My Time As Chief
At the end of August, I stepped off the Chief Council. It was an incredible learning experience and I feel both humbled and proud to have served the men of Momentum. In fact, I can directly connect my experience to some specific improvements I now have in my life. Looking back over nearly 3 years, here are some of what I’ve learned about myself and what I will continue to work on.
Transmuting Loss into Gold
My daughter, carried away with play, stumbled into and smashed a priceless family heirloom. I struggled to deal with my own conflicted feelings and teach my daughter about her carelessness and responsibility, all without crushing her with guilt. I found a way to walk the narrow path through love, guidance and hope.
Momentum Leadership Series: Lessons For and From Our Chiefs — Jerry Strebig
I stepped into this leadership role with the clear intent to bring vigorous warrior energy to balance introspection. As my leadership stint was ending, I realized I had not yet accomplished all that I had envisioned, and stepped back into leadership to finish the job. This allowed me to ultimately step down with a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
The Journey Outshines the Destination
My challenging hike as part of a good team took everything I had, but rewarded me with memories that will last a lifetime.
How Men’s Teams Make Efficient, Effective Decisions
Momentum teams have been evolving and using these decision-making principles over the course of Momentum’s 30+ years. Most teams rely on three methods to achieve agreement: unanimity, decision by authority, and consensus. When these are well applied, a team spends less time deciding and more time doing.
Momentum Leadership Series: Lessons For and From Our Chiefs — Bill Burton
After participating in the founding of a men’s organization that thrives to this day, I was chosen to lead it, one of my proudest moments. Never having led before, I discovered that with the support of passionate, sincere men behind me, I could push through self-doubt and fear to accomplish great things in all aspects of my life.
Ivan’s Tools
My father Ivan was a master craftsman and difficult role model, now long retired. On a recent visit home with my parents, his insistence on giving some of his tools to me left me reluctant. I realized my discomfort was with his mortality, and mine, but honoring and carrying forward his legacy mattered much more.
Stirrings Amidst the Ruins
Seduced by the perceived glitter and riches of management, I rode the management roller coaster from giddy high to personal collapse. I painfully learned that being true to myself was the way out of the darkness.
Momentum Leadership Series: Lessons For and From Our Chiefs — Mark Thorpe
Recovering from a life-threatening health challenge propelled me to live more fully and tackle more audacious goals. I stepped into Momentum leadership to make bold changes that flew in the face of the status quo. In doing so, I learned how to declare a vision and let go of the details, and that a little creative destruction can be a good thing.
Two Conversations that Changed My Life
My youngest daughter was caught by her school stealing my cigarettes and smoking. When I berated her, she reminded me that I smoked also. If I wanted her not to smoke, I had to stop smoking myself, as much as I hated to.
Life Lessons I Learned from My Fathers
I was abandoned by my biological father, and rescued by my adopted father. I learned vital life lessons from both of them.
Leading from Authenticity Drives Success
Momentum experience has shown consistently that authenticity is a key ingredient for success as a leader. It occurs only when your vision aligns with your core values; your words and actions are congruent with your vision; and the intended outcome of the endeavor is faithful to your vision. When all three are true for you, you will be more successful in enrolling followers who will implement your vision.
What True Friendship Looks Like
My dear friend is dying. As I devote myself to being there for him in every way I can, I reflect on a lifetime friendship of mutual love, deep respect and a bond that will survive all.
A meditation on missed opportunities
Revisiting the neighborhoods of my youth reminds me of the sacrifices and contributions of my parents’ generation, and how these have endured and changed over the years. I meditate upon the missed opportunities that were given to me by an apparently happy childhood, and upon the possibility of redemption.
How Men Use Commitments and Consequences to Foster Their Growth
Momentum’s men’s teams frequently use commitments, based on values, to support men’s growth to become the best version of themselves. Here we present a tried-and-true set of practices that Momentum teams have been using for more than 30 years.
My Father’s Death Ended a Family Legacy of Brutality and Misogyny
At my father’s death, I reflect on his life and our complicated relationship, marked by our familial legacy of violence, narcissism and misogyny that wounded me deeply. This inspired my quest for my own healing and that of others, to forgive my father, and to end that violent family history.
Missing the Clues Can Cost You Your Marriage
My wife of 13 years abruptly terminated the marriage leaving me feeling betrayed and uncomprehending. I realized the clues had been there all along, just ignored.
To Become a Father, I Learned to Let Go and Trust
All my life, I used clear intent and diligent planning to achieve my goals. They were not working in my struggle to become a father. I learned the power of trust—of faith and surrender.