by Brooks Mendell | Aug 24, 2026 | Leading/Managing, Communication Skills, Forestry, Learning
Introduction It’s said that the two most important decisions you ever make are, one, whom you choose to marry — or choose not to marry — and, two, whom you choose to work with. As an adult, you will likely spend more time with your colleagues than with...
by Brooks Mendell | Jul 26, 2026 | Thinking/Analysis, Learning
Introduction When government actions affect my friends, out-of-pocket costs, and community health, I read and ask questions. Rarely can we draw direct lines in real time, but today I paid $3.90 per gallon for unleaded gas in Georgia (while measles and cyclosporiasis...
by Brooks Mendell | Jun 24, 2026 | Communication Skills, Books, Leading/Managing, Learning, Sports, Thinking/Analysis
We rush. We are quick to react or respond. Unless on Jeopardy, why hurry? My football coach at San Mateo High School, Buz Williams, used to tell the quarterbacks to “set, look, throw.” This meant, first, get your feet set. Next, look and mentally “see” or...
by Brooks Mendell | May 27, 2026 | Thinking/Analysis, Communication Skills, Leading/Managing
When it comes to making choices and decisions, I think we overvalue “best,” we underappreciate “good” and “effective” and “better,” and we fail to purge “dumb.” This idea rooted itself into my brain years ago after reading a financial report that included the...
by Brooks Mendell | Apr 26, 2026 | Thinking/Analysis, Leading/Managing, Learning
To decide on what to do next, it helps to have a clear view of the situation, and clarity often comes with time. Most issues are not so urgent that they require a manufactured rush or emotional impulse. To cite a Chinese proverb, “Muddy water let stand will clear.”...
