In higher education where I have spent 20+ years of my career, there is a theory by which we work with students that is affectionately known as “challenge and support.” Developed in the 1960s by Nevitt Sanford, this theory postulates that too much challenge will lead to frustration and too much support will prevent growth and development. He suggested that there is a sweet spot in the middle that provides the maximum potential for learning. I wrote about this theory in my blo

As I tour through the Midwest speaking at book events and presenting four sessions at a conference and spending time with family and friends for the holidays, I am very proud that my experience and words can make a difference for others. I am conscious of the victory that is over circumstances that are often challenging. And even as I savor that triumph, I am experiencing another challenge. It is not new. It has been a near constant one for at least the past 20 years. Even