The Power of Kindness
The Week in Ethics
The Power of Kindness
We know (when we think about it) that kindness can show up in families, friends, strangers, and ourselves. Something surfaces, and we want to do something that matters. Decades ago, Physicist and Nobel laureate Albert Einstein was reported to have said, “Kindness is the highest form of intelligence.” When we think about kindness that way […]
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How We Can Change a Moment
Uncertain times are often very uncomfortable so I wondered what might shift how we feel to help reduce stress? Being inspired was my first thought. What came to mind were the wonderful books written by Kobi Yamada Books by Kobi Yamada | Compendium and the beautiful work of illustrators that support the spirit of the […]
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The Gift of Illuminators
The power of light enables us to see in the dark. However there’s a human power called illuminators that shine their light on others often changing how others see themselves. Writer, commentator, and New York Times columnist David Brooks identifies illuminators with a variety of skills. They include, among others, being curious, having attentive listening […]
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Can Trees Teach Us About Ethical Behavior?
The answer is yes in ways we don’t necessarily think about which means we’re missing out. They also teach us about happiness and resiliency. Global Citizen reminds us that trees “provide all life on Earth with oxygen, combat climate change, generate food and shelter, clean the air and soil, foster vibrant ecosystems, etc…” “In fact, […]
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The Key to Thriving in Uncertain Times
This article was first published in Business Ethics Magazine on March 19, 2023. How can managers (or anyone) increase their ability to thrive amid 2023’s uncertainties and business challenges? It turns out the answer may be science-based: the result of more than eight decades of longitudinal research by the Harvard Study of Adult Development. The key […]
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Improve Work Cultures Through Friendships at Work
Years ago, when my then-company asked employees to take Gallup’s engagement survey, I was surprised by one of the questions: “I have a best friend at work.” I wondered why that mattered in a work culture. When I became a better leader because of a work friendship, I understood. However, some executives have been slow […]
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Sigal Barsade and Getting Culture Right
This article was first published in Business Ethics Magazine on May 28, 2022. Photos of Sigal Barsade courtesy of The Wharton School. Sigal Barsade, a pioneering researcher on the impact of emotions in the workplace, leaves a legacy for leaders who want to get their culture right. Professor Barsade, the Joseph Frank Bernstein Professor of […]
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Self-Awareness Is a Learning Journey with Good Road Maps
Olympian Simone Biles demonstrated deepened self-awareness when she withdrew from the Olympic competitions in Tokyo. She recognized where she was emotionally and chose well-being over more medals. In challenging times (like now) stress/anxiety can trip our sense of balance into overwhelm. Our typical coping methods may not be enough. (Anxiety can also blur our ability […]
read more »Leading by Example Makes Change Real
Photo: Treasury Secretary Paul H. O’Neill appears before the House Ways and Means Committee, February 2001. Wikimedia Commons. The pandemic’s challenges escalate pressures on company leadership at every level. Leaders who ask questions, listen and genuinely value employees make it easier for employees to do their best work. The most powerful tool of leadership is leading […]
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Finding Inspiration in a Pandemic
Inspiration in a crisis comes from vulnerability and resilience. COVID-19 has increased leaders’ challenges in creating more engagement. Finding inspiration in a pandemic is an opportunity for leaders to rally their troops and help each other get through these difficult times. Leaders Reduce Harm What we’re experiencing highlights the importance of community and how we […]
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Transparent & authentic, insightful, seasoned with organizational knowledge, purposeful & engaging, Gael O’Brien takes her audiences on a journey of ethical exploration that is thought-provoking. She creates the needed disturbance that invites personal and professional growth. Gael carries the noble voice of humanity’s hopefulness.