Learn to Think in Color

What Does It Actually Mean to Lead by Example? The cliche is everywhere. The real test is what people copy when you are not performing leadership. Framing the Question: “Lead by example” is one of the most repeated leadership phrases in business, sports, parenting, and public life. It is also a cliche, which is why it often gets used without much thought. But the question matters because people learn culture less from slogans than from patterns. To lead by example means making your visible behavior so consistent with your stated values that others know what “good” looks like without needing a speech. Why “Lead by Example” Sounds Simple but Isn’t To lead by example means your behavior becomes the instruction manual. Not your slide deck or your values poster. Not the inspiring paragraph in the onboarding packet. Your behavior. A leader who says, “We value candor,” but punishes bad news is not leading by example. A leader who says, “Family comes first,” but praises only the people who ans...

Why are we so concerned with who’s to blame? How our blame instinct soothes us, sabotages us, and what to try instead     Big-picture framing Why are we so concerned with who’s to blame—at work, in politics, in our relationships? Because blame promises something we crave: clarity and control. The moment something goes wrong, our brains reach for a simple story with a clear villain, even when the real explanation is messier and shared. That habit can feel satisfying in the moment but quietly undermines trust, learning, and problem-solving. In this article, we’ll unpack why the “who’s to blame” instinct is so strong, how it shapes culture, and how to shift toward responsibility and repair without sacrificing accountability. 1. Why your brain reaches for blame so fast Think about the last time something went sideways—a project tanked, a plan fell apart, a conversation blew up. How long did it take before a name popped into your mind? That speed is not an accident. Blame is your b...

How do you deal with bad communicators? April 11, 2025 | Accountability, Communication, Community, Conversation, Question a Day, Workplace Culture Question a Day   How to Deal with Bad Communicators (Without Losing Your Mind) We’ve all been there— the vague email that answers nothing, the boss who gives confusing instructions, the friend who never responds.  Bad communication isn’t just frustrating—it can  waste time, cause misunderstandings, and even damage relationships. So, how do you  handle bad communicators  without pulling your hair out? Let’s break it down. 1. Identify the Type of Bad Communicator Not all bad communicators are the same.  Understanding their style  helps you adjust your approach. 📌  Common Types of Poor Communicators: 🔴  The Vague Texter:  Messages are  unclear or incomplete. ❌  “Let’s meet later.”  ( Where? When? Why? ) 🟡  The Over-Talker:  Talks  a lot  but never gets to the...