One of the saddest things in management is the gold star looming on the project plan that says, “Breakthrough required HERE!” Next time you are faced with a thorny problem, consider using the Life Boat Rule. The Life Boat Rule is You have to make it with your current crew, no substitutions. When I rememberRead… Read more »
I notice people who don’t know much have opinions. People who have been there have observations. Observations mean everything, opinions mean nothing.
I’ve been working as part of a civic organization and recently noticed some illuminating behavior. One member of our team gets fairly constant praise for average work. I never thought much about it, but then as results got worse, the praise increased. It has gotten to the point where pointless adulation is a significant partRead… Read more »
A manager asked me the best way to “knock the rough edges off” his team? I said, “How about we grow them until the rough edges are covered?” Are you a knocker or a grower?
I’m really low tech. I take notes when I talk with someone because I’m trying to figure out and remember what they mean. Also, I’ve noticed if I take notes, people lie less. I use paper, usually graph ruled, because the placement of the notes is an important part of the meaning. I tried toRead… Read more »
The ability to see ahead (or even around the curve) is a requirement for leadership. Every time I get in a leader slot I am amazed by how my vision shortens. As a consultant, subordinate leader, or individual contributor I could usually make a substantial contribution, often seeing farther than the boss. When I’m theRead… Read more »
A salesman’s integrity is battered and worn…from use. A salesman’s integrity is bright and shiny…from use. Integrity is making and keeping promises. There are three stages to that. The first stage is realizing that perfect integrity means making no promises. Most rest here. The second stage of integrity is experiencing the joy of making aRead… Read more »
I was listening to Joe Scarborough explaining our current economic situation. He has said repeatedly that our situation comes from choices that were made in the ’70’s, shaping subsequent choices that control what we can do today. In The Direct Economy, I’m showing how our current situation is changing our optimal organization for getting thingsRead… Read more »
This is the second post of our new blog Leadership. My name is Dick Davies, and I have learned that leadership is the usually the key between winning and losing. Here are some aspects. You manage things, you lead people. Managing people is like pushing a rope. “Asses and elbows” is an accurate description aboutRead… Read more »
I first met Jim Hodges at the event described. I’m big, but my wife says Jim makes me look puny. I have never seen a man have so much fun charging through life. He has shown me the humor in a couple of triumphs and even a few semi-triumphs. Any opportunity with Jim is anRead… Read more »