Hi Thinkers, In 1886 German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche warned, “Whoever thinks he fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. ”In today’s article we expound on the subtle ways in which we find ourselves feeling morally justified for unjustifiable behavior. This week’s reflection comes from Joseph Grenny’s recent piece, “Why Good People Do Bad Things” READ FULL ARTICLE HERE: Why Good People Do Bad Things | Crucial Learning Grenny challenges us to consider how even decent, well-intentioned people (like us) can rationalize actions that are unkind, divisive, or harmful — often without even realizing it. Drawing from Albert Bandura’s research, he highlights seven mental traps we can fall into: 1. Moral Justification – “I’m harsh because I’m standing up for truth.” 2. Euphemistic Labeling – “It was just a meme.” 3. Advantageous Comparison – “At least I’m not as bad as them.” 4. Diffusion of Responsibility – “It’s not on me if others cross the line.” 5. Distorting Consequences – “If they’re offended, that’s their problem.” 6. Dehumanization – “They’re idiots, radicals, losers.” 7. Attribution of Blame – “They brought this on themselves.” Grenny reminds us: awareness is the first step — but not the last. To truly grow, leaders must learn to reframe the stories we tell ourselves about others. He offers four practices: - Start with Heart → Ask: What do I really want for me, for them, and for the world we share? - Watch Your Language → Drop the double standards; speak of others with humanity. - Get Curious → Replace judgment with curiosity: What experiences shaped their views? - Build Common Ground → Seek shared values (safety, fairness, family, faith) as bridges. Reflection - Which of the seven traps do you recognize in yourself? - Where might you need to shift your language or perspective this week? - How could curiosity or shared values change the way you engage with someone you disagree with?

Greetings Members, If you want to achieve significance and success in life, you have to be intentional! In this episode, John C. Maxwell teaches a lesson on how you can embrace intentional living and make a difference in the lives of others. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson sit down to talk about what John has shared and offer practical advice that will help you apply what you’ve learned to your life and leadership. Key takeaways: * Intentional living is the bridge that will lead you to a life that matters. * Choose a life that matters by becoming an intentional person. * Make a difference with others wherever you are, with whatever you have, day by day. LISTEN HERE: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/podcast/maxwell-leadership-podcast-intentional-living/ The BONUS resource for this episode is the How to Embrace Intentional Living Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching.

Hey Team, For this week’s TED Talk Tuesday, we’re diving into “The Habits of Happiness” by Matthieu Ricard. 🔗 Watch Here: https://www.ted.com/talks/matthieu_ricard_the_habits_of_happiness?user_email_address=83258d1abf6c9b6710c685e7305983e6&lctg=65f10712999eb1de8d032d9d Key Takeaways: * Happiness is not found in external circumstances—it’s an inner skill we can train. * Our minds often get caught in negative patterns; cultivating awareness helps us redirect toward joy. * Mental habits like compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness strengthen long-term well-being. * True happiness isn’t selfish—it enhances how we lead, serve, and build relationships. What’s one mental habit you could strengthen this week to grow your own happiness—and how might it influence the way you lead others?

Hey Leaders, Every leader works with complicated people. But “complicated” doesn’t mean toxic—it means quirks, blind spots, and insecurities that can quietly derail momentum if left unaddressed. In this Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast, Chris Goede and Perry Holley explore practical ways leaders can reframe the challenge and strengthen their teams by: * Seeing people as individuals, not problems * Using tools like humanity checks and curiosity mapping * Communicating with clarity and mirroring preferences * Setting boundaries to protect focus and energy LISTEN HERE: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/podcast/executive-podcast-360/?utm_campaign=CSG%20%7C%20MELP&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8-TcSYw4WYrFwowzGd9wku6y0rfRkdeRcint5UVWwW1vF6n36G1HngNfECV4Zlz2c90PLXNDwkZTlh-E_g2NhhaxUu0g&_hsmi=378802015&utm_content=378184910&utm_source=hs_email You’ll also learn how leaders can invite healthy conflict—turning friction into fuel for collaboration, trust, and higher performance. Download the learner guide to go deeper and apply these principles with your team.

Here are a few pictures from the Macon Start-up Week Kickoff from last night. I was honored to serve on the panel. The panel also included the following: Jessica Walden – President & CEO, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce Monica Pirela – Founder & CEO, NotiVisión Georgia Benjamin Andrews – Statewide Program Manager, ATDC The panel was expertly moderated by Stephanie Howard, Lecturer of Marketing at Mercer University. We fielded questions ranging from what trends are rising to the surface of entrepreneurship, to what role does innovation play, to what statewide initiatives are there to support small business development. The resources and opportunities shared with participants were not only practical, but deeply encouraging. The landscape we presented, one full of hope, access, and possibility, gave attendees a clear vision of what’s available to them and what’s ahead if we keep building together. Events will be taking place all week. Here's a link to the Eventbrite page: