When writing there is not a single author that is able to do a single draft perfectly the first time. First the draft is written and then reviewed, revised, edited, and re-written. This could go on for countless iterations to make every word count. It takes work and time to refine a writing piece to be great.
(more…)At work I look after a program designed to help senior leaders progress at Microsoft. COVID-19 introduced interesting challenges to our program, as it was originally designed to be in person. In one case, a key experience of the program, we did not convert to virtual because we felt the impact in person could never be matched virtually.
Things changed and we decided to convert the experience. My first thought was, there is no room for failure with this audience – we must succeed. This is one of the core experiences leaders have at Microsoft and there is no room for failure at this level.
(more…)Journaling daily has become an important practice for me as I strive to learn. Each morning I write down what I am thinking or feeling (or both) and whatever else comes as I reflect on the previous day. This week I learned something important that I hope can help others as well.
(more…)A few years ago, after our third child was born, I realized I needed to lose some weight and decided to track my calories and exercise more often. Tracking calories is the most effective way to understand what you are putting into your body and how much of an impact it has on your weight. With diligence and persistence, I lost a little bit over twenty-five pounds and tracked my calories for over 1,000 days in a row. It felt like a new lifestyle I had created, and I was proud of it.
(more…)This coming year I am going to try a new experiment. I plan to do a year in review with my wife. We will reflect on the past year and discuss what we would like to do in 2021.
You may want to consider doing the same. I will share the prompts my wife and I plan to work through. You are welcome to use these questions, modify them, and/or customize them to fit the needs of your relationship.
(more…)As I have studied leadership, I have become increasingly convinced of the importance of living values that you hold close.
Those that have integrity in living their values immediately gain my respect. When an individual lives values that I strive to live by myself, this individual now has the potential to influence me.
(more…)One of my favorite podcasts is Ryan Hawk’s The Learning Leader Show. He interviews interesting people and leaders across all backgrounds. In every episode he asks the following question.
(more…)Over the last several weeks I have spent a lot of time with family since we wanted to be close to family after the birth of our fourth child. During that time, I have observed in a few relatives a prioritization approach that made no logical sense to me. After careful consideration and reflection, I realized this kind of prioritization also happens in my life more often than I would like it to happen.
(more…)For the days leading up to Thanksgiving I have been keeping a gratitude journal and have found it to change my mood and I feel happier. This is remarkable because I feel like my wife and I are still reeling from having a baby 11 weeks ago. This has led to a lack of sleep, decreased energy, focus, and attention.
(more…)This week while reading I was struck by an idea.
(more…)I cannot know something works or witness results until I have tried it first.
I teach and invite people to act. Proud husband, father and amateur pizzaiolo