The Monthly Memo.
Seeing the Effects of Correct but Misleading Messages
In a time when we need to understand science and facts, we are also seeing the impact of ineffective messaging around important ideas. Take for instance the discussion about the coronavirus vaccine. Scientists and journalists – in the hopes of covering every aspect of...
Effectively Opening a New Life Chapter
Fired? Retired? Sick of your current job? Looking at a new opportunity? I’ve written about this topic before and I have some new thoughts for anyone beginning the new year with a new chapter in their life. This time can be challenging because you have (at least) two...
Adjusting to Leading in the Virtual World
If 2020 has been a year of adjustments and change, anyone who is in a leadership position can have this on their minds: What happens when a leader is good at their job in the “normal” world, but struggles with our new reality? Leading in the virtual world takes a...
Communicating When There is Nothing to Say
Have you ever found yourself sitting in an airplane on a busy tarmac (remember those?) and everyone on the plane is wondering what’s happening? You’ve been parked, motionless, for five, ten, then fifteen minutes. Slowly you can hear the murmur grow louder and louder....
How to Beat Writer’s Block
The very words you are reading right now represent a “Writer’s Block Exercise.” Just minutes before putting my hands over the keyboard I didn’t know what I would write about for this edition of the Monthly Memo. But, I sat down and thought, where could I possibly go...
An Election Year Plan for a Peaceful Workplace
A subset of my work these days deals with the delicate area of political discussions in a toasty hot election year. The question comes up, “How can we provide direction to our employees while also respecting their rights of free speech? We can’t afford to be seen as a...
A White Guy Talks About Race
One of the healthiest outcomes from the increased discussion about race in this country has been the number of white people who have spoken up. Count me in that group. After years of thinking of myself as “aware” I found I wasn’t nearly aware enough. If you are a...
How to Conduct Sensitive Conversations
Without fear of contradiction, the discussion around race and racism in this country has moved to an across-the-board focus, including in the business world. That means leaders of all races and backgrounds need to be able to have company-wide conversations they may...
The Zoom Call Strategies You Have Overlooked
My hope is you are managing the uncertainties of these days as well as possible – and rest assured, no one is doing it perfectly! During this time I’ve had a chance to observe all kinds of video meetings and want to offer some overlooked elements you can share with...
Zoom Etiquette We All Need to Keep in Mind
First, thinking of you and hoping you are safe. Second, been on any Zoom calls lately? Or any of the other platforms that are now our new office conference rooms? Yea, me too. Because a lot more of these meetings are taking place, here are seven things to keep in mind...