Author: leadership dots by dr. beth triplett

I'm the chief connector at leadership dots where I serve as "the string" for individuals and organizations. Like stringing pearls together to make a necklace, "being the string" is an intentional way of thinking and behaving – making linkages between things that otherwise appear random or unconnected – whether that be supervising a staff, completing a dissertation or advancing a project in the workplace. I share daily leadership dots on my blog to provide examples of “the string” in action. I use the string philosophy through coaching, consulting and teaching to help others build capacity in themselves and their organizations. I craft analogies and metaphors that help people comprehend complex topics and understand their role in the system. My favorite work involves helping those new to supervision or newly promoted supervisors build confidence and learn the skills necessary to effectively lead their team.

leadership dot #5043: penny pinching

September 3, 2026September 2, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Shonda Rhimes is one of the most successful television show producers, creating for ABC a lineup of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. She earned them billions with her shows.

Rhimes’ contract included free Disneyland tickets for her family. When her sister wanted to take Rhimes’ daughter to the park, Shonda called ABC and asked for an additional pass. Allegedly, she was told, “Don’t you have enough already?” After the insult, Rhimes ended her contract with ABC and moved to Netflix, where she produced Bridgerton, another wildly successful series that earned millions.

The short-sightedness of an ABC executive cost the network (b?)millions, whereas a free pass to Disneyland (worth only $150) would have cost them nothing. It was a really dumb move.

Stars have options, and the confidence to exercise them. Don’t penny-pinch with your best customers or employees. Happily giving them the ticket is the best investment you can make.

Thanks, Meg!

Source: The Real Oshow

leadership dot #5042: firsthand

September 2, 2026September 2, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

A school district community task force has been meeting for several months, and most meetings are held in a different school building. We build a brief tour into the agenda, allowing people to see the facilities and hear from the principals. We did this even in a non-air-conditioned building (in July!) to experience the difference climate control makes for the learning environment.

Long after the task force concludes its work, I think our rotating meeting schedule will help community members carry with them a better understanding of the district facilities and their needs.

I am a big believer in rotating meeting locations. When I worked at a college, each of my senior staff meetings was held in a different spot on campus. People whose organization has multiple buildings can utilize that variety to meet other colleagues and stimulate creativity. Even those who have limited office space can meet outside or at a neighboring organization.

Get outside the conference room and experience something firsthand.

leadership dot #5041: as designed

September 1, 2026August 31, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

The home improvement store Menards is known for its frequent “11% Rebate on Everything.” It’s a good gimmick that seems to get people into the stores.

It works well for Menards — but think about it from the consumer perspective. They make people save their receipts and postal mail them in with a rebate form. This creates a double barrier that undoubtedly reduces the number of rebates they provide. The next barrier: the rebate now comes “disguised” as junk mail. If I hadn’t seen a warning about this online, I would have tossed it, thinking it was nothing but a sales flyer. And finally, people need to save the paper rebate they inconveniently cut out of the oversized flyer, remember to bring it, and use it in the store, likely making even more purchases — so the cycle continues.

Menards could just reduce its prices by 11%. They could offer a cash rebate instead of a merchandise credit. They could allow for electronic submission of receipts/rebate forms. They could provide the rebate electronically or as a card, making it more portable and likely to be used, or at least mail the rebate clearly marked as such. But Menards has designed a system that accomplishes exactly what it is designed to do — increase sales and reduce redeemed rebates.

Any time you see something that isn’t working, look at the system and consider who benefits from it as is. More than likely, it means the system was intentionally created that way.

The only indication that the rebate is inside this folded and glued-together advertising flyer is a small corner notice

leadership dot #5040: in stages

August 31, 2026August 28, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

The Detroit Riverwalk features 5 miles of amazing — a free carousel, public restrooms, biking paths, greenery, places to rest and eat, and beautiful views of the river and Canada. It has been voted the #1 riverwalk in America for three years in a row…

…and, it’s not finished. In between the lovely landscapes, vacant lots, rundown buildings, and abandoned warehouses still remain. It’s a stark reminder of what “before” looked like on much of the banks.

Detroit could have waited until it had the funds to acquire all the property and perform the transformation, but, of course, it’s much better that they made improvements in stages. Not only does it provide present-day recreation for residents, but the visible progress creates momentum that can spur on future developments.

Are you waiting to complete your “riverwalk” until conditions are perfect, or are you following Detroit’s example to show incremental success? It’s almost always better to get started.

leadership dot #5039: welcoming

August 28, 2026August 27, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Going to the dentist can be scary, especially for a child. If they have a bad experience there, it could cause anxiety at visits for years to come.

