Fix the Pinch and You (Too) Can Avoid the Crunch

I’m guilty.

In the land of do as I say and do as I do, I’m buckling on the latter and hoping you do the former.

It happens.

Despite best intentions to behave true to my own advice I slipped into behaviors that others rely on me to avoid modeling. It happens. Welcome to being human.

I have a conflict with someone on a board on which we both sit and rather than address it early, it’s gone from a minor annoyance to major avoidance.… Read the rest

Are You Putting Foxes in Your Chicken Coop?

Recusal – one of my favorite 50¢ words – is the act of a judge (or anyone else) removing themselves from a process as a participant because of a conflict of interest.

While there’s no bright line, there is still a line; step over it and you’re conflicted, stay on the “right” side and you’re ethical. And when you’re conflicted, recusal is the smart and right thing to do if you’re able.… Read the rest

Unconventional Leadership: How Did Vulnerability Become Powerful?

It’s an interesting world we live in. “Show No Fear” and “Take No Prisoners” form the budget bargaining approach we get from the present Speaker of the House – John Boehner – who also cries at the drop of his hat.

Is the ability to evidence toughness and vulnerability in style? Are emotions the new black?

Boehner and emotions were top of mind on the way to re-listening to Brene Brown’s terrific TED talk The Power of Vulnerability until I  sidetracked onto David Brooks TED piece titled The Social Animal.… Read the rest

Are the “Best Places to Work” Really the Best Places to Work?

The San Francisco Business Times announced its Best Places to Work in the Bay Area for 2011. This year’s ranking brought nominations from 301 companies representing employees in 12 counties around the greater Bay Area. The eighth annual Best Places to Work awards recognized the top employers in five categories based on company size.

Are the “Best Place to Work” the best places to work?Read the rest