This is the Too Many Trees newsletter, where I share what I’ve been writing and reading in the realm of leadership and personal development. My coaching practice is centered around the idea that we are more effective in moving towards our goals when we become more conscious and intentional in focusing our time and attention.
Today, though, my heart hurts, and I can’t post about my normal topics without writing about what’s going on in America. I have been struggling with what to say about the past week's events and their ongoing impact on communities across the country. But I also recognize that staying silent sends a message as well.
So I wrote a blog post reflecting on how my own privilege is protecting me from the crises raging through America, and listed a few of the resources I am using to educate myself. I know it's not enough, but I am reminding myself that something is better than nothing: http://www.nehrlich.com/blog/2020/06/01/privilege-and-self-education/
I also want you to know that I am here to witness and to listen. Just reach out if you want to share your own stories or need a virtual shoulder to cry on or whatever else you need. I am here.
Provocation: The system won't change unless those with privilege do something. What will you do?
Now, on to the normal content…
LinkedIn: My LinkedIn posts the last couple weeks have been on the theme of understanding and enlisting your stakeholders.
Powerful words from my friend Lina Srivastava: "We can navigate our way to a better future if we broaden beyond listening to one small, privileged segment of the population. ... Progress against inequality rests upon true and inclusive participation."
A pointed critique of patriarchal society from Rebecca Solnit: "feminism is just a subset of human rights, and universal human rights and absolute equality would answer all those questions about what to do about coronavirus and nearly everything else."
Wisdom from a former teacher, Esther Derby: "People with high self-esteem are more able to accept deviation from the desired state as information… neither bad nor good, that will help them take appropriate action."
That’s it for this edition. Thank you for reading, and please email me (eric at toomanytrees) to share what you are taking away.
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