I had heard stories that seeing a total eclipse can change a person’s life. Paul Piff, a professor at University of California Irvine, has found that awe-inspiring experiences can promote kindness and improve health outcomes. An eclipse “connects us to things bigger than ourselves, motivates us to care for others, and the greater good.”
Read More“America’s Exhausted Majority wants to see the opposing tribes move beyond constant conflict,” write the authors of the report Hidden Tribes: A Study of America’s Polarized Landscape. No, we don’t need to always agree – that is unrealistic. But we can disagree better, including conversations and really listening to those with different perspectives. My hope is that the Exhausted Majority can rise and demonstrate ways to lead our country better.
Read MoreI was honored to facilitate a retreat for the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, a 24-year-old nonprofit with a mission to acquire, protect, and manage special places in parts of New Hampshire and Maine. Afterward, board member Ken Olson wrote, “Everyone I spoke with liked how you handled things. You guided us sensitively but also with a strong direction to get us to consensus on important actions.”
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On January 1, I was blessed to be on NH’s Mt. Moosilauke for my 29th New Year's Day, a personal tradition going back to 1988. Reflecting on the experience, I am reminded of the rollercoaster of emotions I faced that day and how emotions impact our life and work. Managing emotions and self-awareness of how they impact us increases well-being and sustains relationships. You can read the full column at: https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review#2024/02/23/?article=4201307
Read MoreIn this climate of political contempt – when we start from a position that “those people” on the other side are evil or stupid – it is hard to see a way forward. Changing the country in a positive way has to start with changing myself. When enough of us act and demand better, politicians will follow, too. I know I can do better, how about you? You can read my full NH Business Review column on this topic at https://www.nhbr.com/beyond-the-politics-of-contempt/
Read MoreWe tend to think of leaders as CEOs and managers, but some of our most impactful leaders don’t supervise others. Informal leaders are all around us, and we need to take time to notice how they use their skills to engage and motivate us – and how we, too, influence others! Are you using your time and talents to influence others in positive ways? You can read my full column here.
Read MoreI am working with a small business to create a vision and framework for a leadership transition that maximizes the potential for the business to succeed and thrive on a sustainable, long-term basis. As their consultant, I embrace these key concepts: Build Trust, Deep Listening, Encourage Meaningful Conversations, and Build Consensus.
Read MoreAre you discouraged by events in our country and the world? Does consuming the news bring you down and leave you wanting to shut it off? Have you experienced unpleasant incidents that affect your daily morale – such as drivers riding your bumper or giving disparaging gestures? Have you lost friendships or family relationships over politics? Do you feel helpless to do anything about it? I sure feel that way some of the time. You can read my full column at https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review#2023/10/20/?article=4164138
Read MoreI recently wrote about embracing change as my wife and I emptied our house of 36 years. But sometimes we face changes we cannot avoid -- like the recent death of my brother at age 71. David was a vibrant and loving personality, a retired Episcopal priest who had the misfortune of suffering from an aggressive cancer. We spoke daily by phone in his final months, and I was struck by his positivity and always asking about my day. Some 300 attended his funeral, including 17 family members who came down with Covid, including me. On the positive side, the illness kept us talking! You can read the full column at https://www.nhbr.com/lifes-summits-and-valleys/
Read MoreI had the honor to address the nearly 700 delegates about changing our politics based on my experience organizing workshops for the NH House of Representatives. I quoted Gandhi -- if we want to change the world, we need to change ourselves. Take a risk, put yourself out there, bring your whole authentic self, positive energy, a willingness to learn and grow, and a dose of humility. I recalled a lesson from many years of mountaineering. .
Read MoreI am all-in when it comes to being ambitious and striving for success -- but only after serious personal reflection and understanding your why. Spend time to identify your purpose and define what is truly most important for you to do and achieve. Set high standards and work hard, but be sure to be moving forward in ways you truly embrace and believe in! Also, ask: am I driven by my own values and goals -- or focused on the expectations of others?
Read MoreThis was my topic as a recent panelist on the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) webinar “Fostering Civil Discourse – How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter.” More than 120 people attended. I shared Braver Angels background information on polarization and introduced the key LAPP skills
Read More“Doug Teschner, president of Growing Leadership LLC, speaks on topics ranging from his time in the Peace Corps in Ukraine and other countries, to Braver Angels, and how people can talk about politics or other difficult discussions in a positive manner.” NH Hampshire Business Review “Down to Business” podcast: https://www.nhbr.com/peace-politics/
Read MoreThe best leaders know they need to continuously invest time to build connections, that this ongoing responsibility can never be taken lightly. Of course, employees have tasks to complete, and supervisors need to communicate job expectations. But the most effective leaders go deeper, getting to know their employees and colleagues in meaningful ways that help create productive workplaces. You can read my full column at https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review#2023/05/19/?article=4110428
Read MoreWe tend to see ourselves as static, but change happens whether we plan for it or not. Events sometimes impose change in a dramatic fashion. Unexpected crises can force us to adapt and plot new paths. Then there is change by choice, like my wife and my decision to move to a senior condo. You can read the full column at https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review#2023/03/10/?article=4085782
Read MoreTo simplify our lives and be closer to our son and grandchild, my wife and I moved to West Lebanon, NH, after 36 years in the house where we raised our sons. Haverhill has many outstanding qualities and wonderful people. The immense beauty and affordable land create potential for more tourism and other businesses. Thank you, Haverhill! You enriched my life in so many ways and I will always be grateful. You can read my full essay, as it appeared in the March 9, 2023 edition of the Bridge Weekly,
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It seems like we have two ineffective modes when it comes to difficult conversations – engaging in conflict or avoiding hard topics altogether. In a workplace setting, avoidance may be better than conflict, but it can foster an environment where people who need to work together may steer clear of each other. I recently helped organize a workshop for more than 100 NH state representatives.
Read MoreHaving lived in Ukraine from 2010 to 2014, this beautiful country is never far from my thoughts these days. Christmas Eve was the ten-month anniversary of the Russian invasion. I was recently interviewed by Roger Wood of InDepthNH about my thoughts on the situation there. You can listen to that interview at https://indepthnh.org/2022/12/17/roger-wood-checks-in-with-expert-on-ukraine/.
Read MoreI am always on the lookout for inspiration, and it sometimes appears in unexpected places -- such as insights on life goals and resilience discovered in my physical therapist’s newsletter. I have been impressed with the wisdom of Bill Cioffredi who wrote, “While we strive for success, the satisfaction is tied more to the effort than the outcome.” You can read my full column here.
Read MoreSince 2018, Growing Leadership LLC has been working with Super Thin Saws, Inc., a Vermont manufacturer that produces specialized saw blades used by companies around the world. This successful business, founded in 1976, has been looking at ways to grow and increase its organizational efficiency and productivity to benefit owners and employees alike and ensure that the business thrives for many years to come.
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