Dear Readers,
I’ve attempted to write this post a number of times but somehow always became stuck. Perhaps I wasn’t ready then. I think I am now.
I have been writing this blog since 2009. It started because I had something to say about organizations and how they are led. I wanted to make some kind of contribution toward making not-so-good workplaces somehow better for people. And, I believe good workplaces always start with good leadership, the kind that puts value on the potential of people’s willingness to do their best work in environments of trust and mutual respect.
I surprised myself by having quite a lot to say on the subject, certainly between 2009 and 2013. In 2014, I mostly repeated myself, (a habit, I’m told that comes with age). Nonetheless, you managed to see something worth reading, something worth discussing and also passing along. That kind of surprised me too, but only in the best of ways. I am both grateful and delighted by your response to something that started out as this woman’s somewhat hesitant voice in the Cosmos.
But, here’s the thing. Just about everything has a beginning and an end. And “You’re Not the Boss of Me” has reached its end place. I‘m a bit sad about that. But I also believe that once you have said what you have to say, the best strategy is to simply shut up and listen to somebody else.
I have learned much from so many of you. I have come to know that there is a multitude of fine people who share my view of what is needed to build an effective, satisfying and profitable workplace in the 21st Century. These are leaders who are in the thick of it, leaders who see a vision for the future that includes all kinds of people; a vision that excites them, challenges them and rewards them generously for their efforts.
Leadership in organizations is not a spectator sport. It is, after all, not what we say but what we do that matters. And so, simply writing about it is not enough. I have been out of the workforce for some time now and in the years I have been writing this blog, have drawn on my past experience, on my own stories and other peoples’ and on current events. However, without actually being in the fray, there comes a time when one simply runs out of useful things to say.
It’s been fun. It has allowed me to make acquaintance with some really remarkable people whose passion for good leadership is unmatched.
You may be familiar with some of these very accomplished and dedicated people but just in case you aren’t, I’d like to point you in the direction of some of my favourites. Please follow them, read them, and learn from them. I have, and have become more enlightened because of it.
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Mary Jo Asmus is a highly successful executive coach, writer and consultant with (at least in my observation) a kind of spidy sense when it comes to accurately assessing human behaviour. She and I have often written about very similar things and shared our ideas with each other on more than one occasion. I have always benefitted from these exchanges. Given the opportunity, so would you.
More about Mary Jo here: http://www.aspire-cs.com/who_we_are
Follow Mary Jo onTwitter: @mjasmus
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Wally Bock: If you want to really understand what it takes to lead others, reading Wally’s blog is a must. His writing is refreshingly honest and full of lessons he learned himself, sometimes painfully. And if you want to learn to be a better writer, Wally can help you with that too.
More about Wally here: http://www.threestarleadership.com/about-wally
And here: http://writingabookwithwally.com/
Follow Wally onTwitter: @WallyBock
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Dorothy Dalton is an impressive woman to say the least. She is an International talent management strategist and coach. She is also CEO of 3PlusInternational, an online company she founded together with Dr Anne Perschel in 2010.
More about Dorothy and 3Plus International here: http://3plusinternational.com/team/
Follow Dorothy on Twitter: @DorothyDalton
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Lolly Daskal is Founder and President of “Lead From Within”. She teaches us the importance of bringing all of ourselves to leadership… to lead from the heart, and is a particularly successful coach, consultant, facilitator and author
More about Lolly here: http://www.lollydaskal.com/
Follow Lolly onTwitter: @LollyDaskal
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Karen Hurt is Founder and CEO of Let’s Grow Leaders. In my observation, Karin’s common sense approach to leadership and her practical leadership experience in business earns her well-deserved attention. If you appreciate a ‘no BS ‘approach to leadership, you won’t go wrong by becoming a regular reader of her blog.
More About Karin Here: ~ http://letsgrowleaders.com/about/
Follow Karin on Twitter: @Letsgrowleaders
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Susan Mazza was the first person to engage with me on this blog. Her words were encouraging and her ideas are always insightful. Susan not only has tons of business and leadership experience but a deep intuition about human beings and what makes us tick. I think that’s a powerful combination.
More about Susan here: http://randomactsofleadership.com/about-the-author
Follow Susan on Twitter: @SusanMazza
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Tanveer Naseer is a fellow Canuck. He is also a scientist, writer, and consultant who can expertly examine complex human and business situations and make sense of them. I’d say we could all use the kind of insights he shares regularly on his blog.
More about Tanveer Here: http://www.tanveernaseer.com/about/
Follow Tanveer on Twitter: @TanveerNaseer
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Jane Perdue: ~ There are many reasons you should consider reading what Jane has to say. If you’re looking for just one thing though, here it is. She believes in leading big and in challenging stereotypes and the status quo. If we are going to effect change in the way we lead, we need all the Jane Perdues we can get.
