Do you remember the last time you received a handwritten note from a colleague or client thanking you for the work you did on a particular project? Or, if not a handwritten note, an email or a small gift as a token of gratitude? How did that acknowledgement feel? In my role at Harvard UniversityContinue reading “Notes of Gratitude”
Author Archives: Ian Jackson
Some Do’s & Don’ts of Celebrating Black History Month at Work
Each February, Black History Month celebrates the contributions, achievements, history and culture of African Americans throughout the history of the United States. Originally a weeklong celebration planned to correlate with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass (February 12th and 14th), what was known as “Negro History Week” grew over time into what we knowContinue reading “Some Do’s & Don’ts of Celebrating Black History Month at Work”
Can You Sleep Your Problems Away?
How often do you face a hard choice, perhaps related to your work team or hiring, only to receive the advice “just sleep on it”? Does that feel like just putting the problem off for another time? Conversely, have you ever rushed into a decision about something only to regret it and wish you’d leftContinue reading “Can You Sleep Your Problems Away?”
Dr. King, and Sitting in Difficult Truths
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a chance each year to reflect and take action on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. While Dr. King is rightfully held up as a legendary and inspirational figure, this often results in him being seen as a more-than-human icon, memorialized in carefullyContinue reading “Dr. King, and Sitting in Difficult Truths”
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno (No No No)” – What Disney’s ‘Encanto’ Might Have to Offer Your Team
If you enjoy the work of Lin-Manuel Miranda (or you have children in your house who devour Disney movies) you may be familiar with Disney’s latest animated movie; their 60th, Encanto. Following the viewpoint character of Mirabel – the only member of the family Madrigal not to receive the gift of a magical talent –Continue reading ““We Don’t Talk About Bruno (No No No)” – What Disney’s ‘Encanto’ Might Have to Offer Your Team”
Time to Plan a Break Already?
Happy New Year! As we enter our third calendar year under the shadow of Covid-19, many of us are accustomed to a seemingly never-ending need to adjust and evolve. Each “new normal” doesn’t last long enough to really become normal, and plans – both professional and personal – are all subject to change. The onlyContinue reading “Time to Plan a Break Already?”
Completing 2021 and Moving On to 2022
As we move towards the end of another year full of logistical – and emotional – challenges, many of us are looking for ways to bring closure to the year and recharge for the new year. Depending on your work, a break may not be possible. But even if you are able to take a fullContinue reading “Completing 2021 and Moving On to 2022”
Using the Tool of “Turn and Learn” in Meetings
Have you ever spoken up about an important topic in a meeting only to feel misunderstood? Maybe you didn’t articulate it as well as you wanted, or you just felt like the other people in the meeting focused on the wrong part of what you said. Perhaps you’ve spoken in response to a challenging topicContinue reading “Using the Tool of “Turn and Learn” in Meetings”
Social-Emotional Learning in Your Work Team
Which squirrel are you today? If that question means nothing to you, you probably haven’t seen the “squirrel scale” – a fun check-in tool used by some schools during remote learning. I was reminded of this tool recently while working with a group of middle and high school teachers, during a workshop focused on buildingContinue reading “Social-Emotional Learning in Your Work Team”
“Thanksgiving Leadership,” Revisited
This week – Thanksgiving week here in the US – seemed an appropriate time to revisit the ideas of Banquet Leadership, Potluck Leadership, and the hybrid model we call Thanksgiving Leadership. If you’ve been reading the Building Bridges Leadership blog for a while, you may be familiar with our distinction between Banquet and Potluck models of leadership. In short, BanquetContinue reading ““Thanksgiving Leadership,” Revisited”
Building Bridges Leadership 