Recalibration
Over the past several months, much of my writing has explored uncertainty—how to live within it, how not to become captured by polarization, and how to resist the pressure to immediately choose one side or another. Lately, however, I have begun to realize that I am not so much trying to avoid taking sides as […]
With Your Eyes
Returning
I am not lookingto be certain. I have seenhow quickly certaintycan become a wall. And how easilywe forget one another,each of us alonein what we think we know. NowI find myself drawntoward something quieter. Not a conclusion. Not a victory. Not even an answer. Only a remembering. As if beneaththe noise and division, beneath fearand […]
Conversation, Part 2: The Cancer in the System
On organizations, fear, leadership, and the loss of human presence Part 2 of my conversation with Vern Ho on Life, Leadership, and the Courage to Be Human As our conversation continued, Vern began speaking less about his illness directly and more about the deeper patterns he believed were affecting organizations, communities, and society itself. Again […]
Conversations, Part One: The Gift of a Shortened Future
Conversations with Vern Ho on Life, Leadership, and the Courage to Be Human On illness, family, congruence, and learning to live before it is too late In October of 1995, I sat down with my friend and mentor, Vern Ho, for a long conversation about life, leadership, illness, and the state of our society. Three […]
Departure
I first wrote Departure nearly 30 years ago and have recently returned to refine it. I’m sharing it again here as the opening piece of a new series, The Work of Being Human. For me, it remains a living reflection on what it means to keep crossing into life. Departure A five-year-old boy, suitcase in […]
The Bullets: A Reflection on Courage, Commitment, and Dignity
At nineteen years old, I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, serving in the U.S. Army (1975-1977). I didn’t know it then, but a decision to encourage a friend to coach a youth basketball team would grow into one of the most meaningful leadership experiences of my life. What began as an innocent suggestion evolved into […]
Taking the path less traveled
During a bike ride to the office, I paused to share an experience that seems relevant during this time of uncertainty.
Stepping into a New Future
When I awoke this morning I was reflecting on the current occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon by a group of out of state militants. I was reminded of something I wrote some time ago. Most of us greet the New Year with at least some degree of uncertainty. Predicting where we […]
Moldova and Uganda Part II: A Deeper Listening is Necessary
Moldova update (I will write later on Uganda) The purpose of my trip to Moldova in September and October was to deepen my understanding of the culture and region of Moldova and to assess whether or not there is a future project that could make a sustainable difference. Progress was made in deepening my understanding […]