I again highly recommend the writings of Shane Parrish. His exploration of mental models and related topics are some of the best available anywhere. Go here to read for yourself. Read this recent post on LinkedIn wherein Shane refers to passive stability and active stability. Shane begins by mentioning: “A ship in the ocean is passively stable. The captain can take a nap, the power … Continue reading Healthcare cannot be a Ship in the Ocean
Pythagoras (c. 570 – c. 495 BC) recognized early what Frederick Douglass (February 1817 or 1818 – February 20, 1895) later told us: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” We have yet, at least in the fields of Emergency Management and Law Enforcement, to realize that, until we greatly expand our vision of how to CHANGE (not simply manage) events such … Continue reading Create the Conditions Conducive to Better (less violent) Human Beings
When dealing with others (loved ones, co-workers, customers, C Suite executives, absolutely anyone), it’s very useful, indeed vital, to see as they see. It doesn’t matter if you agree with them. It matters, however, that you strive to see matters as they see them. This is empathy. Don’t confuse empathy with sympathy (many people do); the two are different. When dealing with someone who is … Continue reading Look Behind the Anger (and other emotions)
Be a Sheepdog. Don’t be fooled; the real ones are not the overtly, tacti-cool ones. Tactical trousers do not create a Protector. You may very well not know the real Sheepdogs until you need one. If you can’t be a Sheepdog, feed one :). Until later… Continue reading Be a Sheepdog
We’ve written about this before. Sadly, however, we still witness intentions in many industries missing the mark. Don’t get me wrong; they’re well-intentioned efforts. Nonetheless, blind spots keep us mired in less-than-useful thinking that keeps society from evolving (yes, society can indeed evolve). Look for a moment at active assailants/active shooters. The point of impact, the moment of “bang,” is the shooting. We know well, … Continue reading Building Better Humans
Dr. George Thompson, creator of Verbal Judo, identified (and gave a name to) just this practice of professionally given “REspect” (his unique spelling) to distinguish it from the commonly known form of earned “respect.” This is one of the many tools, tactics, practices, and strategies that he contributed to the world of Conflict Communication. His pioneering work forms the foundation of many Conflict Communication programs … Continue reading REspect All Persons…Always
Hi All, Please see this article entitled: Nine dead after California sees three mass shootings in four days in The Guardian. It’s an article that merely details the most recent mass/active shootings. It is plainly clear that our law enforcement capability has the means to effectively stop a threat, that is, shoot and kill an active shooter. That’s not questioned. We have that down, and we … Continue reading How to “Kill” the Hydra-head of Active Shooters
Hi All, We’ve all been there. Someone with whom we’re dealing gives us a look, calls us an asshole, or simply walks away in a disrespectful manner while we’re talking to them. Or some variation of dismissive, insultive, disrespectful behavior. As a Contact Professional (e.g., Law Enforcement, Security, Parking Enforcement, etc.), it is our duty to maintain our professional behavior despite provocations from others. … Continue reading How & Why to Be UnTriggerable in Conflict
Conflict Transformation & Ethical Guardianship 