Michele L. Turner's Blog
November 27, 2022
Comfortably Afraid
Comfortably Afraid…an odd, yet spot on reference. A reference used by Michelle Obama on her book tour, and here I go aligning it to Life, Risk Mgmt, Continuity, and Resilience.
Mrs. Obama states that fear creates limits. I agree. Let’s use the Risk Assessment lens…
1- If we let fear be the reason why we don’t move forward, we are limiting ourselves, our greatness, and stunting our own growth. Without the proper analysis, how can we even consider “x” a risk? How can we know what controls should be put in place to mitigate? How will we know if this approach could have led to success?
2- If we pretend that the fear isn’t there, we may move with a solution that does not take “x” variable into account, thereby not moving forward with the appropriate mitigation. Ignoring risk can be a tactic for some but this is extremely “risky” (sorry, I couldn’t help myself 😁).
Now here’s the kicker…if we acknowledge the risk (yes, be ever so slightly vulnerable), seeing things as they are, scary and all, we see it for what it is. We can create a control that speaks directly to the risk and considers the appropriate tactics to address. “Factor the Fear” in order to “Face the Facts”, and move through.
Team- Will you knock it out the first go ‘round…maybe not. That’s actually ok, because you can now customize your tactic based on your learnings, apply, and then pivot!! So…that job that you want to apply for, yes, the one that you only meet 4 or 5 out of the 10 requirements?…apply. That project that you’d love to be the lead for, but you’re sure you won’t be thought of for the opportunity…put your name in the hat. That thing that seems so hard that you just don’t want to put yourself out there for…dance your way in.
- You either get the lesson that will help you adjust, or you get the “thing” right off the bat. Either way…you’ve got this!!!
And thus endeth the lesson…
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
Mrs. Obama states that fear creates limits. I agree. Let’s use the Risk Assessment lens…
1- If we let fear be the reason why we don’t move forward, we are limiting ourselves, our greatness, and stunting our own growth. Without the proper analysis, how can we even consider “x” a risk? How can we know what controls should be put in place to mitigate? How will we know if this approach could have led to success?
2- If we pretend that the fear isn’t there, we may move with a solution that does not take “x” variable into account, thereby not moving forward with the appropriate mitigation. Ignoring risk can be a tactic for some but this is extremely “risky” (sorry, I couldn’t help myself 😁).
Now here’s the kicker…if we acknowledge the risk (yes, be ever so slightly vulnerable), seeing things as they are, scary and all, we see it for what it is. We can create a control that speaks directly to the risk and considers the appropriate tactics to address. “Factor the Fear” in order to “Face the Facts”, and move through.
Team- Will you knock it out the first go ‘round…maybe not. That’s actually ok, because you can now customize your tactic based on your learnings, apply, and then pivot!! So…that job that you want to apply for, yes, the one that you only meet 4 or 5 out of the 10 requirements?…apply. That project that you’d love to be the lead for, but you’re sure you won’t be thought of for the opportunity…put your name in the hat. That thing that seems so hard that you just don’t want to put yourself out there for…dance your way in.
- You either get the lesson that will help you adjust, or you get the “thing” right off the bat. Either way…you’ve got this!!!
And thus endeth the lesson…
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
November 17, 2022
“The Power of Small”
I hung out with my daughters this past week. We went to DC, saw friends, toured the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and ended it with attending the first stop on Michelle Obama’s book tour “The Light We Carry.”, moderated by Ellen Degeneres. In true Michele Turner fashion, I extracted a nugget (or two) that speaks not only to life, but Continuity and Resilience. “The Power of Small”.
The former First Lady mentioned that during COVID and lockdown, not only did she want to organize family activities to keep all busy, but she needed to focus on taking care of herself. Having something for her. Knitting was the choice. Her analogy had me at knitting, as this was a great memory from my time with my Grandma Lowery. The former First Lady found the power in starting from “nothing” (Knit one, Purl two) to “something” (knitting row created). There wouldn’t be an immediate afghan or comforter, but those small knitting steps would eventually result in something great.
