Thursday, January 15, 2026

15 Jan 2026

THURSDAY — LEADERSHIP, HISTORY & POWER

“We don’t just help the people that we like; we start liking the people we help, too.”

— Mark Travers, Ph.D.

Benjamin Franklin’s genius extended well beyond electricity and bifocals. He was also a master of political coalition-building. His signature move for neutralizing rivals? Ask them for a favor. The psychology is counterintuitive but proven: when someone invests effort in you, their brain rationalizes that investment by deciding you must be worth it. For executives navigating boardroom politics or contested organizational terrain, Franklin’s 18th-century diplomacy offers a timeless playbook for converting adversaries into allies. To learn more, check out the article How Benjamin Franklin Turned His Enemies Into Friends.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Be strong. Lead well.

Chad