Blog | Lyn Allen

[The Challenge Chronicles #9] A Season of Uncertainties

by Lyn Allen | Challenge Chronicles, Culture Shapers, Leadership

A few years ago, I decided I was ready to give up sheep midwifery. As much as I love the mama sheep, the babies and the always-new experience of birth, the level of care became burdensome. So, the ram was separated from the ewes, permanently, or so we thought. You...

[The Challenge Chronicles #8] The Cost of Living in a Pain-Averse Culture

by Lyn Allen | Challenge Chronicles, Change agents, Culture Shapers, Leadership

On July 21, 1958, Ike was president, Elvis’ Don’t Ask Me Why topped the charts, and my little brother Mark was born. On November 15, 2016, Obama was moving into the final days of his presidency, the Chainsmokers’ Closer was number 1, and Mark dropped dead while...

[The Challenge Chronicles #7] Tractor Trilogy, Part 2

by Lyn Allen | Challenge Chronicles, Leadership

Lesson 2, Expanded Capacity: Some adjustment may be needed. Translation: Just because you CAN do more doesn’t mean you can do it easily (or well). There’s a walnut tree on our farm that has a new scar on its side. Yep. Short version: I hit it with a trailer load of...

[The Challenge Chronicles #6] Tractor Trilogy, Part 1

by Lyn Allen | Challenge Chronicles, Leadership

Lesson 1: Lack of capacity is painfully expensive – AND – Lesson 1A: Our needs for capacity change. One of the first things I discovered upon moving to the farm was the explosive growth of the local cool season grasses. From April to June, the acreage around the house...

[The Challenge Chronicles #5] Barnyard Lessons in Life, Love and Leadership: A Path for Building Trust

by Lyn Allen | Challenge Chronicles

You may be aware that I live on over 50 acres in a wilderness area, with - at latest count - one man, 2 cats, 3 dogs, 3 ornamental pheasants, 10 pea fowl, 8 goats, 12 sheep, 20-something chickens and 50+ guinea fowl. Plus 4 hives full of honey bees. What you may not...

[The Challenge Chronicles #4] The Paradoxical Way to Prepare for Challenge

by Lyn Allen | Challenge Chronicles

When it comes to Being Prepared for challenges in life, the unfortunate truth is: There are some challenges for which you simply can NOT prepare. Whether it is a bolt-out-of-the-blue, completely unexpected challenge or a tsunami-sized challenge leaving your world...