Career – The Resilience Habit

Navigating the Transformation

By Derrick Rumenapp | September 27, 2018

I had lunch with a colleague from another local company the other day. As we caught up, questions about GE’s transformation, the stock price and the future of the company arose. More specifically, he asked how I managed my “mindset” during this time of change and how I was handling it with my team. Based on his questions and the likely relevance this has to others, I have taken the time to capture my answer in a format that I can share below.

Here were my takeaways:

Show Empathy and Be Authentic – Acknowledge that change and transformation can be hard and that everyone handles it differently. Realize that people transition through change at different rates; some are excited by change and the potential to influence the road ahead; some are anxious about change and want to proceed more cautiously. Although we won’t be able to relate to everyone’s specific experience, we can still show we care and be ourselves.
Be Clear and Patient – Some people have many questions, especially during times of unprecedented change. Some questions we have the answers to, some we don’t, and others we are not at liberty to share. Be clear about the boundaries of what can and cannot be shared. Patiently reiterate these boundaries when questions are repeated that cannot be answered at that time.
Focus on What You Can Control – People genuinely want to help in times of adversity. Therefore, reinforce the importance one’s daily job responsibilities and how this is one of the best ways they can help. This also helps clarify their role in the transformation by focusing on what they can control.
Model Professional Development – When significant change occurs in a company, it is NOT the time to stop learning. In fact, it is one of the most important times to reiterate the available resources and your support of their training plans. This shows a continued investment in their ongoing professional development and means even more when they see you making time to learn also. #LearnDaily
Encourage Good Career Hygiene – No matter what “season” a company or career is in, everyone should regularly revisit the progress they are making in their career, how they present themselves, and the vitality of their network. Internally, this includes updating your company profile; leveraging learning and development tools; and collaborating with peers and colleagues to continue to expand your knowledge of the company and network. Externally this may involve knowing the market / industry and how certain careers or technologies are evolving. In all cases, growing your network is a MUST both internally and externally. Stay connected to peers in the industry. Network on trends in your career field and stay on top of evolving technologies. Having a current resume and updated LinkedIn profile is important too! This is just good career “hygiene”!
Volunteer – Helping others, helps everyone. Therefore, volunteer as a mentor or coach for people both inside and outside your team. Being an accessible “advisor” allows you to share your perspective as a mentor or guide others into discovering their own answers as a coach. This can lead to clarity, connection, self-defined actions and a better overall “mindset”… for both of you.
Walk the Talk – Simply put: Practice what you Preach. The more congruent your behavior is with what you communicate, the more trust, comfort and productive people will likely be.

How about you? How do you manage your mindset and navigate your team during times of change?

How Clear Are You?

By Derrick Rumenapp | September 20, 2018

I recently stopped at a Wellness Pharmacy to pick up my daughter’s vitamin supplements. Typically, we get these somewhere else but with her at college now, the process to auto ship was not worked out yet. As the cashier rang up the supplements, she informed me that the item didn’t qualify as a Health Savings Account (HSA) purchase. When I inquired as to why, she informed me that when they upgraded their system years ago, something had “broken” with this type of transaction. Since I was short on time, I agreed to use another payment method but indicated that I would no longer purchase these supplements there since I was able to use the HSA account at other stores.

The manager overheard and quickly came over, apparently unaware of this recurring issue. After double checking and confirming it, she seemed frustrated. Not because I had brought the issue up, but because other store personnel (and customers) had experienced the same issue for over a year! She indicated that she would immediately look into it, apologized and acknowledged that the “issue” likely caused lost sales for their business. I thanked her, paid for the supplements and left. As I did, I thought about whether there were things I might not be aware of both personally and professionally, and what role my own behavior played in this.

As a Leader:

Was my team comfortable bringing issues to me?
Is there something they have “learned to live with” that could be hurting the business?
Is the value proposition clear for the outcomes they drive and from the customer’s perspective?
Do I treat my team the way I want them to treat the customers?
Are my expectations clear?

