I'm feeling philosophical this morning. While running on the beach over this past weekend, our dog ingested an endotoxin that shut down her intestines and, a few hours later, ended her short life. On Sunday, my closest girlfriends celebrated the short but vibrant life of our 50-year-old friend who lost an 8-year battle with cancer. Think: tear-filled weekend.
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So, I'm sitting here contemplating the meaning of life and how I live mine.  Some thoughts for life and work: 

Listen with deep curiosity and take ownership.

In my work, I am often invited to facilitate conversations - sometimes because the meeting’s sponsor anticipates the conversation will be complex or possibly contentious -other times after communication has broken down.  In an effort to build trust and model continuous learning, I listen for and gather multiple people's perspectives about a given event or conversation.  I am of the most value to others when I actively listen and maintain a deeply curious mindset.  I also am mindful to reserve judgment, remain objective, be aware of my own biases, and make certain I know what the parties value most, in terms of a resolution or an outcome. Sometimes I have to work hard to let go of a specific eventual outcome that I prefer.