Our community health center has taken extra steps to ensure that the pediatric dentistry wing is as child-friendly and welcoming as possible. Fun stuffed animals line the hallways. The chairs are bright lime. The walls have murals. Toys are available to comfort children while the dentist works. Television monitors on the ceiling keep the patient distracted with cartoons. The entire environment creates an experience that says “fun” rather than “scary.”

Your environment plays a critical role in setting the tone for the kind of interaction you seek. Whether in your office or home, pay attention to what your walls, furniture, colors, and arrangements say about you, and make sure the setting aligns with your intended meaning.

leadership dot #5038: cut above

August 27, 2026August 26, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Being the office supply junkie that I am, I purchased a pair of ridiculously priced scissors. (But they are so cute!) With the package came the following note:

“Every day, we work hard to design and create enduring, unlikely objects that inspire wonder, spark joy, and hopefully even brighten your day. We hope that the items accompanying this letter do just that. Thank you for giving our creations a chance to become a lasting part of your life.”

This message was printed on a business card-sized piece of paper—nothing fancy—but it carried a sentiment that conveys pride I don’t often feel from other purchases. It made me glad that I invested in their product, and yes, the scissors do make me smile.

Think about how you can include a note that creates a connection with your buyer. There is the product or service—and then there is the story that goes with it. Make an impact by sharing that tale, too.

leadership dot #5037: curating

August 26, 2026August 25, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

I am teaching a class that is new to me. I was given a previous syllabus and a textbook, but no materials or guidance on what will be covered in the multiple class sessions.

So, I have been gathering relevant content for the past several weeks. Some came from the text; other exercises or content came from previous classes, another book, a friend in the Peace Corps, work with the school district, Harvard’s newsletter, a creativity game, and even the students’ own papers. Gathered as a whole, I believe it will provide a meaningful experience for the wide range of students taking the course.

But I never could have assembled this material all at once. It was amassed through a process of incubation, curation, research, and organization that occurred over time.

Too often, people are paralyzed by the magnitude or scope of a big project and procrastinate on starting it, when the best (only?) thing to do is begin. Thinking about it is a step in the right direction as ideas can develop, but acting on the project piece by piece usually yields a better outcome than a rushed job near the deadline.

Don’t underestimate the power of slow but steady curation. You can assemble the puzzle if you have collected enough of the pieces.

leadership dot #5036: stress test

August 25, 2026August 25, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

You don’t know the true strength of your system until it is tested under stress.

A process may seem to be working well, but only because someone is putting in extra time. The relationship may seem to be compatible, but only because there hasn’t been cause for conflict. The budget may seem adequate, but only because no emergency expenditure has been required.

Don’t assume that smooth operating will continue during the extraordinary. Stress can lead to either resilience or stress fractures. Test the process in advance to prepare it for the inevitable strains.

Thanks, Brian!

leadership dot #5035: say it

August 24, 2026August 20, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Whether from fear, overthinking, or uncertainty, people sometimes let thoughts rattle around in their minds without expressing them. These nuggets can turn into full-fledged stories that drive our behaviors, inhibit actions, and cause a lot of angst.

The solution to carrying that weight in our minds is to follow a simple mantra: Out of head to out of mouth. If we give voice to worries, doubts, questions, or unknowns, we may find hope of resolving the issues. Clarifying situations with others can relieve us of second-guessing their intent. Expressing our concerns can provide additional information that alleviates our fears or at least lets us know where we stand. Being vulnerable enough to share our worry may yield the necessary support.

People are not mind readers. While you may hesitate, speaking what is heavy on your mind is the best (only?) chance to effectively stop the continuous loop in your own head. Out of head to out of mouth. Be brave enough to do it.

leadership dot #5034: reframed

August 21, 2026August 20, 2026by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

There’s a new trend where people put frames around their flat-screen televisions in an attempt to make them more aesthetically pleasing. The frame allegedly elevates the look and makes the screen feel more like a work of art than technology stuck on the wall.

A similar philosophy was at play at the Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit. Architect Albert Kahn designed the facility so that the tanks were positioned like art hanging on a gallery wall “to engage audiences in the grandeur of both the building and the incredible life within it.” The fish were the same as elsewhere, but the way they were displayed created a unique feel in the aquarium.

Think about where a frame could elevate your surroundings. Take your children’s artwork off the refrigerator and turn it into a gallery. Dig milestone documents out of the archives and create a historical display. Frame some important signs instead of just hanging paper. How you frame your message can reframe how it is received.