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Vertical Performance

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Vertical Performance

Vertical Performance: Consultants that focus on building the "best versions" of organizational cultu

“Within every individual are the seeds of confidence, awareness and achievement. Within every organization is the collective potential to be exceptional.” This is the core philosophy of Vertical Performance. We provide customized business and management consulting and coaching services to a diverse clientele throughout the St. Louis region, including private sector companies, government, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals in leadership roles.

11/23/2021

"Waking up this morning. I smile.

Twenty-four brand new hours before me.

I vow to live fully in each moment,

And to look at all beings with eyes of compassion."

Thich Nhat Hanh

11/14/2021

What Did You Sign Up For?

A few weeks ago, my son called to ask if I could be available to “rescue” some friends of his who were stranded at a campground close to three hours away, which included pulling their camper home with my most excellent truck! There was urgency because they needed to report to work the next day. I said yes right away and made plans to leave that evening. It turned out a local person fixed the issue so I wasn’t needed after all.

I mentioned to my daughter what I was prepared to do to help, and she matter-of-factly stated "Dad, it was what you signed up for." In other words, “no need to blow a trumpet”! It is a simple understanding that I must be faithful to an expectation I have for myself to be “helpful”, regardless of the situation. It is a particular value that guides what I do - it IS what I signed up for and my daughter knows what it is; so does my son and neither show any trepidation in asking me to help, no matter how far out of the box. Time and again both of them have modeled the same value as well.

I actually ask a version of that same question all the time when coaching people who are navigating work issues or sincerely seeking to develop themselves as leaders:

"What did you sign up for?"

No one ever says "to keep making more money". No one ever says "to take crap from others because that is just the way it is." The comments are usually something like: "to use my energy and talents to do my job well...to help the organization do well...to become the best I can be...to take advantage of opportunities...to work well with others”, etc.

Actually, I coached a particularly ambitious millennial a few years ago who, at the ripe old age of 27, had already changed jobs in his field three times – all because he believed that a higher salary trumps everything else. Since then, he has articulated a change of heart and resides deeply now in the feeling that relationships and culture are essential – money-making is way down on the list!

What people "sign up for" is usually driven by a personal value they espouse, often influenced by some person in their life - so I also ask those I coach the following questions;

“What drives you in most everything you do - what is that value that you believe in?”

“What do YOU bring to the table - what do you believe is your genuine value to the place you work (or to your family or relationships)?”

“What do you plan on doing better right away?”

If my clients are doing well in articulating, understanding and applying this (I know because they must give evidence), I often challenge them with the next level of “what did you sign up for?”

“Think of a person in your life, either at work or personal life, that kind of drives you crazy. That person might be annoying, opinionated, selfish, lazy, etc.. The next level is discovering what that person signed up for. Instead of articulating what that person lacks in value, identify what one thing this person DOES bring to the table – what is this person’s value? AND find a way to tell that person what value you think he/she brings, to engage that person in articulating what drives him/her.” (You will almost certainly be surprised with what you learn!)

So…
What did you sign up for?
How are you being true to the heart of it?
What will you do better today?

Marc Lore said it well:
“When ambitious goals are not backed by purpose, you grow up a mercenary. If you think jobs are all about making money, you couldn't be more wrong. Become a missionary. Your values create the value.”

Peace to you!

11/03/2021

"Let's all stop worrying about whether we like each other and choose to believe instead that we're capable of doing good together."
Michael Curry

07/11/2021

https://bellevillechamber.org/about/leadershipbelleville/

We are pleased to announce, after a pandemic-shortened program last year, that the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce is planning a full Leadership Belleville program this year. VP is proud to continue our relationship as facilitators for the initial retreat program and the monthly leadership cohort sessions.

We hope the response is outstanding for participation in this most life-changing program on building leadership!

06/13/2021

VP supports the mission of the Belleville District 118 Foundation, fielding a dream team for the annual Golf Scramble on June 11! Thanks to Ed, Jim and Jonas for being a part of this worthwhile cause.

01/09/2021

The Enfolding

When our children stumble and fall during their lives, literally when they are learning to walk and fall repeatedly, and figuratively when they experience their formative years, can we not safely say as parents, we keep them enfolded in love, no matter what they do?

And while always being held inside of our love, is it not amazing and rewarding to watch how they learn to manage and navigate challenges and grow into who they can be?

Being surrounded by loving people, as children and as adults, we realize we are special. We understand and value our own worth. In so doing, our thinking is focused forward and outward, rather than backwards and inward. We enjoy a greater likelihood of becoming our “best versions”!

So, if this “enfolding” is so powerful, why do we not invoke it with others, not just with the ones closest to us? What about neighbors, friends, and in-laws? What about clients, service providers, bosses and colleagues?

Are not all of these people with whom you come into contact worthy of an enfolding? Better yet, are they not needy and just as vulnerable as children to the disruptions and challenges of life? Don’t they deserve a chance to become their best versions?

Some time ago, there was a terrible mall fire in Siberia of Russia that claimed many lives. A reporter stated: “what makes it even sadder is that many of the victims were children.” There is something about children and their vulnerability that tugs at our heart.

Maybe we should put effort into a mindfulness for the vulnerability of everyone. In this world that seems so divided, perhaps we should heed the lovely words of Ram Dass, who believes that our collective mission should be to “walk each other home”!

If you ascribe to the “law of abundance” in matters of the heart and soul, you believe we all potentially possess an infinite amount of love.

Imagine if you take a moment; truly, just a moment, seconds really, to enfold someone? Will it not deter you from making a judgment either in thought or word? Will they not have a better chance to become who they are meant to be, maximizing their uniqueness, if you walk them a little way home?

Who will you “enfold” today? What person that seemingly deserves it the least will get your regard?

