Posted on August 14, 2019
By Nan Russell
When we lived on the East Coast a few decades back, we saw the musical, Wicked, on Broadway. So recently, when the traveling show came west, we were excited to share it with our granddaughters and their parents. As the closing duet, “For Good,” started, so did my tears. The words, “because I knew you, I’ve been changed for the better; changed for good,” got me thinking in this, our anniversary month, about our marriage and my life.
The tangible results of us falling in love includes two girls, ages nine and twelve, who call us Nana and GrDad and delight our lives. Plus their father, whose creative zest and loving ways make us proud, and an amazing daughter-in-law who completes our family with authentic warmth and grace. All four, by their very existence, nudge me toward my better side.
But the intangible impact of falling in love with this man who shares my life is profound. I am a better person because I know him; love him; learn from him. I am more tolerant, loving, curious, adventuresome, joyful, and optimistic because sharing a life with him has enabled me to become a better me.
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not claiming some magical happily-ever-after fairy tale experience. I don’t profess a marriage without mistakes, scars, or life-happens-shifts that challenged, pushed, and (continue reading →)
Posted in: In the Scheme of Things, Life |
Tagged: better person, contribution to my life, for good, In the Scheme of Things, knowing you, life, love and marriage, marriage, Nan Russell, relationships, wedding anniversary |
Posted on July 5, 2018
By Nan Russell
I felt the malice immediately, arriving without warning via my website, with no return email. Her poisoned-laced words were intended to sting, and they did, although perhaps not in the way she intended. Mostly my heart ached with sadness for her long held pain.
At the bottom of the message was the name of an old friend I’d lost contact with years before. Her message accused me of betraying her trust decades ago. But despite the venom released at me, there was no mention or explanation of what it was that I did in my twenties that caused her to reach that conclusion, or why she held onto her anger all these years. All I knew was someone I still cared about saw me responsible for something that upset her.
The message haunted me, not because of what it said, but because I never knew I hurt her. I never knew there was festering pain attributed to my words or actions. Certainly, there are people I know I’ve hurt, but this was different. Am I accountable when someone feels slighted or wounded by something I did or said, or didn’t do or didn’t say, and I never knew it? How we perceive another’s actions, motives or intentions is subject to our interpretation.
I’m reminded of how inaccurate my own assumptions have been. I remember feeling (continue reading →)
Posted in: In the Scheme of Things |
Tagged: anger, busy, everyday occurrences, first assumption, In the Scheme of Things, love, Nan Russell, presumption of innocence, relationships, talk to each other |
Posted on January 19, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. I often post here about work, life and sometimes the merging of the two. 
By now most of your holiday decorations are put away, gift exchanges are done and New Year’s resolutions (if you do that sorta thing) are already broken. The turning of the calendar brings a clean slate and a year of new possibilities. Yet, I am feeling stuck. There are significant tasks on my proverbial ‘to do list’ to be completed, there are relationships that still need mending, there are friends and relatives yet to be visited and there is a strong probability I could have a Valentine’s Day Tree this year. Maybe you’re feeling the same way?
The question then becomes how to move forward? Of course, the answers are as plentiful as people in the world. It is a personal choice and motivation comes from within. I’m reminded of a popular quote by American naturalist and nature essayist John Burroughs, “Leap and the net will appear.” But what is left unsaid by Burroughs is faith. Merriam-Webster defines faith as “something that is believed especially with strong conviction” and comes from the Latin word fidere – to trust. Hmm …
Today is someday as Nan would say. I need to stop wallowing and start doing. I must – leap, have faith and the net will appear. Baby steps seem like a good way to begin:
Clean out, Throw out – There is lots of opportunity here. That annoying (continue reading →)
Posted in: Life |
Tagged: appreciation, Beth Pelkofsky, choice, expectations, faith, leap, little things, relationships, stuck, trust |
Posted on November 24, 2015
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. I regularly post here about work, life and sometimes the merging of the two. In the next several days many of us will be thinking about the people, the places and the things we’re thankful for as we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. What we may not realize is, being thankful throughout the year can have tremendous health benefits for us and it is free! This week, I did some fact-finding* and research* on why it is healthy to practice gratitude every day. I thought I would share it here.
So, what is gratitude? Why is it healthy? And, how do you practice it?
According to Merriam-Webster it is a feeling of thankfulness.
Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, a leading researcher in a growing field, called (continue reading →)
Posted in: Life, Tips |
Tagged: appreciation, attitude of gratitude, creative, gratitude, health, journal, life, optimistic, relationships, sleep, stress, thanksgiving |
Posted on November 17, 2015
By Nan Russell
In the early days of a start-up company I once worked for, a plump turkey was a small thank you token given to employees around the holidays. The turkey-giving practice lasted maybe three years, until the growing size of the organization necessitated its change. While enhanced benefits emerged to replace that poultry gift, the missing turkey still appeared as a resentment issue years later in employee forums.
