The Step Back

A Learning Serg Blog

Working at Bridgewater Associates, I learned the importance of a “Step Back” — a moment at the start of a conversation where participants review the relevant historical and contextual details so as to ensure everyone has the necessary data points to properly engage on the topic at hand.

I love a step back. It’s a gem I cherish/flagrantly steal from Uncle Ray (Dalio, who is, in fact, no relation). I say that shit all the time: “let’s take a step back.” When everyone has better context, you simply have stronger conversations. So, let’s take a step back and talk about what it means to be a TOTAL BAUS.

Learning Serg 7/7/25 Learning Serg 7/7/25

Welcome to the Era of “Soft” Skills

When the entire workforce has deep technical expertise available at a key stroke, what will distinguish leaders from workers? Welcome to the Era of “Soft” Skills!

Learning Serg 6/25/25 Learning Serg 6/25/25

Feel the Learn: The Schur Way

Amy Poehler and Mike Schur, creator of Parks & Recreation, recently had a great conversation about work on Amy’s wonderful podcast, Good Hang, where they discuss what he is like as a boss and how views on work have changed in recent years.

Learning Serg 6/4/25 Learning Serg 6/4/25

Feel the Learn: Jacinda Ardern and the New Kind of Leader

In this week’s Feel the Learn, we reflect on what verifiable badass Jacinda Ardern teaches (and models) about leadership. What we can learn from the empathetic approach that’s made her one of the most successful and globally admired world leaders?

Learning Serg 5/19/25 Learning Serg 5/19/25

In Defense of “Personality Hires”

The conversation about Personality Hires is classic, polarizing click-bait that ignores the actual issue: your hiring.

Learning Serg 5/13/25 Learning Serg 5/13/25

Feel the Learn: You’ve Got a Friend at the Office

This is a weekly series sharing growth-focused content for executive managers. This week we’re focused on workplace friendships! Check out these three pieces of content that analyze, reflects on, and demonstrate the impact of workplace friendships.

Learning Serg 5/5/25 Learning Serg 5/5/25

Feel the Learn: Brain Food

This is a weekly series sharing growth-focused content for executive managers. This week we’re focused on your mind, sharing insightful, enlightening, and inspirational content on strategic thinking, creativity, and cognitive scripts.

Learning Serg 1/29/25 Learning Serg 1/29/25

You Need Reliable Structure to Have Badass 1:1s

Make 1:1s with your direct reports valuable! A reliable structure will help you stay focused and realize improvements over time.