A few words on alignment: Consider a car’s alignment – out, it’s difficult to drive, you don’t trust it to take the hills. When a car is in alignment, you know it – it’s smoooooth driving! Likewise, any accomplishment will be easier for you to achieve with an aligned team. This business concept can be applied to your corporation, family, networks of support, co-workers, peers, spheres of influence or any other group.

I work with organizations to assist executives with building stronger teams and aligning employees to the vision, core values, mission and other imperatives. The indicators of organizations that are out of alignment include lack of personal accountability, complacency, gossiping, not keeping commitments, being afraid to give and receive feedback, the “do as I say, not as I do” attitude, being a bully, being disrespectful, telling off-color jokes, being arrogant, not listening, being non-inclusive and being a victim. Have you been noticing any of these?

Aligned companies are characterized by mutual respect, win-win attitudes, courageousness, integrity, commitment, a team spirit, trust, and personal responsibility. Importantly they have a quality of connectedness that leads them to creation of results on the bottom line. Everyone sees a clear link between their roles and their part in creating the corporate imperatives. When everything is aligned, people will more easily be able to determine whether or not they are being a contributor or an obstacle. And leaders, this is intentional!

As a consultant who specializes in alignment, leadership and diversity I’ve got plenty of evidence that being and staying in alignment is not always easy but it is possible and imperative with solid working partners and top-down, bottom-up commitment and communication. Walking the talk and empowering others to do the same even when one doesn’t feel like it – easier said than done. However, consider the alternative.

To Learn More

Related articles

• Three Ways to Pull Your Senior Team Together (forbes.com)
• What ‘type’ of leader are you? (leadspeak.wordpress.com)

“Harriet Beecher Stowe.” Ohio Historical Center Archives Library. Call Number MSS0116 Box 106.

POSITIVELY POWERFUL: When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

Dr. George Fraser

Thousands of people over the last ten years have gathered together for knowledge sharing by or for African American and Black people. The luminaries are the who’s who of speakers, academicians and community leaders nationally and internationally. They are dedicated to one cause and brought together by one man – Dr. George Fraser.

There are many key people on the FraserNet team that you won’t see on stage like Alexandria Boone (Conference Manager), Bernadette Mayfield, Charmaine Ward (Volunteer Manager) and the Fraser family members especially Jean. There are behind the scene team members that you will see on stage like Greg Williams – George’s partner, Dr. Kwa David Whittaker, Veronica Conway (Conference Coach) and me Dr. Joel Martin (Director of Education)…and then there are the multitudes of  sponsors, faculty members and guests who are so vitally important. This is a birthday card of sorts to everyone, to an organization and importantly to the man who dreamt it into existence. Many many more Dr. Fraser. Keep making your magnificent difference creating a stellar PowerNetworking environment “where people gather together to get ahead” for wealth building, health, entrepreneurship, spirituality, corporate contribution, connection, education for youth and fun.

“It takes teamwork to make the dream work!” George Fraser

“This is not an issues conference, it is an education and training conference…” George Fraser

For more information and to join us for this year’s celebration, click here.

PNC Conference Preview

Professional development is about being a lifelong learner. It means always asking the burning questions “What’s next in my life, my business and for my community”. It demands investments in ones education. It takes connecting with others and being willing to confess, “I don’t know it all.” It takes getting up and going out to new places to learn new ideas. It takes caring about the people next to you in your business, at a conference and next door. Professional development is fueled by a vision and a passion for excellence, empowerment and education. This too is what fuels a successful business – and life. Dr. Joel P. Martin, Positively Powerful Triad West Inc.

The love for your business is Loretta Love Huff. She has created two opportunities for professional development: The retreat ReEnergize Your Business: April 28th to 30th and her presentation featured by the National Bank of Arizona, Unleash Your Inner Leader, Thursday May 12th from 5:30PM – 7:30 PM . Loretta Love Huff is a successful coach known as The Dream Leader for Business. For more information, contact Loretta Love Huff.

Here’s what’s she promises during just day one of her three day ReEnergize Your Business.

