Posted on June 3, 2020
By Nan Russell
Today I bought two books: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo. I decided I need to learn more, listen more, and understand more.
A few years ago, I wrote about soul-courage in my book, The Titleless Leader this way: “Many of us stay waiting and hoping someone else will step up, take ownership, or make things happen. We’re afraid to speak up, admit we’re wrong, challenge a myth, or engage an adversary. But people using soul-courage understand there’s an inner risk if they’re not offering a best-self approach. They step up in challenging times, knowing action feels better than inaction and commitment feels better than non-commitment. We’re drawn to people who raise the bar for themselves and others. Their soul-courage nudges our own. They know what they’re for and it differentiates them. The difference between being for something versus against something is significant. When you’re for something, you’re working toward what you want to bring about or contribute to, and that shifts accountability, energy, and commitment. Being for something requires strength of convictions and a willingness to stand up for them.”
I am for Black Lives Matter. I am for the freedoms and values proclaimed in the Bill of Rights and Constitution to be the reality and truth for all people of these United States. I am for those like me, with white privilege, to understand more, listen more, and contribute more to a shared better future. And I am for all people of goodwill who shine light and love in the world.
Posted in: In the Scheme of Things, Leadership, Life |
Tagged: Black Lives Matter, equality, In the Scheme of Things, justice, learn, listen, love, Nan Russell, people of goodwill, soul courage, understand, white privilege |
Posted on October 26, 2017
By Nan Russell
I still have the email. It’s been years since a highly placed corporate boss, who had the reputation and approach that things were never quite good enough, sent it to me. He was long on critique and revisions; short on acknowledgement and appreciation.
Anyone else reading his message would deem it ordinary. No flowery words, no glowing adjectives, no verbose flattery or deliberate feel-good rhetoric. It was written in a matter-of-fact, straight-to-the-point style that took three sentences.
Yet its mark was indelible. Not because his appreciation was infrequent, but because it was genuine. While it was an out of the ordinary contribution he acknowledged, the message didn’t come in a signature-pen form letter “from” him via HR, nor was it composed and sent by an executive assistant. It came from him. He took the time to notice, comment, and engage. That simple email reconfirmed my commitment and spurred my enthusiasm.
It doesn’t take much to let someone know they’re valued. So why it is that so few people take the time to do it?
According to an online survey, (continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership, Trust Inc, Winning at Working |
Tagged: appreciation, communication, contributions, dialogue, genuine, genuine noticing, Nan Russell, noiticing, respect, simpe things, thank you, to be seen, value, what people want, Winning at Working |
Posted on January 8, 2015
By Nan Russell
![MH900401271[1]](http://www.nanrussell.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/MH9004012711-150x150.jpg)
Now that the holidays are over, I don’t know about you, but I’m still catching up. If you’re like me and digging out literally – we got nearly 2 feet of snow this week – or figuratively, with scores of unread emails or unfinished work, this post is for you.
With too much to do and too much “out there” to ever read through, I thought I’d narrow things a bit for you by offering a few articles related to work I thought might be helpful:
Also, a few months ago (continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership, Tips, Trust Inc |
Tagged: authentic leader, tips, trust at work, Winning at working; Nan Russell |
Posted on September 2, 2014
By Nan Russell
![MB900442396[1]](http://www.nanrussell.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MB9004423961-150x150.jpg)
Summer is over and Fall is around the corner. Even that thought gives me a bit of stress. So in the interests of a less is more approach to begin this new month, I put together a small collage of information for those who lead, from hundreds of articles that crossed my desk the past few weeks, including my latest psychologytoday.com piece, in the hopes you might find them helpful:
(continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership, Tips |
Tagged: Leadership, Nan Russell, success, trust, work tips |
Posted on July 1, 2014
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s, I often post here when things grab my attention about today’s workplace and sometimes, life. I haven’t posted in several weeks. My non-work life has been filling my days with doctors appointments, surgery and follow-ups. All is good!
We are almost mid-year and one of my goals is to become a frequent bike rider. Now, many of you are probably thinking what’s the big deal? The big deal is, I don’t know how, didn’t learn as a kid and have tried a couple times in my adult life (56 now) with no success. I’ve been seriously talking about it for two years! And, finally decided it was time to “just do it”, as the Nike slogan says. So, after buying a used bike and questioning seasoned riders I’ve started my version of riding, in beach alleys and during off-peak hours. I have had some pretty nasty falls and have the scrapes and the bruises to prove it. But, I am determined to ride a bike. Not just once in awhile but often. I get on that bike when I am not in the mood, not motivated, dejected and bruised. I will do this. I will succeed. These words have become my mantra.
