We regularly struggle in jobs that have long ago stopped working for us. We get stuck because our day-to-day busy-ness takes all our time. And we harbor fear-uncertainty-doubt about what–if anything–else we might do. It seems easier to stay put and tolerate it. “That’s just part of life, eh?” But it becomes a downward spiral. […]
One clue to working or conversing with almost anyone: despite appearances, they struggle and fear just like we all do. When we recognize this we open the doors to our compassion and formerly awkward, strained, or difficult conversations become easy. In your corner, Mike
A client and friend of mine tends to get good parking spots at the busiest times. At the crowded supermarket, at a busy restaurant, and while holiday shopping–midday, on the weekend–at the mall, she finds spots right up front. No hovering or stalking people returning to their cars. She just pulls in. How does she do it? […]
“Lowest Price Guaranteed” is an awful way to sell or buy something. When you compete mainly on price, your quality and service suffer and you struggle to make a profit. When you buy mainly on price, you often regret it and end up paying more in the end. You get what you pay for. My brother-in-law […]
There are three ways to approach any problem. All three can work. (Before you read further, think of a problem bugging you or your organization. Keep this problem in mind as you explore the three ways. Three Ways To Approach Any Problem You believe that the problem is hard, that it is a threat to you or your […]
Let’s say there is something in your business or career that is not working. And let’s say you have thought of or tried everything without seeing the results you want. It’s as if you’ve hit a wall and cannot find a way around or over it. Five will get you twenty, it is not your business […]
Last night, my wife hosted a small meeting at our house. The group was gathered to plan an important, impactful event. My role was logistics: help with refreshments, get the kids to bed, etc. At the end of the evening, the group’s leader thanked me. In fact, I should have thanked him. I got to […]
Organizations often fail because they focus on the wrong things. When you see any group (leadership team, functional team, sports team, board, entire organization, family, etc.) stuck and bickering, power struggling, or getting lost in the minutiae, they are likely focused on how something should be done, who does or decides what, and when these […]
Show me any struggle–major or minor, personal or in your organization–and I’ll show you blindness. The solutions, the road out, the way forward are simple, solid, and real. But blindness to them–an unintentional bias–maintains the struggle. This blindness comes from adherence to beliefs about the world, others, and self that may have worked or served […]