For those who prefer to think rather than be told, weekly messages crafted to spur thought, broaden perspective, and foster growth.
Be prepared to reexamine your views on subjects like hypocrisy, generosity, fear, forgiveness, sex, faith, and any other area warranting sincere reflection.
Founder, Purpose Tea
There have been so many times Richard's words...have gotten me through the toughest days along this entrepreneurial journey. If you're looking for weekly inspiration, sign up for 52 Steps Forward. You'll thank me later!
Founder, curiate
Richard crafts a rare combination of gentle, purposeful, meaningful, and incisive thought within each of these pages. I'm left not only with different ways of looking at things, but with means to be a better me.
COO, Blount Fine Foods
Richard’s subject matter and writing style are the perfect combination to provoke and inspire new ways of thinking. I encourage you to read 52 Steps Forward so you can become similarly inspired.
The Groundwork I hope you trust me enough to hear (read) me out. It is the other subject besides politics you are not supposed to talk about. Defensive reactions and fear of intruding upon or offending others make it an uncomfortable topic. However, I would be almost disingenuous if I omitted a subject significant to me from this personal blog.
Examples Abound It is the White guy who truthfully has Black friends but jokes about Blacks being unable to swim. It is my bible study classmate who announced that he hates White people. While I have doubts about his honesty, there must be some truth to his words. It was the Nazi party leaders who filed so many clemency requests
What about a mentee’s responsibility to the relationship, and what do mentors get out of it? Expectations Mentees should carefully consider the guidance provided or revealed, use what they believe is valuable, and discard the remainder. Mentors do not expect to be followed like an orchestra leader but will lose interest if you do not act on the learnings. Mentees
Chip off the Old Block While refraining from supplying the answer, cajoling our mentees to think and act like we do (or should) is an alluring temptation. Besides the error of your ways, emulation is rarely productive. Recently, Bob Sr. lamented that Bob Jr. was not approaching his college search correctly. If it were up to him, Senior would emphasize
Today, we will further distinguish mentorship from subject matter experts doling out advice. Most frequently, an answer is unnecessary, inaccurate, or the question does not address the correct issue. No Spoon-Feeding Mentees, resist the temptation to implore, “Just give me the answer!” Mentors mostly employ the Socratic Method, asking questions to stimulate critical thinking and empowering the mentee to formulate
Stating the Case At some point, you have undoubtedly benefitted from a frank conversation with a trusted confidant, which leads to breakthrough growth. While you may have incredible affection for that person and share incredibly intimate details of your life, that person is likely not a therapist, life coach, family member, or friend. They are mentors who enable growth you
Today, we will further distinguish mentorship from subject matter experts
Stating the Case At some point, you have undoubtedly benefitted
Susan O’Brien
Founder, Hail Merry