The end of one year, the beginning of the next. I am wishing you continued learning and insight in 2016. In that spirit, I will offer a few thoughts on the nature of humility in leadership. Throughout the course of my life and career, the leaders who have stood out the most display genuine humility. It’s one of those qualities that stands above the rest, something you recognize in a thousand small gestures, but is difficult to manufacture. I’m not talking about the f

If a hermit can’t avoid relationship tensions, can you? Noah Rondeau’s strategy for dodging people conflicts was to avoid relationships altogether. The famous Adirondack Mountain hermit wrote that he was “not well satisfied with the world and its trends,” and moved to a remote area of the Cold River Wilderness at age 46, calling himself “The Mayor of Cold River City (Population 1).” Even in the wilderness, Rondeau couldn’t escape relationship challenges. He developed an en

At this time of year, it’s hard not to think about all the individuals who have had a hand in helping me stay above water throughout my lifetime. I bring to Thanksgiving a long list of “buoys.” I got thinking about what has meant the most to me in those key relationships. What became clear is that the people who have had the biggest impact have affected me mostly by their presence. By “presence,” I mean my connection with them was rooted not in expertise, advice or materi