Granted: Why a company is not a family—and beliefs about generations are (mostly) stereotypes
Confidence doesn't always come from believing in yourself today. It often stems from recalling the obstacles you overcame yesterday.
A history of resilience can silence self-doubt—challenges conquered are clues to hidden strengths. Past progress is proof of future potential.
Some links that have enriched my thinking about potential lately:
1. How Generational Stereotypes Hold Us Back at Work (Leah Georges, TED)
It’s a mistake to make sweeping generalizations about people for happening to be born in the same 20-year period.
2. The Power of Sacrifice (Maurice Ashley, WSJ)
My favorite chess grandmaster highlights how wise long-term decisions often require the courage to make short-term sacrifices.
3. Writer Math (Elissa Bassist, McSweeney’s)
A short, hilarious take on writer’s block, procrastination, and looming deadlines.
4. Why Boys Today Struggle with Human Connection (Ruth Whippman, NYT)
When it comes to developing spaces and skills for boys to make friends, we have a long way to go.
And some of my favorite recent podcast conversations:
A company is not a family with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: Apple | Spotify | Transcript
The art of vulnerability and connection with comedian Mae Martin: Apple | Spotify | Transcript
Anne Lamott’s thoughts on love, writing, and being judgmental: Apple | Spotify | Transcript
Yuval Noah Harari on what history teaches us about justice and peace: Apple | Spotify | Transcript
In solidarity,
Adam
Hey Adam! I have managed organizations AND I’ve read a great deal about leadership. And I have what would be the relevant educational education, meaning degrees, whatever…
Here’s what I’ve learned in life….
All organizations are comprised of 3 things: Power, Money & People- usually being prioritized it in that order. I don’t care where you work… it’s the same thing from where I’m standing.
But see, my education (the research piece) sometimes doesn’t match up with what I’ve learned through lived experience.
Those in POWER decide what research gets funded, distributed and supported.
Generation unfairness is a REAL thing. Many people who got there thirty/ forty years ago and hoarded POWER, often times without the same level of education hurt that path for those that followed INTENTIONALLY.
Power decides which PEOPLE get the MONEY.
Any researcher that is trying to pretend it’s all “in our heads right now” is just a corrupted individual- I don’t care if they have a PHD.
Universities can act just like churches. And Professors can be just as corrupt as malevolent clergy.
We have to stop acting as if research is truth and or God.
You must always look who is behind the research and why.
Be part of the solution Adam.
We need good people there.
Please people, critically think about what you are being told.
Does it match with your LIVED EXPERIENCE?
If not, it’s BS.
Adam, the notion of re-examining one's assumptions & hypotheses you espouse in your book,
THINK TWICE, is totally consistent with my credo to TAKE 5, and stop, pause & think BEFORE you respond or act! Always GREAT advice!