I read a very good book on organizational leadership entitled The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom. The authors studied successful organizations. In their book they argue that organizations fall into two categories: traditional “spiders,” which have a rigid hierarchy and a top-down leadership, and revolutionary “starfish,” which rely on the power of peer relationships. They believe that their research proves that one thing that business, institutions, governments and key individuals will have to realize is spiders and starfish may look alike, but starfish have a miraculous quality to them. Cut off the leg of a spider, and you have a seven-legged creature on your hands; cut off its head and you have a dead spider. But cut off the arm of a starfish and it will grow a new one. Not only that, but the severed arm can grow an entirely new body. Starfish can achieve this feat because, unlike spiders, they are decentralized; every major organ is replicated across each arm.
Like starfish in the sea, starfish organizations are organized on very different principles than we are used to seeing in traditional organizations. Spider organizations are centralized and have clear organs and structure. You know who is in charge. You see them coming.
Starfish organizations, on the other hand, are based on completely different principles. They tend to organize around a shared ideology or a simple platform for communication- around ideologies like al Qaeda or Alcoholics Anonymous. They arise rapidly around the simplest ideas or platforms.( like the Red Power Divas).
The book reveals how established companies and institutions, from IBM to Intuit to the US government, are also learning how to incorporate starfish principles to achieve success. And it will teach you: • How the Apaches evaded the powerful Spanish army for 200 years • The power of a simple circle • The importance of catalysts who have an uncanny ability to bring people together. • How the Internet has become a breeding ground for leaderless organizations • How Alcoholics Anonymous has reached TK million members with only a shared ideology and without a leader
In forming the Red Power Divas, the kind of organization I intended, hoped for and most definitely desire is that of a Starfish. An organization that is built on peer relationships and is base on a very simple concept and principle of "seeking balance." An organization that provides information and honors and respects each individual's right to make informed decisions about their health, well being and personal safety.
A Superior Court Judge does not operate like a starfish. I make decisions. All judges decisions have impact on lives in varying degrees. The kind of cases I handle (murders, rapes, child molest) are very serious and my decisions can have a great impact on lives. Therefore, before I make a decision, I am well prepared, I listen to all parties and I decide. It is inherent in the nature of the job that it is not done by committee or consensus. Ultimately there is only one person who can make and be responsible for the decision and that is the judge. Once a decision is made the expectation is that my orders will be followed or their will be serious consequences. I also spent almost 15 years as a head basketball coach. Where again I made decisions and the expectations were that they would be followed. I try very hard not to carry that mind set or mode of operation into my personal life and most definitely not into the world of the Red Power Divas. However, there are times when it may be challenging for me to separate the judge and head basketball coach, from Sharon member of the Red Power Divas. When it does happen I would greatly appreciate a reminder that the Red Power Divas are a Starfish. I have never been associated with a group of people who I have the highest respect and love for then the Divas. I share the following email sent to me from Yvette whom I admire and respect and immensely thank for this reminder.
Sharon,
I respect and care for you, which is why I have taken the time to share my perspective:
I dropped off my BBall team in HS, quit using personal trainers at Gyms, and gave up on "being an athlete" for two main reasons that I associate with "Coaches":
1 - I do not like being told what I HAVE TO DO and
2 - I do not like being talked to by someone who "knows better"
As a result, I'm willing to learn stuff the hard way, OR (this is critical) trust people that I have relationships with and solid proof that they care about me. All the Divas know where your heart is, and that everything you do is because you CARE. However, "have tos" may continue to be ignored, with eye-rolling and "Yes, Sharon" if other Divas feel as I do when you go to a "have to" place. People will raise their hands to appease you, but will they really DO the behaviors? To really have Divas be committed, I believe that we leaders and coaches need to meet them WHERE THEY ARE and support...not force.
