Jim, I want to publically thank you for your efforts on my behalf over the years. (This is long overdue by the way.) The network has been extremely valuable in a number of ways. From a professional point of view I have met many network members from whom I have gained knowledge which has been both educational and personally rewarding. Certainly my own network has benefitted significantly as a result.

Over the years I have also been able to tap into your network in order to fill executive level positions. In many cases your personal recommendation has been the key to a final decision regarding a person. It is gratifying to see these individuals grow and mature into talented leaders.

Most recently I depended on the network again in an effort to quickly identify experts who could assist with due diligence. You were able to recommend a number of folks with whom I have been in touch. Although this particular effort did not materialize, I believe you have provided a core group of experts on whom I could call in the future.

You may also remember that, almost 10 years ago, you were the primary influence in assisting me through a personal transition. All you asked in return was that I be willing to talk with others who might benefit from my experiences and knowledge. I hope I have met your expectations in that regard. These contacts have benefitted me as well.

Warmest personal regards,
Dave Bussone

I wanted to take a moment and tell you about something I am passionate about and very concerned about. Over the last two to three months, there has been a disturbing trend with organizations who, for whatever reason, are letting executives go and providing minimal to no severance and no transition/outplacement assistance. The cuts have been a reaction to healthcare reform and some consultants who see no value in helping exiting executives

This concerns me for several reasons: First, what message are these organizations sending to their remaining employees when they do not give adequate assistance to exiting employees? Second, they are opening the door to increased litigation. Third, where mission is important, does that mission only apply to patients and not employees? Fourth, these individuals are moving into the most, or one of the most, competitive markets we have seen without tools to be successful.

This mentality seems short term driven with no consideration of the trickledown effect or concern for the exiting employee who, in most cases, served the organization well, but are being impacted by things outside their control.

The solution, to me, lies in two areas. One, we need to voice our concern and be heard and, two, every executive should ask for an employment agreement prior to joining any organization. An agreement that provides adequate severance and funds for outplacement/transition assistance, making sure that they have the choice of the firm they want to use.

Executives are constantly asked to make tough decisions and to do so with the best interest of the organization at hand; they need a safety net and an employment agreement provides that. Additionally, if exiting employees have not put an agreement in place they still need to ask when leaving for severance, extension of benefits and outplacement/transition funds to be used with the firm of their choice. I see too many executives leaving money on the table they could use because they forgot to, or will not, ask. In many cases, it will not be mentioned until you ask.

Thanks for listening.

A friend had sent me this quote earlier in the week and my thought, as it always is, where does this apply to transition?

When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free. - Stacy Charter

In transition this moment of truth comes in the rehabilitation of ones exit story. Good interviewers always set you up for the moment and know when there is an emotional link to that event. They observe the changes that occur when that emotional link is still present or as I refer to, baggage. More than likely, you will lose this opportunity at that time although on a rare occasion you may survive.

The significance of forgiveness to your own success and when not given, to your own failure, can’t be understated.

Life is about changing perspectives, seeing something in a different light that allows you to move on – successful transition is about successful perspective changes. That’s what we do effectively.

This is my 6th or 7th ACHE meeting in a row and the first I have attended on a non-drinker basis, due to the Lent Commitment I made with my son. Is it not interesting how we never notice all the people who drink until we do not, or how many of the cars we just bought are on the road, or how many people are unemployed when we are also unemployed?

So it is day 14 of the Lent Commitment and I have stayed particularly aware of this from 4-6 pm. What keeps me on the straight and narrow; 1) passion to succeed 2) sending the correct message to the audience I admire 3) leading by example – and my integrity. Also, I have substituted another behavior for the one I have given up. When the urge hits me, rather than give in, I go and exercise. I also have visualized me succeeding as I ride into Austin on the 2nd day of the MS150.

On a lighter note, a friend told me that for Lent – as he drank his beer – he gave up crack. My new conversations with old friends has certainly opened up some interesting dialogue.

I want to share something with you on a personal level because it reveals what is important to me and also because as I am going through this process I am experiencing how it has common themes found in career transition. My son, Kyle, approached me with an interesting question a couple of weeks ago. He told me he would like me to join him, as well as support him, during Lent with something he would have difficulty giving up.That something was drinking. His reasoning was he wanted to cut back, improve his health, lose some weight and save some money. I also sensed, like most of us, he wanted to be in control.

My initial reaction was WOW --- a young person wanting to reduce his drinking, something that would not be easy! Initially I tried to join him on a limited basis (how about six days, then one day where you could have that beer or glass of wine?). His girlfriend, Amy, who really planted the idea, reminded us that it was not what Jesus did during the forty days – succumb to temptation once a week. That really hit home! You can’t have your cake and eat it, and you can’t do anything half heartedly – just like transition.

When I make a commitment to God, I make it with passion since failure is not an option, just like transition. I also wondered what message I am sending to my son if I do not join him in his quest. Positive messaging in transition is key to one’s success as well as a passion for the result. Without the passion, one would roll over when the going gets tough. Kyle was reaching out for support in order to not make the important journey by himself, just like transition. Transition is truly a team sport.

So, I will share this journey with you and how it relates to so much of what we experience in transition. Remember the ingredients of success:

• A plan
• Passion to achieve that plan
• Willingness to step outside of your comfort zone
• Do not take it on half heartedly
• Stay in control of your message
• Get a team around you for both accountability and support
• Focus only on that which is controllable – leave others alone and understand the difference
• Remember, your status may have changed but your value has not.

On a more personal note, I welcome the challenge. I felt that over the last couple of years I had become a little too dependent on wine to take the edge off since I struggle with relaxing. The timing was perfect, though not exactly my first reaction. Just like transition, I know I will end up in a much better place.

I am headed to ACHE with a schedule full of “drinks with….” where I will sip on Sprite or Sarsaparilla instead of a glass of wine. I will have to be honest about my current path which might have the added benefit of opening up new conversations with old friends. I will try to keep you updated on how I am doing.