Beyond the Told

by Dr. David M Robertson

Tag: leadership

Conservatives in Academia: Overcoming Irony

It seems tremendously silly to criticize the scarcity of conservatives in academia while simultaneously dissuading conservatives from pursuing the education necessary to attain such positions. What other outcome can you realistically expect? Of course, this paradoxical stance has significant implications for the academic landscape and the broader societal discourse. Conservatives would be wise to reconsider […]

When Empathy Inadvertantly Becomes Sabotage

It seems that there has been an alarming and growing trend to emphasize perception-driven approaches, emotional responses, and leadership models such as servant leadership, which typically prioritize empathy and emotion over strategic foresight and critical analysis. While these methods appear well-intentioned, focusing on emotional connectivity, their overuse can literally sabotage long-term goals, organizational efficiency, and […]

The Value of Contrasting Information

Information is both abundant and easily accessible. Hence, the concept of “thinking for yourself” has gained new importance. Yet, at the same time, this idea is often misunderstood. Many people equate thinking independently with rejecting or avoiding information that doesn’t align with their existing beliefs. However, I would argue that true independent thinking requires engaging […]

The Puppet Masters of Collusion of Power

American politics is often painted as a battleground between the left and right, each side accusing the other of being the source of societal woes. However, in many ways, this dichotomy is really nothing short of a distraction from a more insidious alliance: the collusion between corrupt politicians, big banks, mega-corporations, and the institutions (and […]

Ghosting, Follow-Through, and Leadership

In my many years as a leadership strategist, I have found that two things can destroy a leader’s credibility faster than you can say “promotion denied.” These two cardinal sins are ghosting and a lack of follow-through. These leadership don’ts can significantly tarnish how others see you and are central to whether anyone can or […]

Epistemic Rigity from an Education POV

In our search for truth and accuracy, many individuals often find themselves hindered by cognitive biases that impede their ability to discard inaccurate information and progress their knowledge. I contend that if we can gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles to intellectual growth, we can also develop strategies to overcome them. So, today, I […]

Learning Keeps Your Brain Sharp

Our brains, like our muscles, require regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. Engaging in deliberate learning activities can significantly enhance brain function, keep the mind sharp, and prevent mental decline. Define irony in the idea that we live in an age where education is becoming less of a priority, our diet is worse than […]

Epistemic Rigidity in Law Enforcement

Officers in law enforcement and security often face complex and rapidly evolving situations requiring up-to-date knowledge and flexible thinking. However, like many professionals, law enforcement officers can fall prey to cognitive biases that make it difficult to update their knowledge and practices. This phenomenon, known as Epistemic Rigidity, can significantly impact their effectiveness, adherence to […]

An Important Lesson on Cognitive Biases

In an unusual incident that unfolded in Lee County, Florida, a woman was apprehended after she attempted to steal a car and, in a bizarre twist, called 911 to report her own crime. The woman believed that by informing the police of her intentions, she could somehow render the theft legal. This peculiar behavior highlights […]

Aligning Vision with Team Composition

I always say it: a leader’s vision must be compelling enough to galvanize action. Indeed, common wisdom suggests that a leader’s vision should resonate with the values and aspirations of the team, providing a sense of purpose and direction. In fact, it would be hard to find a leadership expert who might push back on […]