As we swim in the national soup of a presidential campaign, the best learning about leadership lies outside the usual back-and-forth. Whether we are leading in an office or company, a school or family, a church or neighborhood, we have to grapple with IMPRESSIONS and FEELINGS and not just data and facts. I offer: an … Continued
Note: I hope no phrase in this message is partisan. Forgive me (and point it out to me) if I stray. I write not for a candidate but for us, the voters, the everyday leaders required to make a representative democracy function. Well into my adulthood, I nurtured aspirations of being a political leader. I … Continued
I have been doing a lot of thinking about — and a considerable amount of coaching with — partners, or those I describe as “paired leaders.” Their relationships range from manager-to-direct-report, to diagonal reports, to straight-up peers. Most are “work spouses,” but I have also been coaching some actual spouses as part of my executive … Continued
On my way into a week of prayerful and blessed silence, I brought with me, Philando Castille, Alton Sterling and the Dallas Police Officers. In the middle of the retreat, I heard priests talking about “the horrible news out of Nice.” The day I came out of retreat it was Turkey. And, after church today, … Continued
I am beginning a week’s silent spiritual retreat, so this will be short. In my native spiritual tongue, let me say that I will “pray” for you, and I ask you to pray for me. (If you’re more comfortable with “sending positive energy” that’s great, too.) Last week was horrible. Let’s all pray — and … Continued
If you find this back at your work station, welcome back. Many of us, back from the sun (burn?), water, fireworks, beer and wine, family (maybe family stress ? 🙂 ), friends, kids, late nights, naps. Not an easy transition, so three short thoughts to let it go and let it rip. Be realistic. Few … Continued
Please bring to mind one thing that’s been preoccupying you. For instance, I am beleaguered by thoughts about a syllabus I need to revise for Fall. It pops into my head, unbidden. It can tighten me up, or get me in its grip. I can plan to get to working on it, but then somehow not! … Continued
Every parent’s nightmare: It’s the Sunday before Christmas and you’re at the mall. It’s 4:00 and you have to get two more gifts; you won’t have another chance with work deadlines, family coming in town, and a house that’s not ready. Your just-turned-three-year old, however, has been literally dragging her feet despite the little carousel … Continued
Note: This article was originally published June 10, 2013 I’ve hit rocky patches with bosses, and when I was the boss, ran off the smooth road with business partners, friends — and even my bride/best friend. In at least a few cases, we never recovered. In some, we found our way back to the road, but … Continued
Note: This was originally published on March 11, 2013 Friends, When I woke him up for the second time on Sunday morning, my beloved son had that 15 year old’s look of anxious dread, and he breathed the heavy sigh to confirm it. I stole my own deep breath and sat on the side of … Continued