Part I – How Did We Get ‘Hear’?

Go ahead ... ask me   what I did this summer.  So because you asked ... I had a cochlear implant and granted,  that's a unique answer ... for me and for just about anyone.  Curious as to what this has to do with business, leaders in business or The Third Zone?  Believe me ... it's an appropriate question and as you'll discover, a VERY connected answer.  Please read on.

Our efforts as The Third Zone have provided the opportunity to work with organizations and specifically, the leadership within, to help them forge greater success.  Whether the goal and desire was to develop more effective leadership, achieve alignment around a shared vision or bring about needed change, in general, what we were able to accomplish was to help them bridge the gap between their dream of achievement and their reality of performance.  And as we play our role as such there is no doubt that we have benefited as well.  From each experience, we take away different learning as we facilitate the various journeys upon which our clients embark.  However, was I surprised to experience the impact on me personally in a way I would never have expected or anticipated!  And for that I remain forever grateful.

I have a serious hearing impairment - one that was diagnosed at the age of 3 and that required the use of hearing aids as a college freshman at 18.  For the ensuing decades I have functioned quite well and, as you might imagine, my hearing aids simply became ear attachments that even I forgot I had.  My life was good and full in every sense and I never anticipated a change.  That is ... until about 18 to 24 months ago when things started to change.

As I came to grips with and accepted the further decline in my hearing I realized that my situation around my ability to hear ... or not ... would have a distinct impact on the future quality of my life ... both personal and business.  I realized that I needed to do something that would alter my current path and I felt I had to do it quickly.  This led to intense research of available options and finally within the past month, receiving a cochlear implant - a step that is intended to take me into a hearing world the degree to which I haven't experienced for many, many years.  With my decision and the resulting action I have reclaimed the driver's seat of my life and how great it feels!

Still wondering what this has to do with the business of The Third Zone?  Here it is.   Coincidentally, during the past 18 to 24 months, our work with the leadership of our client companies has revealed a fascinating and challenging journey for them, their businesses ... and for us.