Instead of success not perfection, how about perfection at the expense of success. Therein lies two view points on the issue. Which view do you subscribe to?
Who you are today and how to become what you want to be
The things you did a year ago defined who you will be a year from now. Today was set in stone perhaps two years ago. Two years from now will be defined by the choices you make today. What do you want to be in two years and what do you need to do today to set the ball in…
Getting others on board
If you have a method of working that you think is superior to another way, and you want to encourage other people to get on board, then start with asking yourself why one way is superior to another. Look for the benefits that are a reward for using a different approach. For example, if you think washing dishes by hand…
The right time may never come
When you have something deep to discuss, or you have something hard to say, and you have an overwhelming sense of relief because you realize the current situation hints that it might not be the best time to bring things up, chances are it’s just an excuse–only in your mind–to avoid the subject. If you frequently assess the situation, with…
Organizational purpose
The purpose of an organization is not to consume human resources to produce a product. The purpose is to amplify the investment of individuals. In other words, an organization shouldn’t be 1+1+1+1=4, it should be 1+1+1+1=100. If you take the amplification approach to business, you’ll find yourself valuing a whole different set of beliefs, habits and actions as a result.…
We don’t need an app for that
Computers have been pervasive in our lives for almost 20 years now. Many people find intrinsic value in digitizing every aspect of their life. But after at least 20 pervasive years, here are two things I can think of that no digital technology has been able to replace.
Overhead projector
Whiteboarding
Perhaps augment, but not replace. In the rush to find or create an app for that, sometimes we should step back and realize that doesn’t mean we need an app for everything. And ask what we lose in translation.
The trifecta of Es
Many organizations overly focus on how things are done. Often people debate about the amount of time that should be spent planning versus doing, to avoid wasted time planning what will inevitably change. Usually the debate is between planning for a long period of time (perhaps 1 year) versus planning for a short period of time (perhaps 2 weeks). But…
Don’t Neglect Weaknesses
Many people talk of focusing on improving strengths and not trying to improve your weaknesses. Peter Drucker is the person that sticks out in my mind as the most stringent supporter of this mentality. It is true that it’s easier to make a competent performer an excellent performer, as opposed to making an incompetent performer competent. But, incompetency alone is…
Timely feedback, a novel concept
Accenture is apparently ditching their archaic, yearly performance review. And instead: “employees (will) receive timely feedback from their managers on an ongoing basis following assignments. What a novel concept, who would’ve thunk it. What bothers me is the following that was quoted in an article related to the matter, in the Washington Post: These companies say their own research, as…