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Your Relationships Resources

The quality of a life is defined by the quality of your relationships.  True happiness doesn’t come from focusing solely on yourself and what you want.  Instead, it is about making a positive difference in lives of others.

Gratitude: The Core of Thanksgiving and Leadership

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a celebration of gratitude, a virtue that has the power to transform our leadership, relationships, and communities. At its heart, Thanksgiving reminds us of a simple yet profound truth: none of us achieve success alone. For leaders, this is a critical realization. True leadership is built on recognizing and

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George Washington: A Timeless Model of Leadership

George Washington, our first President, exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity and vision. Not only did he guide the Continental Army to victory against the most powerful military force of the time, but he also made the selfless decision to step away from absolute power. By refusing to become king of the newly-formed

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Forgiveness: The Key to Living a Virtuous Life

Forgiveness is not just a personal act but a transformative tool that ripples across relationships, organizations, and society. It plays a pivotal role in fostering growth, resilience, and harmony in many facets of life. Whether viewed through religious, philosophical, or psychological lenses, forgiveness holds the power to elevate individuals, teams, and communities. The art of

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    Recommended Reading

  • Life Design Workbook

    Peggy and James Vaughan

    Summary of the Life Design WorkbookView the Book

      The Life Design Workbook is a comprehensive guide that empowers you to take control of your life by making intentional choices that reflect your true values and aspirations. Written by Peggy Vaughan and James Vaughan, Ph.D., this workbook serves as a transformative tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and purposeful living. Through a structured approach, the […]

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  • Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion

    Joseph Campbell - Selected and Edited by Diane K. Osbon

    Listen to Book Review AudioView the Book

    Please click on this link for the Reflections on the Art of Living – A Joseph Campbell Companion Book Summary   “Reflections on the Art of Living” offers a transformative perspective on the human experience. Campbell’s unique blend of scholarly knowledge and practical wisdom provides a framework for understanding personal experiences and finding meaning in […]

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  • The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

    Gretchen Rubin

    Read Ed's ExcerptsView the Book

    Please click on this link for The Happiness Project Book Summary   “The Happiness Project” is more than just a book; it is a blueprint for living a happier and more fulfilling life. Rubin’s personal journey, combined with her thorough research and practical advice, makes it an essential read for anyone looking to improve their […]

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    Favorite Articles

  • Kickstart Your New Hire’s Success by Connecting them to the Right People

    As a manager, onboarding a new hire isn’t just about providing manuals and login information, it’s about setting the employee up to operate autonomously in their role and feel comfortable within the organization. To do this, leaders need to emphasize the importance of developing strategic relationships with colleagues across the company who can share critical […]

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  • Forgiving a Difficult Colleague

    Forgiveness is a complex and often misunderstood concept. Theologians and philosophers have discoursed for centuries on what it is, when to offer it, and why it’s good for us. But what about those times when someone’s aggravating or offensive behavior is unlikely to ever change? It’s one thing to extend forgiveness to someone who is […]

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  • High-Performing Teams Don’t Leave Relationships to Chance

    Research has shown that employees with close connections at work are more productive, creative, and collaborative. They’re also more satisfied with their job, less susceptible to burnout, and less likely to leave. Managers can create the conditions for work friendships to flourish through three simple actions. First, make it easier for employees to identify commonalities. […]

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    Helpful Websites

  • TalentSmart EQ Appraisal

    TalentSmart’s EQ Appraisal measures emotional intelligence and provides feedback for leaders to improve their personal and social competence. It is a highly practical tool for leadership development and team dynamics, as emotional intelligence is key to managing relationships effectively. “Business is fundamentally about people working together effectively to get the most important work done, and […]

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  • 16 Personalities

    Based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) framework, the 16Personalities test is a free tool that helps leaders and individuals understand their personality type, preferences, and how they interact with others. This can enhance team dynamics and self-awareness in leadership. “Only 10 minutes to get a “freakishly accurate” description of who you are and why […]

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  • Love Languages

    When we feel disconnected from the people we care about, life is a lonely place. The 5 Love Languages® is a simple and effective way to strengthen your connections, so you can experience greater joy and harmony in all of your relationships. While primarily known for its use in personal relationships, the 5 Love Languages can be […]

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    Reading Excerpts

  • Reflections On Life and Leading Book Excerpts – Part 2

    Please click on this link for the Reflections on Life and Leading Part 2 Book Summary   Very few of us have a life curve that is only upward-sloping. The difference is that “lucky” people just do not let their periods of adversity define them in unhelpful ways. They just keep plugging away, learning from […]

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  • HBR Guide to Managing Up and Across

    Managing Up and Across Excerpts   SECTION ONE – MANAGING UP Managing Your Boss: This relationship can be problematic for two reasons. First, a boss plays conflicting roles: supporter and evaluator, which can create confusion. Second, people often bring their past experiences with authority into the relationship, which can create unnecessary complications.   Don’t presume […]

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  • Reflections on Life and Leading Book Excerpts – Part 1

    Please click on this link for the Reflections on Life and Leading Part 1 Book Summary   Your Life: I have always thought that the whole concept of work-life balance is a bit of an illusion. It is difficult for me to imagine someone who has a life that is always completely in balance. Things […]

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Interested in learning more about leadership?

Ed’s books on Leadership, Life and Business will elevate your knowledge and give you the confidence to apply it to your personal and professional life.