I haven’t shared a blog since July of this year, but that’s not because I’ve been on sabbatical or an extended vacation somewhere tropical that has never heard of COVID. Actually, I’ve been quit busy with multiple projects. My latest book came out in June, coauthored with friend and leadership expert Tony Gambill called Getting…
How Perception Biases Blind Us
How can two people view situations with such contrasting conclusions that they’d sacrifice relationships and outcomes? While driving a winding road, I encountered a goose family crossing, forcing me to brake—hard. I knew the driver behind me didn’t see them, given her hand gesture and inexplicable mouthing of “casserole.” (No thanks, I thought, I just…
Worst Days & Longest Memories
Imagine being remembered for your worst day or most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done. It’s not hard to imagine, is it? Don’t you have someone in your life, maybe even on the fringe, who witnessed you at an awkward time that “helps” keeps those memories alive for you? It doesn’t matter if you cure cancer,…
Collecting Happiness: Is That A Thing?
Is it possible to collect happiness? People collect all sorts of things. When I was a kid, my neighbor spent time collecting more beer cans than I’d ever seen. My parents collected things, too: mom had her teacups and dad his funny cartoons. I used to collect bruises (soccer players will understand). Some people collect…
Combating Gloom-n-Doom “News”
If you follow the gloom-n-doom news of the day, you might conclude that our world, indeed, is going to hell-in-a-hand-basket. Look no further than the COVID-19 pandemic, global warming, natural disasters, wildfires, political unrest, insurrections, geopolitical hot-spots, melting icecaps, unemployment, murder hornets, and polar vortices for evidence that we’ve got our share of challenges. But…
The Truth About Being “Authentic”
Years ago, my marketing person (aka, my wife) came up with a short bio that’s read before I speak to a group. Here’s the short version: Bringing authentic leadership to life, from the board room to the family room. It’s not always read as it’s written. In Alabama, the woman introducing me read that I…
Spark Joy: Declutter Your Mind
Queen of Declutter, Marie Kondo, suggests you hold up an item and ask yourself: Does this spark joy? If the answer is yes, keep it. Otherwise, toss or donate it. This works just as well for things that take up space in our heads. “Do we have to hang that in here? It’s scaring the…
Unknown Doesn’t Mean Without Impact
I watched the 2021 Presidential inauguration wanting to hear President Biden’s address. As a bonus, I saw the first female Vice President sworn in, heard an amazing rendition of the National Anthem by Lady Gaga, and found myself spellbound as Amanda Gorman recited We Climb the Hill. But, I have to admit, the unknown man…
Your Emotions Drive Your Perspective
My morning started with a healthy perspective where I logged many productive hours before daylight. As a treat, I decided to cook a hardy breakfast. Well, I meant to cook breakfast. What I ended up doing was burning breakfast. As smoke filled the kitchen and my eggs turned to charcoal in the pot, I opened…
Real and Ugly Beats Perfect yet Phony
When you look at a selfie, you’re not seeing a real person. You’re looking at an image that the photographer staged, cropped, and edited meticulously—reducing red-eye, pounds, wrinkles, and years while increasing bust, bicep, and lip size—all designed to show the best (albeit false) side of himself to others. In our desire to be loved…
Two Words for 2021
A “Random” Action I slowed my car while swerving slightly out of my lane, crossing the double yellow line. At the same time, an oncoming car drove towards me more than a hundred yards away. Neither of us were in any danger of collision. I continued to slow down as I gently glided back into…
Pivoting Through Change
Remember when you first realized the pandemic wasn’t going away overnight? I do. I had just returned from visiting a client in MN, and every news outlet warned big changes were coming. As a speaker, trainer, and consultant, I spent about as much time on the road as I did at home. What now? I…