There are two ways to define your life: one is with your resume, while the other is with your tombstone. A resume contains our competencies, technical accomplishments, education, and recognitions. We take pride in it. It is definite, provable, and can be measured. You did it, or you didn’t. It shines like a marquee at … Continue reading How do you define your life?

In the 18th century and prior, we used our hands to do work. We became skilled at making chairs, tables, bowls, wagons, whatever was needed. We built roads, bridges, and buildings in teams of humans working by hand using skills garnered over a lifetime. Then, in the 19th century, along came the industrial revolution where … Continue reading Why liberal arts may (will) soon be invaluable.

Short-termism is at epidemic proportions in our world, and it’s hurting us. Why? Because there are an enormous number of things that take time. Learning just about anything takes time. Attention to detail takes time. Relationships take time. Most great work takes time. But we live in a world of instant gratification and short attention … Continue reading Short-termism? We can (must) do better.

Language is a driver of culture. The words we use set the tone for how people see things and how they behave.  When I was young, there were words that could not be uttered. They were wash-your-mouth-out-with-soap words. In my house, the N word was one of those as were innumerable curse words.  The outside … Continue reading Do people matter? Our language tells the story.

“An old-timer I knew used to tell his students: ‘Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’” -Arthur Szathmary This is a nice sentiment, but, quite frankly, impractical. Think about it. If everyone did what they loved, everyone would be a quarterback in the NFL or … Continue reading If you can’t do the work you love, then love the work you do.

Self-checkout. It was supposed to be easy. It’s not.  I clicked on the picture of zucchini but I wanted cucumber. Oh no, I have a bottle of wine. Now I have to wait for an employee to verify that my gray hairs are old enough. Hmmm, it says to place my item in the bagging … Continue reading Is it self-service or self-serving?

Purposefully human. It’s a powerful idea and one we need to increasingly live out. But what does it mean exactly? Here’s my take.  Doing anything purposefully means doing it in a way that shows determination or resolve. It’s being intentional.  But why the need to be intentionally—or purposefully—human? Well, we live in a world that … Continue reading Purposefully Human?

A man fell. No one cared. People passed by without a look, not even a slight pause. Until… one man stopped. He noticed. He helped. He listened. He offered some water. He ensured there was no serious injury. He helped make better out of bad. Compassion. Seeing the suffering of others and desiring to help. … Continue reading Compassion is power … your power.

“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.” -Rainer Maria Rilke What has never been? What a thought. It’s fraught with possibility. It’s energized with hope. It is supremely optimistic.  Oddly, this is what a new year does. I say oddly because New Year’s Day is, after all, just … Continue reading The best question for a new year.

“Humanity is not defined by the evil done by a few. It is defined by the goodness done by the majority.” –Chris Anderson Chris Anderson’s book, Infectious Generosity, is a worthy read. To begin, he poses a key question that weaves throughout the book: “Am I (are you) a net giver or a net taker?” … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: Infectious Generosity by Chris Anderson