You know, I had a plan for this week. I knew just what I was going to write about. Wouldn’t you know it, I even had one of my posts DRAFTED 3 days early. And then Ohio political news struck AGAIN! This morning, over his various social media platforms, Ohio Congressman Steve Stivers announced heContinue reading “Another Day in Ohio Politics…”
Tag Archives: Team Building
The Weight of Our Words
Words have meaning. That’s a pretty simple statement, right? Obviously words have meaning, or else we wouldn’t use them. But sit with the phrase a little longer, and you may just stumble on to why this statement is drilled into the minds of leaders at every level of our military. As a Marine officer, youContinue reading “The Weight of Our Words”
Sam’s Formula for Storytelling
Do you have a scene from a television show or movie that continues to live rent free in your mind? Mine’s pretty easy to pick. It’s stood the test of time with me – a regularly reviewed inspiration and simultaneous rebuke against me when I’m falling short. You’ll probably be able to guess that it’sContinue reading “Sam’s Formula for Storytelling”
What I’m watching for in the Ohio Senate Primary
Just over two months ago, Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), announced he would not be seeking re-election in 2022. This opened an absolute whirlwind of activity in the succeeding weeks. Punditry and horse trading began in earnest within days of the announcement. Republicans and Democrats alike are making the case that this particular Senate seat isContinue reading “What I’m watching for in the Ohio Senate Primary”
Be bold. Be brief. Be gone.
“Be bold. Be brief. Be gone.” It’s a phrase I first heard as a young lieutenant. Like many graduates of liberal arts colleges, I’d mastered the art of adding more than enough fluff to any presentation to fill my allotted time. But what my classroom instruction failed to convey was the lack of patience theContinue reading “Be bold. Be brief. Be gone.”
Moments of Leadership – the one where you just keep going
Going slow isn’t a failure, giving up is.
It can only go so badly…
It’s important, from time to time, for advocates to be reminded that their lobbying meetings can only go so badly. The reality of our work is that the worst response we can typically get is “no.” But sometimes that’s not the low water mark of a meeting. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve workedContinue reading “It can only go so badly…”
Quit Apologizing for Living
I know the Thursday posts on this blog are typically devoted to advocacy. But I was caught in my tracks yesterday by a conversation with my spouse, and frankly it’s stuck in my craw. So this is a bit of a rant. In short, we were chatting about the challenges that working parents face withContinue reading “Quit Apologizing for Living”
You Win with People
A few years ago, I was working for a member of Congress who decided to leave office before the end of his term. It was an absolutely wild experience. Just months earlier, it seemed he was on an entirely different trajectory. But on an autumn day he announced, without fanfare, that he would be leavingContinue reading “You Win with People”
Octob-her Continued: Legislative Staff with a Long View
There are a lot of women on Capitol Hill these days. Many focus on the number of women holding office in both the Senate and the House – as they should. But just as important are the countless career women who have stormed the hill in recent years and assumed roles as legislative directors, chiefsContinue reading “Octob-her Continued: Legislative Staff with a Long View”
Part of the Possible 