I am in the middle of an experiment in the course I am teaching to Masters in Public Policy students at Berkeley. I share this for two reasons that I hope you will find value in, and which I will explain in the 2 numbered paragraphs below. First, the experiments: I have long subscribed to … Continued
Dirty truth: Most of us were never taught how to manage an individual, and especially when that individual goofed up. We mimic our parents, bosses, Murphy Brown, Donald Trump. We dislike it. They dislike it. It’s just something that has to be done, like vomiting when you’ve had too much of the wrong thing. Here’s … Continued
We all face times where we go back and forth on a difficult decision that we have: Do you accept the job offer? Do you let somebody go? Do you hire person X or person Y? Do you raise a tough issue with your partner, or when you pick your battles, is this one not … Continued
There’s a wonderful movie out called Don’t Think Twice. It’s directly about Improv — so enjoy some very funny scenes. Yet it moves beyond Improv to Improv’s relationship with mainstream “show business.” And, as Keegan-Michael Key shared with Stephen Colbert it actually moves well beyond that to offer a bigger statement…one relevant to Reading for Leading: … Continued
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