quality relationships – Courtney Anne Wilson

Being an Effective Change Manager

Published on 10/07/201802/08/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

As Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, once said (updated with current protocol), “No person steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and they’re not the same person”

So, it would stand to reason that, if the only constant in life is change, then we are all, in fact, the change manager of our own life, both personally and professionally.

Why then, does the role of a Change Manager exist?

Similar to a personal trainer, financial advisor or guidance counsellor, during times of significant change, an experienced and qualified change manager can provide people with the required support, within each step of the process, to make effective choices and ensure a smooth transition.

Given there are different circumstances and types of change, the role of a Change Manager can take on many forms and the will depend on the findings of, what I term, the Third ‘I’ Review©:

Intention: accepting change is occurring and being real about the mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. It involves mental activities such as strategy, planning and forethought and requires identification of desired outcomes.
Insight & Intuition: gaining an understanding of the impact of change; the cause and effect based on relationships and behaviours within a model, context, or scenario. It is the power of a piece of information, acute observation and deduction, introspection, discernment, and perception.
Identification: ability to define the change, the core good or service being produced and supplied, as well as distinguishing between an individual and/or a organisational change that will determine the appropriate change management frameworks, tools and techniques to apply; a change within health care would be different to one in information technology, as would a change to physical well-being compared to a change in the way we work.

Regardless of the result of the Third ‘I’ Review©, here are my top 3 tips for being an effective Change Manager:

Realise it’s not a one-person role (or the role of one team);

An effective Change Manager has the ability to partner, influence and build lasting relationships with people within the community. In the context of business, change management would be architected by change management professionals but is developed with, and executed by, many players across all levels of the organisation; from top-level executives to front line supervisors and includes specialists from human resources and organisational development, impacted employees and designated resources.

Recognise the meaning behind the change

There is always a reason for the change. The more a Change Manager can assist in identifying, clarifying and specifying the reason, the more likely it is that people will understand the need to change, develop a desire and willingness to change and be open to connecting with others around a common purpose or collective vision that will bring the change to fruition.

Know it’s more than just a process

While there are a number of proven Change Management approaches and methodologies that outline a set of steps to follow, these need to be continuously tailored in line with the Third ‘I’ Review©, current trends and innovative practices, including customer experience, design thinking, value management and business agility. Not to mention that a Change Manager deals with the people side of change – and people bring with them a constant challenge of uncertainty and complexity.

When it comes to change, you are, without a doubt, your own Change Manager. You can either go it alone or you can seek the guidance and support of an experienced and professional practitioner, someone who can support and guide you in the direction you seek – it’s up to you!

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

What is the meaning of CONNECTION?

Published on 30/03/201502/08/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

Such a great question, especially given my business name, but one that I’ve not fully explored in great depth, funnily enough, until now! Yet this simple question has given me so much more insight into the passion and vision of Cultivate Connections. It’s true what they say; sometimes it’s the simple things….

Here is what I discovered by asking the question:

“Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard and valued” – Brene Browm

“What we are all striving for is authenticity, a spirit to spirit connection” – Oprah Winfrey

“Connection is bringing a value, emotion or quality to the surface and allowing it to create a “connection” with another, others or something of similar value, emotion or quality” – Elizabeth Ellames, Living Attributes

“Connection is when your energy and that of another(s) resonate enabling communication that is in rhythm with one another and has the ability to be a resounding influence on their situation, surrounds and other energies” – Alison Rogers, Pulse Advertising

“Connection is being present in the moment and being real enough to enter your heart space and express and receive communication from that place – a very powerful ingredient for unity” – Cherie Rowett, Heart Choice Enterprises

“Connection is sharing resonance…being in alignment with similar visions and goals and above all a Heart Connection” – Myriam Sampson, The H’Art of Living

Even Dictionary.com provided some valuable insight:

The act or state of connecting “The connection between cause and effect”
Association; relationship: “the connection between crime and poverty”
Anything that connects, joins or relates; link or bond
A circle of friends or associates or a member of such a circle
Association with or development of something observed, imagined, discussed, etc “I have a few thoughts in connection with your last remark”
A source of supply for goods, material, etc.,
A channel of communication.

Upon reflection, all I can say is that I certainly chose the right name for a business that promotes Active Team Building. Connection is what builds relationship and creates trust between people to enable collaboration, contribution and the co-creation of quality solutions. So next time you are collaborating or working in a Team, consider the CONNECTION;

Is the CONNECTION

Authentic;
Heart to heart;
Fully present in the moment and
Adding value?

Until next time, stay connected and as promised, stay tuned for opportunities to connect and collaborate in Brazil…

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

It all started with a Bang!

Published on 01/02/201502/08/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

Wow! What a month…. I performed for the first time at the Sydney Latin Festival with a team of amazing Zouk dancers AND launched my business, Cultivate Connections, with the first ever CC Event. Talk about start the New Year off with a bang! 2015 is definitely the year for no holding back!!

The launch of CC Events was terrifying and amazing all at the same time. It was a long time coming and a journey like no other. I was so grateful people aligned with my passion and vision and showed up, not to mention provided so much positive feedback, more than I could have hoped for. The morning brought Leaders, Influencers and Visionaries, from an array of backgrounds, together in one room. It was an opportunity for us to meet, connect, share knowledge and build relationship.

The context was Teamwork centred on the Circle of Collaboration. It is my dream that together we embrace, define, develop and innovate around the Circle of Collaboration – co-creating a brighter future for ourselves and those to come. 20 years ago Health and Well-Being was merely a concept, now it’s a way of life. Imagine a world where we know to be true and are living and doing business aligned with all the petals of the Circle of Collaboration….

