We have come to associate good hospitality with pampering the most demanding hotel guests. Hospitality makes us think of expensive places to stay and distract ourselves with every conceivable convenience. Hospitality is an industry; people earn college degrees in hospitality management. The cultural roots of our understanding of hospitality go far deeper, though, than king-size […]
My House is Your House Read More »
I know people all over the world online. I have friends on Facebook, followers on Twitter, and connections on LinkedIn; now I even travel in the right circles on Google+. I have meaningful conversations and meetings with people I have never actually met. Sometimes it feels harder and harder to distinguish whether what happens online
Living in Real Life Read More »
People tell me that I am a good listener. I think what they mean is that I pay attention, I try not to get distracted. I have had people tell me that I am the only person who ever listens to them. Some people think that “listening” is waiting for the person who is talking
Listening Carefully Read More »
Each month, I sponsor a Happy Hour with a Difference. I invite a knowledgeable, supportive resource person to join us, to share part of their story, and to spend time one-on-one in individual conversations with anyone who is interested. We also get to try a new restaurant each month. We have already visited a Hawaiian
A Happy Hour with a Difference Read More »
There is nothing quite like the first thing in the morning. People, and cities, are just beginning to wipe the sleep from their eyes. The first cup of coffee tastes the best. The air is fresher. There is not as much traffic on the streets, or on the sidewalks. Walking is easier. Aromas of breakfast
First Thing in the Morning Read More »
My Craft Brewery Pilgrimage is moving at full speed; we have already visited four of the six stops on this year’s list, and are headed to September and October stops in San Diego County! We are pilgrims with a mission; actually, a few missions. Recognizing the strong historic connections between monastic life and brewing beer, and the significant contributions
Craft Brewery Pilgrimage Keeps Rolling Along! Read More »
Being a leader is, in many ways, more about who you are than about what you do. Leadership is not really learned. It is most often discovered in relationship with other people; mentors, examples, fellow learners, people who recognize and follow our leadership. It is more beneficial to draw from the lessons you have learned,
Book Review: Tweedership Read More »
A coach helps you become better at doing something; knows what goes into doing something well and also knows how to bring out the best in you. A coach is not someone who does things for you, or someone who tries to motivate you by yelling. Coaching is about helping people find the insights, and
Leadership is both simple and complex. It is simple because it is focused on establishing a clear vision. It is complex because so many various elements are included in establishing that clarity and in empowering others to lead with them. True leaders are on an ongoing journey, seeking their own true selves and the true
Leadership is Both Simple and Complex Read More »
I went to a party last weekend, and the conversation turned to one of the most deeply-held core values that defines us as civilized people: pizza. Native-born Midwesterner that I am, I summoned my analytical and forensic skills in support of the innovation and achievement of deep-dish pizza, also known as “Chicago-style.” There were others in
Argument v. Persuasion: Winning or Winning Over? Read More »
