Writing
75% Tomorrow or 95% Next Week?
"Would you rather have it at 75% tomorrow, or 95% next week?" This simple question surfaces mismatched expectations before anyone over-invests or gets frustrated.
Newsletter
Idea Surplus Disorder #126
This week in Idea Surplus Disorder: a deceptively simple icebreaker for deeper connection, why “preparing” isn’t progress, when AI is actually worth delegating to, and how writing creates real leverage. Plus, habits to let go of in 2026 and a question that unlocks team optimism.
Newsletter
Idea Surplus Disorder #125
This week’s Idea Surplus Disorder marks a reset. A cleaner design, new sections, a weekly question, and some of my own writing. I hope you like it!
Idea Surplus Disorder Issue #124
This edition reflects on slowing time, practicing radical candor, choosing virtue over values, and showing up more human in work, leadership, and life.
Writing
The Fortune Teller & The Four-Year-Old
A deceptively simple icebreaker that creates real connection: one person plays Fortune Teller, the other a curious Four-Year-Old asking about their future. The twist? The "predictions" are stories from their own life. In 30 minutes, strangers become colleagues who actually know each other.
Upcoming
Speaking in Austin, TX on February 12 Facilitation in Chicago, IL on March 9
2Bobs Podcast
The Problem of Mechanistic Thinking
The Lords of Strategy
Walter Keichel III
Newsletter
Idea Surplus Disorder #123
This week in Idea Surplus Disorder: facilitation as an act of radical care, what firefighters teach us about collaboration, and why boredom fuels creativity. Plus: when AI helps (or hurts) thinking, using the Minto Pyramid to communicate clearly, and why mastery still requires going deep.