Thanks for the wonderful feedback on my just-completed 3-part series on how to constructively engage when there is CONFLICT. I got wonderful push back, too. Some argued against the usefulness of my prescriptions in important cases. For example, my deliberate, humble and honest approach to engaging conflict seemed to these readers to be of questionable … Continued
This belongs to the general series on the incredible power of partnership — of “paired leadership.” And this is the last for now in the mini-series on “leading a subordinate to partnership.” The first 4 are all available at danmulhern.com/category/reading-for-leading. I have been writing about helping lead a subordinate to become a partner. And last … Continued
Paired Leadership — 3rd in a series — This series is written for people who can imagine that creating a PARTNERSHIP with a key report (or child or student) might generate much better results and much more satisfying relationships than “managing down.” What I call “Paired leadership” or partnership is mysterious, but when we take … Continued
(Note: RFL generally runs about a page. Today it’s about 2 pages; not as quick a read, as it required more explanation. Next week, I expect to return to shorter pieces, but I hope you find value in this one.) Last week, I wrote about those “Grrrrr, what do I do?” moments, where inner frustration keeps … Continued
I am guessing that you did not notice that I first published last week’s “Reading for Leading” about Dr. King in January of 2007. (I updated one line about Black Lives Matter.) Many of you weren’t even getting “Reading for Leading” in 2007. I am coming upon my 16th anniversary of birthing RFL (God … Continued
When a scene is well written, directed and acted, we can feel targeted or triggered. We are treated or entreated — we are drawn to something that evokes what’s best in us. These dramatic figures are like a gift to us, and they hit each of us in our own way, in our own spot. … 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
Last week I wrote about one of the key lessons I am learning from The Sweet Spot by Dr. Christine Carter. You’ll recall that the point of her book — subtitled How to Find Your Groove at Work and Home — is to help her readers to understand current brain research in order to work … Continued
When my awesome 84-year old mom routinely answers my question, “How are you, Mom?” by saying, “I’m just so busy.” And when my friend’s YPO (Young Presidents Organization) group is holding a retreat on dealing with “the rat race,” I think, “Whoa! We’re all stretching, stressing, striving, spinning the hamster wheel. And ready to . … Continued
Today, I ask two questions, seeking your input — both to get you to engage in the question I’m asking (gosh that sounds pedantic), and so you can help us learn from a broad group about an important issue. I write RFL and teach students with one constant assumption: It’s not about whether you are … Continued