Most of our time at work we focus on Do: getting done all the stuff that needs to be done. This is sometimes called Execution. We rightly invest time, energy, and money improving our Do. Sometimes, we pull back to examine What we should be doing (and why we should do it). This is sometimes […]
Which would you rather have: a book of formulas for success or the insight to let you shortcut the formulas? Yeah, me too. In your corner, Mike PS: That’s why these notes are lighter on technique and heavier on the broader perspectives. Today’s photo credit: fs999 White Beauty via photopin (license)
For the sake of speed at work and home, we tend to concentrate on content: who’s doing what and how & when they are doing it. But, oh wow, does this generate resistance! People will actively or passively fight over these details. They fight mostly because they have no ways or means to agree. Our […]
In business and life we wonder, “Should we pursue our dreams or be realistic?” Hold on! Who said these are mutually exclusive? In your corner, Mike Today’s photo credit: J.M.Seekford Soar via photopin (license)
Some leaders are comfortable with and even thrive in uncertainty and change. We see them being strategic, inspirational, and courageous. They help us find our next best markets, positioning, and offers. Their blind spot is getting to the end zone before everyone else and wondering why no one has followed them. Other leaders demand certainty and resist […]
Good strategy requires clarity about the present, clarity about the future, and a good dose of ignorance about the past. In your corner, Mike PS: We only have to ask, “What is true now? What do we want to be true and why?” PPS: We capture the past with the present: everything important from the past is […]
To get things done well, we need to be realistic. We need to understand and rely on concrete things such as priorities, constraints, people’s talents and motivators, and how everything fits together. We need to build the team’s capacity and repeatedly deliver on spec, on budget, and on time. To choose what things we are […]
Trying to figure it all out and get it all done are the siren songs of leadership. They snare us every time. We can avoid the rocks of micromanagement and the shoals of overwrought strategy by leading instead of deciding or doing. We have more than enough to do as captain of the ship. Our […]
It’s hard to say no to all the emails, meetings, interruptions, and other demands on our time. It is hard, that is, until we commit to something bigger, better, and more important to say yes to. Yes. It’s that simple. In your corner, Mike PS: Easy? Nope. Simple? Yes. Doable? By you!? Of course. […]
Get clear on the what and the why. The how, who, and when will become silly simple. Any focus on the who, how, and when without really knowing the what and the why explains most of the resistance, pain, or frustration we experience. In your corner, Mike PS: Yes. Resistance, pain, and frustration are […]