Monthly Archives: May 2015

Non-judgmental Ethics Sunday: Do I Have to Tell About a Co-Worker’s Rape?

on May 31, 2015 in Ethicist, Nonjudgment

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicists, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is my take on today’s post, ”Do I Have to Tell About a Co-Worker’s Rape?” My first job out of college was at a major political campaign. Late in the year, an intern told me she had been raped by one of[…] Keep reading →

We interpret leaders gloriously leading the charge backward today

on May 30, 2015 in Leadership, Models, Relationships

Today’s world presents leaders leading a group of people like a king or glorious leader, like Mel Gibson in Braveheart. It inspires people to seek that glorious position where they feel people look up to them. We misunderstand that view, the more I think about it. When armies went into battle then, the first person charging took the biggest risk. He made himself most vulnerable to attack, risking his life.[…] Keep reading →

Why do actors and entertainers become leaders more than the other way around and what can we learn from the pattern?

on May 29, 2015 in Art, Education, Leadership

The other day I saw an ad for a TV show where 50 Cent was the executive producer. I don’t know what role he had—maybe they’re just using a star’s name to get viewers—but at least the title suggests he has some leadership role. It made me think. A lot of actors, entertainers, and other performers move into leadership roles, but I rarely see it go the other way. Please[…] Keep reading →

Your degree isn’t a restriction

on May 28, 2015 in Choosing/Decision-Making, Education, Models, Perception

“I’m stuck because I can’t find a job in pharmacology.” “I don’t like law but what else can I do?” “I wish I could get out of engineering.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people talk this way. People about to graduate looking for jobs and people in the workforce alike. Even people from elite universities. They believe you have to make a living in what they[…] Keep reading →

How to get a mentor in two easy steps that work

on May 27, 2015 in Education, Leadership, Relationships, Tips

I trust you know the value of a mentor. I’ll take for granted you also know how to create a connection with someone. If not, read my Meaningful Connection exercise and my social skills exercise series. So I’ll start at a point where you have at least a rudimentary dialog with someone whose mentorship will help you. Step 1: Ask them for advice Ask them for advice on something that[…] Keep reading →

Closing remarks to my leadership class

on May 26, 2015 in Education, Leadership

Here is how I closed my last leadership class session a few days ago. It followed talking about Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech. We happen to have lived through a semester where the headlines show we haven’t realized his dream. You only had to read the headlines for more problems. I’m volunteering for a non-profit that works on incarceration. We have children on Riker’s Island in solitary[…] Keep reading →

When were you last out of breath?

on May 25, 2015 in Fitness, Nature

When were you last out of breath? Not just winded. I mean completely, thoroughly, can’t-speak-for-a-minute, can’t-think-straight out of breath? Was getting there glorious? Painful? Fun? In competitions, sprinters get there in ten seconds, though they recover fast. Kids do it a lot. Dogs seem to do it. Did it happen to you because you were doing something fun? Playful? Was it within the last week? Month? Year? Decade? Do you[…] Keep reading →

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