This semester has been a hard one. Challenging client work. Digging the foundation for a book – and that idea-earth feels like hard clay for my mental shovel. Three classes – and one especially challenging. Sometimes the coach needs a coach, so I’ve been working with a guy named Mark, and we were discussing how hard … Continued
In Blink, Malcolm Gladwell mined mountains of psychological studies and produced boxcars of data to demonstrate the incredible speed with which the human mind makes judgments. And once we make judgments…boy, do they stick. Appearances that should be irrelevant — our race, gender, and age; our physical appeal; a nasal voice, or a New York assertiveness can … Continued
Last week I wrote about the story of the “coin on the copier.” In a “comment,” Steven Jackson, one of my students, shared a similar story. It’s too good not to call your attention to it. And I do so with this invitation: What’s YOUR coin on the copier story? I’m sure others would love … Continued
Last week I referenced the story of the “coin on the copier.” I referred to it as one of those stories about things you may say — especially when people look up to you — where the impact on others is more powerful than you’d ever think. The coin on the copier story was something … Continued
Last week I wrote about how my former TA, Hannah figured she was being listened to and appreciated, because, as she said, “I get invited to a lot of meetings.” That story prompted this response from a reader: “I remember very vividly one early morning when I was working in the Executive Office, and Governor … Continued
Yesterday, I went for a run with Hannah, a former student and TA of mine. She’s now doing amazing work at an excellent organization. She shared some reflections on how she felt the organization could improve. I shared with her that I thought her reflections made a lot of sense, told her how darned smart … Continued
I heard two amazing speakers at a spa/retreat placed called Rancho La Puerta outside Tecate in Mexico a few weeks back. And, I watched the way people listened to them. And I want you to invite such riveted listening. My wife Jennifer (Granholm) was one. She talked — but mostly turned over great clods of … Continued
If you haven’t seen them, go! I hate it when people spoil movies by telling me a lot, so I won’t do that here. I’ll just tell you what you’ve seen in previews, or what will not take away from the core story. Straight Outta Compton. I wrote a post years ago and included it … Continued
Often in leadership, and especially where there are two people involved, positions harden. It may happen that you have increasingly adverse positions with: Your boss on strategy or personnel Your spouse on child-rearing Your child on behavior and values It can take a lot of energy, as you repeat the disagreements, and never quite resolve … Continued
Literally means literally. Okay? And Cliff had my back literally. Since he was 7 years old my son Jack has told me — not asked — that on his 16 birthday we would jump out of a plane together. My rather significant acrophobia told him in response: that would not be happening. He smiled, sure … Continued