Metro Fire Chiefs leadership program launched

Yesterday marked the launch of a cohort-based leadership program for the Metro Fire Chief Officers Association, meeting at the venerable Jax Cafe in Northeast Minneapolis.  The focus of this session, the first of four, was how to make a fire department “grouse-resistant.”  This refers to the natural tendency of firefighters and fire officers to complain, […]

A Cold Truth?

I have long enjoyed saying that youth is fleeting, but immaturity can last a lifetime. Curiously, this afternoon, I feel some loss of both.

IEEE Presentation: Constructive Challenges! 12/7/10

On Pearl Harbor Day, I had a most enjoyable lunch discussion with members of the Istitute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Education Division, hosted by Jon Moon, President of MEI.  Jon is a friend and longstanding supporter, and true to form, he brought together a very interesting group of technologists and technical leaders. The presentation […]

Disarming Conversation

A difference of opinion – expressed with mutual respect – leads to ethical reflection and a renewed commitment to civility.

Ethical Leadership in Fire Service

One of the great pleasures of this year has been the the opportunity to serve more fire departments.  An outgrowth of that has been a presentation to fire leaders enrolled in the Hamline University Fire Service Leadership Seminar.  This was the second year of my teaching in that program – and I was twice impressed by the […]

Heard on the Street

What happens when courage fails us? We cannot return to a moment of truth, but we can grow based on our experience and prepare for next time.

Truth in its Proper Dosage

A sandwich shop encounter leads me to reflect on the fragility of an ethical business culture, with or without onions

The Autumn of Our Years?

With the change of seasons, we begin a year-long inquiry into the nature – and the power – of adulthood.

Serious Fun

It takes a certain practical wisdom to play with enthusiasm, laugh early and often, and relax when it is time to relax. It is a virtue, and it is contagious. Great memories are here for us, if we pay attention.

The Ranting Tree

My youngest child, not yet two years old, has discovered Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree.   “Tree! “Tree!” He begs, pleads, and ultimately demands.  I have read it to him four times today.  It was a light day. I hate The Giving Tree.  I remember it vaguely from my own childhood, when it was read to […]