Forgotten Victory of Asian American Equal Rights Pioneers – Leadership Lessons for the Long Run

In 1981, en route from Massachusetts to begin his Ph.D. at Stanford, Scott Lankford stopped at Lake Tahoe, and managed to stay there for much of the next ten years. Today Dr. Lankford is a professor of English at Foothill College in California’s Silicon Valley. His new book “Tahoe Beneath the Surface: The Hidden Stories of America’s Largest Mountain Lake” includes a chapter that chronicles the consequential, and yet almost completely forgotten struggle of Asian Americans for equal rights in the late 19th century. A battle that was won, and foreshadowed the civil rights victories of the 20th century.

I interviewed Scott Lankford recently about his book, Asian American history, and leadership: (more…)

Asian Americans and Emotional Intelligence – Five Keys to Enhancing EQ

Preston’s note: This article is based on my Leadership Success Series piece “Five Keys to Enhancing Your Emotional Intelligence,” with additional content inserted throughout that are cultural specific for Asians and Asian Americans. A list of recommended readings appears following the article for further inquiry.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ or EI) can be defined as the ability to understand, manage, and effectively express one’s own feelings, as well as engage and navigate successfully with those of others. According to Talent Smart, 90% of high performers at the work place possess high EQ, while 80% of low performers have low EQ. Emotional Intelligence is absolutely essential in the formation, development, maintenance, and enhancement of close personal relationships. Unlike IQ, which does not change significantly over a lifetime, our EQ can evolve and increase with our desire to learn and grow.

Asians and Asian Americans often (more…)

Ron Takaki and Asian American Leadership – Forging a More Successful Multicultural America

Former U.C. Berkeley professor Ron Takaki passed away last month. With his quietus, America lost one of its most important warriors in the endeavor to forge a stronger, more successful multi-cultural society. As I contemplate Takaki’s legacy, one of the most seminal events for Asian Americans comes to mind. (more…)