What teachers say is true — they learn as much from their students as they teach. I’ve managed a few people in my career and each one of them has taught me numerous lessons. The most important one is that I have a lot to learn. Another truth — managing projects is COMPLETELY different than… Continue reading Failing fast: lessons learned by a former manager
“breeding Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing Memory and desire, stirring Dull roots with spring rain….” The Wasteland by T.S. Eliot I read a story in the news today about a solar power plant popping up near the Chernobyl site in Ukraine. It can produce enough electricity for 2,000 homes. I see it… Continue reading Finding a little hope in the news
One of my favorite things to do when I go out on the road is to wander through supermarkets. I have brought home tons of jams and salsas, among other things that can get through TSA. But the local flavors don’t stop there. My travel souvenirs are usually photos and flavor memories. I think of… Continue reading Baking Back Memories: Travels come alive once more with potatoes and beans
You’re familiar with this poem by Dylan Thomas, aren’t you? My friend Dylan was speaking metaphorically, the dying light was the end of life. At this time of year, the end of summer, I just rage against the loss of light. Each year I get cranky in the fall because the days get shorter. It… Continue reading ‘Rage against the dying of the light…’
Where is the most peaceful place you’ve been? Whether in your own backyard or some faraway destination… Right around the time of the Woodward Dream Cruise in August, I feel the need to head out of the city, away from orange construction cones, crowded stores and going from one air conditioned box to another. I’ve… Continue reading 76 trombones in the northern wood…
Most of us have learned the tone lesson with email – you have to be careful that your message might be read not as you intended but with tone. If the receiver is in a foul mood, they might read a simple request sentence like “please remember to submit your hours before 8:30 a.m. on… Continue reading Leave your message with the tone … beeeep
Yesterday there was a lot of talk about silence. So I thought I would talk about it a little, too. First, Aretha Franklin passed. Sad. Many people followed the news with talk about her voice being silenced. Untrue! All afternoon and into the evening, people played her music—in the office, on the radio, on personal… Continue reading Looking for ‘Respect’…
I started a new job recently, and a woman who works near me said something that I’m having an emotional reaction to. She said, during a lunch conversation, that “it is a sin to hide in your life, to waste your time on this earth being by yourself.” No really, she said that. She first… Continue reading Casting stones
A friend recently marveled at how I can stay awake during long road trips. I spend a bit of time driving back and forth across the state of Michigan. And, this summer, with all this time on my hands, I decided it was the perfect time for a long-haul summer road trip — Detroit to… Continue reading ’18 miles and WOW!’ Tips for staying awake during the summer road trip
Is it better to live with regrets or avoid them? Life provides another opportunity to learn the most important lesson.
Christina's New Deal 