[bon]fire workshop

A few things I'm learning after recently leading my 4th 'test' (in 5 mos) of my half-day "[good]men: works > in > progress" hike experience: Get 'on trail' quickly. Walk first. Talk later. Despite the temptation to give a 'kick-off' talk, save it for later in the day. Even if its no longer a 'kick-off' talk. Do something physical right away. Feel your heartbeat. Break a sweat. Catch your breath. Take a pause. Earning even a small physical 'win' first opens one's imagination and removes a few of your barriers. Make tracks, then offer explanations + introductions. Constantly emphasize real-time curiosity (over previous expertise). Trust "I notice(d)..." + "I wonder(ed)..." conversation + reflection filters. When a partner shares their "works > in > progress", listen. And listen more. Do not solve. Do not recommend. Do not advise. Do not even verbally empathize. And do not put yourself in their story. Just be curious. When in doubt, be silent. When in doubt, say, "Tell me more." When in doubt, ask a curiosity-driven question (that genuinely doesn't assume an answer or set up a recommendation). Notice what it's like to be purposefully listened to. Similarly: Notice what it's like to just listen without an end-game. Notice what it's like to be genuinely listened to for long stretches of time. Similarly: Notice what it's like to settle in to listen without finding agreements, making a point, focusing on yourself, without assumption. Notice what it's like to intentionally get off script. Similarly, notice what it's like when someone authentically says something for the very first time. Notice, it's not just you. That thing in your head. That story you've told yourself for years. That challenge you're facing. That barrier in front of you. That risk that seems rare. That uncertainty. That sense of loss. That fear. Then -- and only then -- begin to notice what slowly happens to those you're 'on trail' with, those you're walking beside, those sharing their "works > in > progress" with you and other near-strangers, those starting to shed layers, those feeling the world around them, those speaking to what truly matters, those reconnecting with their values and their purpose and their desire. And... ...notice what happens to you. _____ The participant testimonials always energize me. And confirm for me: a legit trail forward is taking shape. Fired up for what lies ahead. Including hosting my first "[good]men: works > in > progress" overnight weekend retreat this winter which I cannot wait to experience.

Appreciated speaking with Ann Marsh Rutledge, Exec. Dir. of Mount Vernon Ventures, for their "Start with Questions" podcast. --> I shared this early on: "How do we ensure that people are thriving as they are doing [their] work?...Is the person sitting at the table actually feeling whole?...Are we part of something together or are we just capable of creating something?"

Amazing participant feedback from our 3rd "[good]men: works > in > progress." hike + conversation (Sept. 21st). Great fuel as we prepare to guide (12) new participants on our Oct. 26th expedition.

Cannot be more inspired to be a part of this transformative Baker Road adventure (led by Joe DeLoss), both invited to curate the group of 'Sons + Fathers' who will attend and also to go on the trek with my own 18yo son as he prepares to leave home for college. The invitation reads as follows: "JOIN US. You + your son are being invited to join a once-in-a-lifetime adventure of sons + fathers coming together to trek Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, covering 75 miles + 11,000 feet of elevation change over 4 days, honoring both the son’s + father’s new journeys ahead. Each son will have just graduated from high school only a few weeks earlier. Your son's adult life will have begun. You and each father) will be preparing to soon say good-bye to your son. Your new father chapter will have begun. Both you + your son will walk together -- as fellow men -- exploring and deepening your lifelong relationship en route." The trip leads right into Fathers Day. And into a lifetime as men, both sons + fathers, walking side-by-side.

Curious: What do you do to "step outside your head" in life + work? As I continue to design + lead "works > in > progress" experiences for different groups of professionals, I am reminded of the invisible power of the 'narratives' we hold in our head when we face new opportunities or challenges. And all too often, those narratives -- aka the "stories we tell ourselves" -- frame our responses + assumptions, no matter the evidence or situation. Using purpose-driven hikes + conversations in the forest is one of the intentional strategies I'm using to help leaders "step outside your head". The goal is to help them reframe the stories they've been telling themselves about their careers, lives, and everything living in between. *** So, when you're seeking a new perspective: - what do you do to "step outside your head" in life + work? - what does that make possible?

Congratulations to the AISH - Academy for International School Heads team for the redesign of their website. Honored that [bon]fire workshop has joined such a terrific group of Supporting Network Members organizations supporting an incredible network of leaders guiding international schools around the globe.

Patty's reflection says it all. No matter the project, it's always how we elect to treat one another along the way that dictates if (and how) we can thrive.

"...thinking about how we are all seeking ways to experience authentic conversational intimacy with others, whether at work, on trail, or at the table." An excerpt from a new "works > in progress" piece I just published.

Lately I’ve been shifting many F2F ‘work mtgs’ to walks or hikes. Yesterday took this to a new level when Joe DeLoss and I got together outside for a half-day planning meeting about a new wilderness retreat initiative we’re teaming up on. We began with a 5:30 ‘headlight’ 4mile run thru the forest, then went on a 2mile hike out to this sunlit spot for breakfast and concept & logistics discussion, followed by a swim in a nearby river, followed by more strategy discussions. Granted, not all work meetings can (or should) be designed this way, but I’m guessing we’d all be better off if we simply scheduled walk-n-talks on occasion rather than always defaulting to conference rooms or coffee shops. Bonus points for adding some adventure into the mix, too. —— Note: Joe’s widely lauded for his work founding the Hot Chicken Takeover franchise along with his innovative leadership in the corporate HR & employee journey space. But keep an eye out for his latest endeavor, “Baker Street”, an inspiring platform he’s building to guide senior leaders and founders thru transformative retreat experiences. Fired up to learn from and collaborate with him. —- Related: Fired up to finally receive my copy of Bart Foster’s book, “Business Outside,” later today. Perfect timing to dive into his thinking and recommendations.

How do we invest in the people working on a project as much as the project itself? How do we ensure that relationships are just as critical as innovations? Much thanks to Ann Marsh Rutledge, the dynamic host of the "Start With Questions" podcast and Mount Vernon Ventures' Executive Director who invited me into this conversation. And did so with such genuine curiosity.