With 12 candidates for Washington State Representative from my legislative district, the 4th, I decided to take a different approach to figuring out who to vote for instead of party affiliation (or not). I asked 6 questions that pertain to actually governing, not (strictly) about positions on issues. I eliminated candidates as I went., Read More
Prior to the 2012 election, our local paper ran a photo album of people at the GOP headquarters hard at work on the campaign. I found one photo particular telling. It was a picture of campaign supplies, buttons and hats. The hats said two things: “Defeat Obama” in large, prominent print and “Restore America”, Read More
Michael Robinson, fullback for the Seattle Seahawks often found clearing the field in front of Beastmode Marshawn Lynch, is one of my favorite players in the game. Robinson has been out of practice for several days, and did not travel with the team to play in the preseason game in Green Bay. Coach Pete, Read More
One way to think about developing leadership skills is to think of spheres of influence and control, starting with the individual and working out. Leadership skills can be honed within the individual; in one-on-one interactions; on the team; while leading the team; and in the community. The decision by Coach Pete Carroll and General, Read More
My latest work in progress is a book about leadership and teamwork. I wanted to introduce various characteristic traits and behaviors that have been associated with excellent leadership. There are countless books, articles, blogs, and discussion boards on leadership, and many of them have some form of “Top Ten” list of characteristics needed by, Read More
As an enthusiastic proponent of strengths-based leadership, I often recommend to my colleagues that they take the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment. I also try to encourage them to learn more about the foundation of the concept, by reading First, Break All the Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths. For many of them, taking the time, Read More
“If you are elected, what could you both give to this country as a man, as a human being, that no one else could?” Martha Raddatz to Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan, Vice Presidential Debates, 2012 In 2008, when then-Presidential candidate Barack Obama picked Senator Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential, Read More