• The exact 7-step process of her BAMBOO (Business Acceleration Model that Boosts Outrageous Outcomes™)
• Confidence, knowing you can truly trust yourself
• How to de-stress and stay focused on the perfect path for you
• Freedom from the money baggage you inherited as a child
• Clarity about what’s blocking you from the progress you yearn for

Here’s what to expect during her Unleash Your Inner Leader: “Some say leaders are born and not made. This myth has kept many professionals from expressing their personal leadership, pursuing their purpose and creating the lasting legacy they were meant to leave in their organizations and communities.  In this session, attendees will discover what it takes to step out with confidence, influence with integrity and live a life with passion and purpose.”

Give your business more love. The National Bank of Arizona’s Women, Wine and Leadership programs are one of the services of the Women’s Financial Group (WFG) dedicated to providing networking and resources to female business owners. It is the creation of Deborah Bateman, Executive Vice President of Specialty Banking, member Executive Committee and Board of Directors National Bank of Arizona. Ms. Bateman will be receiving the 2011 Positively Powerful Woman Of Philanthropic Leadership Award on May 20th at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix for this and many other contributions.

Rev. Dr. Cathy Clardy Patterson, Pastor, Fountain of Life Church will receive the first Positively Powerful Woman Award for Spiritual Leadership for her vision as expressed through the founding of Fountain of Life Church and her global ministry; for  serving on the ministerial staff at Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix; for her academic credentials and contributions; for her success in the world of business as only the second African American woman in U. S. history to be named a Managing Director of a major investment bank; and for being a role-model as a community leader.

Rev. Dr. Cathy Clardy Patterson founded the Fountain of Life Church (“FOL”) in 2006 with 12 individuals “like the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Disciples they set forth in obedience to the Word of God.”  Rev. Patterson believes that the church, following in the footsteps of Jesus, must meet people where they are and minister to their needs.

Rev. Patterson entered the ministry in 1999 and was granted a license to preach by the Presiding Elder of the Phoenix-Albuquerque District of the Desert Mountain Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (“AMEC”).  Rev. Patterson was ordained by the AMEC in 2002 as an Itinerate Deacon and upon her successful completion of the denomination’s 5-year course of study she was ordained as an Itinerate Elder in 2004.  Rev. Patterson earned her Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Rev. Patterson’s academic credentials also include: a Juris Doctorate from The Harvard Law School; a Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University (where she was designated a University Fellow by the faculty); a Bachelor of Science in Management and Industrial Relations from Minnesota State University at Mankato where she was the first graduate of the University’s Honors Program.

Rev. Patterson has had a wide-ranging career in law and finance.  She practiced law at major firms in both Washington D.C. and New York.  Rev. Patterson eventually was lured to Wall Street where she held a series of progressively responsible positions at two of the largest investment banks in the world. During her tenure on Wall Street she closed more than $16 billion in complex structured securities transactions.  Ultimately she became only the second African American woman in U. S. history to be named a Managing Director of a major investment bank.

Rev. Patterson moved to Arizona to accept a position as a Sr. Vice President of ING /Pilgrim Securities.  Currently, in addition to her pastoral duties she is the CEO of a consulting firm. 

Rev. Cathy has always given back to the community.  Since her arrival in Arizona she has served on the ministerial staff at Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix where in addition to having the opportunity to preach and teach the Word of God she served as the Vice Chair of Tanner Community Development Corporation.

Rev. Patterson has also been active in a number of civic organizations, having served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Phoenix and a member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for Arizona Opera.  She is currently the Chair of the Board for Arizona Cares, Inc, and a member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. 

Rev. Patterson has been happily married to Mr. Ross Patterson, Jr. for 21 years. Mr. Patterson has a heart for mission work whenever there is a need he is the first to respond.  His recent missionary endeavors have included extensive work with the Lost Boys of the Sudan, survivors of Hurricane Katrina and developing an outreach ministry for men.

About the Awards Program. The Positively Powerful Woman Award is given to servant leaders who have founded or lead legacy organizations that have stood the test of time. On May 20th, 11:30am to 2pm, at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix we will honor women as royalty for their hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. Following the Luncheon will be networking and “Conversations On Leadership” for professional & business development. Positively Powerful Guest Speakers include Diana Gregory, Susan Ratliff and Dr. Kay Lovelace-Taylor. You will leave inspired to go for your vision with new friends and information that will assist you in getting where you want to be…faster. The public is invited to attend. Dr. Joel P. Martin Triad West, Inc. president is the producer. Click here to become a sponsor and to attend the Awards and Seminar which follows.