I immediately related to the reference in everyday life, and also alignment to continuity and resilience. We’ve got to meet ourselves where we are. Maybe we would have liked to have been further along in our program maturity, maybe we want to create the worlds most intricate Business Continuity or Crisis Management exercise to include all of the risk areas in all of the functions. Maybe we want the Zombie attack meets David and Goliath. That’s huge team, are we ready for that? Yes, we want a bit of stretch, but let’s look at the three “R’s” is it Realistic, Reasonable, and has your team been made Ready from a consistent documentation, process, etc…. perspective? The “Power of Small” will allow you to start at the right level (knit one, purl two), create the necessary processes (create that row) and when complete,as you look over your work (After Action report which will lead to lessons Learned once applied), you will be ready for the next. You’ll see that the pot holder that you made, will eventually turn into that afghan or comforter over time :-).
So team, you’ll get there, we all will, and we’ll know when that Bias for Action should kick in (:-)), but for now….knit one, purl two…
And thus endeth the lesson…
https://amzn.to/3uDhshF
The former First Lady mentioned that during COVID and lockdown, not only did she want to organize family activities to keep all busy, but she needed to focus on taking care of herself. Having something for her. Knitting was the choice. Her analogy had me at knitting, as this was a great memory from my time with my Grandma Lowery. The former First Lady found the power in starting from “nothing” (Knit one, Purl two) to “something” (knitting row created). There wouldn’t be an immediate afghan or comforter, but those small knitting steps would eventually result in something great.
I immediately related to the reference in everyday life, and also alignment to continuity and resilience. We’ve got to meet ourselves where we are. Maybe we would have liked to have been further along in our program maturity, maybe we want to create the worlds most intricate Business Continuity or Crisis Management exercise to include all of the risk areas in all of the functions. Maybe we want the Zombie attack meets David and Goliath. That’s huge team, are we ready for that? Yes, we want a bit of stretch, but let’s look at the three “R’s” is it Realistic, Reasonable, and has your team been made Ready from a consistent documentation, process, etc…. perspective? The “Power of Small” will allow you to start at the right level (knit one, purl two), create the necessary processes (create that row) and when complete,as you look over your work (After Action report which will lead to lessons Learned once applied), you will be ready for the next. You’ll see that the pot holder that you made, will eventually turn into that afghan or comforter over time :-).
So team, you’ll get there, we all will, and we’ll know when that Bias for Action should kick in (:-)), but for now….knit one, purl two…
And thus endeth the lesson…
https://amzn.to/3uDhshF
October 29, 2022
You’ve Got This!!
One of the reasons for writing my book was to share stories and lessons learned for situations where I felt like I was the only one going through it. Realistically, I’m sure that I wasn’t, but it sure felt that way. With the book, I wanted others who have felt the same to know that they were not alone.
Professional insights and templates on Crisis,Risk, and Continuity Mgmt to the side, it’s the personal stories that seem to have resonated. I’ve seen many friends and colleagues post messages of layoffs and reductions in force. I’ve been there. Below is an excerpt from my book that I need for you to remember: “The same knowledge that I had 10 minutes earlier, the same certifications, the same Industry clout, the same strength - I still had it. I had a mitigation plan, and it was the fact that my knowledge was not just company specific. It could be applied across a variety of industries, and a variety of organizations. Local, alternate site, regional; there were recovery opportunities all around, and I would recover from this event, from this risk, addressing interruptions along the way. That’s how I roll!”
You’ve got this!!
And thus endeth the lesson…
https://amzn.to/3uDhshF
Professional insights and templates on Crisis,Risk, and Continuity Mgmt to the side, it’s the personal stories that seem to have resonated. I’ve seen many friends and colleagues post messages of layoffs and reductions in force. I’ve been there. Below is an excerpt from my book that I need for you to remember: “The same knowledge that I had 10 minutes earlier, the same certifications, the same Industry clout, the same strength - I still had it. I had a mitigation plan, and it was the fact that my knowledge was not just company specific. It could be applied across a variety of industries, and a variety of organizations. Local, alternate site, regional; there were recovery opportunities all around, and I would recover from this event, from this risk, addressing interruptions along the way. That’s how I roll!”