As a parent:

Were my values clear to my children to avoid any misunderstanding of my expectations?
How do I handle or react to mistakes that are brought to me?
Do I model what I believe and what is important?

I left the store that day with more than I had come for including a new perspective, a lot of questions and an awareness I hadn’t had before. Clearly, there were few more “things” I needed to think about including whether my own behavior mirrors my expectations. In short, were there things I wasn’t aware of, both personally and professionally, as a result of my own behavior?

How about you? Does your behavior as a leader or even a parent bring clarity to your expectations?

What is YOUR Life’s Work?

By Derrick Rumenapp | September 12, 2018

As many of you know, I am a football fan, more specifically, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. And by football, I mean American Football played in the National Football League (NFL), not what Americans call soccer. Although I love “futbol” also!

In fact, it’s one of the first things people learn about me when they meet me. Since I am not from Pittsburgh though, people often ask:

“Why the Steelers”?

For one thing, they were the best team in the 1970’s when I was a child. Witnessing the Steelers win an incredible 4 Super Bowls in a 6 year span amazed and inspired me. It made me proud to be a fan and influenced how I wanted to be seen and some of my anchors (values) in life. In fact, I wore my Steelers jersey in every school picture (yes, that’s really me!)! As I got older and played sports, I always wondered: “What mindset would a team need to have to win so many championships in such a short amount of time?” This question and importance of mindset stuck with me throughout my life. Lastly, the “”Steelers” name was voted on and chosen by the local community to represent strength and the city’s main source of employment… the Steel industry. This created a connection and love between the people of Pittsburgh and the Steelers that is second to none in the NFL. Each year, my family and I attend a home game to experience this phenomenon. I have bled black and yellow ever since.

Recently, I had another opportunity to share my love for the Steelers (among others things) but this time as a guest speaker at a GE Training course in Roanoke, Virginia. Now to be clear, the focus of my presentation wasn’t about the Steelers, but rather the power of being authentic, embracing your journey and how the coaching mindset has changed my life or as the class later described it: “My Life Pivot”.

When I hear the word “pivot”, I always think of the years playing basketball in high school and how pivot meant to keep one foot stationary or “anchored” as you move the other foot legally to get a better view of the basket, the opponent or the court. This makes it easier to decide whether to dribble, pass or shoot, ensuring the anchored foot isn’t moved to avoid what’s called “traveling”. To me, this became symbolic of life and how our ability to clearly see and consider other options is greatly improved once we are “anchored” in who we really are, the beliefs we have and the life we are meant to live.

So I began my presentation with just that: a slide “About Me”. Instead of explaining the business I am from, my title, years at GE, and my job responsibilities, I shared things that reflect my values, my character and my passions…the things that “anchor me” from drifting away from my purpose in life:

My Marriage: 22 Years to the most incredible woman in the world
Family: Blessed with 2 amazing kids
My Hometown: Milford NY, Population 3,000 and 1 stop light. Graduated 3rd in my High School class of 35
My Heroes: My Mom and Jesus
My Favorite Charities: Epilepsy Foundation and Operation Smile
My Secret to Success: Getting up early and starting with gratitude
My Secret Weapon: Prayer
My Favorite Car: 1982 Corvette
My Dream Home: Log cabin on the lake
And of course, my Favorite Team: The Steelers

In addition to applauding my wife for sticking with me for 22 years, I received a roar from the other Steeler fans in the room. You see, Steeler fans are everywhere and I always make a point to “high five” Steeler fans whenever I see them…even strangers in airports (yes, my family is always embarrassed). So at the time, I didn’t think much about how sharing my love for the Steelers had demonstrated camaraderie and how it foreshadowed the week ahead.

What are YOUR values? What are YOUR “anchors” in life?

