Like a dark cloud, negativity can hang over a team or organization when things are not going well. Pessimism can be like a death spiral and leaders often have difficulty pulling out of it. Even after the worst of a corporate restructuring, market downturn, or project crisis has passed, teams often remain stuck in a rut—flat in meetings, silent with new ideas, and c … [Read more...] about How You Can Counter Pessimism
purpose
The Person in the Arena
Following his Presidency, Theodore Roosevelt gave a famous speech in Paris in 1910 which became known by many as “The Man in the Arena” speech. It was a call to everyone in the world to have courage in the face of criticism. Below is the segment most often quoted: "It is not the critic who counts; not the [person] who points out how the strong [person] stumbles, or where th … [Read more...] about The Person in the Arena
Focus Your Passion
We are all so very busy that it is sometimes easy to lose sight of our passion. Here are three steps you can take to focus your passion. First, take some quiet time and ask yourself the question: “What would the world look like if I could have it any way I wanted it?” As you answer this question, you will note that there is a big gap between the kind of world you wan … [Read more...] about Focus Your Passion
Peace on Earth
Wars are raging. Hate crimes are on the rise, including Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and acts impacting people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ Community, and essentially anyone who is not a WASPy straight, male (like me). If we ever needed more Peace on Earth, it is now. But what can just one person do about it? Christians are preparing to celebrate Christmas, Jews … [Read more...] about Peace on Earth
Build Your Leadership Legitimacy
You might have formal authority, but do you have “legitimacy?” Legitimacy is one of the things that separates a good leader from an exceptionally effective one. As per a recent article in Harvard Business Review: “A legitimate leader engenders good will and a feeling of personal connection with followers. . . (Leaders) who enjoy legitimacy can motivate loyalty and inspi … [Read more...] about Build Your Leadership Legitimacy