Education
Thanksgiving
As my family and I drive across the country today, our car is just one of many on interstate 80. The reporters on the radio are still covering the recent atrocities in Paris, the massive dislocation of over 1 million refugees, and the recent downing of a Russian fighter jet...
With Thanksgiving for Committed Teachers
Published November 17th, 2015 in the Telegraph Herald Lila Belle Koffron was my ninth grade English teacher. I remember her as being aged, demanding, strict, and not easily charmed by what I thought was my winsome personality. She didn’t even smile in our senior Yearbook picture. Every teacher smiles in...
Interpersonal Skill
In their extensive study Leadership that Works, Barbara Wheeler and colleagues set out to discern “…the ingredients of executive leadership that make institutions both durable—as in fit for the long haul—and visionary—that is, moving forward in ways the future is likely to require.” Four common character traits were identified that...
Leadership Lessons Learned While Delivering the Omaha World-Herald
I started my working career as a newspaper carrier for the Omaha World-Herald. I was in 5th grade, and my first route had 53 customers. This was my first seven-day-a-week, 365 day-a-year job. The Wednesday and Sunday deliveries were a lot of work. That’s because the Wednesday paper included all...
Humility
In their extensive study Leadership that Works, Barbara Wheeler her colleagues set out to discover “…the ingredients of executive leadership that make institutions both durable—as in fit for the long haul—and visionary—that is, moving forward in ways the future is likely to require.” Four common character traits were identified that...
Personal Strength
In their extensive study Leadership that Works, Barbara Wheeler, C. Douglass Lewis, Sharon Miller, Anthony Ruger and David Tiede, set out to discover “…the ingredients of executive leadership that make institutions both durable—as in fit for the long haul—and visionary—that is, moving forward in ways the future is likely to...
Why Character Matters for Built to Change Leaders
Earlier in this blog, I discussed four disciplines required for leaders of organizations that are on a journey, and which compete in a rapidly changing world. Those disciplines are: Kindness, Careful Listening, an ability to see the Big Picture and truthfulness and Integrity—what we sometimes know as character. These four...
A Lesson From Loons
My family and I have a lake cottage in northern Wisconsin. It’s located a little over 100 miles north of the stress line, which is otherwise known as the city of Wausau. The part of northern Wisconsin we visit has more fresh water lakes than anywhere else in the world....
Reflections On A Life Well-Lived
Theodore M. Hesburgh (1917 - 2015) The world lost a good man earlier this year in the person of Fr. Theodore M. Hesburgh. Fr. Hesburgh was a priest in the Congregation of the Holy Cross, but he was best known in his role as President of the University of Notre...
The Etiquette of Democracy
Published in the Dubuque Telegraph Herald on May 17th, 2015. Expanded thoughts introduced within blog version. “Democracy can be seen not only as a type of government but as a system of manners, a form of social life.” Andrew St. George Like many people, I am troubled by the events of...
