Thoughts on people, teams, organizations, communities, effectiveness and success
As an advocate of the early warning, Chicken Little had it all wrong.
Lacking facts (the sky was not falling) and the type of receptive audience that Paul Revere had, running around warning people was a poor tact to take.
Rational thought, after all, has limits. Sometimes the best way to move something important forward is to change your normal MO (modus operandi).… Read the rest
Backbenchers, alas, are everywhere.
They are the people in companies and associations who are quick to point out the flaws and misdoings of others but seldom are on-point to take responsibility or blame, especially when things go south.
They are folks who are adequately competent but are more interested in taking care of themselves – as well as alerting “management” to the shortcomings of others – rather than working hard to move the organization forward.… Read the rest
As a quasi-Christmas Episcopalian (church perhaps once a year; no communion because the “drink the blood of Christ” stuff freaks me out), I have an ambivalence toward Christmas.
Start with the fact that I’ve never been great with surprises (“Wow! Nice tie.” Subtext: wish I still wore them) and you have the makings for a recipe for trouble in December.… Read the rest
The word from a recent study is that people who make things miserable for everyone else at work get paid the most.
So if mean people make more than everyone else, is it better – in this season of Christmas – to be naughty or nice?
Best answer? It depends
While mean people, frequently stereotyped as those hard charging, take no prisoner, “Type A” personality folks may make more money, turns out they don’t live as long.… Read the rest
You can lack efficiency and effectiveness in how you communicate.
Or you can have both. Here’s how.
As background, it always helps to be clear about what you’re trying to communicate. Simply pass on information, or engage in a discussion and check for understanding? Ask for feedback, or do a data dump and run?
Great communication starts with focus about what you’re trying to accomplish, and what you’re trying to avoid.… Read the rest
There are opportunities to do great things all around you every day. Sometimes the chances pass by you like friends and neighbors that you know well; they holler, wave and grab your attention. Other times they pass by like strangers, moving quickly, and avoid notice or detection. In both cases the most important thing for you to do is not just to hear, but to listen.… Read the rest