Emotional cutoff refers to the process of reactively separating, isolating, withdrawing, running away from or denying the importance of a family or other life-defining relationship. Cutoff typically gets expressed by “not speaking” to another for an extended period of time, and/or going out of one’s way to avoid someone. Cutoff is prompted and kept in place by a mix of lower maturity and higher anxiety. Higher-maturity families and organizations experience less frequent an

Sometimes, I find myself pondering and applying the words of others. Unlikely sources often prevail. Below are some ideas that have stayed with me, and that my readers might find useful: “Every bowl has its capacity” Iranian proverb Comment: I hear much bemoaning about low confidence – in children, in employees and in leaders. This quote issues a warning, of sorts, about the other side of the confidence coin: leaders who think they can do more than they actually can d

The distant hero – romantically saving others while remaining aloof – has long punctuated the plot lines for blockbuster movies and novels. Such idealism makes for great fiction, and poor leadership. In the real world of families, children are advantaged by knowing, understanding and respecting their parents. In a similar way, employees benefit from leaders who are transparent and genuine. Too many organizational leaders miss opportunities to connect because they are sti