If you watched the last Oprah show yesterday – you were among the millions! Good company, too.
For the first segment, I know I wasn’t alone, when I thought she was speaking directly to me.

Do what you are called to do. Let your gifts shine through.
Each one of us was put on the Earth to channel that energy we have – positive or negative, it’s all just ENERGY.

I was working with a group yesterday on the topic of Employee Engagement. In that setting, I reframe energy, as “How do you Show Up?” When you get out of bed, brush the pearly whites and roll into work – How do you CHOOSE to Show Up?

There is a mantra I live by – “Live as if…” I’m not sure where I picked it up, but it truly stuck. It’s a guiding beacon for how I CHOOSE to Show Up. There is a big distinction between “Live as if…” and the dreaded verbiage of “Fake it ’til you make it.” I’m working with my coach, Jane Deuber, who is showcasing a light on the BE-ing of being an entrepreneur. Not faking our way and hoping no one notices, but BEING.

Not just semantics – a Distinction.

Fake it ’til you make it has the internal push against something not even I believe to be true. I go through the motions. Mostly unconscious, expecting nothing to ever really – or truly – change as a result. This deadly mindset trap also is rooted in a place of disbelief. Fake it ’til I make at it’s core is about somebody finding me out. It’s a lie – it’s not me at my authentic self.

Life as If…here is a world where my belief, and the actions I choose as a result – give me HOPE. A hope for something I am helping to create. Whether it’s a more positive workplace, a stronger community campus. Or for me, A World Class Tennis Champ. True. I love tennis. And I show up differently, when I Live as If. I choose actions that propel me forward with the gusto and desire to Live as If this was absolutely true. I bask in the glow of what the vision I hold for my future – the “as If” part – today, in the moment. Okay, I may not be playing at Roland Garros in Paris this week. I am choosing actions that support my desire and belief to be my best on – and off – the court. I’m living a certain way – one in which propels me TO something.

It’s when I’m Living as If – I start from a position in which my gifts are allowed to shine. My actions embody my gifts and my choice. My life is NOT one big polished tird looking like a diamond, waiting to scratched or nicked so when the varnish comes off – you see it’s a big tird.

Instead of faking it, BELIEVE it and Live as If.

There’s something about being able to watch people experience complete JOY and BLISS.  Whether you are an Oprah fan or not – having the ability to provide a JOY-filled experience to an audience of over 300 is fun to watch.

Your JOY might not be the new 2011 Beetle. It might be something much simpler.

For you to experience JOY this season and LIVE your Favorite Things everyday, here’s are three things to get you started.

1. Recall a time when you were happy and able to experience JOY in your life.
2. What were you doing? Who were you with?
3. What’s one thing you could do TODAY that would get you a little closer to experiencing JOY again?

The key to the last question is getting you to take a step closer. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.  This mentality stops us in our tracks.  If you could get a bit closer – what would you do?

Well, what are you waiting for?  Go do that.  It’s in your action where the joy lives.  Start Living!

And if it feels good – ask yourself question #3 again.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Who knew Oprah and the Black Eyed Peas could teach us a thing or two about Employee Engagement.  I was asked today to provide an example of a short, inspiring video that could be used by an OD practitioner.  What came to mind was the viral vid that’s been circulating the web since September.

I believe this video teaches us two important lessons on engagement.  Take a look what do you see that relates to engagement here?

[youtube]CVQorfIX84w[/youtube]

1. Provide clear direction.  This was accomplished through rehearsal and practice, by the some 20,000 who chose to participate in kicking off Oprah’s 24th season.  When people are provided a clear sense of direction it’s amazing what can be accomplished.  In the workplace or on the streets in Chicago.
2. Co-create with your group.  This one I think is the biggest lesson.  After viewing an interview with the director of the video, it was clear that the Black Eyed Peas put ego aside to co-create.  In a typical rock concert the spot light is on the stage.  Here the spot light extends all the way down Michigan Ave.  They let the audience in.  They let the audience be part of the show.  Takes a confident leader to allow this, don’t you think?

Research from the Corporate Leadership Council suggests that by simply providing a clear direction to the goals of the organization can yield an increase in up to 34% in effort.  What do you think the impact to engagement is when people get to be part of the “show” and co-create with their leaders?