Academia and business are different worlds, with different goals and day-to-day work. And yet, after working at Harvard for 15 years, I find that a lot of the work that resonates with clients most comes from the academic world. Recently I was reminded of the concept of “people-first language” by a Black student, who postedContinue reading “Using People-First Language for Dignity and Respect”
Category Archives: Blind Spots
Fireworks and Your Team
If you live in the United States or Canada, you’ll have had the chance to see fireworks at some point recently – in person or on a broadcast. If you’re anything like me, your experience might be a mix of enjoyment and of sensory overwhelm (though no other display will ever quite compare to theContinue reading “Fireworks and Your Team”
Using Optical Illusions to Challenge Our Biases
Are you familiar with the Ames Window Illusion? If not, you might want to take a few minutes to watch this recent video explaining the phenomenon, wherein a rotating trapezoid looks like it is instead wavering back and forth. This optical illusion, like so many others, tricks our brain into seeing something that isn’t accurate. But how does itContinue reading “Using Optical Illusions to Challenge Our Biases”
Racial Affinity Groups… for White People?
Are you aware of identity-based affinity groups in your workplace? Or in your faith community? Or other communities of which you’re a part? If you’re a person of color or a member of another marginalized community, the value of such a group may seem obvious to you – such groups can be a chance to engage withContinue reading “Racial Affinity Groups… for White People?”
Sitting in the Tension of “Both / And”
“Do you think [politician or leader X] is a racist?” How often have you heard versions of this question in interviews, political debates, or press conferences? If you’re like me, the question results in an eye roll. Of course that person is a racist. We are all racist. But that in itself is not the complete story. I’ve been inContinue reading “Sitting in the Tension of “Both / And””
Is Divisiveness Inevitable?
Have you ever found yourself showing support for something or someone, followed by backlash that makes you question your choice to show support in the first place? Even if you still have the same feeling of support, others’ responses might have shown you that the situation is much more complicated and nuanced than you’d previouslyContinue reading “Is Divisiveness Inevitable?”
Identifying And Working With Physical Manifestations Of Stress
How do you experience stress and worry? For many people, the experience of stress is stressful in itself – the mind races as it jumps from item to item, thinking of all that needs to get done, or of worst case scenarios. This often occurs in the middle of the night, interrupting sleep and onlyContinue reading “Identifying And Working With Physical Manifestations Of Stress”
Honoring Your Team’s “Anniversary Reactions” (And Your Own!)
Coronavirus cases first appeared around the world in late 2019. For many readers of this email, however, the most direct impacts began in March 2020 – perhaps even a year ago this week. Changes that started with the hope of short-term impacts have, for most of us, continued to this day. Along the way, manyContinue reading “Honoring Your Team’s “Anniversary Reactions” (And Your Own!)”
Is It Possible To Be “Uninterruptable” By Slack And Email?
Do you remember a time when email was new and exciting? Perhaps you remember it back in the recesses of time, or perhaps email has never been that way for you. Either way, the chances are that that’s not how you think of email these days. The same may be true for Slack, Microsoft Teams,Continue reading “Is It Possible To Be “Uninterruptable” By Slack And Email?”
Remember To Remember The Forgetting Curve
How often have you been to a workshop or presentation – perhaps even on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion – and soaked in all sorts of great information and tips, leaving motivated and empowered to make a change… only to realize a few days later that you could only remember one or twoContinue reading “Remember To Remember The Forgetting Curve”
Building Bridges Leadership 