One of my most impressionable college courses was Group Communication.  I still have the book for the course, Effective Group Discussion, by John Brilhart, now faded, worn and dog-eared.  I have carried forward one concept from that course more than any other:  “Communication is a receiver phenomenon.”  Brilhart goes on to quote Richard Thayer paraphrasing the same idea:  “Communication always occurs in … Continue reading Communication as Listener Centric →

How is your organization supporting the competencies needed to be safe and effective operators and innovating in a shifting world?  Years ago, the Coast Guard saw boating safety from the perspective of a commodity.  From that view, the agenda was to regulate boats.  Every boat was assured that it had adequate life preservers, a sound hull, proper lighting, and so … Continue reading The Best Lens for Opportunity →

In school and early in our career, we are asked questions and are expected to have quick answers.  As we progress, we show mastery of a subject, solve problems, and move tactical issues forward.  As leadership roles are earned, the nature of our questions shifts to deepen understanding, explore new and contrary ideas, and pierce new thinking.   … Continue reading Being in the Question →