Humans are creatures of habit, and our approach to solving problems is no different. We tend to attack every problem in familiar ways, without taking the time or making the effort to consider creative options. The tracks of our minds are well grooved. Effective leaders recognize the hard work and heavy lifting involved with finding creative solutions and strive to push their teams out of those grooves.
Our behaviors as managers and educators often stifle creativity and innovation. Instead of conditioning people to conform and comply, we need to exhibit behaviors that do the opposite.
Too often, we hesitate to make a decision or take action because we are insecure and uncomfortable over the possibility that we might be wrong. Instead of waiting indefinitely for a perfect certainty that will never arrive, give yourself permission to take action. Life is lived one moment and one action at a time.
One of the happy outcomes of my leadership and management writing is the opportunity to speak and work with great groups of professionals in live settings. This post outlines the Top 10 Outcomes of one of my live events. I would love to work with you and your team!
We are often our own worst enemies, especially when it comes to making decisions around failed initiatives (or failing refrigerators). When you hear the words, “with a bit more time and money,” you should run the other way and don’t forget to grab your checkbook.
A good number of decisions in business (and life) include choices that beg selecting the least bad option. Do we pull in that big deal with a discount incentive to dress up this quarter’s poor numbers and in the process, create a hole for the next quarter? Do we go...
With clear acknowledgement that I am just one of millions of consumers impacted by the Takata Airbag disaster (recall), I feel compelled to vent. I of course vent not by screaming, but by looking for the management lessons in the mess. There are more than a few marketing and management lessons embedded in the industry’s handling of this potentially life-threatening problem.
It’s been a busy week writing about leadership and management. In case you missed it, here’s the short form with links to this week’s work at Management Excellence and the Management and Leadership site at About.com. Enjoy!
How we frame a situation guides our development of options and biases our decisions. In my coaching work, framing is almost always an issue with under-performing professionals. Here are five common situations that can benefit from some active, personal reframing.
Every week, I provide a few simple (but not simplistic) ideas for you to Do/Experiment/Explore in support of your professional development and continued success. This week’s three focus on making big decisions, rethinking your approach to establishing team leadership and looking to firms outside your industry for ideas on strengthening your own organization. Use them in great professional health!
