How is design thinking different from traditional problem solving? It is a popular approach and many are using it to come up with new, more strategic ways to approach complex situations. I have taken some design thinking concepts and applied it to problem solving. Give these a try and let me know what … [Read more...]
Problem Talk is Quicksand
I am drawn to stories of survival; and the other day when I saw a video of how to survive falling through ice, it intrigued me to keep learning. It reminded me of another video of Bear Grylls getting out of quicksand. Both mentioned letting your legs float up behind you and becoming horizontal to spread … [Read more...]
Navigating the powerful person
Sometimes powerful people surround themselves with others who won't challenge them. If you are a direct report of that powerful person, you may be frustrated that you cannot suggest new ideas, or challenge that person in any way. Sometimes people agree with the boss even when it is not a good idea … [Read more...]
Ass/u/me
Makes an ass out of you and me. I heard this a long time ago and it stuck. Lately I have been barraged with assumptions coming from friends, clients, in the news- everywhere. In one day I experienced at least five assumptions, 100% which were wrong: Call from a neighbor- I assumed the worst and it … [Read more...]
The Importance of Focus
A Story of Focus “Hold that plank for one minute,” my trainer said. “No problem,” I thought, because I have two hands and two feet on the ground. But then she told me to alternate bringing my knee to my chest, one at a time. I tried it once and I thought I was going to topple over, but then … [Read more...]
Inclusion and The Four Dimensions of Leadership
Ever feel excluded from a key meeting or social gathering? Feels pretty bad doesn’t it? It may bring back memories of what it felt like to be picked last on the playground team, or be excluded from the party. Nothing feels good about it. You may rationalize and tell yourself you had other things to … [Read more...]
The Power of Being Precise
Sometimes accuracy is a requirement, not an option. I was reminded about the importance of precision in business after reading a recent article in the New York Times. It was about the value of accuracy in emotions. Surprised? The connection between career success and the ability to identify our … [Read more...]
Leadership: The Science Behind Trusting Your Gut
Imagine getting lost as you drive through an unfamiliar area late at night. You’re faced with a choice: head down a dark road that hopefully leads back to the main highway or search for another option. Should you pay attention to the little voice in the back of your mind that tells you to backtrack … [Read more...]
How to Cope with a Boss Who Avoids Conflict
When tortoises feel threatened, they retreat into their thick shells to safely wait out the potential crisis. But what happens when managers use that same strategy in the workplace? Everything seems to make them feel backed into a corner. Not just the metaphorical 18-wheeler barreling down the highway … [Read more...]
Feeling Mentally Capsized? The Flip Side of Work/Life Balance
Spoiler Alert: this is NOT one of those work/life balance articles about being consumed by our work and allowing it to invade our personal lives. Instead, I want to address the opposite side of the problem: when “personal” invades “professional.” What happens to our work performance when we are being … [Read more...]
