This is the second in a series of Play notes about leading well during different times such as this one. “This not that. Here not there. And here’s why…” With daily distractions, project deadlines, and competing priorities, our teams can get unfocused. Add something like a global health challenge and they’ll likely get really scattered. […]
Is it irresponsible optimism to say, “Yes, I acknowledge the obstacles. We are going to succeed nonetheless.”? Perhaps. And it is the only way anything meaningful ever happens. In your corner, Mike PS: Nothing is inevitable unless we say so. PPS: Does saying so guarantee it will happen? Nope. Not saying so pretty much guarantees it […]
We often misinterpret the pressure that we feel to do more, to be more productive. We think it means we need to get busy, work harder, and churn through more tasks on our task lists. So we do. And we long for relief and release. But productivity is not how much we get done in […]
Committing to a monumental goal is a fast route to success…if we can get past the fear. Monumental goals seem scary because we cannot see how to possibly achieve them. But that’s the point. If we can see how to get there, then it’s an incremental not a monumental goal. When we commit to something that is just […]
There are two types of goals: incremental goals and monumental goals. Incremental goals ask us to work a bit harder, to focus a bit more, to iron out inefficiencies. When we commit to monumental goals, we face things that seem nearly impossible. Incremental goals help us mine and perfect. Monumental goals help us reset and redefine. Think […]
If singers try to hit a very high note by reaching up with their voices, they will likely stretch, squeeze, and strain. They are afraid that they will not hit the note. If they hit it, it won’t be pretty or fun. Instead, singing coaches encourage singers to hit the highest notes by coming at the note […]
We have much more success at work and home when we are definite about what we want. Most people and their organizations are rather indefinite. “But,” you say, “I don’t know exactly what I want. And if I did, what if it was wrong and there was something better that I missed? Or what if […]
“This needs to happen so I am going to worry/push/avoid/hope/drive hard to make it happen. Then I’ll be safe/happy/connected/abundant/free.” Or… “I want a work- and home-life of safety, happiness, connection, abundance, and freedom. It feels pretty dang good to envision what that life is/will be like. Wow. Now I jump in and act as inspired.” […]
They tell us that we should set goals that are specific. But if we shoot for ‘specific’, we may end up with ‘detailed’. And detailed goals aren’t helpful. They tempt us to plan and manage every aspect along the way to the goals. Such a focus blinds us to innovation, better ways, and serendipity. Here […]
People of all stripes–bosses, teenagers, teachers, priests, scientists, politicians, peers, employees, partners, protesters, parents, and artists–may say they have the way. Whether at work or home, they know they are correct in this matter. And they have the needed evidence or emotion to convince everyone of it. Alas, there is no the way. Ever. For […]