Thinking Out Loud

This the sixth year of Leadership Hancock County (http://leadhancock.org/) which begins on January 19th.  Deb Burwell and I have been the two instructors from the beginning.  We’ve developed a strong curriculum rooted in best practices, focusing on communication, decision-making, collaboration, conflict resolution, and networking.  Our host sites offer us opportunities to learn about different sectors of the economy, their vision and leadership challenges.  We have six diverse sites this winter and spring, and our participants cover a wide range of for-profit and non-profit organizations.

I’m truly looking forward to another great year!

The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, serving Hancock and Washington Counties in Maine, will be hosting their annual conference on November 6th in Bar Harbor.  I’ll be giving the keynote address to kick-off a day of workshops. My focus is on relationship building as a part of wellness.  We know how important interpersonal relationships are to our sense of well-being, and there it’s a wellness issue.

The BCW Center is well established, offering a wide range of services to individuals and families, with a robust, enthusiastic, and caring group of volunteers.  They provide information, support, and advocacy services. Those who get help from these good folks are always grateful.

Communication Quarterly just published a research article correlating listening behaviors and communication styles.  I was one of three authors.  Graham D. Bodie and Shaughan Keaton were the other two. Both were terrific to work with. The research was conducted at LSU in Baton Rouge, Lousiana.  There were two related research projects.  The other was published last year.  To read the currently published article, click here.