What follows is a somewhat disjointed collection of updates from the past month. I probably should have made this three separate posts, but I’m short on time and I wanted to memorialize […]
Sad News, New Territory, 2 Great Books: 3 short posts in 1
Demma’s Notes: Orwell’s 1984 for Managers
1984 is a book about power, life, government, freedom (or lack thereof) of speech, human nature, love, strength, and weakness. It’s gripping, suspenseful, horrific, and at times, maddening. This post contains a summary of the book, some of my favorite (or most terrifying) quotes, and some applications for business people.
What is Leadership? Defining Leadership and What Leaders Do
The primary job of a manager is to provide leadership for their team. To be a leader. But what is leadership? This post is about my definition of leadership.
Management Skills: First, Do No Harm
Has it ever occurred to you that not only are you not doing a good job at work, but maybe you are actually making things worse? I think it’s a really good question to ask yourself, especially if you’re a manager. The answer might not be so obvious.
Thinking About What It Means to Create a Masterpiece
What does it mean to create a masterpiece? I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. Here’s what I’m thinking.
The Great Seattle Gold Rush
Seattle is the fastest growing major city in the US, with hard census data showing 1,100 people moving into the area every week, and more recent estimates claiming over 2,000 people moving to King County weekly.
Interviewing, Leadership, Family Values, and an Anti-Nihilism Warning to Millennials
I have some “controversial” thoughts on family I’d like to share, a caution to people in their 20s and 30s who are “waiting to have a family”.
Maps of Meaning: Jordan Peterson’s genius guide to a meaningful life
Jordan B. Peterson’s Maps of Meaning is like the legend that unlocks maps of our lives. What follows is my summary of Peterson’s work.
My Predictions on the Rest of Game of Thrones, Based on Jordan Peterson’s Maps of Meaning
I think I know how the rest of Game of Thrones will play out. No spoilers, just guesses. Guesses based on Jordan B Peterson’s “Maps of Meaning”.
Jack Demma, Warrior Kid (Demma’s Notes on Jocko Willink’s Way of the Warrior Kid)
There are difficult lessons for kids to learn and for parents to teach. One amazing resource for parents and kids is Jocko Willink’s “Way of the Warrior Kid”.
New Job, Mistakes, Travel, Family, and Discovering My “Why”
I have made some mistakes during my on-boarding, mostly centered around my ambition to start contributing quickly and my obsession with getting things done.
Announcement: The Next Demma Family Adventure
After nearly 12 years with Sleepy’s/Mattress Firm, our family has decided to take on a new challenge.
Demma’s Notes: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen (or what I like to call The Parenting Bible)
The term “game-changer” is so overused today, but I can’t overstate how much parenting has changed for me since listening to “How to Talk”.
Demma’s Notes: Learning to Eat Soup With A Knife
Learning to Eat Soup With a Knife by John Nagl uncovers common themes for effectively dealing with insurgent or non-conventional warfare.
How to Create Great Team Building Exercises
Teamwork is important.
In fact, teamwork may be the most important competency for an organization operating in a world of complexity.