A few weeks ago, I had a lengthy conversation with a friend in leadership. Deb Reardanz is the CEO of a lovely Illinois retirement community, Clark Lindsey Village. Our paths first crossed...
Serious work. Serious play.
By
Julie Thorson
Feb 07, 2024
Ditch the PowerPoints and make way for play and Jenga blocks. Every month or so, we invite new and current employees to a three-hour get-together called The Friendship Haven Experience to introduce or...
This is how we continue to offer hope
By
Julie Thorson
Nov 08, 2023
Trust, compassion, stability and hope have been my focus this year for the Living Leadership blog. I certainly can’t take credit for the four things followers need from leaders — that comes directly...
Is compassion invited?
By
Julie Thorson
Jun 21, 2023
How would accountability and compassion get along if they sat next to each other at a party? Who would be louder? Who would draw more attention? Would one interrupt the other, or would they let each...
It’s cool to be kind
By
Julie Thorson
May 24, 2023
Apparently, I’ve reached the age of wearing clothes with words on them being my thing. I’m not sure how this snuck up on me. We have cool logo wear here and we all enjoy wearing T-shirts or sweatshirts...
Compassion in leadership
By
Julie Thorson
Apr 26, 2023
Everyone has something. Do you know what that “something” is for your team members? Recently, I was reminded that our teams, many times, are fighting a battle we may know nothing about. They...
This before anything else
By
Julie Thorson
Jan 04, 2023
Too many times we jump to believing we know instead of making the time to understand. What a hard lesson to not only learn, but live. It is difficult to pause in the moment and ask questions when all we...
Our duty to remain curious
By
Julie Thorson
Dec 07, 2022
As we close out 2022, I find myself reflecting on what progress I have made, if any, with strengthening my curiosity in leadership. I started the year with a focus on curiosity. I end the year with more...
If not us, then who?
By
Julie Thorson
Oct 12, 2022
I can’t remember the date. I don’t remember what was happening at the time. What regulation changed, who tested positive, what family was upset, what team member was infuriated, or what system had...
The quiet
By
Julie Thorson
Sep 14, 2022
Recovering extroverts pay attention to what I’m about to say. Being quiet is OK. Speaking from experience, disciplining yourself to not speak is as important if not more important than talking. I’ve...