As the presentation continued, I spoke of my journey since High School, changing college majors, various career pivot points, defining personal challenges, significant life events and recently needing “help” to find my way. I shared how I had been blessed with a great career with many incredible jobs, bosses, teams and accomplishments but with all the change at GE recently, I became confused on how I wanted to grow my career. Plus, in the busyness of my personal life and turning 50 soon, I had also lost sight of my purpose, what mattered and what would later be referred to as “my life’s work”. I felt “lost”. This uncertainty became the catalyst to the actions that would follow…another “pivot” had begun.

I made the move. I partnered with my manager and HR. I even hired an external “coach” to jump start my journey of discernment. Admitting I didn’t have all the answers and asking for help was the hardest part, but then something surprising happened. It became exhilarating, liberating and exciting. Instead of spending energy on rumors, unproductive thoughts and worrying about “what might happen”, the coaching process helped me focus on what I could control, what I really wanted, why I wanted it and being accountable to take action. It helped me uncover common themes, strengths and passions I had overlooked and forgotten in my current and previous jobs. The more I worked with my coach, the more I learned about the “coaching process” itself and the incredible impact a “mindset pivot” could have. Not only in managing my career and as a GE Leader, but in how I lead in my life as a husband, parent, son and friend.

With this realization, I immersed myself in everything I could read or watch on the “coaching mindset”. I networked internally and externally; and was even lucky enough to be included in a Coaching Pilot at GE, accelerating my hands on learning. I was hooked! Not only had the “coaching process” given me clarity on what mattered in my personal life (my anchors), it showed me that helping others is where my passion had always been and that the “coaching mindset” could have tremendous impact in my life! As the momentum gained, I acknowledged that the only thing that had held me back in the past was me, my lack of clarity on what I wanted, my unwillingness to ask for help and my fear to take action…in fact, my mindset had been the obstacle all along.

Coaching taught me:

Be Self-aware: Know your values and yourself.
Be Authentic: Show others who you really are.
Be Humble: It’s OK to ask for help!
Be Vulnerable: Share yourself, be open.
Be Accountable…Be clear on what, why and when. Act!
Be Willing: Change your mindset…hardest of all!
Walk the Talk: Model what you preach.
Recognize: “I am a habit”. Eliminate defeating habits. Embrace empowering ones.
Your Inner Peace: Directly related to being yourself and acting congruently with your anchors.

The session ended with an insightful Q&A session and a rousing applause. It was one of the most amazing moments of my professional career and the most vulnerable I had been in a long time. It reinforced the importance of “being anchored” and how a “mindset pivot” paved the wave for the next step in my journey.

What is YOUR mindset?

What followed next was unexpected. Over the next 2 days, more than half the class approached me with encouraging words, insightful observations and stories of their own. They complimented my authenticity, vulnerability, and the real, raw way I told my story. Many said they were inspired, energized and refreshed, even gained a new perspective. Some went home and shared it with their spouses, sparking needed conversations and even breakthroughs. Incredibly one said “they would always remember this presentation”.

I was humbled and even overwhelmed, wondering:

Why had my story and “anchors” resonated with so many?
What had ignited such engagement and response?
Were there really that many people that could relate to my journey, faced similar challenges and/or were looking for their own “mindset pivot”?
Had we just experienced an approach to connect people and cultivate camaraderie; aka “culture” through authenticity, vulnerability, accountability and candor?

I certainly understand loving the Steelers but this felt like something more. A lot more! ?

The questions swirled in my mind as the days unfolded. Clearly a connection with others had been formed that day, but not by sharing my career formalities and titles, but by sharing my story, myself and the things that “anchor me” in my life. It opened the door for others to share themselves, build a connection of their own, and possibly a new “anchor” from which to begin their own “life pivot” from.

