Category Archives: Personal development

Out With The Old, In With The New
Posted on January 14, 2013 by Al Watts

A new year lends itself naturally to reflection and planning, leading for some to make resolutions. My reflections and resolutions revolved mainly around what to let go of and what to make room for – what’s “out” and what’s “in.”  … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Innovation, Integrity, Leadership, Performance, Personal development, Self Awareness, Values
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4 Comments
  • Al Watts
    Thanks, Carolien. I'm happy that you're in my "front row," and 'hope to be in yours!
  • Carolien Moors
    Al, Thanks for reminding me that I can't just keep adding. I have to let go and make room in ...
Does Work Make You “Seasick?”
Posted on November 27, 2012 by Al Watts

Recently a colleague shared her distress with the turmoil, continuous change and what seemed like unrealistic expectations at her workplace. As she described the conditions and her reactions, I couldn’t help thinking how similar they were to those of mates … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Leadership, Performance, Personal development, Sailing and outdoors, Teamwork
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1 Comment
  • Carolien Moors
    Thanks for the insightful analogy Al, and for the emphasis on awareness, choice, focus, collaboration, mindset & attitude.
Adventure Learning in the BWCA
Posted on October 24, 2012 by Al Watts

As summer transitioned to fall not long ago, it was time for our annual adventure in the BWCA. (For those farther afield, Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area is over a million acres of waterways and forest on the Canadian border, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Leadership, Personal development, Self Awareness, Teamwork
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4 Comments
  • Al Watts
    Thanks, Cathy! And you "rock, paper, star" on!
  • Cathy Paper
    Al, This looks like such an amazing trip. Dig the photos! And you always make such helpful connections. Rock ...
Compounded Errors
Posted on July 23, 2012 by Al Watts

Once again this season, our sloop LOON is serving up life and leadership lessons, and in unexpected ways.  The first this year began when a charterer reported a small fresh water leak at the base of LOON’s toilet – by … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Personal development, Uncategorized
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2 Comments
  • Al Watts
    'Good point about the need for respectful confrontation, Carolien. Too often (yes, perhaps more in Minnesota!) we overlook or lack ...
  • Carolien Moors
    Hi Al, another great article discussing a relevant topic for organizations and families alike. It connects with accountability, with the ...
A Word About The Wise
Posted on April 24, 2012 by Al Watts

by Al Watts and Lola Fredrickson Who’s the wisest person you know?  Why does that person come to mind, and what are some characteristics of other wise people you know? Competency, skills and expertise are desirable, but cannot take the … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Leadership, Personal development
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4 Comments
  • Al Watts
    Thanks, Carolien; I appreciate your wise observation about the importance of balancing a "knowing" and "not knowing" orientation. Thanks too ...
  • Carolien Moors
    Great article Al! I love to meet, listen to, and learn from wise people. Your 'ingredients' are spot on. When ...
Four Stories of a Leader
Posted on February 9, 2012 by Al Watts

by Bill Gjetson (This month’s guest author is Bill Gjetson, who shares my belief that stories play an important role shaping a leader’s and organization’s identity.  After a 30 year career in Human Resources  with Caterpillar, Bill is now engaged … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Personal development, Values
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1 Comment
  • Becky Albrecht
    Thanks for the great reminder. I really admire leaders who can tell stories naturally, the rest of us need ...
Recipe for Success in 2012
Posted on January 10, 2012 by Al Watts

We pulled out a time-honored family recipe over the holidays, and that got me thinking about what a recipe for success in 2012 might be.  I tried to follow the criteria for most good recipes: they should be relatively simple … Continue reading →

Posted in Integrity, Leadership, Performance, Personal development
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1 Comment
  • Carolien Moors
    Hi Al Great post, it can get a lot of people moving. I like it that you incorporate minor errors, the ...
My Left Hand
Posted on December 8, 2011 by Al Watts

This article is brought to you by my left hand (I’m right-handed) – courtesy of a torn rotator cuff and surgery a few weeks ago.  I am a firm believer that almost any hardship, unfamiliar situation or adventure offers lessons … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Performance, Personal development
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2 Comments
  • Tom Horner
    Thoughtful comments. Not only are your prescriptions useful for corporate and non-profit organizations, but would be useful guideposts for government. ...
  • merry glover
    I will have rotator cuff surgery at the end of this month. I am physically and mentally preparing now. ...