Kung Fu Fighting: Behavioral Leadership

Kung Fu Fighting: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist I recently took my family to see the new Karate Kid movie. I enjoyed this updated version of an old story from my youth. It was fun to reconnect with the basic storyline and to experience the new additions. One particular scene captured my attention. The Kung Fu Kid had spent a lot of time learning to pick up his jacket, put it on, take it off, and hang it up. He did this until he was tired and could ...

Making Each Moment Count: Behavioral Leadership

Making Each Moment Count: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist This summer felt like a whirlwind. We ran from one event to the next experiencing "firsts" at both the personal and professional level. Every time we finished one event, we moved on to the next. The opportunities to relax and enjoy the summer were few and far between. Our busyness, kept our focus on each event. We were constantly engaged in planning and executing. It was a constant struggle ju...

Unlocking Trapped Potential: Behavioral Leadership

Unlocking Trapped Potential: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist I am fascinated by the story of the trapped miners in Copiapo Chile. They are stuck, 2300 feet under the ground and have been there now for nearly a month. The latest estimates suggest that they will not be rescued until Christmas time. I cannot imagine what they must be going through as they pass the long hours in the dark, not knowing if it is day or night. Fortunately, the rescue team is...

Sex, Lies & The Fidelity Of Commitment: Behavioral Leadership

Sex, Lies & The Fidelity Of Commitment: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist A couple of years ago, I was working in a foreign country. My client, for security purposes provided me with a private chauffeur. At the end of one of my trips, we headed out for the airport. On the way, my driver asked me if I had ever made love to a woman from his country. I answered "no" and he asked me if I would be interested in doing that, and then said that there was a woman ...

Time Is A Precious Resource: Behavioral Leadership

Time Is A Precious Resource: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist I woke up this morning with a prevailing thought. It is one I have considered many times before. The thought? What if this is my last day? I suppose to some, this would be a scary thought, but I actually find it energizing. It is a thought that keeps me focused on what really matters. As I went through the different scenarios in my brain, about how I would behave if this were ...

Appreciate Leaning Forward School Daze: Behavioral Leadership

Appreciate Leaning Forward School Daze: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist Today, is the first day of school here in Apple Valley. I know it is early, but our kids are on a traditional modified schedule which allows for longer breaks during the year. This year, our daughter Rebekah, starts Kindergarten. We are excited to watch this new phase of her life. She is ready, and we are anxious to see how she does in a new social setting. As I watched her walk...

The Importance Of Friendship & The Art Of Conversation: Behavioral Leadership

The Importance Of Friendship & The Art Of Conversation: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist When I was growing up, we spent a lot of time visiting with friends and family. I remember listening to the conversations my parents and their friends and family members would have. The hours seem to pass quickly by as they talked about life. They spoke of their triumphs and trials. Sometimes I would get involved in the conversations, but mostly I would just listen t...

Standing In Faith: Behavioral Leadership

Standing In Faith: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist I love reading the writings from ancient civilizations, especially the sacred texts that have been passed down to us from the spiritual leaders of those societies. I am often amazed at the parallels that existed during their time, and find great wisdom in the lessons they have passed on. In the record my Jewish friends call the Tanakh and my Christian friends call the Old Testament, we learn about ...

Moving Forward: Behavioral Leadership

Moving Forward: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist I presently find myself bothered by the actions of a couple of people in my life. Their behavior, does not really affect my existence, but for some reason, I feel very disappointed by it. I expected more from these individuals and so I feel like they deserve the circumstances they currently face, which are indeed unfortunate. This morning, during a meditative moment, I pondered some instructions on how ...

The Cult Of Celebrity & The Super-Ego: Behavioral Leadership

The Cult Of Celebrity & The Super-Ego: Behavioral Leadership Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist Many of my childhood heroes were sports stars. Growing up in LA, I wore T-shirts with the faces of Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Steve Yeager, Magic Johnson, Kurt Rambis, Roman Gabriel, Pat Hayden, Marcus Allen and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. These were the people who contributed so much to our local teams. I also remember hating Reggie Jackson, Lou Pinella, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Michael Jor...