The Irish priests in Boston know their politics. Still, Fr. McInnes’ prescience and sophistication jolted me. During our marriage preparation, he knew full well the aspirations I was packing up for my trip from the ideals of Harvard’s halls to the political streets where I intended to run in Detroit. “Dan, what if the party … Continued
Cathy Raines, an organizational development expert at the State Department, thoughtfully challenged my post last week about how military heroes seldom act in a solitary way, but instead depend heavily on LeadingX2. She asked the two-part question: “What’s a step I can take and with whom as my partner/buddy?” I answer them in reverse order. … Continued
Often we think that soldiers are solitary heroes. This is almost never the case in that they train, work and survive in units, often in critical pairs. And often we think they enlist out of patriotism. That contains truth for some.* Actually, more enlist in the army for adventure, and for occupational and economic reasons. … Continued
Thanks to so many of you who commented on last week’s blog, offering feedback on the “Clear the Air” series and expressing interest in future topics. A good number asked me to write about “thoughts on leading as American citizens in this unsettling time.” With the primary tomorrow, that feels timely. I believe the major … Continued
I have felt confused and disappointed for the last three weeks, when I wrote the 3-part series on how to clear the air with “I feel…when you…because” statements, and when I did not get any comments from readers; because I feel like this method offers so much value, yet your collective silence made me wonder … Continued
Recap of the last two weeks: This series is about how to clear the air with an important work or home partner. Part One spoke to the importance of standing up for yourself when a partner has hurt the relationship, but also recognizing that it is your problem and opportunity-responsibility to raise the issue…until you … Continued
Last week I wrote about the need each of us has from time to time to clear the air, to get something off our chest that is creating stress for us, and likely diminishing trust, enthusiasm and collaboration for work with a key colleague – or friend or family member. In that first blog, I … Continued
Today a combined Reading for Leading and LeadingX2 (leading by two). I will keep this reasonably short by introducing a topic, two steps, and then continuing next week. In any strong partnership there come times when you need to “clear the air.” Your partner cuts you off while you’re speaking (again), or cuts … Continued
This past week seemed to rival if not surpass the divisive madness that followed Trump’s election, or the intense emotion of the hanging chads after the Bush-Gore election. I offer a big picture and an observation of some truly amazing everyday leadership. Big picture. We all need to take it down a notch! Our feelings … Continued
I approach this column as perhaps the “most” I have written in 20 years. It’s most important. Most controversial. Most already-written about. And most tricky. I am writing about Mr. Kavanaugh and Ms. Blasey Ford. What’s tricky? Well, first what lens will I use, and will you agree to see through it? The fact is … Continued