This experience also has convinced me that a coaching mindset can help spark, reinforce and advance a company’s culture by modeling behavior that creates connection, character and conversation among people…the very things that support a company’s culture. In fact, to me, culture is about how we work together, the behaviors we reinforce with each other, and what we are willing to accept from each other. Culture stems from a mutual respect and a way of treating each other to accomplish our goals and is influenced not only by a company’s “published” expectations (beliefs, values, behaviors) but also by who we are as people outside of the office. Coaching can help discern, acknowledge, and mobilize the behaviors necessary to recognize our anchors and evolve our mindset. In turn, this makes us comfortable with who we are, what we value, what we want, and how to get there. This clarity gives us the confidence to take the risk in letting others know the real us. From this vulnerability, authenticity and openness, a connection with others emerges that inevitably contributes and shapes a company’s “culture”.

What is YOUR connection with others?

As the final day of class came, it ended symbolically for me with a gift that represented all we had shared (anchors), what we could change (mindset) and how we had bonded (connection) that week to remind us of what really matters in life. You see, as I arrived that day, I was given a gift from one of the attendees, Chris DeFalco (far right below). It was in the form of a book from his personal bookshelf. He indicated he wanted to give me something that reflected his interpretation of my presentation and the impact it had on him. With that in mind, he handed me a book titled “Their Life’s Work”.

Wait for it…..

That’s right! The “Brotherhood of the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers, Then and Now”. WOW!

Picture (left to right): Steeler Fans – John Renick, Derrick Rumenapp, Bryan Gregory, Chris DeFalco.

First, anything Steelers is AWESOME! Period.

After the experience this week, this gift meant so much more than a football gesture or camaraderie between Steeler fans. To me, it symbolized the correlation between the teamwork and camaraderie (connection) needed to turn the Steelers into 4 time Super Bowl Champs and the candor, vulnerability and authenticity a coaching mindset can bring to an organization’s culture to achieve such a feat! The book further illustrated how the philosophy of Chuck Knoll, the coach at the time, created a culture of brotherhood where teammates cared for one another, reinforcing that football (aka our jobs) was not “their life’s work”. In fact, “their life’s work” was linked more to how they treated others (culture) and the brotherhood (connection) they formed along the way as a result of knowing, sharing and giving of themselves…versus the fame, wealth, championships or career accolades they achieved. #Speechless

I left Roanoke energized; inspired and more convinced than ever that the coaching mindset can guide people to become the best version of themselves through authenticity, vulnerability and fearlessly making a “mindset pivot” in pursuit of “our life’s work”. It further demonstrated how a coaching mindset can not only transform our life and careers, but can also play a major role in the culture of company. For me, living my faith, modeling the behaviors I want my children to embody, giving service to those in need, and guiding people to become the best version of themselves as a Servant Leader is undoubtedly “my life’s work”.

Everyone didn’t leave a Steelers fan that day, but I guess that wasn’t the point. Instead, they left with an appreciation of “being themselves”, the importance of knowing their anchors, the impact of their mindset, a deeper connection with each other and an awareness that our life’s work may be a “mindset pivot” away.

What is YOUR life’s work?

Listen to the podcast on Brilliance: Leadership Learning – Growing into Coaching by Derrick Rumenapp

Where’s Your Buddy?

By Derrick Rumenapp | August 10, 2018

Last week my 11 year old son Matthew spent 5 nights and 6 days in the woods with 200+ Scouts. I decided to join him and took the Adult Coverage Night shift from 6pm to 7am and worked during the day. It was the first camping trip that lasted longer than one night for both of us. Suffice to say, camping for this long was an adjustment but the time I spent with him, the scouts and what I (re)learned about caring for each other, teamwork and asking for help made the sleepless nights and sore back worth it!

