This month is a very special one for me; I am celebrating my 19th year in business as The Watershed Group, a big anniversary for my “baby” and a good moment to reflect on the adventures I’ve had so far as a startup founder and proprietor. I was Executive Director of Hospice of North Central …

Where do you turn for help when your hospice’s health is in question? Once it begins, the problems can seem to cascade one on top of another. The organization is leaking money, and your market share is atrophying. Your staff is unhappy; anonymous letters of complaint are sent in to your Board of Directors, and …

What is the number 1 thing in the world everyone wants? Can you answer that? What does everyone want so desperately? I believe that the answer, quite simply, is: MORE. They want more success at work. They want more happiness in life. They want more passion in their relationships. They want more money. More energy. …

When you’re a High Performer, productivity is not just about ticking things off your “To Do” lists; it’s about focusing on your higher purpose and whether or not you are living your mission – and encouraging, inspiring, and leading those around you to be a part of its accomplishment. Is your workday all about getting …

“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Courage isn’t just something we muster up when we’re called on to slay dragons or play the hero. Our courage is tasked every day, and how we answer its call (or don’t) is a powerful …

High performance; everyone talks about it, but what does it really look like in practice? Here is my story of Habit #5, Influence: No man or woman is an island, though we might occasionally wish we were! When the action or inactions of those around us frustrate us, we’re tempted to imagine that life would …

High performance; everyone talks about it, but what does it really look like in practice? To me, high performance can’t just be an on again/off again thing where I hit that mark, then settle back down to where I was. I need to sustain that high-functioning vibrancy over time. It doesn’t come naturally – at …

I was in Washington D.C. recently for the winter meeting of members of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation group. A vibrant lineup of speakers was there to share their insights on the current state of healthcare and hospice. One surprise speaker was Brian Blase, Special Assistant to the President on Healthcare Policy. I admit …

MARY J. LABYAK August 27, 1948 – February 4, 2012 “I think hospice is the greatest single honor that has ever occurred in my life. To have the opportunity to be a part of building something that makes such a difference to society. And I think what is really important is that hospice is a …

Every couple of years, I get the irresistible urge to change things up; to try something new, to push myself past my previous limitations – in short, to grow. I had a business growth spurt that pushed me to publish a book, and a spiritual growth spurt engaging in the Alembic Program offered by the …