What Would Have to Be True for That Outcome to Occur?

Have you ever had a long-term disagreement with someone else? I’m going to discuss something small: when to take the garbage out for garbage day. (Talk about a first-world problem!) Our garbage day is Wednesday and nothing about our pickup is predictable. The current garbage company picks up the recycling and the actual garbage at

What Would Have to Be True for That Outcome to Occur? Read More »

How Can We Reconcile a Difference of Philosophy with Respect for People?

The news in the US is all about Queen Elizabeth’s death last week. I have many feelings all at the same time: Glad that I know because I like to know about world events. Sympathy and empathy for her children and grandchildren. Very few deaths are easy or good for the remaining family. Empathy with

How Can We Reconcile a Difference of Philosophy with Respect for People? Read More »

What Do You Gain or Lose with Shortcuts, Rules, and Laws?

I love shortcuts—especially if I’m not supposed to use them. Why can’t I avoid right-angle paths and use the hypotenuse instead? That saves me some time. Can I make my exercise easier? I can—and I too often lose the value of the exercise. So shortcuts aren’t always good or always bad. The context matters. Shortcuts

What Do You Gain or Lose with Shortcuts, Rules, and Laws? Read More »

When Did You Last Outgrow a Friend—Which Allowed You to Create Your Better Life?

When we were kids, we outgrew our clothing, sometimes at an alarming rate. (I vividly remember one summer when my older daughter needed a new pair of sneakers every three weeks.) Later, as we changed from childhood to our teenage years, we outgrew our interests. Some of us have outgrown jobs and found new jobs.

When Did You Last Outgrow a Friend—Which Allowed You to Create Your Better Life? Read More »

What’s Your Context for Your Success In Solving This Problem?

You want to change something—maybe a personal change or an organizational change. You’ve seen the headlines: “proven ways to lose weight!” or, in my context, “proven agile transformation success!” These people claim they have the One Right Way to succeed at something. They probably have succeeded—maybe even several times. They can explain the journey, from

What’s Your Context for Your Success In Solving This Problem? Read More »

How Can You Know When Your “Best” Days Are Behind You So You Can Evolve?

I’m at that age where people ask me when I plan to retire. I continue to say I plan to evolve what I do—just like Serena Williams. Ms. Williams retired from tennis this week, saying she would evolve to what’s next. What does this evolution require? We must see our reality and assess our various capabilities. Then,

How Can You Know When Your “Best” Days Are Behind You So You Can Evolve? Read More »