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Beliefs Belonging Courage Diversity of Thought Thinking

Stop glorifying sameness

Yes, diversity is improving.

Yes, inclusion is improving.

And also, the optics are improving.

What I mean with optics is that when I listen to (predominantly white, middle-aged, male) managers, it still sounds to me that they’re becoming more diverse and inclusive because they have to.

Because they’re forced by government regulations, public opinion, by younger generations, by the times that are changing.… Read the rest

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Diversity of Thought Execution Leadership Self awareness Trust

Are you paid to think?

“I don’t pay you to think; I pay you to execute.” — Old School CEO.

Earlier in my career, I spent four years in a company where that was the culture early on. 

I was on an expat assignment abroad, and part of my responsibilities was helping design en deliver interventions that would change the culture. … Read the rest

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Asking Questions Authenticity Diversity of Thought Self awareness

“You can’t handle the truth.”

Remember this legendary line from the movie a Few Good Men?

Jack Nicholson’s character is questioned by a young and inexperienced lawyer (Tom Cruise) trying to uncover unethical practices within the US Marine Corps.

The truth is that besides the regular code of conduct, an alternative set of rules exists to facilitate hierarchy to execute ‘what’s needed to protect the country.’… Read the rest

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Diversity of Thought Leadership Team effectiveness

What you need to know about agreement and alignment

I miss my Greek friends.

I thought about this when I was deliberating the content for my story about alignment, growth cue #6 in my playbook.

From 2011 until 2014, I worked in Bulgaria and was part of an international leadership team, including a few Greek colleagues.

The leader of it all was Kostas, one of the most inspirational, direct, and warm leaders I’ve met in my life.
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Diversity of Thought Self awareness Team effectiveness

Don’t shoot the messenger

Men don’t like rejection. Women aim to be perfect.

Did I catch your attention?

Here’s another one…

When men have to decide to apply for a job, they are more likely to do so when they meet six out of ten requirements for the role.

When women have to decide to apply for a job, they are more likely to do so when they meet at least nine out of ten requirements, but ideally all.… Read the rest