During the last quarter of 2007 and so far into 2008, new opportunities have been surfacing for Miles LeHane’s business ventures, and much of it has been on an international playing field. In early February, David Miles traveled to England to conduct a week-long executive leadership coaching assignment and to develop a 360 Feedback perspective on the European-based client by interviewing his staff. At a later time there will be a return trip to expand the coaching horizons for that client organization.

Miles LeHane received an invitation to respond to an Outplacement RFP for an international service organization planning a major reorganization that will entail several hundred staff being terminated. Marshalling all the resources of our affiliation with OI Partners, Inc. and its member organizations throughout the United States and Europe, we assembled a detailed response. David and Melanie Miles attended a short-list presentation to a client committee looking for the provider of the outplacement services. Along with the Miles, present at that session by teleconferencing were a representative from Los Angeles on behalf of OI Partners, and from Brussels, the representative of a European OI Partner who would coordinate the outplacement programs from that side of the Atlantic. The potential client was very impressed with this display of this truly international reach. Their decision has not been announced, but stay tuned. More to follow…

David Miles has been in demand during the past few months as a speaker explaining the concept and implementation of the Critical Thinking process in business environments.

Traditionally, we have thought of people as being a Specialist or a Generalist. Now in this new environment, we have a category of the Versatilist who has the flexibility and intuitiveness to move away from the historic paradigms and into new approaches and leadership / management styles. Not only has this concept been explored in general forums, but David has adopted the concepts heavily into his Executive Leadership Development programs. It is alive and well within our client base. Might David talk to you about Critical Thinking for your organization’s leadership hierarchy? David has recently contributed two articles to the OI Partners e-newsletter: “Do You Manage by Leading or Do You Lead by Managing?” This isn’t a simple rhetorical question. If you would like a copy emailed to you, contact feedback@oipartners.com and request it.

Finally, Succession Planning is becoming more and more of a hot button around the industries we serve. So many Baby Boomers and seniors will be moving out of the active work forces during the next few years that the voids created in the management structures may be overwhelming. It is a process that takes time when done correctly, not just a matter of looking for and hiring a replacement. Approaching and embracing this concept is another ongoing thrust for Miles LeHane. At the present time we are working on two active consulting programs, one near the executive solicitation point, the other still in management discussion and planning. And other clients are asking about it. There is a new RFP within OI Partners about Succession Planning. And we will become heavily involved in developing that response.

In January, David Miles received his recertification notification from the Human Resource Certification Institute that will continue his SPHR designation through 2011.

Also in late January, David was appointed by the Leesburg Town Council to a seat on the Standing Residential Traffic Committee. Local traffic issues are a major concern in Leesburg, so this becomes a highly visible and important activity.

Melanie Miles has been an active participant with the Loudoun County Department of Health’s Medical Reserve Corp since 2004. In February she was nominated to become a member of the Board of Directors. This 400 body of member volunteers stands ready to be mobilized to assist during a major health dilemma such as a flu epidemic, the bird pandemic, bio-terrorist attacks, and other local health crises. Each year the MRC holds at least one major training exercise. (It is gratifying to note that Virginia was ranked 1st among all U.S. states and territories for this level of emergency preparedness.)

For several years Melanie Miles has been a member of the National Association of Professional and Executive Women. Recently, she received notification of being tapped into membership of “Women of Excellence” that signifies her “commitment to professional excellence, leadership and distinctive service” in her chosen industry. Congratulations, Melanie!

GLENFIDDICH FORUM FOR WOMEN
Spring Meeting – Held Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Andrea McGimsey, held the audience spellbound during her very informal presentation at the Women’s Forum, March 5, 2008. The 20 women able to attend were impressed with the route that brought Andrea, now an elected Supervisor for Loudoun County through Wall Street, to Boston, to LA, and back to Virginia in a variety of positions with several name dropping organizations, from fashion to finance to technology.

Andrea’s extensive career experiences led Melanie Miles to exclaim, “When is your book coming out?!” Andrea is a very passionate, energetic and enthusiastic person, who will bring a dynamism to the county supervisors, like a real blast of fresh air!

We are expecting great things of Andrea, and she is expecting nothing less from each of us, as she closed with a plea for all of us to get involved in saving our planet, focus on the environment, and to learn how to be as “green” as possible both as individuals as well as role models for others. Andrea welcomed all of us to volunteer to work with her on improving our environment.

Sorry Andrea that we made you late for your Board Meeting, but we really thank you for enlightening our group!