Reflections on Life and Leadership
Good communication is invaluable in all relationships and organizations. Without it, misunderstanding, friction, confusion, and passivity run amuck. A junior high science teacher decided to use his class as an opportunity to persuade his students to the benefits of abstinence. He put water in one beaker and 80 proof alcohol in another. Then he dropped …
Continue reading “Don’t underestimate how difficult it is to communicate well”
I asked a friend about his experience at a chamber music concert. His first response (and his only response until I pressed him) was, “During the final song there was a terrible, loud noise that just ruined the concert. I’m not even sure where it came from.” I asked him about the other 57 minutes …
Continue reading “Don’t let bad endings control how you feel about an experience”
I recently returned from leading a group of 36 friends on a European tour. We visited seven countries in 15 days. It was among the best trips I have ever experienced. Every day was full of memorable moments. We did have one regrettable moment in Rome. Our tour guide in Rome had an encyclopedic knowledge …
Continue reading “The curse of knowledge, part 2 – control how much knowledge you share”
At the beginning of each new year we’re encouraged to set goals for the coming year. I’m a big fan of that. It might also be beneficial to periodically list regrets: things we regret about the previous year and even regrets from the distant past that have come into focus. Here’s my truncated list of …