I went to HMR orientation 3 times, before joining. My husband had to court me for three years before I would be in a relationship with him, and I am in a constant struggle with those I love to allow trust to be built, broken, forgiven, and rebuilt - that's who I am. Now, ALL Divas may not have the barrier to trust that I have, but let me tell you, we are all adults! So when we are challenged, we need to be respected enough to MAKE OUR OWN CHOICES. We need to be encouraged to REFLECT on the repercussions, and make decisions about the commitment we choose. In training, I have been taught to call this Compliance versus Commitment - one is much stronger for good, solid, learning. I believe blind following is not balanced - it is unbalanced, and we all have to make commitment work in our own way.
Personally, it makes me crazy and rebellious to be told I "have to" pair up, "have to" take on an assignment or "have to" do just about anything at all...but I love being ASKED to do stuff, and I am very happy to BE a Diva, and I BELIEVE in the Diva message! So, that's where I'm coming from. I hope it makes sense, and explains why I interrupted you during the lecture. I don't want to countermand your coach status, or detract from the Diva commitment, but I do think sometimes you need a "nudge" in the direction of commitment instead of compliance.
YOUR commitment to all the Divas is obvious - it is why we love to follow you! Let us show you OUR commitment to ourselves and to the Diva motto by taking on challenges, facing barriers, and allowing the Diva resources to help us problem solve what "balance" looks like for us!
*HUGS*
Yvette
The Next Diva Team Event is the 10K on the Bay.
Date: August 25, 2007 (Saturday) Location: 4901Breakwater Drive, Hayward, CA Start Time: 8:30 a.m. Cost: $25
Course Description: Flat, on gravel/paced dirt, and along the beautiful Hayward shoreline.
NOTE: This will be the last TEAM race event before the Rock ‘n’ Roll. This event offers you a great opportunity to test you pacing and timing in a race type of atmosphere. I encourage you to register.
Below is the website to register.
http://www.allsportrunning.com
If you have registered or intend to register for the 10 Kon the Bay, please email.
Saturday Training on August 25, 2007: There will not be a seminar. Divas not participating in a race event are free of course to continue training at the Campbell Community Park. Miles are 10K or higher.
Thursday Training – Campbell Community Track August 16, 2007
This week’s training calendar recommends on Thursday that you continue to work on intervals or Fartleks. We also have added a series of running/walking stairs. Caution: Training on stairs is designed to help you to build up leg strength. However, listen to your body. If walking/running stairs causes pain in the knees or other parts of your body STOP! Those who wish to work on upper body strength may want to add a few push ups during training.
Saturday’s Training Campbell Community Park- August 18, 2007
First 24 People Receive HMR Nutrition Bars
Start Promptly at 8:00 a.m. – Introduction, Announcements, and Raffle
Seminar: 8:15-8:30 a.m.
Distance for Saturday: 10K only ( 6.1 miles)( you have the option to run/walk longer distances)
Training Focus: Timing and Pacing - What type of race do you want to walk or run for the Rock ‘n’ Roll: The following is some questions you may want to consider:
1. Walk only. Run Only. Combination of Walk and Run (how many minutes are you going to run compared to the number of minutes you are going to walk?)
2. What is the time per mile that you want to accomplish?
3. Who are you going to race with a partner, group or alone?
4. When are you going to hydrate? (.i.e. mile 2-4-6-8-10-12)
5. What type of fuel are you going to use? (.i.e. sports drinks, gel, bars or combinations)
6. When are you going to fuel?
7. Are you using the athletic equipment now that you will be using for the race? (shoes, water bottle/container/ fuel belt, hat, sunglasses, etc)
8. Do you have identification for the race?
Food for Thought: To perform consistently you must prepare consistently. Act the way you want to become until you become the way you act.
NOTE Saturday Late Start: We were on the trail very late last Saturday. I apologize to all. The intent is to start our training miles on the trail by 8:40 a.m. I would greatly appreciate everyone helping me to focus on meeting that goal.
Saturday Seminar Topic: Stress Management
Lecturer: Diva Yvette K
FYI: On the evening of August 4 on the Los Gatos Creek Trail there was a dead body found. The cause of death was a gun shot wound to the head determined to be suicide. There was also a sexual assault on that same evening. There is a suspect being investigated.