Thought provoking and controversial conversations arose around the following petals of the circle: Causes and Community, Social and Spiritual (now Social and Sustainability), Professional and Personal and Profit and People (now Public & Policy). The word Spiritual in particular was at first, by some, difficult to relate to but then once any preconceived ideas about religion was set aside, the true meaning of the word emerged and people could relate to their eternal spirit within. It was a joy to witness, to participate in and to contribute towards. The energy of the room certainly took on its name ‘Thinking Space’ – it couldn’t have been more aligned if I tried! I really look forward to seeing where the events, connections and conversations lead the community as the year continues….

What do the petals of the Circle of Collaboration mean to you?

The next event will be held on Friday morning 27^th February and I’m calling out to all Leaders, Influencers, Visionaries or Collaborators who want to connect, team up and help grow a new humanity. The conversations with continue and further connections will be made as we explore the Circle of Collaboration and the benefits of Creative Collaboration and Synergy.

Register and book your seat now via Eventbrite and contribute towards a brighter future https://cultivateconnetions.eventbrite.com.au

I hope to see you there!

Courtney ‘C0-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

Working Together

Published on 30/10/201402/08/2018 by Courtney Anne Wilson2 Comments

Growing up I loved the story of Dorothy, her faithful dog Toto, the unknown magic of her ruby slippers and the journey along the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz, with her trustworthy companions. I think in some way, shape or form I can relate to one or each of the characters at any given time and the underlying messages of this children’s adventurous fable.

The opening scenes depict Dorothy in the midst of a horrifying storm where she finds herself alone, scared and in an unfamiliar place and all she wants to do is to go home. She is handed a pair of ruby slippers and told to follow the yellow brick road towards the Wizard of Oz, the man that can make any wish come true. As she faithfully follows the yellow brick road she meets a scarecrow, and all he wants is a brain so he can think of ways to scare off the crows. Dorothy tells him about the Wizard, so he joins her on the journey. Soon enough they both stumble across a Tin man, who only wants a heart to feel love once again. And it was then that two became three. As they walk merrily along the yellow brick road, excited to be travelling together, a Lion jumps out with a huge roar! Within seconds he is in tears and admits that all he wants is courage to be brave. So another joins them in their quest and they continue, together, with one goal in mind – to meet the Wizard of Oz and ask for their wishes to come true.

As they journey along the yellow brick road they face some tough challenges, a wicked witch and a near death experience. And then when they finally do get through and make it to the Wizard of Oz, he turns out to be a fraud! They are absolutely devastated and disappointed….Until he, the mere mortal man, reminds them that together they have actually already made their wishes come true. He asks them to remember that when they needed to cross a river, it was the scarecrow who thought of an idea to build a raft. When they needed to jump from the raft to the nearby bank, the Lion told them to get on his back despite how scared he was and carried them safely across. When Dorothy nearly died from falling asleep to the intoxicating poppies, the Tin Man genuinely had heartfelt tears. And he uncovers the truth that if Dorothy truly wants to go home, all she has to do is tap her ruby slippers and think of home.

Through making the choice to experience the journey together they had the power to make their collective and individual wishes come true. Only through working together as a team, with those that share the same goal and the commitment to overcome any challenges, did they realize they, in actual fact, had everything they needed within.

When you come together, stay together and work together for the purpose of a collective vision you have an opportunity to share your gifts, you realise each other’s value and you can make any wish come true…

That’s the power of Team. That’s the power of working together.

So tell me, do you work in a team with a collective vision?

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

Living in the Moment

Published on 27/04/201402/08/2018 by Courtney Anne Wilson4 Comments

It has become quite obvious to me recently that I have lived most of my life in my head, most likely due to my analytical nature and conscientious mind; preplanning, organising and calculating what I “should” do next for the “best” outcome. I dwell on the past, worry about the future and fantasise about being on holiday. I get so caught up in the expectations of life, people and situations I have the tendency to seldom just go with the flow. My ‘monkey mind’ usually equates to being preoccupied with thinking I have to do something to make things happen and then when I do act, I’m left feeling guilty and full of regret. In business, and in my personal life, this tendency to jump from tree to tree can appear forced and controlled and contributes to high levels of indecisiveness, stress and anxiety, not just for me but for everyone involved.

Every now and then, however, I remember to relax and experience life; usually when I’m looking at something breathtaking, doing something that I really enjoy or experiencing a moment that touches my heart. It’s in these moments, I let go of thought, I feel alive, connected and my life becomes effortless. I allow life to unfold and act only when inspired to do so and when I do act I’m not attached to any specific outcome. Life becomes peaceful and uncomplicated.

So I ask myself, what can I do to balance the scales so my life is constantly in the flow, effortless and peaceful?

And the answer is simple; live in the moment by being mindful and connected.

I remember to observe my thoughts that come and go, without judgement, and at the same time have the courage to connect to everyone and everything that presents itself, especially the smaller things in life. Most importantly, I let go of all expectations and have faith. I offer life, people and every situation my full attention so that when I act, I trust it. Who knows, it may not turn out the way I expected but something else just might transpire instead.

I realise practice makes perfect; that every day is a new day and I’m gentle on myself. With each day, I start again and observe my thoughts, knowing that some days may be harder than others. I cultivate a connection with something I enjoy; walking along the beach, watching the sunrise or sunset, listening to music or dancing to a tune and then expand this to all experiences in life. When it comes to building relationships, both professionally and personally, I have the courage to look people in the eye and practice being present by allowing the situation to unfold without judgement or expectation. It can lead to extraordinary things or at the very least it lends itself to an authentic and stress free and peaceful experience.

I recognise that when I am mindful and connected, I trust life and life trusts me.

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live”. Goethe

So take a deep breath, relax and start humming this song ….