Who Is and Who Is Not Worthy: Exploring Leadership Archetypes through the Concept of Implicit Social Cognition

Who Is and Who Is Not Worthy: Exploring Leadership Archetypes through the Concept of Implicit Social Cognition

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone’s advice didn’t quite resonate with you? Perhaps it was a mentor, a colleague, or even a supervisor. I recall past encounters that left me pondering the complexities of leadership and the underlying factors that shape our perceptions of worthy leaders. This experience, coupled with the…

Supporting Black and Brown Men and Boys Through Mentorship

Supporting Black and Brown Men and Boys Through Mentorship

Mentorship, sometimes referred to as kinship (Bryant & Walker, 2023), is a powerful practice that can help individuals navigate their personal and professional lives. A mentor is someone who provides guidance and support, sharing their experiences and knowledge to help others achieve their goals. For Black males, mentorship is especially important. This group faces a…

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: The Burden and Beauty of DEI Work

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: The Burden and Beauty of DEI Work

An Affirmative Critique of Anti-DEI Rhetoric = White on White Crime by Lawrence Alexander Dear LA, You know, as I was reading your compelling piece, “Anti-DEI(B) Rhetoric = White on White Crime,” I felt like I was transported back in time. It was as if we were sitting side by side on a cozy porch,…

The Pros and Cons of Professionalizing the Legislature

The Pros and Cons of Professionalizing the Legislature

The question of whether to professionalize the Florida State Legislature has been a hot topic in the world of politics. This debate involves increasing lawmaker pay, regulating outside employment, and potentially turning the Legislature into a full-time body. Yet, the concept is met with mixed feelings as some fear it may lead to the “big-government…

Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Sponsors, Coaches, and Mentors in Navigating Your Career Journey

Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Sponsors, Coaches, and Mentors in Navigating Your Career Journey

The adage “surround yourself with people who will fight for you in rooms you aren’t in” has profound significance, especially for those who find themselves on the margins of society. This saying underscores the importance of fostering a network of allies who are eager to advocate for your cause in situations where your own voice…

The Role of Resident Assistants in Combating Loneliness and Fostering Meaningful Connections Among College Students

The Role of Resident Assistants in Combating Loneliness and Fostering Meaningful Connections Among College Students

The digital age has revolutionized the way we work, learn, and connect with others. As we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times, it’s essential to recognize the benefits of remote work, online learning, and online social groups. Remote Work: Flexibility and Productivity at Your Fingertips The rise of remote work has provided employees with…

Squaring Up for Civility: Embracing Confrontation for a Stronger Future

Squaring Up for Civility: Embracing Confrontation for a Stronger Future

The Disappearance of Civil Confrontation In recent years, many individuals in our society seem to have lost the ability to engage in civil conversations with those who hold differing opinions. This decline in civil confrontation has severe implications for solving complex problems and coexisting harmoniously. How did we arrive at this point, and how can…

Quiet Quitting vs. Occupational Burnout: Understanding the Differences and Embracing Empathy

Quiet Quitting vs. Occupational Burnout: Understanding the Differences and Embracing Empathy

Introduction In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace. As a result, the terms “quiet quitting” and “occupational burnout” have become increasingly prevalent in discussions about employee well-being. In this blog post, I will explore the similarities and differences between these two concepts, examine the…

The Power of Authenticity: A Vital Component of Effective Leadership in Student Affairs

The Power of Authenticity: A Vital Component of Effective Leadership in Student Affairs

Have you ever wondered what makes a great leader? Is it charisma, intelligence, or perhaps the ability to inspire others? While all of these qualities are essential, there is one characteristic that stands out as a game-changer for leaders, especially in the realm of student affairs: authenticity. But what exactly is authenticity, and why does…

The Power of Journaling: A Path to Personal and Professional Growth

The Power of Journaling: A Path to Personal and Professional Growth

Imagine finding yourself in the bustling city of Boston, surrounded by like-minded professionals and eager to absorb the wealth of knowledge and experience at NASPA 2023. The conference is a recharging experience, opening doors to new possibilities, connections, and insights. But as the excitement fades and the dust settles, how do you ensure that these…

The Profound Life Lessons of a Pencil: How They Apply to Supporting College Students Success

The Profound Life Lessons of a Pencil: How They Apply to Supporting College Students Success

Close your eyes and think about a pencil. What comes to mind? For most of us, it’s just a writing tool – nothing special or worth dwelling on. But what if I told you that a pencil has the power to teach us valuable life lessons? In a YouTube video I recently rewatched titled “Profound…

From the South Bronx to Success: How Mentorship Changed the Game

From the South Bronx to Success: How Mentorship Changed the Game

Hello, beautiful people! Six blog articles in, I’ve realized that, apart from my website profile, I haven’t introduced myself properly. Allow me to tell you a bit about who I am and what experiences have molded me before I share a little about my journey and future posts. I’m looking forward to interweaving my posts…

Exploring the Dual Nature of Leadership and Its Impact in Professional Environments

Exploring the Dual Nature of Leadership and Its Impact in Professional Environments

The name “Janus-faced” derives from the Roman god Janus, who was generally represented with two faces, one looking ahead and one looking backward. Janus was renowned for his capacity to view both the present and the past. It was believed that the god Janus, who was the guardian of entrances and exits, had two faces…

The Danger of Bringing Unresolved Trauma to the Workplace: A Call for Responsible Sharing and Healing in Student Affairs

The Danger of Bringing Unresolved Trauma to the Workplace: A Call for Responsible Sharing and Healing in Student Affairs

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is the emotional and psychological distress that can result from hearing about or being exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. The term “vicarious trauma” was coined by Judith Lewis Herman in her book “Trauma and Recovery” published in 1992. In this book, she defined vicarious trauma…

Why ‘Faking It Until You Make It’ Is a Dangerous and Harmful Myth in Student Affairs

Why ‘Faking It Until You Make It’ Is a Dangerous and Harmful Myth in Student Affairs

The popular advice of “Faking it Until you make it” is often touted as a means of achieving success in the field of student affairs. However, this advice is not only ineffective, but it can also be dangerous and harmful to those who follow it, particularly people of color working in this field. The problem…

Carbon Monoxide and the Illusion of Invisibility: Understanding the Existence of Bias through Quality of Life Indicators

Carbon Monoxide and the Illusion of Invisibility: Understanding the Existence of Bias through Quality of Life Indicators

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and poisonous gas that is made when carbon-based fuels like gasoline, wood, and coal are burned. It can also come from natural things, like when a volcano erupts. Carbon monoxide can be dangerous or even kill you because it cuts down on how much oxygen your blood can…

The Laws of [Social] Motion: Applying Newton’s Second Law to Systemic Racism and Inequality

The Laws of [Social] Motion: Applying Newton’s Second Law to Systemic Racism and Inequality

In 2020, Tim Wise wrote a thoughtful piece entitled, “Systemic Racism, Explained by Newton’s First Law of Motion: Those who deny its existence might as well deny inertia. It is a thought provoking piece! Isaac Newtons Laws of Motion are the basis of modern physics. However, the second law can be applied to the dynamics…

Breaking the Cycle of Insular Hiring Practices in Higher Education: Addressing Implicit Bias and Homogenous Leadership

Breaking the Cycle of Insular Hiring Practices in Higher Education: Addressing Implicit Bias and Homogenous Leadership

Can we talk about how insular and click we can be in our hiring practices? Higher education we got a problem, problematic colleagues are in our midsts and have infiltrated safe spaces for underrepresented and minoritized staff.  Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that people often hire those they are comfortable with, who are often within…