July 25, 2022

Dear friend,

I hope you’re well and enjoying the summer. I can’t believe it’s almost August! I’m sneaking in a message before the end of the month to share a few things I’ve been thinking about:

Agreements. We often talk about the importance of clear expectations, but maybe there’s something even more critical. Steve Chandler explains how expectations can lead to anxiety over our ability to meet them, fear that we’ll be blamed if we don’t, and resentment if they feel unreasonable. In contrast, agreements—arrived at through conversation about what we can count on from another and what support they need—strengthen relationships and improve outcomes. This feels so right to me. I’m definitely trying to put it into practice.
Leading Life. I’ve been reflecting on the “Leading Life” series of blog posts I wrote a few summers ago sharing some of my favorite tools for getting clear and staying on track. If you’re curious, please check out the first post. Then if you want more, just click on “All Posts” at the top of the page to find other entries in the series.
Well in the Lead. And now a bit of exciting news. My friend and former colleague Suzanne Dove and I just released a follow up to Well on Your Way (my first book)! Well In The Lead: An Academic Leader’s Companion seeks to provide the support leaders need to breathe, live, and thrive in the midst of this complex and challenging environment. Please check it out and help us spread the word!

Thanks so much for spending a little time with me. I’d love to turn this from a one-way communication into a conversation, so please drop me a line to let me know what you think about today's message and what kind of content you'd like to see in the future. Or just let me know how things are in your world. I know it might feel weird at first, especially if you don’t know me personally, but I’m sure we’ll be fast friends. :)

Thanks again, and take good care,
Elizabeth

3 things I’ve been thinking about

Gifts of the season

Bursting with questions!