“An award-winning entrepreneur with a passion for empowering others!”

Colleen J. Payne-Nabors will receive the 2011 Positively Powerful Woman Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership for her vision as expressed through the founding of six successful companies including the award winning Mobile Cardiac Imaging, LLC, (dba) MCI Diagnostic Center. Under her leadership as founder and CEO, MCI Diagnostic Center has become one of the most successful and well-positioned companies in the medical industry. Inc. Magazine listed her company as one of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

MCI Diagnostic Center provides “excellent patient care and state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments with the most advanced, modern equipment available.” It has grown to include a team of dedicated physicians who are experts in their fields, a staff trained at many of the country’s leading teaching hospitals, Board Certified radiologists, a skilled management team and medical professionals that are courteous and compassionate. MCI Diagnostic Center is located at 7018 South Utica Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma  74136. For more information, phone them at 918.744.1001 or email them at mobile@mobilecardiac.com.

Colleen J. Payne defeated all odds, overcame all obstacles and built this multi-million dollar business from the ground up. She is a superb business person who has a passion for assisting others.  Because of her humor, candor, integrity and ability to empower others, she is a sought-after speaker who works with organizational leaders who want to create, organize and lead successful businesses that have a competitive edge. Her book I Did it My Way and…It Worked! is a savvy, no-nonsense approach to business and entrepreneurship.

Colleen has written numerous leadership and business articles, and has been featured in many publications, including Washington G2, Black Enterprise, Influence Magazine, and Inc. Magazine. She has appeared on national and local television with segments on Fox News, ABC, CBS and NBC. She was named as one of Tulsa’s Most Influential People in 2008, was the SBA’s Small Business Person of the year in 2007 for the State of Oklahoma, and was selected as Business Innovator of the Year in 2003 by Black Enterprise Magazine.

About the Awards Program. The Positively Powerful Woman Award is given to servant leaders who have founded or lead legacy organizations that have stood the test of time. On May 20th, 11:30am to 2pm, at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix we will honor women as royalty for their hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. Following the Luncheon will be networking and “Conversations On Leadership” for professional & business development. Positively Powerful Guest Speakers include Diana Gregory, Susan Ratliff and Dr. Kay Lovelace-Taylor. You will leave inspired to go for your vision with new friends and information that will assist you in getting where you want to be…faster. The public is invited to attend. Dr. Joel P. Martin Triad West, Inc. president is the producer. Click here to become a sponsor and to attend the Awards and Seminar which follows.

1st Meeting

In a recent article in the Harvard Business Review the question is asked “how can you as a manager (or business owner) create and nurture that special culture?  These lessons can be useful for new business as well. Wouldn’t it be an advantage when starting out to have in mind a clear leadership message, style and vision of what your company will look like. Given the current economic turmoil, more and more people (which could  mean you) will be doing something you only dreamed about, that is starting a their own business.

Here are some of what you should consider.

