It happened while on the international trip in South Africa. Should I do it or not? Actually, it was not something to be done. It was communication to be expressed--a critical conversation. There are many reasons why people choose to delay or not express thoughts, information, or other insights. Some of the reasons include avoiding embarrassment of yourself or others, not… Continue reading The Urge of Leadership
The Lesson of VALOR
It’s been a year since my last blog… (tisk tisk) I’m about to have a critical conversation with you. Please listen patiently as I guarantee I’ve strayed off topic, but I swear this is earnest. VALOR has been great but with farm and family life I have been a bit distracted. The farm, of which… Continue reading The Lesson of VALOR
Virginia’s Green Industry
One of the highlights of our last VALOR seminar was learning about the green industry on the “other side of the mountain.” That’s right, this Hokie ventured into Charlottesville for a few days. While there are many greenhouse facilities scattered around Virginia, the bulk of the environmentally controlled square footage is in Central Virginia. According… Continue reading Virginia’s Green Industry
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?
"Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her. Many a thing she ought to understand. But how do you make her stay and listen to all you say?" Oh, Maria! We all know a Maria. Maybe there's a Maria at work, home, church, little league, your high school yearbook... Maybe you're surrounded by… Continue reading How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?
Crucial Conversations
As I reflect on our time spent in Southside Virginia during our last VALOR seminar, I am reminded of our training on crucial conversations. A crucial conversation can be one that is difficult, challenging, and/or important. These types of conversations occur in every part of our daily lives. In many cases, it is a conversation… Continue reading Crucial Conversations
Virginia Pining
The cold winter days are upon us which leaves many of us in Virginia pining for warmer weather. The same is true for Virginia's forests. Trees don't grow much in the winter when the ground is frozen but come warmer soil, it's off to the races. The VALOR Fellows had a hay day with Jason… Continue reading Virginia Pining
Top 5 Ways VALOR Helps Relationships
5. It provides a safe space for personal reflection. 4. "No, honey, this is not a 'little getaway' weekend. We are really working on personal development as we attend sessions." 3. Cards Against Humanity. Wow, we really can go from being mad at each other to laughing it off! 2. Borrow and adapt the critical… Continue reading Top 5 Ways VALOR Helps Relationships
Change: Bad to Good, Good to Good
VALOR is an enabling experience! The hands-on experiences of oystering and crabbing in the Northern Neck was fabulous. Although I live in the Northern Neck, it was my first time being out in the Chesapeake Bay. The recent Southside Sessions exposed me to the wonderful opportunities in timber harvesting (don't believe me, ask Carl Parsons!).… Continue reading Change: Bad to Good, Good to Good
Producer, Manager, Leader
Personal Musings On My Career Growth Early in my career I produced stuff. My role was clear. Produce a deliverable. On time and under budget. Yes, ma’am! As others recognized my growing expertise and experience, I was promoted to manager. My role was clear again. Juggle the demands of my producer role, while directing the… Continue reading Producer, Manager, Leader
Less Is More
A visit to Ingleside Winery
valeadersor.com 