In my last post, I shared how the Japanese concept of ikigai, your reason for being, often reveals itself in the small, everyday moments of work. I ended by promising to explore one of those moments more closely: flow. Flow is that state when you’re so immersed in what you’re doing that you lose track […]
Flow at Work: Noticing the Moments That Pull You In Read More »
Reflections on meaning, purpose, and why we keep showing up Over the weekend I read Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles (thanks to Donna Buehler for the recommendation!), and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The book explores the Japanese concept of ikigai (your
Where’s Your Ikigai Whispering? Read More »
Three weeks ago, I had shoulder surgery to repair my rotator cuff. The procedure involved repairing a torn tendon, cleaning up frayed bicep tendons, and removing bone spurs. These injuries developed gradually over time. I’m on the mend, but I’m in a sling for six weeks and I’ve been struck by just how much behind-the-scenes
Lessons from a Sling: Conflict and Healing Read More »
In my last two posts, I wrote about the unexpected power of showing up, whether by attending a professional event or volunteering within a broader community. But showing up isn’t limited to external networks or association roles. Sometimes the most impactful opportunities to grow and lead start right where we work. That was certainly true
When Volunteering at Work Isn’t “Extra,” It’s a Career Move Read More »
In my last post, I shared how volunteering in professional associations has shaped my career in unexpected ways. This week, I want to reflect on a quieter but equally meaningful lesson about the value of simply showing up. Last week, I attended the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution’s Arbitration Institute in Denver. I’m not an
Why I Showed Up: Leadership, Presence, and Supporting Our Dispute Resolution Community Read More »
It started with a committee. A small project. A “sure, I’ll help with that.” Looking back, I can see how those small yeses became something much bigger. They shaped not only my career, but also my confidence, skills, and sense of purpose. One of my earliest volunteer roles was with the ABA Law Student Division
More Than a Job: How Volunteering in Professional Associations Can Transform Your Career Read More »
As an organizational ombuds, I often encounter individuals struggling under the weight of overwhelmed leadership. The consequences are familiar: stress, distraction, inconsistency, and a creeping sense of disengagement across a team. A recent article from Admired Leadership Field Notes captures this dynamic with remarkable clarity. According to Admired Leadership, an overwhelmed leader is more than
Supporting an Overwhelmed Leader: A Quiet Kind of Leadership Read More »
May the 4th recently passed, a date playfully known as “Star Wars Day” thanks to the similar sound of “May the fourth be with you” and the iconic “May the Force be with you.” As many of you know, I enjoy using pop culture to illustrate conflict resolution concepts. Star Wars offers a fantastic lens
Negotiate Smarter: A Star Wars Lesson in Understanding Interests Read More »
At the recent International Ombuds Association Conference in Miami, I attended a session by Dr. Brent Epperson and Dr. Laura Armstrong that introduced a coaching model called EASE. EASE is short for Empathize, Acknowledge, Solve, and Explore. Although the model was designed with ombuds work in mind, I kept thinking about how useful it is
Handling Hard Conversations with EASE (and a Bit of Stoic Wisdom) Read More »
This week, I had the joy of reconnecting with ombuds colleagues from around the globe at the International Ombuds Association Annual Conference in Miami, Florida. There were many thought-provoking sessions, hallway conversations, and opportunities for sharing experiences. In response to my conference-wide invitation to share a key reminder or piece of wisdom for this week’s
Remembering How Brain Science and Community Help Us Navigate Workplace Conflict Read More »