Author: Marc Ragsdale

Modern liberalism and the psychology of self-hatred

In the ever-evolving landscape of political thought, modern liberalism has emerged as a dominant force, advocating for social justice, equality, and individual freedoms. However, intertwined with these noble ideals is a complex and often troubling phenomenon: the undercurrent of self-hatred among some of its proponents. This article explores the intricate relationship between modern liberalism and […]

Building trust-based relationships with remote workers

In today’s increasingly remote work environment, building trust between business owners and remote workers is more crucial than ever. Yet, the use of workplace monitoring tools often sparks debate, with some critics dismissing them as “Big Brother” tactics—derogatory language that suggests an overbearing and invasive approach to management. However, when implemented thoughtfully and transparently, these […]

Disagreement as a compatibility test

In the intricate dance of professional relationships, particularly at the juncture of leadership transitions, the manner in which disagreement is navigated can reveal the robustness and resilience of the bond between incoming and outgoing parties who have to work together. As an experienced CEO, I’ve often found myself in situations where a transfer of control […]

Elevating competence above the comfort of “feeling heard”

In this discourse on leadership and organizational effectiveness, I navigate the nuanced landscapes of competence, merit, and the inherent value they bring to decision-making. While the aim to make everyone feel heard is commendable, it’s imperative to understand its appropriate place within the broader spectrum of our organizational priorities. The Appropriate Contexts for “Feeling Heard” […]

Pronouns

As my company expands our search for upper-level management in America, we’ve observed that about a quarter of people at this level have declared their pronouns in their bios. This led to some confusion among my Southeast Asian recruitment team, who wondered why men and women were sharing what they perceived as obvious information. After […]

Intention and revelation: India and America

Having spent nearly two decades living and working in India, I’ve found that the differences between the two countries are profound, often leaving me in a state of constant comparison. This process of juxtaposing two distinct cultures has unlocked valuable insights into both, but one aspect that stands out the most is the way relationships […]

Effort versioning

I have always had an affinity for organization. I love well-structured documents that reveal valuable information before I have even read a single word. Complimentary fonts and sizes corresponding to header titles, neat indentation signifying well-thought-out hierarchies, and proper usage of ordered lists all excite me. I wish extras like numbered lines were used outside […]