Monthly Archives: June 2013


Thursday Thoughts on Thriving: Dog Days of Summer

It’s official! Summer is beginning, at least per the calendar. If you live in the Phoenix area then you may agree with me that it has been here for a good month. Take a few seconds to recall one of your favorite summer games or activities from when you were a kid. Can you feel it? Fun, exhilaration, adventure all come up for me. Picture a tall tree that with the lowest branch next to a neighbors back wire […]


Thursday Thoughts on Thriving: What’s the Need?

In the workshop I give on negotiations, one of the topics I teach about is the power of understanding the other person’s (or other business’s) interests versus their position. What interest is driving them to take the position that they are taking? Many times their interest is driven by a basic human need. Next time you struggle to understand: “Why won’t they agree or even consider my perspective?” One of these needs may be at play: security, economic well […]


Thursday Thoughts on Thriving: Is Power More About Influence or Control?

“Control is a mirage. The most effective leaders right now – men and women – are those who embrace traits once considered feminine: Empathy. Vulnerability. Humility. Inclusiveness. Generosity. Balance. Patience.” This is how this month’s Inc. magazine cover story started; it got my attention. It made me think about some of my prior bosses. Sure enough, the best ones did embrace these traits. As the author mentions in the article, I would have followed them into a burning building. […]