Quiet Leadership: An Oxymoron?

Quiet Book 

My last post focused on decision-making skills, which are critical to a leader’s success.  How do you make decisions?  Generally speaking, extroverts like to talk things out…and “think out loud”…while introverts may quietly analyze the data or what’s being said.

When I was in NASA’s Leadership Development Program nearly seven years ago now, I was encouraged to “be loud” and make sure my “voice was heard.”  At the same time, I read Tony Dungy’s book Quiet Strength, which suggested that maybe my more comfortable leadership style and approach could also be effective.

About a year ago, I read Susan Cain’s Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking – the acclaimed New York Times bestseller.  In fact, our office even held a monthly discussion about the book over 4 months.  There are many insights to glean from Cain’s research and conclusions that will help you as a leader shooting for the stars!

Click here to learn more

National Freedom Day 2014: A White Guy’s Perspective

Today commemorates National Freedom Day—an observance that honors the signing of a resolution that proposed the 13th amendment to the United States Constitution on February 1, 1865.  President Abraham Lincoln signed the resolution to outlaw slavery.

Major Richard Robert Wright Senior, a former slave who founded the National Freedom Day Association, played a crucial role in creating the observance. Major Wright—a community leader in Philadelphia who was active in education, the media, business and politics—hoped to see a day that would be dedicated to celebrating freedom for all Americans.  That day came with the first commemoration on February 1, 1942.  Then in 1948, President Harry Truman signed a bill to proclaim February 1 as the first official National Freedom Day in the United States.

So, what does National Freedom Day mean to me?  Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot about my privilege as a white guy…and Tim Wise’s White Like Me was instrumental in the beginning of my journey.

Click here for an overview of Tim Wise’s “Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son”