In professional settings, from small nonprofits to the highest levels of government, there is an age-old trope: leaders cling to power. Anyone in professional spaces has a story or two about a boss who aged out of the role years before they actually retire. Unfortunately, this is not just an issue in governance, but in … Continue reading The Exit Strategy: Lasting Legacies Beyond Goodbye
I have spent over a decade in politics, not-for-profits, and grassroots organizations. I have noticed the many pitfalls that come up when activists try to make a change, and on this blog, I try to communicate what works and what does not.One of the most common mistakes people make across the political spectrum, both professionally … Continue reading It’s Okay to Be Radical
"How vain it is to sit down and write when you have not stood up to live." - Henry David Thoreau Everything on this blog, in some form, uses artificial intelligence (AI). Either through researching, outlining, brainstorming, or editing, I take advantage of ChatGPT to help the writing process. This disclaimer is not to say … Continue reading Why I Write With ChatGPT
Life is about relationships, whether we like to admit it or not. Most jobs, including those that involve "hard skills," depend on honesty, open communication, and the ability to take feedback. Yet, encountering these skills is a rarity. In my own experience working in not-for-profits for well over a decade, most people, most of the … Continue reading The Ego – An Overlooked Obstacle to Effective Teamwork
Last month, I published a piece on the importance of strategy, and outlined some great reads for those who are interested in learning more. Now, I want to build on that piece by discussing strategic planning, which is a deliberate process of defining goals, allocating resources, and conceiving actions to achieve long-term objectives. Strategic planning … Continue reading Strategic Planning: Five Essential Keys to Success
For individuals and collectives, the timeless adage persists: those who fail to learn from history are bound to relive it. I am always shocked at how the human experience repeats itself. Every couple of centuries, the same cycles play out: timeless empires collapsing, new forms of science disproving universally accepted truths, or democracies turning into … Continue reading Lessons Lost: Why History is Worth Studying
Strategy is not just important in the professional realm. It offers a structured approach to achieving long-term goals in any aspect of life. I recommend that everyone learn about strategy because it empowers individuals to navigate life’s complexities, make informed choices, and work toward success with purpose and direction. Throughout my personal life, I have … Continue reading Five Essential Reads on Strategy
Dakota McGovern 