More about Jane here: http://braithwaiteinnovationgroup.com/leadbig/
Follow Jane on Twitter: @thehrgoddess
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Anne Perschel: ~ I have to declare that Anne is a particular favourite of mine, both as a highly accomplished leadership and organizational psychologist and as a person. She is passionate about helping executives create workplaces that meet the needs of a 21st Century global marketplace. And, she is an especially strong advocate for women, co-founding 3Plus International with Dorothy Dalton.
More about Anne here: http://germaneconsulting.com/about/principle-consultants/
Follow Anne on Twitter: @bizshrink
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Art Petty is a very classy guy. He was also one of the first people to give this blog, and me, some encouragement when I first started writing. He is an author, a teacher and a highly skilled executive coach. And, he is a gentleman of the first order.
More About Art here: http://artpetty.com/about/
Follow Art on Twitter: @artpetty
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Jesse Lyn Stoner appears last on this list only as an unfortunate outcome of being further along in the alphabet than anyone else here. In all other ways, she gets an “A” from me. Jesse is a leadership consultant and best-selling author who champions the power that comes from developing organizational vision and collaborating with those affected by it in building effective, practical and actionable strategies.
More about Jesse here: http://seapointcenter.com/
Follow Jesse on Twitter: @JesseLynStoner
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If this list leaves you wanting more, there is a wealth of knowledge at the Leadchange Group Site founded by Mike Henry Sr. (@mikehenrysr) and now under the capable leadership of Becky Robinson (@beckyrbnsn) as a division of her company, Weaving Influence.
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As for me, I still plan to show up on Twitter and perhaps, from time to time, someone will allow me the privilege of writing as a guest on his or her blog. You never know, I might not be as “done” as I think I am. In fact, I may begin a whole new blog on an entirely different subject. Who knows?
Thank you so much for spending time here with me. It has meant a lot. Oh, and keep up the great work. The World needs you.
Sincerely,
Gwyn
You're Not the Boss of Me 
I will miss you Gwen! Your insights often lifted my spirits when in the midst of some organizational disconnect. You were a light in the dark. I understand the need for consolidation and closure, but your wisdom should not be lost! Perhaps it is time to write a book? My very best wishes for all that you aspire to in the coming weeks and years.
Hi Diane ~ Thank you for your kind words. I have played around with the idea of writing a book and will no doubt play around with it some more 🙂 I’m so glad you found something useful in the blog. That made the writing of it worthwhile!
Gwyn – I am sad you are stepping down and will miss your measured insights. Let me know when you would like to write for 3Plus again. Wishing you every success in what you do. You will leave a gap.
Thank you, Dorothy. I would indeed love to write something for 3Plus again sometime. I’ll be in touch 🙂
Gwyn, What a lovely farewell, as beautifully written as all of your blog posts. Your blog was a beacon for me as I was starting mine and I’ll surely miss reading your wisdom. But, best wishes with whatever comes next for you! Warmly, Jamie
Hi Jamie ~ Thank you so much for your very kind words. I’m not sure what is next just yet…but after a siesta or two, I expect to come up with something. Best wishes to you for the coming year not only with your blog but also everything else! May 2015 prove to be the best one yet 🙂
Thank you Gywn for your many insightful posts. I’ve enjoyed your musings and advice and have shared many of your posts with colleagues. Hopefully the site will live on and I can dip back in and continue to read and learn from your wisdom and experience. I have loved your gentle manner and wisdom. Thank you and best wishes.
Thank you, Denise for reading and for sharing some of my posts. That means a lot. Best wishes to you too for a great year ahead, whatever that means for you. Cheers! 🙂
I really hope you will consider writing about other topics at some point. Your writing skills shouldn’t go to waste 🙂
Thank you, Leslie. I doubt it will be long before I get back into it in some capacity. I just have to figure out the “what” 🙂
I have really enjoyed your blog, Gwyn. It is filled with real-world, practical wisdom, and you have a beautiful gift for writing – a wonderful combination. Endings are as important to recognize and celebrate, and there is much to celebrate. Timeless wisdom is not dated, and I will continue to direct people to your blog. I am honored that you included me in your list of recommendations. Wishing you success and joy on your path wherever it takes you next. Best regards, Jesse
Jesse ~ Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I feel with growing certainty that I am not finished with writing. I’m just taking a kind of sabbatical to see what comes up. Your support for this blog has been tremendous. And, I’m glad that through it, I have had the opportunity to meet you, if only virtually 🙂 May that continue.
Gwyn – dear colleague and friend
This post, like so many others you’ve written, brings us face to face with life’s paradoxes. I am both saddened that you won’t be posting more blogs and heartened by the integrity and grace of your actions and your words – as always. Your wisdom is timeless, as is great leadership. Fortunately for all of us, and those who have yet to read your posts, the internet, like a tattoo, is rather permanent…or as permanent as we can know given our human status.
I too have felt, at times, that I’ve said all I have to say on the subject of leadership; that it’s time to be quiet and listen for what emerges, or doesn’t, through the silence. So I’ve been writing less regularly, when inspiration strikes, and offer the possibility that you might take virtual pen in hand again and lend us your words, if and when lady inspiration knocks at your mind’s door. And why limit yourself to leadership? Life seems a fine subject for you.
It has been and will remain a privilege to know you. Finally, I am honored to be named by you and in the company of your esteemed selection of leadership experts.
With the greatest respect and warmest regards,
Anne
Dear Anne ~ There have been many good things that have come from writing this blog. Among The best of them has been the opportunity to meet you, talk with you and call you a friend. I am the richer for knowing you. Thank you.
Gwyn, I will miss your blog and miss your presence in it. I always felt we were kindred spirits in the things we think – and ultimately write about.
Your blog has inspired me during these years. You are a gifted woman and a wonderful writer. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please contact me!
Thank you also for the kind words about my blog. I wish you the best in whatever is next for you. Warmly, Mary Jo
Mary Jo ~ Yes, it was rather uncanny, those times when we would each publish a new post…about the same thing! I thank you for the inspiration your writing so often gave me and for your very kind words here. I am humbled by them. Let’s not lose touch. After all, kindred spirits are not that easy to come by. 🙂
Enjoyed your blog Gwyn. Thoughtful, intelligent and well written. Thank you for sharing your insights and wishing you the best as you move on from here.
Thank you very much, Scott, for reading and sharing my posts so regularly and for your good wishes.
Gwyn,
I have enjoyed your blog so much! Best wishes on your next endeavor. As many of the commenters have written here, your words of wisdom are timeless and will live on!
Hi Jennifer ~ Thanks so much for your kindness. I suppose that having made my share of mistakes, I have learned to recognize things I’d rather not do twice! If that has allowed me to write some words of wisdom then I have no regrets…well, maybe one or two 🙂 Cheers! I will look for you on Twitter!
Gosh, I’m going to miss your posts. I can still use your knowledgeable graciousness as an example for others, though. And I know that there are times in life when you need to move on. Adieu!
Hi Wally ~ Thank you for that and for all the support you have given to this blog over the years. Au revoir! (you see, you’re not the only one who can get fancy :))
Hi Gwyn, my fellow Canuck,
I’d like to join the chorus by thanking you for sharing your insights and experiences on how we can become a better leader to those we serve, as well as letting you know how much you will be missed.
One of the joys that comes with sharing our writings and insights online is the opportunity to meet and bond with amazing people like yourself, Gwyn. As much as your writings are a timeless reminder of how to succeed at leadership, there are also a window that allows us to connect and better understand you. For that, I remain grateful for your contributions and do hope the writing bug perches on your shoulder once again sometime soon.
Though you may be putting your leadership pen down, know that you’ve created a place where people will be inspired and motivated to bring their best to work.
Thanks again, Gwyn. To my fellow Canuck, I wish you blue skies and warm weather, with a fresh cup of Tim’s, eh!
Tanveer ~ Thank you very much for your kind words. Part of me will miss the weekly writing ritual and part of me is grateful for a break from the self inflicted pressure that comes from having to think of something to say that serves a purpose other than my own. While I won’t be as visible in social media circles as before, I’m not going away altogether and will be following your postings and Twitter feed with interest. So be warned. I have my eye on you. 🙂
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shawn-achor/happiness-tips-research-chronic-illness_b_1798183.html
Hi Gwyn – I heard about Shawn Achor, an author and educator, who writes and speaks about the science of happiness. His info reminded me of you and your leadership principles, about how treating ourselves and others with dignity and respect can multiply the happiness factor in our lives. I sent some links to his writing and videos. Since you are taking a break from writing, I hope you enjoy watching and reading while you enjoy your Tim’s.
Thank you for your personal replies to your readers’ responses, even me!
You will be missed, definitely not forgotten! If you have my email address, I would love to hear from you, especially since I could adopt you as my sister!
Sending blessings back to you, as you have to all of us!
Terry
Dear Terry, Thank you for the link to Shawn Achor’s presentation. I think he’s onto something 🙂 I also found him charmingly self-effacing and somehow, that seems to be a human quality that in itself creates happiness in oneself and also in others.
Thank you too, for visiting and contributing to this blog as often as you have. It has made the writing of it very rewarding for me. Sending best wishes and much happiness to you ~
Gwyn
Gwyn, I’ll miss your posts. I was so sad to read this one and learn that you won’t be posting any more — but what a generous, kind and thoughtful way to end your blog. I appreciate all the recommendations. There are two writers here that I haven’t enjoyed yet. Thank you for all the beautiful posts.
Enjoyed reading your blog in the past and I know the future will look very bright for you. Good luck! Thank you for sharing the blogs that you too have learned so much from.