Test Page

Dear Smart People, Smart People Think They’re Right, but the Most Effective Entrepreneurs Assume They’re Wrong, by Jeff Haden is definitely worth the read – and not just for entrepreneurs. If you are not an entrepreneur, don’t let the title make you think this doesn’t apply to you. Leaders, teachers, students, preachers, politicians, parents, doctors, …

Too Smart for Our Own Good? Read More »

Expecting or desiring something to happen is the basic tenet of hope. As a kid, you may have hoped for a special Christmas present; hoped the boy you had a crush on would notice you; or hoped to get a passing grade on a tough exam. Hope seemed so simple then. Hope is still a …

H.O.P.E. for Humanity Read More »

Shouldn’t the word “leadership” stand on its own? Why do we qualify “leadership” with the word “good” or “bad?” I’ve been wrestling with this leadership question. If “bad” has to be placed in front of the word “leadership,” does that which is being described even qualify as leadership at all? What if instead of referring …

Is “Good Leadership” Redundant? Read More »

Being a good follower is as equally important as being a good leader. Most people play both roles, leader and follower. Being good at both will make a difference, especially in a crisis scenario. After all, following is ultimately an act of leadership. As I strive to be a better follower, below are beliefs I …

Be a Good Follower Read More »

Beliefs–what a person holds to be true or real, whether true or real–are the basis of a powerful paradox of the human existence. A classic tale that demonstrates this is Hans Christian Andersen’s, The Ugly Duckling. Accidentally hatched in a barnyard, the Ugly Duckling was bullied because he didn’t look like the other ducklings. He …

The Paradox of Beliefs Read More »

Yes. That is a picture of my trash. It is filled with garbage, discarded food, dust bunnies and debris from sweeping the floor, and even Buddy’s poop, the rescue dog who still struggles with going outside to do his business. On top of the smelly heap are the remains of broken and beloved Christmas decorations. …

Broken – But Not Forgotten Read More »

A common complaint among college faculty and administrators is about the audacious expectations of some (albeit not all) college students. These expectations get translated as “students are so entitled these days!” They are the source of much head shaking and the impetus for conversations that start with “when I was in school I would never…”. …

Yes! College Students Are Entitled Read More »

Each day presents opportunities to make choices about how to react or respond to a person or situation. Commuting to or from work, shooing kids out the door to get to school on time, leading a meeting, participating in a conference call, shopping at the grocery store…all of these (and many more) offer up the …

To React or Respond? There’s a Big Difference Read More »

The results of a survey I recently conducted to validate 17 proposed beliefs of successful college students are provided below. Each of the beliefs can be tied to growth mindset and GRIT constructs. Most of the 32 respondents were from Texas, but Georgia, Florida and California were also represented. Of the respondents, 77.24% currently work …

Beliefs of College Students: Survey Results Read More »

Community colleges are open admissions institutions, providing everyone with access to higher education. Everyone. And it should stay that way. Unfortunately, and probably unintentionally, with the focus now on completion (not just access) a collective narrative that is framed within a deficit perspective has developed around the myriad reasons students don’t finish college ( a …

Changing the Student Success Narrative in Community Colleges Read More »