You’ve got this!!
And thus endeth the lesson…
https://amzn.to/3uDhshF
April 3, 2022
LEARNING, SHARING, GROWING
So, here’s the thing…I’m tired. There, I said it. The past 3 years have been exhausting and draining, and somehow I feel like I’ve just realized the weight of it (which in and of itself is exhausting and draining). Can one be strong and tired, focused and distracted, and an outgoing introvert all at the same time?! YES!!!! These things are NOT mutually exclusive! Sometimes we have to take a step back, in order to move forward. Take time to reassess, reset. Learn from others, have others learn from you. Many times, our situations aren’t as far apart as they may seem. Actually, I’ve come to realize that we are all much more alike than we know and in sharing, there is growth for all. Case in point…
In 2006, my oldest daughter was starting 6th grade in a small town that we had just moved to. A very friendly town mind you, which unfortunately was not as diverse as has been seen in other areas. We were the only African American family in the neighborhood, and yes, there had been a few questionable situations… Example- being stopped by neighbors on our street, on the way to our house, and being told/asked “hmmmm….we’ve not seen you here before, are you visiting the neighborhood, are you looking for someone?” NOTE: We had lived there 10 years at the time). Even so, we had great friendships with the neighbors in our cul-de-sac, great jobs, and the kids were happy. That was soon to change.
I was on a business trip, and my husband was holding down the home front. I get a call after a day of meetings:
Him: “Honey, are you sitting down?”.
Me: “Why, what’s up. Are the kids ok? Should I fly home? What’s going on?”.
Him: “Honey, calm down!”
NOTE: HOW is it that people don’t understand that when the first things stated are “Honey, are you sitting down?”, there is a possibility that the first thing you will do is STAND STRAIGHT UP?!.
Me: “What’s going on?!”.
Him: “Anna had a situation happen at school today”.
Me: “What situation?” I’m coming home.”
Him: “Anna came home crying. Their substitute decided to show a movie, which used the “n” word, and when that was said, being the only African American in the class, everyone turned around and looked at her. It made her feel…sad.”
My daughters’ feelings just got hurt… UNACCEPTABLE!! He knows EXACTLY where I’m going next… “when is the meeting with the substitute, the principal, the board….”
Him: “It’s scheduled as soon as you get back.” Two days later, we are on our way to the school.
“The movie was on the approved list!” This was the substitute, bless her heart. The name of the movie was “Brother Future”. This was the story of an African American street rapper who, while running from the police, was hit by a car and woke up as a slave on a 19th century plantation. Substitute: “Had I known that Anna was going to be in the class, I would have just had her sit in another room, while we watched the movie.”
My thoughts: “Lord, let her stop speaking now”.
The principal looked embarrassed. “Ms. Turner, we are so sorry that this happened.”
Me: “I am sorry that this happened as well. I am sorry that my daughter felt sad and uncomfortable. I am sorry that a movie with inappropriate language was shown, with no support for the children in the classroom who may feel uncomfortable, not knowing how to respond. I’d like to try to mitigate some of the hurt that has been caused, and provide some understanding.”
Principal: “What do you propose?”
Me: “I’d like to create a permission slip to send to the parents. This permission slip will ask for their permission to have their children watch “Remember the Titans”. This movie includes situations where tensions are high re: race from both African American and Caucasian perspectives. Situations where ultimately both groups learn more about each other, and are able to build a bond and understanding. I would like to stop the movie during these segments, and have class discussion. Talk about how the names, and how the issues made them feel. Ask them if they have any questions about the words that were used and why they were hurtful.”
The principal agreed. I created the permission slip, and every parent agreed to have their child participate. This was an incredible session. At first, there were sheepish looks, not knowing what to do or say next. I asked them questions, they started answering, they started asking questions, ALL began to talk amongst each other. That day, in that room, there was just a little bit more understanding.
