Wandering Into Wisdom

This blog chronicles the knowledge, insight and wisdom I encounter every day as a leadership consultant, executive coach, educator, father, friend and citizen. This site is dedicated to my father, Louis (Jack) Laughlin, who passed on to me an appreciation for wisdom. A special thanks to my friend Isaac Cheifetz, a businessman and journalist, who helped me understand the value of blogs and encouraged me to write one.

The Decline of Privacy and Secrecy

Privacy and secrecy have been in decline ever since the first human spoke.





Emotional and Social Intelligence

Dr. Fauci's response to Senator Rand Paul's assertions is a perfect example of the high level of emotional and social intelligence that differentiates truly great leaders.

Cultural Adaptation

Many of us feel like we are on a roller coaster when we are in the process of adapting to another culture.  We might be very excited at first but, when the newness wears off, we begin to feel uncomfortable, confused, and maybe downright stressed out.  It turns out that there is a well documented cycle that people usually go through when adjusting to a new culture.  How long each stage takes and the level of discomfort varies but the process is very similar for each of us.  It takes time to develop an understanding of the differences and discomfort presented by a new culture and go though the process of accepting those differences and developing strategies to deal with them effectively.  Preparing for the shock of a new culture and finding resources to help with the adaptation process can make all the difference.  Contact us if you'd like to know more.


Training, Teamwork and Communication in a Crisis

A vivid example of the importance of training, teamwork and communication in a crisis.  In addition, this displays the necessity to understand how the mind actually works under stress and compensate for the effects.

Making Mistakes with Class


The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Milley, gave a public apology for appearing with President Trump in the photograph last week at Saint John's Church. He didn't make excuses, minimize its impact, or blame anyone else. He treated it as a learning moment to explain to everyone the need for the military to stay out of domestic politics.

Strange Behavior

Most of us will never have to adapt to another culture.  Social norms in different cultures range from slightly different to diametrically opposed.  I am an American expat living in Ukraine.  One such example is the socially accepted treatment of strangers.  In the U.S. it is impolite not to speak to someone.  If you look them in the eye you would typically say hello or acknowledge them in some way.  You certainly wouldn't push past them without saying excuse me.  In Ukraine it is considered odd to speak to strangers without a reason. My wife, who is Ukrainian, spent a lot of time apologizing for my rude behavior when I first came here and greeted everyone I met.  It has also taken me a long time to become accustomed to people nudging past me without a word.