On the first of August, I started a self-imposed 20 day blog challenge. My aim was to apply the 20 Day PDSA challenge I use with clients to learn about the process of blogging and how I can increase the quality of the content and the quantity of the postings. I also wanted to learn [...]
20 Day Challenge Day 19 – Lessons from First Day of School
in Change, Education, ReflectionsIt’s the first day of school in Austin. It’s a big day in our house because our littlest is starting kindergarten and both children will be together at our neighborhood elementary school. The first day of school is always chaotic. Twice as many parents are on campus to see their little ones off, friends reunite [...]
20 Day Challenge Day 16 – Reaching Out to Strangers
in Other Stuff, ReflectionsYears ago, a dear friend of mine wanted to apply to Physician Assistant programs. She had a non-medical related bachelors and was working as an EMT for an urban 911 organization to gain experience. She felt she needed a physician recommendation to complement her application. I suggested she ask her medical director for a recommendation. [...]
20 Day Challenge Day 13 – The Role of Failure
in Action Learning, Process Improvement, ReflectionsIf you’ve been following along, you will note there was no post on day 12. It was the first failure in my 20 day challenge to post on every business day. So, what happened? I returned late Wednesday night from Seattle and hit the sack only to wake up early Thursday morning with kiddos. I [...]
20 Day Challenge Day 2 – San Francisco Advanced Measurement
in Conference, health care, Process Improvement, Reflections, WorkIt’s just day two of my 20-day blog challenge and it’s easy to see why people fail at process change. I’m whipped, still have work to do to prepare for tomorrow, and it was very tempting to skip a post (kind a like cheating on healthy eating or skipping the gym). Reminds me of the many times [...]
It Is Not The Critic
in ReflectionsLast week, while at the Leadership Austin Experience Austin event at the Acton MBA in Entrepreneurship campus, I had the pleasure of hearing an inspiring talk by the Honorable Judge Eric Sheppard, Travis County Court of Law #2 on “Leadership & Service”. Judge Sheppard drew our attention to a quote prominently displayed at Acton for all to see [...]
Standardized Symbols – Laundry Care Labels
in ReflectionsHave you ever paid attention to the labels on your clothes? Every garment you own comes with a care label: dry clean only, wash cold, tumble dry, etc. It’s there as a guide, aimed to help you clean your clothing properly and not do something that might shrink, damage, or alter it. I’ve done all three! I [...]
2012 TEDxAustin Reflections
in Around Town, Conference, ReflectionsYesterday, I had the pleasure of being part of the 2012 TEDxAustin – Beyond Measure. This was the second year in a row that I was lucky enough to be invited to be part of this exciting community. You can read my summary from last year here. This year’s event, much like last year’s, did [...]
Donate Yourself & Make a Big Differance
in health care, ReflectionsAs a recovering paramedic and one who has worked as a caregiver, administrator, and advisor to health care organizations, I have a vested interest in improving health. A number of years ago, I explored how I wished to give back to my community, but there were so many worthy organizations and rewarding causes for which [...]
The Annual Review
in Best Practices, ReflectionsThe start of a New Year is a natural place for reflection of year’s past and for planning going forward. I’m a firm believer that one should avoid autopilot living at all costs or, as Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could [...]