Creative Struggles: The Expert in the Room

Raymond PortenBlog, Lead Better

TL;DR: When someone has a creative struggle, think outside of the box for ways to support them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Leaders don’t have to have all the answers, but they should be able to find someone who does. Leo is constantly drawing, doodling, sketching.  He creates these pictures of characters with elaborate backstories.  He spends hours … Read More

Kintsugi: Embrace Imperfections

Raymond PortenBlog, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Instead of a New Year’s resolution, think of selecting a word for the year. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold, silver, or platinum to create beauty in imperfections. How can we apply kintsugi as we learn and grow in 2022? Embrace imperfections, flaws,  and mistakes this year. You are spectacular as you are! One … Read More

Marvel

Raymond PortenBlog, Lead Better

TL;DR: Marvel has created stories that connect and flow together over many years. As leaders we should follow the example set by Marvel.  We need to plan. We need to make sure everything flows. And we need to consistent. Over the past five or six years, my family and I have really enjoyed watching all the Marvel movies and shows … Read More

Better Leadership: Planning for Leadership

Raymond PortenBlog, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Watching my sons, I have noticed their leadership skills develop.  It has allowed me to reflect on different leadership approaches. Becoming a leader is a journey and different people take different paths. Take time to learn and develop as a leader.  It will help you be ready for the right position. Every opportunity is a learning experience that will … Read More

I’m Not Perfect

Raymond PortenBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: We have to model what we want to see, and that is that we aren’t perfect.   Leaders should model imperfections and vulnerability to their staff. Mistakes should be seen as learning opportunities or learning experiences. No One Is Perfect In my last blog I talked about “how your people see you” and “being intentional about who you are to … Read More