Job titles are an interesting cultural phenomenon. For centuries, position titles have made it easy to identify the responsibilities of someone who works in an organization. Positions, specifications, and classifications are carefully adjusted with titles to ensure a smooth traffic flow and control over disruptive lane changes. How do we evolve as some professions fade to extinction while others emerge shapeless like caulk, germanely, magically filling unnoticeable cracks and crevices?
"I'll run in and grab the key." Mom and sister Maggie sat in the rental car, windows rolled down, travel clothes a little sticky after a long drive from Miami to Marathon. This was mother-daughter trip number five, destination: Florida Keys. The approach was not how I imagined it. The internet has the drive from… Continue reading Under-Promise and Over-Deliver
The line at Subway was long. Limited-time guacamole. I watched people in the front consider their mounting decisions: at an extra fifty cents, guac or no guac? Which bread would you like, which meat, which cheeses? Mayo, mustard, or one of twelve dressings? Banana or jalapeno peppers? Salt and pepper? Hot or cold? A myriad… Continue reading To Stay or Swerve? A Discussion on Lanes.
"Now for the biggest question. What on earth should I wear?" That was my forever friend and colleague, Una, sitting on the sofa across from me, just finishing the final prep session before an interview with the search committee for Head of School. The question followed other ones like, "What is your vision for greater… Continue reading What On Earth to Wear?
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion: part joy, longing, and gratitude, all bundled up into a warm embrace that reminds us how our past influences our present. Today, I packed up the Christmas tree ornaments, and I felt nostalgic. Each ornament represents a different time in our lives, even the ones my mom bought new and… Continue reading The End of the Line (or Not)?
“Let’s be creative about this…” How many times have your heard yourself say this? You say it in meetings with colleagues, at dinner with your kids, in the middle of the woods with no GPS. You say it in the kitchen when you forgot to buy the main ingredient. You say it when you’re too… Continue reading Let’s Be Creative About This
Bethinc. 