I was recently accused on social media of over stating the value in thinking critically. That turned into one of my most interesting Twitter conversations.

Resilience is what we all seek in 2021. Resilience relies on the capacity to find agency in the face of adversity. Furthermore, with each opportunity to reflect on the lessons of an adverse event, we build the foundation to connect more and more dots and develop wisdom. HOW is a big question on which we will all want to reflect! How do we become more resilient? Ultimately, what is needed to sustain and expand the resilience we gain in this VUCA world?

First, the year started the theme of resilience by exploring love. Then, in February, I shifted to peace, before exploring courage. Now, in June I’m onto the importance of developing critical thinking skills as a way to moderate the impact of emotions.

JUNE

2021 theme: resilience
June topic: Critical thinking
Weekly Foci included:

1. When to think critically;
2. Seeking Truth;
3. Diversity Drives Critical Thought; and,
4. Self-Regulations Essential for Thinking Critically.

“Engaging in meditative self-reflection and gaining increased control of inner experiences provides a person with a sense of control over fear and trembling and the chaos of life.”

                                                             – Kilroy J. Oldster

Resilience is enhanced when each of us is willing to do the work to develop the skills necessary to overcome the odds. Like my HABs, we need to believe in our self and keep battling even when the masses fail to see our potential. #GOHABSGO

Check out January’s blog to learn how to use this format to support your own journey of growth.

What surfaced through the month?

In the first week,

First I found myself reflecting about when we most  need to be exercising critical thinking skills.

In the second week,

Secondly, I was struck by the exploration of what is required to seek truth. This week’s reflections were impacted by the first discovery of 215 sets of remains of children in Kamloops. And furthered by the senseless murder by hit-and-run of a family who is Muslim in London Ontario. Of course, the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Calls to Acton took on deeper importance for me personally.  Ultimately, I found myself pulling out my diary from 1981 when I volunteered on two indigenous reservations in Central Saskatchewan.

Week three,

Further, to the emotional journey of the previous week, I found myself reflecting in week three on how diversity imposes or gifts us with greater critical thinking. Additionally, I explored a very different way we are diverse in the newsletter.

The focus for this week was on how our capacity to think critically is hampered by our human brain that is driven primarily by emotion. I was shocked to have two dramatic stories drop into my lap from the headlines to demonstrate just how essential it is for leaders to build a habit or default of emotional regulation.

This Month’s Reflective Questions 

 

 

 

In “Diversity Expands Thinking“, I share a story in the workplace of how diversity of background in education made a huge impact in the quality of service delivery.

 

An invitation to Walk with me.

Together let’s examine options consciously and authentically to make choices that move us strategically toward where we want to be.  Therefore, where my client wants to go, is my paramount focus. Strategy is about choices. Execution on these choices requires masterful performance. Furthermore, a well-developed process allows us to enjoy the journey far more fully

 

---

Be part of the journey in 2021.

Start by subscribing to my mailing list . Subscribers receive:

1. My interactive exercise to begin reducing the impacts of stress and feelings of overwhelm will be sent.
2. My newsletter with the related podcast episode will be sent weekly.
3. Special offers will be available to subscribers monthly including: a random offer of a complimentary one hour coaching conversation, access to roundtable engagements and group coaching on identity and related subjects, as well as information on an initiative on which I’m collaborating: #FeMasCon.