Not long ago, I was surprised to hear employees grumbling at a company that provided a daily complimentary hot breakfast to employees. Not enough organic fruit, too many high carb selections, no green tea, and limited options were frequent murmurs. Turns out their well-intentioned gesture was not met with any thanks, just complaints. What didn’t surprise me was (continue reading →)
Posted in: Winning at Working |
Tagged: appreciation, gratitude, Nan Russell, recognition, relationships, thank you, Winning at Working |
Posted on December 3, 2014
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s, I regularly post here when things grab my attention about today’s workplace and sometimes, life. A few years ago, I helped a close friend move to a new home. While packing some of her cherished books, I stumbled upon: This I Believe written in Association with NPR. I did my usual quick flip through and then put it aside to read later. Since then, I’ve picked it up a few times. It is a collection of personal philosophies of remarkable men and women, some famous others not; completing the thought that begins the title of the book.
Over the weekend, I noticed it again on my book shelf and it got me thinking – What do I believe? What do others believe? Does it matter? I believe it does. For our beliefs grow from what we see, hear, experience, read and think as we go through life. They guide our actions, attitudes and relationships with ourselves and others. Some we have in common, others are different. I thought I would share several of mine with the desire to spark a dialogue of what you believe.
So, here goes. I BELIEVE
Share what you believe
We are all connected, what I do, what you do, what strangers do, what folks do in other regions of the world, there is a continuous energy or force connecting all of us.
Some of the most valuable parts of life are not visible.
Giving my word is the same (continue reading →)
Posted in: Uncategorized |
Tagged: beliefs, Beth Pelkofsky, commitment, connect, hope, inspiration, laughing, nature, perspective, relationships |
Posted on November 6, 2014
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s, I regularly post here when things grab my attention about today’s workplace and sometimes, life. At this time of year, I make a conscious decision to think about the many good things and people I’m grateful for in my life. Gratitude … feeling or showing thanks, as defined by Webster. With that in mind, here are several of my favorite quotes about Gratitude:
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive. To breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aureluis
“An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” — Yogi Bhajan
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” — Aesop
“Giving is an expression of gratitude for our blessings.” — Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen (continue reading →)
Posted in: Quotes |
Tagged: appreciation, Beth Pelkofsky, gratitude, perspective, quotes, relationships, thankful |
Posted on October 21, 2014
By Nan Russell
Under a shade tree on the elementary school playground where my granddaughters who are 7 and 5 attend class, is a small rock garden, a bench, and this plaque. I think the words are as helpful for us at work as they are for children at school.
In that same spirit, here are a few items that crossed my desk this month that I thought you might enjoy:
Also, I recently started a Pinterest Board called WorkStuff where I regularly pin things I find interesting related to leadership, trust, careers, and work issues. You can find it here.
(continue reading →)
Posted in: Things You May Have Missed |
Tagged: considerate people, Leadership, Nan Russell, relationships, respect, WorkStuff |
Posted on May 17, 2013
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. She is now writing Part 3 of her new book, Trust, Inc.: How to Create a Business Culture that Will Ignite Passion, Engagement, and Innovation; so I offered to write a blog post.
I subscribe to a few online daily quotation services. I read them most mornings before beginning my day. These words often provide inspiration or a new way of thinking. Here is one that arrived in my inbox yesterday by American businessman and author Max De Pree, “Leadership is more tribal than scientific, more a weaving of relationships than an amassing of information.”
Unfortunately, in many workplaces today it is the opposite, leaders believe hoarding information is power and with that power brings authority and followership. Really? Have they looked recently at successful workplaces today?
So, what does it mean to be tribal? According to speaker and author of Tribes, Seth Godin, “A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader and connected to an idea.” OK, makes sense.
Now, what about the “weaving of relationships?” How do titleless leaders build good working relationships? Here are a few ways to spark your thinking?
- Operate with Trust – Trust begins with self-trust, pay attention to yourself and to your intentions, and give trust first. What does your trust barometer say?
Posted in: Tips |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, communication, Leadership, relationships, titleless leader, trust |
Posted on April 14, 2013
By Beth Pelkofsky
I am a colleague of Nan’s. She is writing Part 2 of her new book, Trust, Inc.: How to Create a Business Culture that Will Ignite Passion, Engagement, and Innovation; so I offered to write a blog post.
As I went about my normal routine this past week, I heard a couple of disturbing workplace stories. So much so, that I found myself ranting to friends and families. What has happen to basic kindness and human compassion in today’s workplaces? I’m sure at least a story or two come to mind.
It takes me back to a frequent conversation with my mom when I was a teenager. “Young lady it’s not what you are saying, it is how you are saying it, that is mean spirited.” And, my typical response was “Whatever.” This is an important learning that has served me well. Although, it did take a while for me to get it.
Why It Matters
As a titleless leader you will need to focus not just on what your message is but how you say it and how you act. Here’s why –
- You create a lasting impression. Does your impression look like a magnificent tapestry or a lackluster textile? Which is more valued?
- You get what you give. Are you kind with colleagues? Are you honest and act with integrity? This isn’t a cause and effect relationship but (continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership, Tips |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, impressions, Kindness, reciprocity, relationships, titleless leader |
When we lived on the East Coast a few decades back, we saw the musical, Wicked, on Broadway. So recently, when the traveling show came west, we were excited to share it with our granddaughters and their parents. As the closing duet, “For Good,” started, so did my tears. The words, “because I knew you, I’ve been changed for the better; changed for good,” got me thinking in this, our anniversary month, about our marriage and my life.
