Jim McCarthy

Resilience, Humor, and Privilege

Photo courtesy of Alex Block on Unsplash

I like to share best practices on how to build happy, peak performance teams — the Silicon Valley Way.

Sometimes the focus is more on the “happy” part — including research on resiliency, positive thinking, stress reduction, mindfulness, purpose, forgiveness, legacy and inspiration. Other times, you will see more on “peak performance” — which includes innovative methods on hiring, goal setting, time management, communication, and leading teams to win in disruptive industries.

Some people think “happy” and “peak performance” are not related, but in fact they’re completely intertwined. My goal is to regularly touch your life in a positive way. I hope you find this useful…

1). My most controversial blog post ever
In response to the so-called “Google Manifesto,” I felt compelled to “Acknowledge My Own Straight White American Male Privilege.”

2). Be courageous because you will fail
Entrepreneur Jane Chen focuses on purpose and values in her organization. Read her remarkable lessons here.

3). How to bounce back from tragedy
My wife and I were moved to tears by Sheryl Sandberg’s speech at the UC Berkeley 2016 commencement.
You’ll find a related, excellent, practical New York Times article here.

4). Boosting your authority, approachability, and impact
Stanford Business School Lecturer Richard Cox gives us many tips in this outstanding video “Act Like the Leader You Want to Be.”

5). The importance of being funny at work
Here’s a very funny article with lots of memorable research and practical advice. No, really!!! “Humor Is Serious Business”

6). Inspiration
“If much has been denied me, much, very much, has been given me.”
Helen Keller
First blind-deaf person to earn a bachelor’s degree

Rock on!

Jim

[ I sent this post as my regular email newsletter on August 24, 2017.]