The US Thanksgiving holiday is tomorrow. Many people will offer thanks for their families, their lives, their work. I’ll do that. And, I won’t stop with my immediate family. I’ll also give thanks for our unsung heroes. Too few of us realize how many unsung heroes exist. They rarely make the news or social media. […]
Who Are Your Unsung Heroes? Read More »
You might have seen the infamous article about ‘Why I hope to die at 75,‘ revisited. If not, I suggest you read it. Emmanuel’s proposition is that Americans live “too long” after 75. They burden the health care system, their families, and who knows what else. He’s claiming to make this decision for himself. However,
Who Decides on the Value of My Life? Read More »
We often talk about a few “bad apples” in teams, groups, or even society as a whole. We use the term “bad apples” because that metaphor helps us see that one bad apple can poison an entire container. Should we tolerate one bad apple? Are there other options to help us create a culture that
How Do We Create Culture? Read More »
I’m still in chaos about where we are as a society and where we’re going. Some of my friends are learning to live on a lower salary. Some of my consulting colleagues have trouble finding clients. Add all the civil unrest and all the COVID-19 unknowns, and nope, I can’t see into the future much.
Three Possibilities to Imagine Our Future Read More »
In How Do You Manage Imposter Syndrome? one of the commenters asked how I take that first step. It depends. And, it depends—for me—on these things: I can think, not just react. The state of my emotional resilience so I can access my courage. The risk of taking that first step. How vulnerable I can
How Do You Find the Courage to Take the First Step? Read More »
What does courage mean to you? Merriam Webster says: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty Many people translate that to: “Blindly go into danger.” I don’t buy that blindly part. Courage is not fearlessness. Courage is what you can consider, in the face of your fear. If we break
What Does Courage Mean to You? Read More »
I’m writing this newsletter in the time of COVID-19 and the protests about George Floyd’s murder. I feel as if we are in much more chaos, even as we understand more about the virus. (I actually had to write What Do You Do When You’re Off-Center? before I wrote this.) I’ve been practicing these ideas and hope
Three Tips to Help Us Now & in the Future Read More »
I spoke with a colleague and explained how I had improved writing over the past year. That person said, “I’m proud of you.” I said, “Thanks.” And, I wondered why this person felt pride in me, in my accomplishments. I was proud of my accomplishments. I’d worked hard. I’m sure my colleague didn’t mean to
Who Can Be Proud of You? Read More »
I was on vacation last week, in Eilat Israel, a tourist destination. Because it’s a tourist town, you can see a lot of street art. On my walk this past Saturday (Shabbat) morning, I heard loud music with a great drumbeat. My first reaction was, “How loud! On Shabbat!” Then, I turned the corner and
When Are You Willing to Practice in Public? Read More »
I was at a conference recently. The theme was about games (simulations) that would help create psychological safety. Psychological safety matters both at home and at work. I bet you’ve seen people who live with psychologically unsafe families. Their lack of safety makes everything about their lives much more difficult. How can you gain emotional
How Can You Use Your Fear or Vulnerability to Create Courage? Read More »