In this longish newsletter, I resume my attempt to affect how we all, and especially leaders, approach talking about our most acute group identities, particularly race, and how to improve our approach.

Tension mounts all around us. Groups clash. Connections fray. Our enemies exploit our divisions. Again. How might any of us, particularly leaders, approach these troubled times?

One hundred years and counting. August 18, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment which states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

What constitutes good board performance and leadership under current conditions? Here’s a suggestion about a process for boards to use to answer that question and stimuli to jumpstart the discussion.

White water abounds. Events pound us and cross currents push us about. We pull off to the side of the river, but we find little respite there as we lug our battered craft out of the water. Rather, we find worries aplenty and, for many, too much time to fret.

You probably have received a near tsunami of advice about how best to lead during the pandemic. Much of the counsel likely carries value. I offer two thoughts for your consideration as you look at a likely long period of ‘what comes next’.