Lexington, MO are part of the story line!

God's best my friend, take care and have a great holiday weekend. Booker

2011-06-28T13:27:00.001-07:00

In Overland Park thru about 5:15 or so. If we need to connect, talk or catch up, holler at 9132320244. Likely at Panera on Metcalf/College

A TEAM Tip

2011-06-24T05:35:00.001-07:00

Hope you have a great Friday/weekend - you and your team, and family! Sharing a tip for TEAM IMPROVEMENT, which could help YOUR world as well: http://ping.fm/v4IGW

JOB SEARCH

2011-06-23T14:40:00.001-07:00

JOB SEARCH: confidential search for an Instructional Designer, experience with ADDIE, Mechanical electrical systems, mfg environments. Contact me and I will connect you to Point of Contact/Recruiter.

2011-06-23T13:38:00.001-07:00

JOB SEARCH: confidential search for an Instructional Designer, experience with ADDIE, Mechanical electrical systems, mfg environments.

2011-06-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

Some great efforts for HOPE for Joplin: see link http://ping.fm/zgEGr

Morale, Motivation, Self and Culture

2011-06-21T06:38:00.001-07:00

First day of summer in the 70's! I'll take it. Have a great day & help someone else have one as well. Sharing here: http://ping.fm/JaAEr

2011-06-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

In St Lous visiting sister/family, Royals/Cards game, biking on Katy Trail & meeting couple friends. You in St Charles area?..let me know?

PRE-Sale of fireworks for YOUR 4th

2011-06-16T11:37:00.001-07:00

Sending you this in support of CASA (a great organization for the benefit of foster children). A fundraiser for this non-profit org: http://ping.fm/W0dCh

Sandbagging help needed, Levasy MO

2011-06-15T09:03:00.001-07:00

(passing this on): A call has gone out for volunteers to help with sandbagging the churches and homes in Levasy. The National Guard has a squad of soldiers on duty in Levasy at this moment, but more help is desperately needed! The Ebenezer United Church of Christ is in a dangerous spot. They need assistance in placing sandbags around the church.

Rev. Joyce Holly & Rev. Betty Thaller just called and asked for us to help in any way possible. The need is for people over the age of 18 years (or with guardian permission for those under 18 years of age) to assist with placing sandbags and moving some items out of the churches and homes.

The volunteers are needed Thursday morning, June 16th, at 9:00 am. They will be gathering at Ebenezer UCC.

If anyone can assist, their help will be deeply appreciated by the saints and citizens of Levasy.

Dale Felder, Higginsville Ministerial Fellowship

2011-06-14T07:29:00.001-07:00

Scooter's Coffeehouse College & Antioch
Looking for a part time Barista http://ping.fm/AlywU

tickets maybe cardinals/royals

2011-06-12T15:53:00.001-07:00

tickets for cardinals & royals on fri/jun 17 in st louis, if interested in going/joining me, let me know - for friends in the area...?

2011-06-12T15:52:00.001-07:00

tickets for cardinals & royals on fri/jun 17 in st louis, if interested in going/joining me, let me know - for friends in the area...?

BEND IN THE ROAD

2011-06-08T07:13:00.001-07:00

I came across this at a very tough time in life; it helped me a lot & really still like to go back to it now and then.

I also like to share it when it seems to fit someone's struggles.

There are a few I was wanting to share this with just now, ...so just thought I would put it out there for YOU as well.

Gods best this day my friend, BOOKER (see below)

The Bend in the Road

Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end...

But God has a much wider vision
And he knows that it's only a bend,

The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest...

The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load

And have faith in a brighter tomorrow,
YOU have just come to a bend in the road.

Author: Helen Steiner Rice

2011-06-08T06:36:00.001-07:00

Thanx for concern w/ our AC being out -back on & cool again. Another hot one & then some 80s coming!?! Take care, now go smile at someone,

2011-06-07T07:01:00.003-07:00

Bummer, the AC is on the fritz -nice timing ay? STILL so totally blessed, not complaining on that! Some GOD time this morning has me thinking …it is that attitude thing... it is about HOW we play the game… it is HOW we act, WHAT we say, WHO we are serving, helping others…

Our focus need be on HOW & WHO we are vs. WHERE we are going. He will take care of that, HE knows what He is doing, do you(we)? It is about journey vs. destination for sure …perspective maybe? …it does not get any better than this!?!

As I said, I was just thinking …STAY COOL!

Just had an interesting thought about humans vs ants, it can wait,…you can hardly wait huh?

A smile really is just a frown turned upside down, is it not?

AC not working, FURNACE is fine

2011-06-07T07:01:00.001-07:00

Bummer, the AC is on the fritz -nice timing ay? STILL so totally blessed, not complaining on that!

Some GOD time this morning has me thinking …it is that attitude thing... it is about HOW we play the game… it is HOW we act, WHAT we say, WHO we are serving, helping others…

Our focus need be on HOW & WHO we are vs. WHERE we are going. He will take care of that, HE knows what He is doing, do you(we)? It is about journey vs. destination for sure …perspective maybe? …it does not get any better than this!?!

As I said, I was just thinking …STAY COOL!

Just had an interesting thought about humans vs ants, it can wait,…you can hardly wait huh?

A smile really is just a frown turned upside down, is it not?

So blessed

2011-06-05T06:14:00.001-07:00

By watergarden this am reading/ thinking, so awesome out, so blessed! Church, ribs on grill, Syd, bike ride, bit of yardwork, a Royals Win? Thats my plan-Good Lord willing: http://ping.fm/INVfN

2011-06-05T06:12:00.001-07:00

By pond reading/blessed: church, ribs/grill, Syd, bikeride, RoyalsWin? My plan-Good Lord willing: http://ping.fm/WqBzG

Weekend is over, its Monday and...

2011-06-03T08:55:00.001-07:00

Your boss RELATES well with people - for sure with YOU! Obviously this is instrumental to how he/she COMMUNICATES so successfully.

He ACCOMODATES people & ideas, as he CREATES involvement, better systems & improvement-thinking; causing us to ELIMINATE waste on many fronts.

She FACILITATES teamwork among individuals & between teams/depts; never hesitating to productively EVALUATE, providing feedback as necessary.

He/she DEMONSTRATES leadership, professionalism & what we all want in our boss, by practicing the:

GREAT 8 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

If I can help you, your business, or your management in these regards, let me know. These principles are what our soon-to-be-released book is all about, www.theconferenceforleaders.com

Gods best to you,

Doug, BOOKER TRAINING ASSOCIATES

THAT TRAINING DILEMMA:
Q: What if I train my people & they leave?
A: What if you don't & they stay!
(Consider this Q/A as it applies to supervision & management; & the fact the year is nearly half over. When?)

When leaders change (improve), ...organizations change (improve)

2011-06-02T05:35:00.001-07:00

Greetings Manager friends! Will you make things better today? Along w/ managing Ops/systems - will your people grow thru your leadership?