Narcissistic leaders are threatened by talent. They want to be the smartest person in the room. Humble leaders are drawn to talent. They surround themselves with people who make them smarter. Great leaders grow talent. They strive to make everyone in the room...
03969 – Hope & Despair, Change & Will
Hope is not blind faith that things will get better. It's a realistic belief that things can get better. Despair is an illusion of certainty. Hope is an appreciation of possibility. Change requires a way. There is no way without will. There is no will without...
03571 – A Medical Condition
Depression is a medical condition. We need to create a world where people are as comfortable seeking care for their minds as they are for their bodies.
03539 – What is Not; What is
Resting is not a waste of time. It's an investment in well-being. Relaxing is not a sign of laziness. It's a source of energy. Breaks are not a distraction. They're a chance to refocus attention. Play is not a frivolous activity. It's a path to connection and...
03307 – Leadership & Listening
The true leader in a group is rarely the person who talks the most. It's usually the person who listens best. Listening is more than hearing what's said. It's noticing and surfacing what isn't said. Inviting dissenting views and amplifying quiet voices are acts of...
03127 – Seeking Understanding
When people share their problems, they're not always looking for solutions. They're often seeking understanding. Venting may not make them feel better, but it does bring you closer. The most basic form of compassion is not alleviating distress. It's acknowledging...
03116 – A Poor Excuse for Being Rude
"I'm just being honest" is a poor excuse for being rude. Candor is being forthcoming in what you say. Respect is being considerate in how you say it. Being direct with the content of your feedback doesn't prevent you from being thoughtful about the best way to deliver...
02934 –
Holding strong opinions in the face of weak evidence is a sign that you're not thinking critically. Conviction should follow the facts, not precede them. What you want to believe shouldn't dictate what you believe. A key to lifelong learning is valuing curiosity over...
02908 –
The hallmark of an open mind is not letting your ideas become your identity. If you define yourself by your opinions, questioning them is a threat to your integrity. If you see yourself as a curious person or a lifelong learner, changing your mind is a moment of...
02688 – Descendants vs. Ancestors
Too many people spend their lives being dutiful descendants instead of good ancestors. The responsibility of each generation is not to please their predecessors. It's to improve things for their offspring.