I remember when we used to be able to disagree with each other. We could have a debate, and go home friends. We could work alongside others, and even build a community with folks with whom we shared differing views. Things weren’t perfect, for sure; but it wasn’t unheard of for diverse groups to manage … Continue Reading
Whether we talk about it or not, each of us has a value proposition. It frames days, shapes attitudes and is the fabric of the moments that define us. Either intellectual honesty and emotional integrity are guideposts to which we aspire, or we find it convenient to rely on shades of gray and situational ethics for cover. … Continue Reading
Some days remind us that every human being has a story. And most of the time we don’t know many of the details. This week brought several of those days. The specifics — not really appropriate to recount here — have prompted plenty of introspection on my part. Much of it has centered on how … Continue Reading
The mid-seventies motion picture All The President’s Men popularized the counsel offered by Deep Throat — Follow the Money. This was the key to understanding the issues relevant to the Watergate scandal. Questions about the events surrounding the 1972 U.S. Presidential election — who was behind the break-in at the Watergate…and why — made for compelling news coverage. For … Continue Reading
It is not difficult to determine what one cares about most. Listen to the language used. Factor the tone. Observe associations (who do I hang with). We almost always invest time doing what we most want to do with individuals whose values we share. And, in the event there’s still doubt, observe how I talk … Continue Reading
Bill Taylor’s HBR Blog post today — “Don’t Let What You Know Limit What You Imagine” — strikes at the heart of a strategic planning challenge for professional service organizations in today’s marketplace. Begin with bright business minds, add expertise and deep experience, blend with volatility, unpredictability and a touch of fear, and you have … Continue Reading
One of the many gifts my parents gave me was a deep appreciation and love for music. All kinds of music really. My mother, possessing a genius I had no way to appreciate at the time, would let me, Keith, Paul and Phyllis have complete control of the family stereo for our own preferred musical … Continue Reading
(This is a reprise of a Post from December 2010. An idea worth reconsidering today. Happy Thanksgiving, All.) Some things simply are not important in the scope of things. Mac or PC? Important to the respective companies, to be sure; but give me either and I’ll get the job done. Number of Twitter followers or … Continue Reading
There is no shortage of information and advice on relationships. What it takes to make them work, fix them when they’re broken, build them, nurture them, leverage them. Counselors, coaches, philosophers, and theologians, all have devoted volumes to the subject. Seldom will anyone whisper, let alone proclaim the truth: relationships don’t work. I know — … Continue Reading
This post is a few days removed from the event that gave impetus to thinking about the topic, primarily because the musings of my knee—jerk response to the final thirty minutes of the Masters were born of far too much emotion. And, though I’m not certain perspective has been fully regained, here goes. Journalists, columnists … Continue Reading