There are many ideas on how to enfold in a moment, depending on who is your target. Here are a few easy ones to try right away:

Smile (it is when the corners of your mouth turn up!)

Offer a genuine and specific comment about that person, whether it is appearance, demeanor, or whatever

Always acknowledge each encounter; never let anyone pass by, even strangers, without a word, nod, smile, etc.

Close your eyes and imagine that person is surrounded by light.

Plenty of other ideas are out there somewhere or in there somewhere (your head – and heart) – c’mon! Will you be a part of the enfolding today?

Our mission: “Together: Better People; Better Organizations; Better Community”
Check us out at www.verticalperformance.com and Like us on Facebook
Let me know how I can help! [email protected]

12/17/2020

The Value of "Coaching"

Moving towards understanding of self and enlightenment of some sort can never be a “just me” exercise, because we identify too much with our own passing thoughts, feelings and patterns of perception.

Not having adequate distance from ourselves, we are victim to a very self-centered and limiting way of looking at ourselves and our connection to the world.

We get too busy protecting and justifying our self-created identity. We deny ourselves the opportunity to see all the potential connections we could have if we were more open-minded.

It is important to have an observation of “me” from a distance; from another viewing platform other than internally. The goal is to see with eyes much larger than your own.

So how is that done?

We can benefit from what some call a “thought partner”, a second set of eyes, all of which come from another person.

Ideally, that person should be someone who acts as a cultured witness, not judging or teaching, but observing and asking questions.

This is one of the reasons the concept of personal and professional “coaching” has become so relevant.

Just imagine, perhaps once per month, you have a dedicated hour with a partner who is there for you and only you; who joins you in your journey of desired growth and goal-setting; whose confidentiality is assured. Think about how a wider view of who you are and your connections can be realized in a much less self-prejudiced way. Consider the possibilities for personal exploration and growth as a person, as a colleague and perhaps as a leader.

Vertical Performance offers trained and experienced coaches for any individual’s or business’s needs. Our focus is not on “fixing”, but rather on “building” and strengthening. That is why we believe that all aspiring and experienced leaders, no matter their status, would benefit from the growth opportunities that coaching affords.

We wholeheartedly believe “Within every person are the seeds of confidence, awareness and achievement.” And “Within every organization is the collective potential to be exceptional.”

Let us know how we can help!

Jim Schneider [email protected]
Lynn Clapp [email protected]

06/24/2020

Morning Run

I went to bed and woke up in a sour mood this morning. You know, messed up world stuff had me down. Despite that, the sun came up anyway. A big old sun beam coming through my open curtain awoke me, as if God personally wanted to welcome me to the day. And what a glorious day was waiting. I spent my first waking hour sitting in my back yard just taking in the wonder of nature around me. It seemed that the natural world intended to keep moving forward regardless of what its human inhabitants were doing to each other. I noted the majesty of creation, this amazing place we’ve been allowed to share, was still alive around me.

A local park has a really nice one- mile trail through the woods and I decided to go run a few laps. Good choice. Perfect temp. I felt good. And the woods offered pristine, peaceful surroundings. I am so happy at this point of life just to be able to run. Many of my contemporaries aren’t able, and many friends and relatives I grew up with are no longer here.

But for whatever reason I’m still here, running again and very grateful.

A good number of other people are here walking this morning. We are entering a reopening phase of the Covid- 19 stay at home guidelines and people are ready to get out. I decided as I was running, to give a warm greeting to every single person I passed. Not just hello, but a hearty “good morning” or “what a beautiful day.” That sort of thing. Every single person I passed, without exception, returned an enthusiastic greeting. Some were sitting, some were walking, most were coming from the opposite direction. People of all different ages and races. Families, couples, people walking alone; I saw a warmth in the eyes and heard friendly in the voice of every one of them. Every single one. It helped, I think, that I was watching for the best in them.

Perhaps if they had known my religion, my personal beliefs, whether or not I was liberal or conservative, I might have been ignored or poked in the eye or something. But they didn’t.

We all only knew what we had in common at that moment. This gift of a beautiful day, that we were all enjoying. Somehow, the capacity for human warmth was evident in every person, even in these troubled times.

I noted, what has been created and gifted to us, is still present and available, whether in nature or within us. The capacity to connect, to extend love and warmth, and to heal, may still be amongst us. And we are still here.

Maybe responding to hatred with hatred is not the only response. Maybe we can cross divides. I want to believe it is possible. I want to believe that approaching one another with compassion can heal that which divides us. My heart is still heavy, my soul troubled, but…

For a moment this morning I felt hope and possibility for humankind. Or maybe it was just the endorphins.

Peace,

Jim

02/20/2020

2020 City of Belleville Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

What inspiring words to the assembly from our friend Lennox Forrester:

"Give to your community by keeping it simple. Everyday serve someone. Everyday find value in someone. Everyday make someone smile!"

AND we appreciate sharing a table with our community-loving friends from Chiro Med, Dr. Jess, Dr. Molly & Sue!

10/23/2019

Some simple musings on getting right in my head...

10/19/2019

What a pleasure to interact with a deeply committed group of volunteer tutors at the Metro East Literacy Conference, as VP facilitated the title presentation "Building vs Fixing: the true path to everyone's best versions".

08/26/2019

We are grateful for the opportunity to facilitate a team building session with the talented CEO seniors from Althoff, East and West High Schools. They are up for ANY challenge and collectively were models of inclusivity and a strength-based focus! We predict an amazing year for this group of aspiring entrepeneurs!

Address

15 North 1st Street
Belleville, IL
62220

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4pm
Tuesday	8am - 4pm
Wednesday	8am - 4pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm
Friday	8am - 4pm

Website

http://www.verticalperformance.com/

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