Author Archives: Kathleen Kelley Reardon

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 →

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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 →

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How Well Do You Handle Your Choice Points in Conversation?

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

What were President Trump’s goals when he shared “highly classified” information with Russian officials?  It’s difficult to be sure.  We do know that what he said in the Oval Office resulted in a firestorm of criticism.  Was he “shooting from … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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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Painting with Parkinson’s

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

Perhaps you know someone with Parkinson’s disease. This month is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the disease. Parkinson’s associations around the world have encouraged people with PD, along with those whose lives are touched … Continue reading →

Posted in Artwork, Health Issues, Parkinson's disease, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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

Heartless Healthcare — GOP Ownership of Preventable Suffering

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Kathleen Kelley Reardon

As President Trump meets today with GOP members of Congress to encourage backing of a proposed healthcare plan that will force millions of people to drop healthcare coverage, what other conclusion is there than that the U.S. has put the … Continue reading →

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