This session was the first of its kind, and shortly after, the school system initiated a diversity program across the district. On this day, a difference was made, information was shared, information was later applied, and yes…I think a few lessons learned.
Two more of our children went through that school. I don’t remember another incident like this occurring. I do however, remember the sense of relief shown, when kids could ask questions in a safe environment, get an honest and direct answer, and know that for this sliver in time, we were all learning, growing, and much more alike than we knew.
And thus endeth the lesson...
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
In 2006, my oldest daughter was starting 6th grade in a small town that we had just moved to. A very friendly town mind you, which unfortunately was not as diverse as has been seen in other areas. We were the only African American family in the neighborhood, and yes, there had been a few questionable situations… Example- being stopped by neighbors on our street, on the way to our house, and being told/asked “hmmmm….we’ve not seen you here before, are you visiting the neighborhood, are you looking for someone?” NOTE: We had lived there 10 years at the time). Even so, we had great friendships with the neighbors in our cul-de-sac, great jobs, and the kids were happy. That was soon to change.
I was on a business trip, and my husband was holding down the home front. I get a call after a day of meetings:
Him: “Honey, are you sitting down?”.
Me: “Why, what’s up. Are the kids ok? Should I fly home? What’s going on?”.
Him: “Honey, calm down!”
NOTE: HOW is it that people don’t understand that when the first things stated are “Honey, are you sitting down?”, there is a possibility that the first thing you will do is STAND STRAIGHT UP?!.
Me: “What’s going on?!”.
Him: “Anna had a situation happen at school today”.
Me: “What situation?” I’m coming home.”
Him: “Anna came home crying. Their substitute decided to show a movie, which used the “n” word, and when that was said, being the only African American in the class, everyone turned around and looked at her. It made her feel…sad.”
My daughters’ feelings just got hurt… UNACCEPTABLE!! He knows EXACTLY where I’m going next… “when is the meeting with the substitute, the principal, the board….”
Him: “It’s scheduled as soon as you get back.” Two days later, we are on our way to the school.
“The movie was on the approved list!” This was the substitute, bless her heart. The name of the movie was “Brother Future”. This was the story of an African American street rapper who, while running from the police, was hit by a car and woke up as a slave on a 19th century plantation. Substitute: “Had I known that Anna was going to be in the class, I would have just had her sit in another room, while we watched the movie.”
My thoughts: “Lord, let her stop speaking now”.
The principal looked embarrassed. “Ms. Turner, we are so sorry that this happened.”
Me: “I am sorry that this happened as well. I am sorry that my daughter felt sad and uncomfortable. I am sorry that a movie with inappropriate language was shown, with no support for the children in the classroom who may feel uncomfortable, not knowing how to respond. I’d like to try to mitigate some of the hurt that has been caused, and provide some understanding.”
Principal: “What do you propose?”
Me: “I’d like to create a permission slip to send to the parents. This permission slip will ask for their permission to have their children watch “Remember the Titans”. This movie includes situations where tensions are high re: race from both African American and Caucasian perspectives. Situations where ultimately both groups learn more about each other, and are able to build a bond and understanding. I would like to stop the movie during these segments, and have class discussion. Talk about how the names, and how the issues made them feel. Ask them if they have any questions about the words that were used and why they were hurtful.”
The principal agreed. I created the permission slip, and every parent agreed to have their child participate. This was an incredible session. At first, there were sheepish looks, not knowing what to do or say next. I asked them questions, they started answering, they started asking questions, ALL began to talk amongst each other. That day, in that room, there was just a little bit more understanding.
This session was the first of its kind, and shortly after, the school system initiated a diversity program across the district. On this day, a difference was made, information was shared, information was later applied, and yes…I think a few lessons learned.
Two more of our children went through that school. I don’t remember another incident like this occurring. I do however, remember the sense of relief shown, when kids could ask questions in a safe environment, get an honest and direct answer, and know that for this sliver in time, we were all learning, growing, and much more alike than we knew.
And thus endeth the lesson...
