Synchronicity’s Souvenirs from 23 Trips Around the Sun
May 7, 1999, started in motion ripples that have turned into swells (to quote a Jimmy Buffett song playing as I write this). This was the day Synchronicity was founded by a 34-year-old facilitator that just wanted to do her best work the best way she knew how and in her hometown. Three weeks earlier, I lived in Texas, was laid off, and had no idea of what lay ahead.
A lot has happened since then, the Great Recession, a pandemic, and the death of my dad. Out of those challenges have emerged incredible opportunities for me to learn, grow, and find connections. I made three huge business decisions that have had an amazing impact on me and Synchronicity. All three I said I would never do! 🙄
First, in September of 2005, I decided to engage with a company called inscape (the little i is on purpose), they produced DiSC and I really liked using it with my clients. In 2012 inscape was acquired by Wiley. Every single year (17 now) I am amazed at the products they produce. I partner in three of their products: Everything DiSC, Five Behaviors, and PXT Select. But even more so, I am amazed and incredibly grateful for the support they give us partners. They truly believe their mission is to help us be successful. I can honestly say, I doubt Synchronicity would be here without this partnership. The other thing I am grateful for is the opportunities they have given me to contribute to the advancement of the assessments and associated products. Heck, I was even in one of their books! I like being a part of important and impactful stuff.
Second, in October of 2018, I was working with a new client with an old problem, team accountability. I had been hearing these same stories for years, teams may be getting stuff done but the process was often miserable. I am a huge fan of models. I believe the visual helps to explain the dynamic and anchor the learning. I needed one of those for this “accountability issue” and could not find it, so I built it myself. One of my strengths, maybe my greatest strength, is that I have these “collisions” in my brain of various ideas that often don’t seem to connect, and what emerges for me is clarity around a problem. What emerged this time is the Spiral of Accountability™. This is, by far, the thing I am most proud of. I have been awed by the reception, the reach, and the varied application of this model. It is so much bigger than me. Hopefully, I will publish a book in the near future.
Third, in May of 2020, in the early dirge of the pandemic, when I had no money and no idea how to rebound my business, I became a member of Vistage. My dear friend Janet Walker reached out to me and asked if she could help me get my business back on track. She had done this several times before, but this time it made complete sense and when my intuition says something makes complete sense, I don’t question, ponder or mull over it, I act. The Trusted Advisor Group that I am a part of is awesome at questioning me about things I am not thinking of and holding me accountable for my action plans. I would not be as clear about the future direction of not just Synchronicity and the Spiral of Accountability, but the future direction of me personally. This is one of the best investments I have made.
There have been amazing friends, colleagues, and clients (and some people fit all three categories!) that have made a great impact on me and my business. I am a part of incredible organizations (Rotary, Omaha ODN, ATD Nebraska, Human Resource Association of the Midlands, Omaha Circle, The Greater Omaha Chamber, the Council Bluffs Area Chamber, CB Women’s Network II, First Row Fitness, and even my Barefoot Beach Club!) that contribute to my personal and professional development (apparently I like to be a part of stuff!). Lastly, my parents have never given up on me or my dream.
My souvenirs are plenty and they are all surrounded by love, the rest of it I just let go and leave behind. Stay tuned for what’s next!