No, no news, is not always bad news.  Kyle and I finished our 40 days without alcohol as planned.  We both savored our success with a beer in Austin, TX.  For me, I had just completed the 150 mile MS150 bike ride from Houston to Austin.  When you achieve anything worthwhile it feels good and it builds confidence, something most of us can always use more of – I have learned that you need to savor these moments because they can be far and few and take away something of value. 

What I learned is that what I preach in transition works and it’s always good to practice what you preach.  Passion for the outcome, a plan, focusing on one day at a time, a supportive team around you, and accepting that everyday will not go smoothly, but that in the end you will succeed.  I will add that I also learned the power of balance.  I will not return to the way I was, a drink every day, but would have a certain number of days alcohol free every week.  Any achievement needs to not only have a short term result, but must bring long term positive change.

This is my 6th or 7th ACHE meeting in a row and the first I have attended on a non-drinker basis, due to the Lent Commitment I made with my son.  Is it not interesting how we never notice all the people who drink until we do not, or how many of the cars we just bought are on the road, or how many people are unemployed when we are also unemployed?

So it is day 14 of the Lent Commitment and I have stayed particularly aware of this from 4-6 pm.  What keeps me on the straight and narrow; 1) passion to succeed 2) sending the correct message to the audience I admire 3) leading by example – and my integrity.  Also, I have substituted another behavior for the one I have given up.   When the urge hits me, rather than give in, I go and exercise.  I also have visualized me succeeding as I ride into Austin on the 2nd day of the MS150.
On a lighter note, a friend told me that for Lent – as he drank his beer – he gave up crack.  My new conversations with old friends has certainly opened up some interesting dialogue.

I want to share something with you on a personal level because it reveals what is important to me and also because as I am going through this process I am experiencing how it has common themes found in career transition.  My son, Kyle, approached me with an interesting question a couple of weeks ago.  He told me he would like me to join him, as well as support him, during Lent with something he would have difficulty giving up.  That something was drinking.  His reasoning was he wanted to cut back, improve his health, lose some weight and save some money.  I also sensed, like most of us, he wanted to be in control.

My initial reaction was WOW --- a young person wanting to reduce his drinking, something that would not be easy!  Initially I tried to join him on a limited basis (how about six days, then one day where you could have that beer or glass of wine?).   His girlfriend, Amy, who really planted the idea, reminded us that it was not what Jesus did during the forty days – succumb to temptation once a week.  That really hit home!  You can’t have your cake and eat it, and you can’t do anything half heartedly – just like transition. 

When I make a commitment to God, I make it with passion since failure is not an option, just like transition.  I also wondered what message I am sending to my son if I do not join him in his quest.  Positive messaging in transition is key to one’s success as well as a passion for the result.  Without the passion, one would roll over when the going gets tough.  Kyle was reaching out for support in order to not make the important journey by himself, just like transition.  Transition is truly a team sport.

So, I will share this journey with you and how it relates to so much of what we experience in transition.  Remember the ingredients of success:

§  A plan

§  Passion to achieve that plan

§  Willingness to step outside of your comfort zone

§  Do not take it on half heartedly

§  Stay in control of your message

§  Get a team around you for both accountability and support

§  Focus only on that which is controllable – leave others alone and understand the difference

§  Remember, your status may have changed but your value has not.

On a more personal note, I welcome the challenge.  I felt that over the last couple of years I had become a little too dependent on wine to take the edge off since I struggle with relaxing.  The timing was perfect, though not exactly my first reaction.  Just like transition, I know I will end up in a much better place.

I am headed to ACHE with a schedule full of “drinks with….” where I will sip on Sprite or Sarsaparilla instead of a glass of wine.  I will have to be honest about my current path which might have the added benefit of opening up new conversations with old friends.  I will try to keep you updated on how I am doing.

A client sent me this email:
 
"Jim,
 
I had a great recent success story with LinkedIn.   Several months ago, I mistakenly sent LinkedIn invites to all of my email contacts!  Several responded and "linkedIn."   I recently updated my LinkedIn profile with my new interim position, and to my surprise LinkedIn sent messages to all of my contacts of my new role, to which I have rec'd 50+ "Congratulations" responses - all from a mistake I made several months ago.  What a neat way to stay in touch with my network!"
 
The strength of this message wasn't how much LinkedIn did for him but showed how much personal networking he has done to get this type of response.  This client has a relationship with these 50+ people or they would not have taken the time to send their congratulations. That is networking in its truest form.
 
In the beginning of their transition, most of our clients have a neglected personal network and struggle to pick up the phone and call their colleagues or past business associates.  Fortunately we have a tremendous network of healthcare executives across the country to introduce them to, growing each of our "circles of influence."  Not once in my almost twenty years of executive outplacement and coaching can I remember someone telling me "networking doesn't work", instead more often than not we are told, "It's much easier than I thought!  The names you gave me were so helpful, I think I can do this!"   
Try it, and tell me your success stories....

Jim's blog about the holidays being a great time for connection - proved out in spades for me.  However, now that it's January, one could accomplish the same thing - very soon - using a wish for a happy new year to your contacts!  And then, if you can't do this now, you can always do  1)Ground Hog Day, 2) St. Paddy's Day, 3) or?

Before the holidays I wrote 137 customized emails - each personalized, either reflecting a conversation, something about the person, something I felt about Christmas, or a simple but heartfelt expression of gratitude.  I reflected that our profession had proven out all over again as a great one to be in....because of the people.  The 137 emails took some time....I did about 15 or so every day, trying to keep them fresh.   It helps to actually stop for a moment and experience the sense of gratitude.  I also used "happy holiddays" in place of "Merry Christmas" about half the time to be inclusive of all the holidays in December, not just Christmas.

To my huge surprise, I received 50 replies!  Numerous people wished me happy holidays in return, or inquired about my search, or said "keep me in the loop" - the perfect phrase you want to hear, setting the table for a return call.    At least one hinted at something in the works - we will see what happens.   One person responded with an invitation to a free but hugely valuable and very "exclusive" seminar for her clients of her strategy firm - to "help me network".   You will have the same experience, I am sure.

The key is to personalize and to place your heart into the email if it's indeed a reflective time....another way to do the same thing is to tell a great story, perhaps about something that happened in your life or in your job, that is inspiring - and to share that story just to bring a smile to the other person's face.  If it's a story that ends, "this is why we are in healthcare and this is why you help has meant a lot", you  will really reap dividends.
I don't know about you, but I always stop to read an inspiring note or story - we need them.

The time to kick your transition work into high gear is right now, while everyone is celebrating. The minute you finish reading this get out your list of healthcare executives you know.
Why? December is the very best time to raise your visibility and re-establish connections, personal AND professional.  Don’t bring an agenda, apart from extending cheer and good will.  Hand write a short note in a holiday card, even if it is just to say you hope they have a prosperous new year.  And hand address the envelope too.  Don’t ask about job opportunities, instead sincerely ask about them.  If you only know their email address send them a personalize note that way.  But send something so they know you are thinking of them.
If you are asked about your work or your search, be ready with a short, honest and upbeat answer.  Of course, follow the conversation if your colleague wants to talk about work, but don’t press it.  This is networking of the joyful kind – strengthening bonds to your family, friends and community that will nourish you the rest of the year.