Early Saturday Training: In order to get an early jump on your miles, many of you are starting your training on Saturday between 6:00 -7:00 a.m. You attend the seminar and finish the rest of your training miles with the other Divas. I think that is great and would encourage anyone who wants to do that to give it a try. Caution: There are a number of people out on the trail early in the morning. However, there are long stretches on the trail where there may not be anyone on the trail. Recommendation: For your safety, if you go out early please have a partner.
Special Contributions – And a Big Thank You From All the Divas
Diva Diana O has generously offered to donate the bagels and bananas for this Saturday’s training. She writes in an email on 8/13/07: Hi Judge, I will bring bagels and bananas for everyone this coming Saturday. Diana
Diva Heather S has generously donated a series of raffle prizes for this Saturday. She writes in an email 8/15/07: In an effort to further support my Diva sisters, I'd like to volunteer to (quietly) sponsor Saturday's raffle. I was thinking about getting a few "endurance
athlete" essentials from the Sports Basement to donate... 3 prizes in all. Done! I had loads of fun shopping; will bring all the goodies with Saturday morning for the Diva give-away (I will abstain from the raffle this week). Here's the scoop:
First prize: Hydrate!
(Assortment of electrolytes including 2 bottles of
Nuun tablets and 3 different Ultima powders... good
Stuff!!)
Second prize: Nourish!!
(Variety of 4 power bars and 3 energy gels)
Third prize: Gear!!!
(4-bottle Endurance Fuel Belt; I'll include a gift
Receipt in the pocket so it can be exchanged if the
Size isn't right)
Yay!! That was fun...
Heather
San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon
We are eight weeks away from the San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll. The event is limited to the first 15,000. Reminder: There are many ways you can participate in the Rock ‘n’ Roll. To register as a Red Power Diva please go to the SJ Rock ‘n’ Roll Corporate Challenge Fit link. Megan has requested that we use used the link. She has indicated that Divas registering with her is a bit overwhelming. We have approximately 60 Divas registered at this time.
Divas With August Birthdays: Happy Birthday
| NAME | AUGUST 2007 BIRTHDAY |
| Peggy A | AUGUST 5 |
| Stephani K | AUGUST 6 |
| Joanie S | August 12 |
| Christine H | August 20 |
| Rolanda P Jennifer V | August 22 |
| Susan R | August 23 |
| Rhonda H | August 28 |
| Charlene M Darlene M | August 30 |
Tips on Hydration and Fueling the Body: Refer to the weekly summary for July 30-August 3, 2007
Rescue Diva and Proper Hydration
Last Saturday (August 11) out on the Los Gatos Creek Trail, there was dog name Fido that ran from his owner. As hard as the Fido's owner tried she could not catch the him. The Fido was having a great time as he ran into the creek, chased a skunk and was eating some unmentionable things from the bushes. Well, the Red Power Divas are well known on the LGCT for rescuing animals (remember the turtle that Diva Debbie M and Diva Tanya B rescued on the trial). Therefore, it was no surprise when Diva Maria I (Santa Clara County Deputy Probation Officer and owner of five dogs) dressed in her Red Power Diva shirt came to the rescue. When Fido was about 500 yards from his owner and gaining distance, Maria drops down to her knees, closes her eyes and starts to sing. Fido hearing the sound of this beautiful? voice, stops in his tracks. Fido turns and starts to run toward this voice. Maria signs louder, Fido runs harder and within seconds the voice and the dog (Shepherd mix weighing about 75 pounds) collides. Fido in his urgency to hear more of the voice licks (with his saliva flying) Maria’s face, licks her nose, licks her hair and finally licks her inside her mouth. Maria eventually was able to restrain the Fido and returned him to his owner with a big thank you from the owner. As Maria walked slowly back down the trail with multiple dog paws on her Red Power Diva shirt, with dog saliva dripping from her face, and with the smell of skunk radiating from her body, she thought, well at least I am properly hydrated. Congratulations Maria, you are a hero.
Divas Rock
Sharon
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