Shoshin is a word from Zen Buddhism which means “beginner’s mind.” It refers to an attitude of openness, eagerness, and a lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even at an advanced level – just as a beginner in that subject would. The idea is that as an expert, you have a limited perspective,…
Whenever you run into a stumbling block, it’s easy to look for someone or something to blame. Admittedly, it’s something I struggle with, as well. But, when I find myself looking for blame at that moment, I mentally return to this short video by Brené Brown. It’s a helpful reminder of what’s going on…
When I was 5, I argued with my cat and yelled, “Liar. Liar. Pants on Fire.” I won the argument because Cleo stopped what she was doing and sauntered off. So obedient, you know, like all cats. (Or at least, that is how I choose to remember it). Today, I disagreed with a coworker…
With an MS in Conflict Studies and Mediation, Dana Caspersen knows conflict. In the book, Changing the Conversation – she starts with 17 principles and anti-principles that help break down conflict into actionable guidelines. The book doesn’t ask you to avoid conflict; it only lets you think about your role in the conflict and…
You probably think that’s a ridiculous title: When receiving Feedback, Humanize – don’t personalize. But, of course, you will personalize feedback; that’s the whole point of feedback. And I agree with that. But let us be a little realistic – do you listen the same way when you hear feedback about yourself as someone…
As president and CEO of this little corner of the internet, we must acknowledge the world we share. The goal of Tech vs. Humans is to create and build and ideate and to do that in a world we would all want to live in. But we can’t do that unless we stop and…
I grew up in a house that didn’t have conflict. I suspect I’m not much different from many people. There, simply, was no conflict. No arguments, no fights, and certainly no negotiation. As I’ve moved into the Corporate sector (and became a father), I realized I lacked in this department. And so for the last…