Friends,
For the first time in years I declare: I’m on vacation – in Saugatuck, then to Des Moines, Mt Rushmore, Jackson, Wyoming; and on to Berkeley. So no big ideas today – three quick updates:
- RFL will continue next week and hopefully for years. I learn from writing and learn from all the great comments. Let me know if there’s more, less or different you’d like from me.
- I’d love to have you interact with me on Facebook, and at StrongMenSpeak, where I am writing more about leadership and especially about the changing roles of men. StrongMenSpeak is a new website I’ve started with my colleagues from Berkeley, the Families and Work Institute, and Boston College’s Center for Work and Family. If these issues interest you or someone you know, please go to my Facebook page and “like” it. I will be giving away three books to new followers of that page.
- You can track my work as well as that of my wife, Jennifer Granholm, at a new site, imaginatively named GranholmMulhern.com. Jennifer is doing some really cool things around alternative energy and economic development, and we’ll feature our book there when it launches on September 13.
Will you take a Vacation this summer? I figure it’ll help as you…
Lead with your best self!
Dan
Have a great time Dan! Same goes for Jen and the kids (whether or not they’re joining you – and I wouldn’t fault you for going by yourself!)
I checked out the websites, and they are set up in a very clever way! “His,” “Hers,” and “Ours” and “Family Man,” Working Man,” etc – so much better than most people would have put it!
One thing I’d like to see you discuss more is the issue of stereotypes vis-à-vis leadership. You have talked about the perceived ROLES of men (and women) changing and how that effects leaders’ views. But as we all know, there are lots of stereotypes and generalizations about various people and groups – men being macho and “blundering fools,” blondes being less-than-smart, young people being apathetic, etc., etc. Even in politics, politicians are perceived to be greedy, ignorant, wimpy, etc. (often depending on political allegiance).
Those stereotypes can influence a leader’s actions toward those people. Example: I have been asked a few times in my life to help carry something heavy because people thought that I, being a man (and not the skinniest man, at that) was strong.
Like I said, enjoy your vacation! My aunt lived in Casper, and even volunteered for the congressional campaign of her neighbor, one Richard B. Cheney. But by 1996 she was volunteering for the Clinton-Gore re-election effort!
Scott,
Thanks for the good wishes, the compliments on the websites, and the recommendations about future RFL writing.
All the best!
Dan
Dan and J1,
I am looking forward to the combined websites.
I know that it will be awesome! I always find a gem in your writing that I can use to inspire and motivate both myself and my students. ~The TIP Lady
I will be spending two weeks on Beaver Island this summer. It’s a great Pure Michigan place for leaders to recharge and renew. http://www.beaverisland.org/
Dan, You are right on……..but then you usually are: There is always a good book waiting to be reached by one’s eye. A favorite of mine, first read by me at about age 17, once upon a time……….and reread about 1 year ago: The Egyptian, Mika Waltari, 1945, filmed in 1954 and still a fresh adventure for sorting out life through the eyes of an ancient physician. Read on and be assured: vacations should be required!
Dan, You are right on……..but then you usually are: There is always a good book waiting to be reached by one’s eye. A favorite of mine, first read by me at about age 17, once upon a time……….and reread about 1 year ago: The Egyptian, Mika Waltari, 1945, filmed in 1954 and still a fresh adventure for sorting out life through the eyes of an ancient physician. Read on and be assured: vacations should be required! Kay
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.