Many situations seem to require being focused and broad at the same time; being specialist as well as generalist. That appears to be a contradiction, a dichotomy—one that needs very careful handling …
Much easier to shut down initiative than get it going
I think we underestimate this asymmetry. The taking of initiative by team members can be a fragile thing. It’s much, much easier to shut it down than get it going in the first place. The truth is we …
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Threatening with help
It’s a curious thing... People can be remarkably resistant to help: I suppose we all are, depending on the subject. “Help” can take us into painful contemplation, addressing issues that we might …
If you want people to listen…
...let them speak. It’s quite simple really. The days of talking at an audience and expecting them to take much of it on board are gone. Expectations have changed: People want a conversation. They …
The danger of creeping mediocrity
In owning and operating something complex, like a house, for instance, it's easy to let small flaws grow into big ones. If we don't deal with minor issues in a relentless way, eventually the whole …
Overcoming ego
We all have an ego. We couldn't function properly without one. We need our sense of separateness. On the other hand... Our ego can blind us to the feedback we need to receive in order to grow and to …