One of the most important concepts in Scouts is the “Buddy System” which was reinforced verbally daily and with signs throughout the campsite asking: “Where’s Your Buddy”. Wikipedia defines this as “a cooperative arrangement whereby individuals are paired or teamed up and assume responsibility for one another’s instruction, productivity, welfare, or safety.” In other words, instilling in the scouts that they should always do things in pairs or groups, and to never leave anyone alone to ensure the safety and welfare of the troop. This includes eating, sleeping, swimming, hiking, and going anywhere. This concept, although simple, can be easily forgotten, especially when the scouts barely know each other, the campground is dark and unfamiliar, and the newness of the situation is overwhelming. In fact, on the second day, one of the first-time campers “lost his buddy” after dinner. Now to be clear, the scout was never in danger. He was actually with another troop, but unsure where his buddy was and how to get back to camp. So he did the right thing…he stayed put and waited to be found. It was brief but long enough to bring fear and a stern reminder from the Troop Leader that scouts need to stay with their buddy, care for each another, and that we are safer and stronger together. Good lessons…for even adults.

This experience resonated with me not only because I was the adult that “found” the scout but because I remember a time not so long ago in my life when I was “lost”. You see, when I was younger I depended on my family, friends, teachers, and coaches for their support, council and direction. But as I grew older and became more independent, my confidence grew and eventually I forgot the importance and role the “buddy system” plays. I stopped regularly consulting others and thought being an adult, parent or leader meant you had all the answers or “I could figure it out myself”. In fact, my pride, fear and facade became an obstacle to my own growth and happiness. This isolation led to an adult type of “lost” where what I valued, what I wanted, what was important and why I did things became unclear and confusing. In fact, in the busyness of the last 20 years of getting married, buying a home, raising children, enduring changes at work and losing loved ones along the way, I had lost the purpose of my life. Days blurred together and the “why” I did it was lost. Thankfully, I made the decision to get council and hired a “buddy” or what we adults refer to as a “coach”. This coach has helped me gain clarity on my life, redefine what I want and most importantly, recover my purpose and why I do what I do. It also reinforced that we are stronger as a “troop” and that the more wise council we get in life and the more we share ourselves with others, the less likely we are to get lost. This has made all the difference in my life.

Not everyone needs a coach, but who we get council from matters. Having an objective third party and/or someone we trust to work with through challenges brings clarity, comfort and perspective. “Buddies” in our lives can provide the reciprocal guidance, help, caring and support needed as we weather the ups and downs…hopefully minimizing the number of times we get “lost” in the woods of life.

So I have to ask…Where’s your buddy?

Being Authentic Builds Connection

By Derrick Rumenapp | July 31, 2018

My son and I visited my mom this past weekend just outside Cooperstown, NY. We spent most of the day outside, enjoying the weather, hiking and riding quads in the woods. As we traveled along a trail, something caught my eye. It was red and green and shined in the sunlight. After a closer look, we determined it was an amazing little insect about half the size of a dime and sitting on a tall blade of grass. It’s shape, colors and movements were unique and intoxicating. We found ourselves lost in watching it walk around on the blades of grass, clumsy in appearance but surefooted as it navigated the terrain…unaware of us and happy with just “being itself.”

It made me think about what people “see” when they meet me. Do I catch their eye with my words, actions and appearance? Do they see my authentic self or a facade I wear to hide my insecurities and fears?

This point was made again this past Friday on a call I had with a colleague. I had been given the name of another executive coach to share best practices, experiences and our journey as a coach. At the start of the call, I made the decision to enable my video so that she could hear AND see me. She agreed to do the same. This was the first step towards being authentic by letting us “see each other.” This paved the way for our discussion and helped to quickly build rapport. We talked, laughed and shared interests about dogs, coaching and to my surprise…our faith. You see, during our conversation I noticed a necklace with a beautiful cross… an outward sign only visible because we were on video. Although sometimes a sensitive topic, I decided to compliment her on the necklace and showed her my cross and necklace which was hidden beneath my shirt. Immediately, our connection grew stronger and the authenticity of our interaction deepened. We talked about our journey of faith, the parallels it has with caring for people as a coach, and not being afraid to be ourselves. In fact, each day as we interact with others, we have the opportunity to share many outward expressions that tell people who we really are. The more we are the authentic, the deeper the connections we build as coaches, parents, colleagues and people.

