Category Archives: Politics

When Leaders Bully and Lie

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

On the first day of teaching persuasion and negotiation classes, I talk about how three forms of influence differ.  Persuasion, coercion and manipulation are primary ways by which we influence each other. Of the three, persuasion requires the most effort and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bullying, Leadership, Persuasion, Politics | Leave a comment

The Spectrum of Sexual Misconduct at Work (SSMW) – Where We Draw The Lines

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Daily we read about yet another person who has been accused of sexual misconduct.  And yet, except in the more obvious cases, people are unsure of where offensive or inappropriate behavior ends and sexual misconduct begins.  We’re operating in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Gender Issues, Leadership, Politics | 10 Comments

How to “Stun” Speechless an F.B.I. Director — James Comey Testimony Takeaways

Posted on June 9, 2017 by admin

One of the main takeaways from former F.B.I. Director James Comey’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee this week is that timing, if not everything, is indeed crucial to the interpretation of events. When President Donald Trump pressured Comey to … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 1 Comment

Failed NATO Speech by President Trump — A Lesson on Poor Leadership

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

True leadership is in large part about communication.  Today, we saw President Trump speak to the NATO leaders.  Instead of speaking of their collective moral goals and rather than bind them as one in ending terrorism around the world, he scolded them for … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 1 Comment

When Moral People Understand Politics

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

I wrote THE SECRET HANDSHAKE and IT’S ALL POLITICS because there is no such thing as an effective business, nonprofit, or government manager or leader who doesn’t know the ins and outs of politics.  Politics, especially the interpersonal dynamics behind-the-scenes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Persuasion, Politics | Leave a comment

Was the President Suckered in the “Context of Conversation”

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

People who become effective leaders have a greater than average willingness to make bold moves, but they strengthen their chances of success—and avoid serious errors of judgment—through careful deliberation and preparation.  In short, their courage is calculated rather than impulsive. … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Politics, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Twisted Presidential Agenda — The Firing of James Comey

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Skilled observers can perceive disconnects between the nonverbal expressions and verbal comments of politicians.  Or between their spoken comments and their subsequent actions. Given the failure of many journalists to pick up on such disconnects and trace them to irreconcilable actions, it’s more important than … Continue reading →

Posted in Media, Politics, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Marching For Science To Protect Our World

Posted on April 22, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Today thousands of people will join the March for Science in Washington, D.C.  — to say nothing of those who will march around the world.  As a chemistry major turned social scientist, there is no doubt in my mind that, … Continue reading →

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The Misapplication of “Campaign in Poetry and Govern in Prose”

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Whenever I hear this phrase, I shudder.  It’s usually said as if we’re supposed to accept that candidate lying during election campaigns is fine. Recently, CNN’s  Chris Cuomo attributed this phrase to his father, Mario Cuomo.  But out of context it … Continue reading →

Posted in Influence, Politics | 2 Comments

When Leaders Can’t Persuade

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

What we’re witnessing in the U.S. Congress right now is in large part an inability to persuade. Persuasion is a skill.  It’s done with people, not to them.  Two other forms of influence, manipulation and coercion, are done to people … Continue reading →

Posted in Persuasion, Politics | 1 Comment