1. Leadership is critical in codifying and maintaining an organizational purpose, values, and vision. Leaders must set the example by living the elements of culture: values, behaviors, measures, and actions. Values are meaningless without the other elements.
2. Like anything worthwhile, culture is something in which you invest. An organization’s norms and values aren’t formed through speeches but through actions and team learning. Strong cultures have teeth. They are much more than slogans and empty promises. Some organizations choose to part ways with those who do not manage according to the values and behaviors that other employees embrace. Others accomplish the same objective more positively. At Baptist Health Care, for example, managers constantly reinforce the culture by recognizing those whose actions exemplify its values, its behaviors, and its standards. Team successes are cause for frequent celebrations. In addition, BHC rewards individual accomplishments through such things as “WOW (Workers becoming Owners and Winners) Super Service Certificates,” appreciation cards for 90-day employees that list their contributions to their team, one-year appreciation awards, multiyear service awards, employee of the month awards, and recognition of workers as “Champions” or “Legends” for extraordinary achievements or service. Managers at all levels offer frequent informal recognition and send handwritten thank-you notes (which stand out in the age of e-mail). Those who aren’t living up to BHC’s values soon get the point.
3. Employees at all levels in an organization notice and validate the elements of culture. As owners, they judge every management decision to hire, reward, promote, and fire colleagues. Their reactions often come through in comments about subjects such as the “fairness of my boss.” The underlying theme in such conversations, though, is the strength and appropriateness of the organization’s culture.
4. Organizations with clearly codified cultures enjoy labor cost advantages for the following reasons:– They often become better places to work. — They become well known among prospective employees. — The level of ownership—referral rates and ideas for improving the business of existing employees—is often high. — The screening process is simplified, because employees tend to refer acquaintances who behave like them. — The pool of prospective employees grows. — The cost of selecting among many applicants is offset by cost savings as prospective employees sort themselves into and out of consideration for jobs. — This self-selection process reduces the number of mismatches among new hires.
5. Organizations with clearly codified and enforced cultures enjoy great employee and customer loyalty, in large part because they are effective in either altering ineffective behaviors or disengaging from values-challenged employees in a timely manner.
6. An operating strategy based on a strong, effective culture is selective of prospective customers. It also requires the periodic “firing” of customers, as pointed out in our examples of companies like ING Direct, where thousands are fired every month. This strategy is especially important when customers “abuse” employees or make unreasonable demands on them.
7. The result of all this is “the best serving the best,” or as Ritz-Carlton’s mission states, “Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.”
8. This self-reinforcing source of operating leverage must be managed carefully to make sure that it does not result in the development of dogmatic cults with little capacity for change. High-performing organizations periodically revisit and reaffirm their core values and associated behaviors. Further, they often subscribe to some kind of initiative that requires constant benchmarking and searching for best practices both inside and outside the organization. For example, at Baptist Health Care, all employees are expected and encouraged “to search until they find ‘the best of the best’ in their area of expertise and benchmark against them (and possibly emulate them).”
9. Organizations with strong and adaptive cultures foster effective succession in the leadership ranks. In large part, the culture both prepares successors and eases the transition.
10. Cultures can sour. Among the reasons for this are success itself, the loss of curiosity and interest in change, the triumph of culture over performance, the failure of leaders to reinforce desired behaviors, the breakdown of consistent communication, and leaders who are overcome by their own sense of importance.

What used to be an advantage for well establish companies was that size provided them with all the tools that was to thought to be to expensive for new business to afford. However technology has become both affordable and accessible which gives you the opportunity to concentrate on building a viable business, with people from all over the world like China, India, Argentina or South Africa and with a business culture, leadership and vision that people want to be a part of.

I’ve heard some wonderful stories about the November 4th “mock elections” and this one is a spectacular display of transformational leadership in action by 5th graders.

“Our school is going to be the first in America to be named Barack Obama Elementary school!” fifth-grader Teonte Jackson said. “I feel proud.”

Jackson is flying high. In Ludlum Elementary‘s “mock-election,” Jackson was named: President Barack Obama. His classmate, Jalani Johnson, was his running mate.

“My name is Jalani Johnson and I am also Joe Biden,” Johnson said.

Students here said the mock elections were so invigorating, they begged for something more permanent. Led by 10-year-old lobbyist Samantha Alburez, this trio surprised the Hempstead School Board on Thursday night with unexpected and overwhelming written requests, delivered as stirring oratory.

“Ludlum is a diverse school, so naming our school Barack Obama would honor the diversity of the staff and students,” Alburez said.

You must see the video. The printed word cannot express the strength, vision, passion, and pride of these young people. Kudos to those who created their context of greatness, Principal Mrs. Jean Bligen (left) especially.

Has the Internet created the possibility of a true democracy? Everyone has a say and unfortunately everyone thinks that they are right and truthful. This is both liberating and fearful thought and in order for this to work we need to do more then sing “We are the World”. We better figure out a way to understand each other. In the last twenty years or so the powerful Nation have lost the ability to bully other governments around. Large corporations have been humbled by the by likes of Google, EBay and others. The Planet seems to be gearing up to wipe out the human race, with toxic air and water. Everybody has or wants a Nuclear Bomb so that they can see if they wipe out the human race before Mother Nature takes her course.

So as difficult as it is to believe, the song we need to be singing is “Getting to Know You”. This is our intention for the journal. We want to hear from people who understand that it is truly up to them and they are involved in doing something to avoid what looks like hell around the corner.