Category Archives: acceptance

(#404) Risk, Empty Spaces, and Self: Lessons from the Stage

Posted on February 18, 2018 by stevepiscitelli

“There is no failure in result; there is only failure in process.” Sam Wasson’s Improv Nation: How We Made A Great American Art provides more than an improv history lesson. He deftly lays out a philosophy of life.  For all … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, amplifying, assumptions, authenticity, awareness, Being REMARKABLE, childlike, confidence, Mindfulness, risk-taking, Teaching, teaching and learning, vulnerability, wisdom, Words, Words and Action | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#401) Improv and Leadership

Posted on January 28, 2018 by stevepiscitelli

Incompetent and fear-based managers rely on rigid scripts. Sam Wasson’s Improv Nation: How We Made a Great American Art provides lessons for transformational leadership. As early Improv players experimented and developed the art form, they learned the power of two … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Appropriate Behavior, Choice, Civility, collaboration, collegiality, Communication, effective meetings, generativity, growth, improv, professional development, resilience, self-awareness, self-regulatory behavior, Teaching, teaching and learning, vulnerability, wisdom, Words | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#399) Inappropriate or Authentic?

Posted on January 14, 2018 by stevepiscitelli

Feedback is powerful. Evaluated feedback carries more weight. Not all feedback is created equally. Back in August of 2013 I posted a photo of myself on my social media sites. I loved the look, the playfulness, the setting, and the … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, amplifying, branding, Civility, courage, Critical Thinking, curiosity, feedback, Gratitude, self-awareness, self-efficacy, self-love | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#374) Can A Community Be Inclusive And Like-Minded?

Posted on July 23, 2017 by stevepiscitelli

When dialogues devolve into collective monologues do we miss out on our shared identity? We hear, see, experience, and read about divisiveness. Common ground seems difficult to reach with the shouting voices, pointing fingers, and mean-spirited attacks. Fear, disgust, and/or … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, amplifying, authenticity, collaboration, collegiality, Communication, Connection-Disconnection, core values, decision making, Goals, Mindfulness, mindset, resilience, respect, responsibility | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

(#352) When Islands Protect And Support

Posted on February 19, 2017 by stevepiscitelli

“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”—Teddy Roosevelt Two stories. One lesson. This past week, Laurie (my bride) … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Community, growth, Relationship, resilience, service | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

(#326) Where Is Your Focus Space?

Posted on August 21, 2016 by stevepiscitelli

It seems I do some of my best thinking when I am not in my workspace. In her book Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up Patricia Ryan Madson suggests that we pay attention to our “hot spots.” These places … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Choice, Creativity, curiosity, Dreams, inspiration, Reflection, Reflective practice, relevance, responsibility | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

(#325) Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Lunch Money

Posted on August 14, 2016 by stevepiscitelli

Don’t let anyone deny who you are. I have often joked with friends not to let anyone take their lunch money. For me, it has been an off-handed reminder to them not to let anyone take advantage of their good … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Appreciation, Being REMARKABLE, courage, Critical Thinking, dignity, fortitude, Gratitude, Reflection, self-love | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

(#306) The Power of Empathy For Self

Posted on April 3, 2016 by stevepiscitelli

The first person we have to lead and be true to remains ourselves. On an episode of Super Soul Sunday, Daniel Goleman (Emotional Intelligence) and Oprah Winfrey had a far-ranging conversation about Goleman’s signature subject of emotional intelligence.  Consider Emotional … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, emotional intelligence, empathy, intentionality, leadership, Mindfulness | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

(#287) It Could Be Worse. Comparatory Suffering?

Posted on November 22, 2015 by stevepiscitelli

For me, comparatory suffering creates its own issues. My suffering is mine. Yours is yours. Does it really help to compare it to someone or something else— while denying the feelings in front of you? You’ve heard them. Probably have … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, assumptions, Communication, Friendship, Words | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

#27 Take a Good Look, America. Take a Good Look, World

Posted on November 28, 2010 by stevepiscitelli

While enjoying dinner with a few colleagues at the Iron Cactus in Austin, Texas one of my friends blurted out, “There’s a cat on a dog! And there is a rat on the cat!”  My immediate thought—no more margaritas for … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance | 8 Comments