This all started with a simple decision to share our video during a phone call. The willingness to be “seen”, to be ourselves and to share our colors, shapes and values deepened the connection we made with one another. It proved, the more authentic we are, the more authentic others will likely be too…a lesson we can even learn from a marvelous little insect!

Great Leaders Know the Power of “Why”

By Derrick Rumenapp | July 24, 2018

As my wife and I were coming back from a trip to my hometown this past weekend, a group of 20+ motorcycles came up behind us and passed. As they drove by, each bike roared that signature sound that make many dream: “That will be me someday”. Freedom. Unity. Harmony. Each bike was from the same manufacturer. Riders wore matching and embroidered leather jackets. Many had beards, tattoos and sunglasses. Some wore bike helmets while others let the wind blow in their hair. Swiftly they passed, focused on the road ahead. Close your eyes…can you hear it… can you feel it…. but most of all…can you see it? (If not, I had my wife take the attached picture)

I thought to myself “who are these guys and what makes them do this?” Same bike brand, jackets, and outward appearance. How did they build this type of camaraderie, belonging and following…dare I say common culture?

Before I finish that thought, I have always been a fan of the British-American author, motivational speaker and organizational consultant Simon Sinek. His candor, insight, humor and direct delivery style always captures my attention. Plus he challenges my preconceptions of what a leader really is and makes me want to improve. I have watched his videos and TedTalks, and recently read his book “Start with Why”. In his book, he challenges leaders to inspire their customers and employees by defining their company mission first in terms of “why” they are in business not by “what” the business does. By defining why a company is in business first, he believes it inspires people and therefore builds deeper, longer lasting connections not only with customers but also employees. I’ll explain it this way…

Steve Job’s original purpose for starting Apple was: “To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind.” The focus was on “make a contribution to the world” and “advance humankind” not on making the best tools ( iMac, iPad, iPhone,). The tools were simply a means to a bigger end…not the end itself. To make it more interesting, their tools weren’t even the cheapest, fastest or most compatible, but people stand in long lines for days for them….why?

Next, Harley Davidson, the well-known motorcycle company I alluded to above, starts their mission statement with: “We fulfill dreams… “ . In their case, customers are willing to wait long cycle times for “their dream” and many even get a Harley Davidson tattoo while they wait…even employees! What would make a person wait for a product they can get immediately from another company and then get something as permanent as a tattoo of that company while they wait?

Lastly, when Sam Walton started Walmart, his mission was to “serve people and his community”. For decades, Walmart was an unstoppable force and yet didn’t have many of the same business advantages as Kmart and Target whom incorporated about the same time. How could Walmart dominate so completely without the same business advantages?

In all 3 examples, Simon points out that he believes their success was linked to a mission that was first based on “why” the company is in business (to advance humankind, to fulfill dreams and to serve people) and NOT “what” the company did (make computers, bikes and offer the lowest prices). He calls this the “Golden Circle” and contends that when the mission starts with “why”, it inspires and can connect at a personal level with customers and employees that share those same beliefs. Their purchase of the product or acceptance of a job from a “why” based company can represent an outward expression of who they believe they are… and likely is congruent with their values. They may even subconsciously think “my purchase or job advances humankind, fulfills dreams and serves the community” but whether it does or doesn’t isn’t the point. In fact, the point is if a company’s purpose begins with “why” and aligns with the beliefs of their employees and customers, it can inspire them to become the best version of themselves and create a “cult like following” or in other words…a common culture to live by.

With culture a top priority at every company, I found this book and the concept of “Why” very inspiring. Not only how I lead my teams at work but how I lead myself and family to ensure that the “what” I am trying to achieve is tied to a clear “why” I want it and aligned to my values to ensure it is congruent with the person I want to become.