Meeting 11/10/2009

After reading the Leads Purpose Statement, Director Bernhard Hoehle invited us to spend a few moments in silence and/or prayer for the fallen soldiers who were “killed before they could even go into battle.”

We missed Carlene Delight, who is recovering from surgery, Robert Ciaccio and Donna Doan. Mike Rosenthal has informed everyone by email that his schedule does not permit him to attend regularly. Everyone sends Carlene well wishes and we look forward to seeing Donna and Robert next week! We will miss you at our meetings Mike, AND welcome you into our homes and offices for needed repairs and maintenance!

Brie announced that she will be moving on to other ventures with her career-consulting practice. She will complete all of her Leads contracts by year’s end. At present, she is in negotiations for positions, but no final decisions have been made except that it will be full time which will not allow her to continue with Leads. She will attend as much as possible and hopes to drop by now and then, just to visit.

The recent Leads mixer was discussed. Leader of the Year for our chapter is Carlene Delight who was unable to attend the mixer. Kazue and Bernhard shared their perceptions of the event. Kazue stated that she got a much clearer picture of how big Leads Club really is and that she was impressed by how much people want to help each other to be successful.

ASST Director Jerry Bottomley presented the trophy for Leads passed last week to his lovely wife Susie.

Inspiration Chair, Susie Bottomley, read from “Beyond Success,” introducing the theme for this week which is the final preparation for launching into the 15 Secrets of a Winning Life. The chapter, entitled, “A Structure for Internal Leadership,” spoke about how and Idea + Detail + Action = Actualization. He spent 14 years developing the Pyramid of Success using this formula.

Our first (and only) speaker, Ken Nagao started his presentation by sharing a story about his son’s saxophone that REALLY illustrated his point and underscored his resolve to give high quality and consistant customer service based on great communication.

He spoke about the need to adjust our sprinklers for the changing seasons, checking to make sure they are working properly. The north side of our houses need less water than south and east facing exposures. Too much water leads to fungus among us and disease. The best time to water is between 2-6 a.m. to prevent disease as well.

Tree trimming is essential for the health of our trees which are the most expensive plants to replace. Loss of a large, specimen tree can even lower your property value. Rain + wind can cause damage to untrimmed trees.

Grubs in the soil can cause damage to lawns.

Ken and his crew have discovered (with the help of U.C. Riverside), that worm castings applied to the soil around plants that have been attacted by white flies will change the taste of the plant and alleviate the problem. Hibiscus plants are very succeptible to this problem.

Call Ken to have his crew check out your sprinkler needs and make sure your trees will weather well. He has an arborist on his team.

We discussed the Holiday Stroll in Riviera Village, December 3 from 5-9. More details will be worked out. Mark your calendars.

Ally announced that there is still a short window to order special wine labels for your holiday gifts.

Numbers to date for our club are $447,822. Brie shared that Burbank chapter was at $467 last week. Turn in those panned out Leads!

Closing thoughts on our theme were centered around Focusing on Fundamentals. Brian Biro states that, “When using the pyramid as your road map to the fifteen secrets, three key fundamentals are most important.”

1. Develop inner perspective by personalizing the pyramid. Decide which areas are most important for you to develop.

2. Be an example. If we are to lead others with these principles, be certain that we are leading ourselves with the same principles.

3. Take an interdependent approach: use all the blocks to build our pyramids. Each block builds upon the others. Also, each principle must be applied to every facet of our lives to attain balance and harmony. That means professionally, personally, spiritually as well as with our families.

Next week the theme will be the first block of the pyramid: INDUSTRIOUSNESS

The creed was read by Bernhard and another great meeting came to a close. See you next week!

SB