Congress needs a new perspective. A shift in focus is essential. However, a nimble, open mind is required to achieve a new perspective, not one locked down in the weeds. A new perspective must be a microcosm of the nation, because when speaking about the American People, it is inclusive—the All.

I liken the nation to a blended family, and we must get beyond the stepchild phase! Having lived this scenario and coached others, once the jockeying for position subsided, there was a place for each family member with something to contribute, not just take away. We’re all under one roof, and must learn to work together for the “good of the house” with at least respect and civility. This doesn’t mean everyone agrees on everything—it means there is room for others’ opinions!

Once called a Melting Pot nation, we’ve morphed into a blended family. What’s the difference? 
Immigrants brought their traditions and morés when they arrived, often chastised and segregated into “neighborhoods.” The blended family, like the TV show, Modern Family, shares different cultures and morés as a result of people building families and relationships outside their original families.

Wanted—A healthy dose of emotional intelligence
Congress needs a healthy dose of emotional intelligence (EI)! Part of EI is the ability to express empathy and manage one’s impulses. Importantly, EI measures one’s perception of an impact on others. The true leader is part of a team focused on a shared vision.

Just like companies are retooling with new ways to work, so must the Congress. Successful shifts come from clearly projected visions and strategies to achieve them. When focused on power, the question becomes, “To do what?” Power is not about always getting one’s way. It is a force to be wielded with respect to “do the peoples’ work, and recognition it can be reflected back when abused.

The big reveal for how candidates’ feel is how they address people who disagree with them. The immaturity of name calling and rudeness is unprecedented to date. Their blatant focus is on getting re-elected, not governing. In fact, I’m not sure they know how to govern. The issues are beyond constituents.

Running for office is not a test of one’s ability to govern. There is an art to governance, and I created such a program for leaders and boards of directors. The nuance is beyond what got a person to the board, but what they can do while on the board! Governing is inclusive and requires cooperation beyond compromise.

Besides, governing a country is different than running a company. A chairperson or CEO has the last word; that’s why they’re paid the “big bucks.” Not so for POTUS or Congress Members when having to balance the three parts of the federal government. (This is what would trip up Trump!)

Rather than compromise, we can strive toward consensus that can provide more of what all involved want. Compromise is 1+1=1/2 while consensus is 1 + 1=3—Much more productive and satisfying when all receive something of what they want rather than feeling they gave up something.

Here are my two solutions to advance the U.S. Congress and the government’s ability to govern:
1. Term limits, like the president has. The Framers never intended governing to be a career. The idea was the citizen patriot would bring skills and knowledge to governing and leave the country better and stronger than they found it.
2. Election reform is pivotal. Effective, qualified people are sidelined because of the grueling campaign process to be a candidate and the cost involved—particularly, the cost in time and energy to raise money. The candidate’s focus must be on solutions and support of the nation, not fundraising.

What do you think! Please leave your comments. -MC

Ever watched ducklings follow the parents? Other animals like peccary-havalina (pigs) and quail do the same. Once hatched or born, the animals experience “patterning”, which creates imprints behaviors on them to ensure their survival like follow in line. This energy conservation uses less calories and helps them sustain themselves.

Recent research in neuroscience uncovers similar learning mechanisms, patterns, in humans. Colleague Ann Betz, CPCC, discussed how the brain relates to posture and physical cues as well as perceptions. An example is if a person has a powerful impact episode, how much deeper the impression goes within the circuitry.

So, how can we tap into deeper insights? (Future webinars will explore these points in depth.)

• Learn why having fun and being silly inspires creativity and lowers blood pressure!
  

• Also, be aware and move away from being in “task mode.” This mode directly links to the rational brain and has no room for building relationships and understanding others. In American culture, workers are entrenched in task mode with “to-do lists” and an emphasis on competition and performance. Only when we slow down enough to listen deeply, can we tap into the insights that we seek toward fulfillment.
• Gender bias aside, “women’s intuition” has a long history, (even a few stake burnings) as insightful women were viewed as witches. Men have their own reference called a gut reaction. Lee Iaccoca, Mustang car designer and Chrysler Motors leader, was famous for saying he made decisions after all the stats were in, and then he relied on his gut for the final answer.
• Now, neuroscience demonstrates there is a neural pathway from the “gut” to give substance to the term, gut reaction. There are neural pathways throughout the body; we just stopped listening to the signals! 

There is so much to explore! What is significant is that we can rewire the circuitry for our success and happiness. You can begin to learn more about Positive Psychology here.

Now we can be aware how our actions, behavior, patterns, and creativity are all integrated to produce our responses and thoughts.

These ideas are stimulating topics for staff meetings and having your team “open up” so they are more receptive to changes in the workplace and their potentiality.

It’s your turn to share when the last time was that you had an insight, a yearning, an intuitive moment that helped you.

Please email them to me and we can continue the discussion here and on S.O.S. (Simple Open Strategies) for Challenging Times Group on Linked In.

Cool & Happy!