Breakdowns - When Life Doesn't Go the Way You've Planned Last post, I wrote about breakdowns at work – when things don’t go the way you’ve planned – and what to do about them. We examined a mythical case study about the ABC Manufacturing Company and their total failure with supplying parts to Boeing. It …
Breakdowns at Work (Coordinating Action)
Note: The following is a fictional case study used for the purpose of illustrating one of the most frequent causes of company breakdowns and is not meant to portray any organization or person. "A breakdown is an interruption to the anticipated flow of living; the inability for standard practices to work." (Alan Sieler) Things don't …
Looking at Your Leadership (An LCP MRI)
2013 Black Rock to Rehoboth Beach Ride (seated, left to right: Geoff, Glenn, Jay, and Ralph; I have no idea who the guy is standing) The Big Surprise In 2013 I was participating in the Black Rock to Rehoboth Beach 125-mile bike ride. I had ridden this ride with my buddies several times before and …
My Life as a Comedy (Lightness)
The work and wisdom of Julio Olalla has been a significant influence in my work and life. Julio emigrated from Chile to the United States and worked with Fernando Flores, the founder of ontological coaching. In 1991 he founded the Newfield Network - a community of learners trying to make the world a better place …
Marketplace of Ideas (Open Space Technology)
On October 29, 2019, we convened our first “Meeting (extra)Ordinary Leaders” conference at the Ware Center in Lancaster, PA. One of the purposes of this event was to allow for leaders from diverse fields to expand their networks in a meaningful way. Many networking events fall short of expectations because throwing people into a room …
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Fear of Heights (Can You Spell “Acrophobia?”)
“Come to the edge of the cliff,” he said. “We are afraid,” they said. “Come to the edge of the cliff,” he said. “We are afraid,” they said. “Come to the edge of the cliff,” he said. They came. He pushed. They flew. -- Guillaume Apollinaire Full Admission: I’m a Big “Chicken” I can't imagine …
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Matt Stem (Passionate)
Part 4 of 4 Geoff: Any thoughts on how leaders should develop their personal competencies? Matt: Like I said before about building principals needing coaches. I think every leader needs to find a coach or mentor that they are learning from. I’ve been blessed to have our working relationship over the years. Part of growing …
Matt Stem (Passionate)
Part 3 of 4 Geoff: Why did you become a leader? Why did you agree to do it? Matt: For me it was the passion for the work that we do, being passionate about the experiences that schools provide for students and realizing that the best way to maximize that impact is through leading others …
Matt Stem (Passionate)
Part 2 of 4 Geoff: Your goal wasn’t to become Deputy Secretary. How did you become Deputy Secretary? Matt: I told my wife when I first got into education that all I ever wanted to be was a teacher, that I didn’t have greater aspirations than that. And then one door after another continued to …
Matt Stem (Passionate)
Part 1 of 4 Matt Stem is passionate about his faith, his family, and his work. He's a talented musician and composer who has written, performed, and recorded some really interesting pieces (including the theme music to my concept for a podcast). But the trait I admire most about Matt is his relentless pursuit of …
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