When everything runs smoothly, you’re irrelevant. No drama? No dysfunction? Why are you here?
Nurture problems to establish your value.
Don’t work yourself out of a job.
Nurture problems with minor upgrades. Swap out a few lightbulbs and keep outdated procedures. Bright light = happy people = but nothing changed.
Bonus: Put a ping pong table in the lobby!
Listening is a way of seeing.
Being heard transforms. “When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.” – Brenda Ueland
When was the last time you felt seen while someone listened to you?l
Novice listeners should practice not talking. Experienced listeners know how to speak while listening.
Sun Tzu said, “For it is precisely when a force has fallen into harm’s way that is capable of striking a blow for victory.”
Desperate times are defining moments.
Ease defeats you. Hardship defines you.
Desperate times make things clear.
The brutal truth inspires people.
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Moderate levels of discomfort—stretch assignments—accelerate development.
Skills are learned best by doing, when tasks are meaningful and unfamiliar.
70% of learning comes from challenging job assignments. 20% from social learning like modeling, feedback, and coaching. 10% from formal training.
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The Longer you run from something the stronger it grips you.
Avoidance makes leaders small.
Avoidance promises relief but delivers distress.
Avoidance trades discomfort for disconnection.
“Avoidance will make you feel less vulnerable in the short run, but it will never make you less afraid.”
Strength to reject the temptations of avoidance…
A leprechaun has given us fits for years.
Recently the dirty trickster hid my wife’s coffee cup. Worse yet, when she puts a mini–Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup on the counter, he steals it when she looks away.
Blame is a beautiful thing.
