Courageous conversation is usually a better option than fight, flight, or avoidance when discussions become challenging. This requires both skills and a willingness to listen and be curious about what the other person is saying. We can dig deep in the spirit of author Scott Mautz: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to your courage and perseverance.” You can read my full column at https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review/2024/10/04/#?article=4260100
Read MoreFailing to treat people with different viewpoints with dignity and respect might feel good in the short-term, but it only adds to the nation’s growing division, reinforcing for those on the other side their own negative views of people on your side. Shaming others for their views is ineffective argues David Keen, professor of conflict studies at the London School of Economics, “perpetuating cycles of blame and division without fostering genuine improvement.”
Read MoreAndrew Bryant defines self-leadership as, “having a developed sense of who you are, what you can do, where you are going coupled with the ability to influence your communication, emotions and behaviors on the way to getting there.” I offer a few areas to consider to up your self-leadership game. You can read my NH Business Review column on this topic at https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review#2024/07/12/?article=4240151.
Read MoreI have been volunteering with Braver Angels to promote respectful discussion across party lines in the NH House of Representatives. We now have a Braver Angels-inspired caucus named the Granite Bridge Legislative Alliance which hosted its first workshop on May 6 with 9 Republicans and 9 Democrats participating. There were many positive comments from the legislators. . .
Read More“Polarization has become a business model,” wrote the authors of the 2018 study “The Hidden Tribes of America.” “Media executives have realized that they can drive clicks, likes, and views, and make money for themselves and their shareholders, by providing people with the most strident opinions.” This system works great for conflict entrepreneurs and tech giants, but ultimately harms our social fabric and nation.
Read MoreI 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
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