Culture
Can’t stop talking? You will be someone others avoid.
Several weeks ago I sat down with three other people for a networking coffee. None of us were friends, though we all knew one another’s names and had some sense of the work we do. After the usual introductions, our conversation touched on a variety of topics from leadership to emotional intelligence to millennial’s to […]
Continue ReadingBrexit Isn’t New. Have we Learned Our Lessons?
I have read a great deal about Brexit—United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union—both before the historic vote and in the aftermath. Several things strike me. At the risk of oversimplifying what I understand is a very complex situation, my first thought is that this type of action is not new. When people who […]
Continue ReadingThe Wills and The Will Nots Disparity
For generations, we have lamented the growing disparity between the Haves and the Have Nots and blamed it for the degeneration that surrounds us. But this gap is a result of something more fundamental: the disparity between the Wills and the Will Nots. I had the privilege of attending the graduation ceremony for Leadership Waukesha […]
Continue ReadingAnalysis of Susan Rice’s Message to Women
Given the tragedy in Benghazi, the search for truth far after the incident, and the growing suspicion of the US government, the appointment of Susan Rice to National Security Advisor is nothing short of incredible, meaning not to be believed. I went back to watch her appearance on ABC News “This Week” with Jake Tapper […]
Continue ReadingHow to Reverse a Risk-Averse Culture
The June 3, 2013 issue of The Wall Street Journal featured a front-page article written by Ben Casselman titled, “Risk-Averse Culture Infects U.S. Workers, Entrepreneurs.” No kidding. My first book, “How to Grow a Backbone,” published in 2000, identified three elements of Backbone: Competence, Confidence, and Risk-Taking. In the thirteen years that we have been […]
Continue ReadingCulture Rot and Sandy Hook Elementary
The heartbreaking, soul sickening news out of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT has once again ignited outrage over guns. But here’s my question: When will we have the courage and intestinal fortitude to take on the root causes of this terrible tragedy? When will we finally get sick enough of these outrageous crimes […]
Continue ReadingCaptain Immaturity and Politics
I don’t typically comment on politics. I learned long ago that everyone has an opinion and it is usually based on personal experience. But as Founder of Backbone Institute, I cannot sit silent after last night’s vice-presidential debate. I am keenly disappointed in Joe Biden’s behavior. As a girl, I listened from time to time […]
Continue ReadingThe State of Public Schools in Milwaukee
A fight over governance. Speedy hire of a new Superintendent. A model school chastised for success. A business community on the sidelines. Failing students. Entrenched dysfunction. We see these things happening in Milwaukee and feel outraged, ashamed, and sometimes incredulous, but largely paralyzed to do anything about it. What’s going on? I had the privilege […]
Continue ReadingMerry Christmas and the Season For Political Correctness!
‘Tis the season to be politically correct in our holiday greetings and thus, not very spontaneous or joyful. Bah humbug to that! I wish all my family, friends, colleagues, clients, neighbors, and fellow citizens a very Merry Christmas! It makes me happy to wish you the joys, blessings, love, and celebration of the season in […]
Continue ReadingCounteract TV’s definition of appropriate behavior!
I’m a huge football fan, so my television gets a workout on weekends from August through early February. Other than that, I don’t watch. So it didn’t occur to me until recently that businesses, families, and communities compete with sitcoms and reality TV for the definition of appropriate behavior. During football season, I see a […]
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