The "Big Switcheroo": Functional Relationships with Adult Children
When 26-year-old Tiffany arrived home for a visit from her job in Philadelphia, I happened to be with her parents in the kitchen. During...
Relationship Repair Work
A flush-redness tints my face when I think about the stupid mistake I made a few weeks ago. After cutting some logs into firewood near my...
On Being Offended
There are few things more satisfying than taking offense. Those offended gain the thrill of self-righteousness! And the sweet reward that...
The Glass Eye
A 70-year-old man with a glass eye traveled across the globe with me. I had asked Doug to accompany me to Bangladesh because I needed to...
Honest Confusion
For quite some time, I have wanted to publicly admit my confusion. I’ve hesitated, because confusion is widely viewed as weakness. Being...
My Personal Odyssey: A Reflection and Invitation to New Graduates
I suppose I could blame the big adventure of my early adulthood on Oscar Rebman. Oscar lived next door to my family growing up. A...
On Having Mercy
Should each of us be forever punished for the worst thing we’ve ever done? On the leadership team of a company I know, one of the...
Parent-Pleasing
I first thought seriously about “parent-pleasing” in my late 20’s, when I met a man I’ll call Otto Wentzler. Otto was a student in my...
Delusions of Everyday Leadership
I understand a delusion to be a statement, belief or behavior that contradicts generally accepted reality. I have warmed up to the idea...
Cooperation
The intriguing photo above depicts a colony of ants cooperating to achieve a goal. If you’re an ant, you don’t cooperate because you’re...