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
November 29, 2021
Mahogany Monday
DON’T MISS OUT!! On Monday, November 29th, the Kindle version of “Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience” will be on sale for $3.99! The price will return to $6.99 on the 30th. Access here: https://amzn.to/3uDhshF
November 21, 2021
Lessons Learned Gift Pack
Slow down. Absorb the Lesson. Apply. Learn. Transform. Lessons Learned gift pack includes:
– 1 author box and signed book- take a break, you deserve it
– 1 lessons learned post it and tab booklet- jot down and mark your favorites pages
– 1 11 oz candle with lessons learned sticker- amazing hand poured candles created by CandlesbyJay
While supplies last. http://www.m2turnerauthor.com/product...
– 1 author box and signed book- take a break, you deserve it
– 1 lessons learned post it and tab booklet- jot down and mark your favorites pages
– 1 11 oz candle with lessons learned sticker- amazing hand poured candles created by CandlesbyJay
While supplies last. http://www.m2turnerauthor.com/product...
June 28, 2021
Lessons Learned: A Closed Mouth...
There is a saying, "A closed mouth doesn't get fed", That is to say, if you don't open your mouth to "ask", or to take it a bit further, if you don't move yourself to "do", you have no chance. What I don't want to do is have the reason that I don't achieve be because I didn't try. I may crawl to that finish line, but rest assured, I'm getting there! Open your mouth, ask for what you want, and make it happen. You are deserving of everything that you put your mind to. And thus endeth the lesson...
Thoughts? Check out my book in the link below for more lessons learned. Please write a review on Amazon if the book resonated with you!!
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
Thoughts? Check out my book in the link below for more lessons learned. Please write a review on Amazon if the book resonated with you!!
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
June 22, 2021
Lessons Learned: You Are Allowed...
So often we push ourselves to the brink- "no pain, no gain". Does it always have to be that way? What about allowing yourself to take a breather? You Are Allowed to take a break, to be disappointed, to be discouraged...that proves that we're human. Attempting to convey that nothing ever bothers you (I used the word "attempting" on purpose, people see right through us :-)) can potentially lead to a build-up, that may serve as a blockage, for blessings. DON'T BLOCK YOUR BLESSINGS!!!! You Are Allowed to feel all the feels and then...move on to the action. Remember, you've got this!
And thus endeth the lesson...
Thoughts? Check out my book in the link below for more lessons learned. Please write a review on Amazon if the book resonated with you!!
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
And thus endeth the lesson...
Thoughts? Check out my book in the link below for more lessons learned. Please write a review on Amazon if the book resonated with you!!
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
June 11, 2021
Lessons Learned: True Growth
“I used to think that growth represented getting new insights, more knowledge, becoming smarter. This is an aspect of growth; however, over the years I have learned that true growth is shown by how you apply that knowledge and enhance not only yourself, but others.”
— Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience by Michele L. Turner
https://a.co/apHVrIY
And thus endeth the lesson…
Thoughts? Check out my book in the link below for more lessons learned. Please write a review on Amazon if the book resonated with you!
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
— Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience by Michele L. Turner
https://a.co/apHVrIY
And thus endeth the lesson…
Thoughts? Check out my book in the link below for more lessons learned. Please write a review on Amazon if the book resonated with you!
Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
June 3, 2021
Lessons Learned: Self Care
So much going on, with only so many hours in the day. At times, we prioritize others needs over our own. This is not being selfless, this is being void of self care. Think of it this way, if your goal is to help others, you can't help if you're burned out. How can you pour into others from an empty vessel? Prioritize, Protect, and Position. Prioritize time to recharge, replenish, and restore. Protect your health- mental, physical, and other. By Prioritizing and Protecting, you Position yourself for wellness, for growth, and success. There is only one you. And thus endeth the lesson...
Thoughts? Check out my book in the link below for more lessons learned. Please write a review on Amazon if the book resonated with you!Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
Thoughts? Check out my book in the link below for more lessons learned. Please write a review on Amazon if the book resonated with you!Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience
