Guiding Principles
Guiding Principles
Our Guiding Principles are the cornerstone from which we operate. They work in concert with one another and represent the sage advice by which we continue to strive to live...
Tell the truth... honor commitments
What we believe: Honesty and integrity are the foundations of trust; trust is fundamental for a good relationship. Our work is about relationships. We cannot lead, follow, or partner without trust. It takes courage to tell the truth and discipline to do what we say we will do.
How it shows up in our work: We protect confidential information, we candidly communicate observations that are related to the goals and scope of our work. We strive to consistently provide exceptional work on time.
Grow
What we believe: People are either growing or they are shrinking, applying themselves or atrophying—there is no neutral. All leaders should be actively working an individual development plan - formal or informal- that helps them continue to move toward their desired state.
How it shows up in our work: We help clients create practical plans that leverage their strengths and address areas of weakness. Our coaching clients define specific goals in order to move toward a desired future. Similarly, the first step in the leadership development processes we help design, is the definition of 'what good looks like.'
Laugh a lot
What we believe: Norman Cousins taught us that laughter is great medicine. Most of us take ourselves far too seriously. The ability to laugh at ourselves and to see humor in our situations, no matter how difficult or tragic, and without belittling, is a vital life skill. Laughter relaxes, it releases tension, and when shared, it builds relationships.
How it shows up in our work: We love our work and enjoy our clients; if we don't, we do something different. We encourage a spirit of playfulness and lightheartedness wherever possible and appropriate.
Go outside…and play
What we believe: Spending time in the natural world is good for the mind, body, and soul. We all need refreshment; nature is a great place to find it. People are more creative, open, and productive when they have opportunities to go play outside. And, not least of all, there are abundant lessons for life and leadership to be learned by paying attention to the natural world.
How it shows up in our work: We utilize venues that support and encourage outdoor activities—even things as simple breathing fresh air or taking a walk. We utilize outdoor, experiential training when possible and appropriate.
Love your neighbor... remember, everything is connected
What we believe: It is critical to treat all people with respect; there is something to be learned from everyone with whom we interact. People truly are not islands unto themselves; we are all connected through a variety of systems or networks (family, community, work team, company, etc.). It is through relationships with others that we grow as individuals.
How it shows up in our work: We offer assessments and coaching around the dimensions of emotional intelligence. We encourage honesty in relationships and believe that, in general, telling the truth is more respectful than withholding important information for the purpose of being kind. Additionally, we reinforce an approach to development that focuses primarily on strengths, helping our clients recognize and leverage the outstanding characteristics in themselves and others.
Trust in something bigger than yourself
What we believe: Our something bigger is God….life-giving, omnipresent, and loving. We don't preach; we respect the beliefs of others. In the ancient traditions there is understanding of and practice around the 3 vital components of human wholeness—mind, body & spirit. This is the spirit part…and it is not limited to or defined by particular religious practices. We recognize that we are not all-knowing and we have faith that there is something bigger at work than we can either fully understand or control.
How it shows up in our work: We ask about and respect the fundamental belief systems of our individual clients, our clients and our work are a focus of our prayer and/or meditation.