Maybe this sounds familiar, are there things at work and non-work you’ve been talking about for awhile and you want to start doing them? It will take a good dose of determination to succeed. And, in my experience a little inspiration helps too.
Here are two of my current favorites:
(continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, determination, Doing, inspiration, Leadership, succeed |
Posted on February 20, 2014
By Nan Russell
No matter your role, knowing how to build and operate with trust is an essential skill at work. I’ve been doing a lot of talking and writing about trust recently, and thought two recent pieces might be helpful to you.
An interview I did with Moe Abdou, founder of 33voices. We talk about business trust – what it is and isn’t, plus a few trust building essentials.
Three Things Never to Do If you Want Employee Trust – my latest psychologytoday.com article.
What’s my new book, Trust, Inc. about? Here’s a short video where I explain the why behind the book. (continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership, Trust Inc |
Tagged: business trust, Inc., Leader trust, Nan Russell, trust, Trust busters |
Posted on January 20, 2014
By Nan Russell
My reaction was “surprise and delight” a few days ago when I received notification that I was named as a Top 100 Thought Leader 2014 by Trust Across America. I am honored to be included in a list of people like these.
Throughout my career I’ve been interested in the topic of trust. I’ve spent time reading, researching, thinking, learning, and teaching about trust. And what I know is this: Trust matters. It brings out the best of us and reminds us who we are. It makes us, and those around us, better. In this era of distrust, it’s good I think, to remember how much we can all do to built and rebuilt trust in our own worlds. (continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership, Trust Inc |
Tagged: Nan Russell, Thought Leader, trust, Trust Across America |
Posted on July 1, 2013
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. She just finished writing her new book, Trust, Inc.: How to Create a Business Culture that Will Ignite Passion, Engagement, and Innovation; so I offered to write a blog post so she could relax a bit.
In a few days Americans will be celebrating, Independence Day on July 4th. 
There will be parades, picnics, fireworks and baseball games in campgrounds, neighborhoods, small towns and big cities. I thought it was a perfect time to consider the words of some independent thinkers.
- “Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
- “It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”– Albert Einstein
- “The best thing about the future (continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership |
Tagged: Beth Pelkfosky, independent thinkers, titleless leader |
Posted on April 14, 2013
By Beth Pelkofsky
I am a colleague of Nan’s. She is writing Part 2 of her new book, Trust, Inc.: How to Create a Business Culture that Will Ignite Passion, Engagement, and Innovation; so I offered to write a blog post.
As I went about my normal routine this past week, I heard a couple of disturbing workplace stories. So much so, that I found myself ranting to friends and families. What has happen to basic kindness and human compassion in today’s workplaces? I’m sure at least a story or two come to mind.
It takes me back to a frequent conversation with my mom when I was a teenager. “Young lady it’s not what you are saying, it is how you are saying it, that is mean spirited.” And, my typical response was “Whatever.” This is an important learning that has served me well. Although, it did take a while for me to get it.
Why It Matters
As a titleless leader you will need to focus not just on what your message is but how you say it and how you act. Here’s why –
- You create a lasting impression. Does your impression look like a magnificent tapestry or a lackluster textile? Which is more valued?
- You get what you give. Are you kind with colleagues? Are you honest and act with integrity? This isn’t a cause and effect relationship but (continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership, Tips |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, impressions, Kindness, reciprocity, relationships, titleless leader |
Posted on March 25, 2013
By Beth Pelkofsky
Nan is busy writing her new book, Trust, Inc. – How to Create a Business Culture That Will Ignite Passion, Engagement. and Innovation which comes out in Fall 2013. So, I’m posting a blog for her this week.
It’s that time of year, March Madness is in full swing. When I was young I wasn’t much of an athlete – poor eye hand coordination, horrible balance and slow running kept me out of sports. But I could be found almost every weekend cheering my friends from the bleachers. Later, when I had kids they were involved in sports, a couple in every season. I learned there was so much more happening then just “playing the sport and winning”. Leadership for one. That’s why I’m always on the look out for sport stories when something greater besides the game happens.
If you haven’t heard about Basketball Coach Morales, a high school
basketball manager named Mitchell, and Jonathon, an opposing basketball player from a rival team in El Paso, Texas – check it out.
Jonathon, a player on his high school basketball team with – no title, no direction from his coach, no consulting with his team – makes a choice. He doesn’t wait, he takes (continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, doing the right thing, initiative, The Titleless Leader, Titleless Leadership |
Today I bought two books: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo. I decided I need to learn more, listen more, and understand more.
![MH900401271[1]](http://www.nanrussell.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/MH9004012711.jpg)
![MB900442396[1]](http://www.nanrussell.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MB9004423961.jpg)
