Blog
Get To The Point
“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” –Blaise Pascal After writing a blog for several years and teaching classes regularly, I have found deep truth in Pascal’s words. Being concise is hard! But with many people now working remotely—being clear,...
Five Reasons to Stop Micromanaging Your Kids (and Your Team)
Over the years, my kids have shown an interest in helping in the kitchen, which is fantastic. But for a long time, my first reaction wasn’t great. A thought would immediately shoot through my mind, “I could do this so much faster if I just did it myself.” Even when I...
A Non-Anxious Presence
Several years ago a mentor of mine used a term I had not heard before—he said he wanted to be a “non-anxious presence” for people. I didn’t really get it at first, but after years of hearing him talk about this, I think I am finally beginning to understand why it is...
Leaders Must Be Willing To Have Difficult Conversations
There is nothing more important to creating a strong team than hiring the right people. But unless you start a team from scratch, building a strong team will usually involve helping some people find the door. The BIG Idea: If you are going to lead, you must be...
A Culture of Kindness is Essential for Keeping Good Employees
Many years ago I had a coworker who had a very off-putting communication style. This was well known in my work area. When I saw the caller ID or this person walking toward my office, I could feel my nervous system bracing for conflict. I was constantly walking on...
This Job Is Killing Me
The Big Idea—A global study published in 2021 by the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization says that working more than 55 hours per week is now the leading occupational hazard—and significantly increases the chances of early death. Several...
The Legend of John the Dwarf
A mentor of mine shared this story with me several years ago. John the Dwarf—also known as Saint John Kolobos—was a Coptic desert father born in the year 339 in the town of Thebes, Egypt. Given his moniker, I’m guessing he was not a tall man. He was raised in poverty...
