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New Book!
Leading Legends: Female Superintendents Breaking Barriers with Purpose and Power
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Main Character Energy
Main Character Energy explores what happens when leadership becomes too centered on the leader. Drawing from Paul Graham’s “founder mode,” Jamil Zaki’s research, Gallup data, and the idea of supporting-character energy, this post examines how power can narrow perspective and weaken connection. The alternative is a more curious, humble approach to leadership: listening deeply, helping people connect work to meaning, and remembering that leadership is not about owning the whole
Dr. Cindy Petersen
Sep 282 min read
Is Transparency Enough?
Transparency alone does not guarantee trust or alignment. When leaders share more information without helping people understand what matters, why it matters, and what to do with it, openness can become noise. Inspired by Kara Dennison’s concept of narrative clarity, this post explores how leaders can create meaning, reduce confusion, and connect everyday work to a clear sense of purpose. The goal is not simply to share more, but to help people make sense of what they hear.
Dr. Cindy Petersen
Sep 212 min read
More on Motivation
Motivation is not something leaders do to people. It grows when people understand the why, feel trusted with real autonomy, are seen as whole people, receive specific recognition, and are challenged in ways that stretch without overwhelming them. Drawing from Simon Sinek, Viktor Frankl, Daniel Pink, Amy Edmondson, Gallup, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, this post offers practical habits leaders can use to build trust, purpose, and engagement every day.
Dr. Cindy Petersen
May 253 min read
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