Larry’s Leadership Moment

Most people don’t want advice—they want to feel heard and respected. This is a reminder that the best way to connect with others, especially our kids, is to listen first, ask questions, and speak with empathy, not instruction.

When my 85-year-old parents made the difficult decision to move into assisted living, my dad offered a piece of wisdom that stuck: “Learning to accept change with a positive attitude is directly related to happiness in life.”

When relationships feel stuck, it’s often because we’re repeating the same patterns and expecting something to change. This week’s reflection explores why adaptability—not repetition—is the key to meaningful, lasting connection.

Forget how you see yourself—how would your neighbors describe you? This week’s reflection flips the script on self-awareness and challenges us to lead with something the world could use more of: genuine positivity.

A simple act, like holding an elevator door, can remind us how powerful small kindnesses are. When we choose to acknowledge, appreciate, and act on kindness, we create a ripple effect that will impact those around us.

What can a waiter teach us about relationships? Taking responsibility, clear communication, and empathy are keys to building meaningful connections—especially when things get tough.

These are historic times. Politically, socially, economically, and technologically, we find ourselves in new and unchartered waters. That’s why I think this is the perfect time to take a step back and remember our ‘why’.

Learning how the people in your life deal with conflict can help you to turn disagreements into healthy conflict. It is a skill that you can develop and then it becomes a choice for you instead of an emotional reaction.  

Just like springtime growth comes with pollen, strong relationships require effort, sacrifice, and care; but the beauty that follows is always worth it.

I’m convinced that one key predictor of a successful relationship is the environment we’re in.