Alan Feirer Four-way stops are easy, right? Stop, then take your turn after everyone else has gone. Is it a tie? Person on the right goes first. Easy. No problem. Does everyone totally adhere to The Rules of the Four Way Stop? I bet they think they do. But you’ve seen these… -The “rolling stopper”…-The one on … Read more
In an earlier post, “Instead of…” was presented as an alternative to saying “Don’t.” “Instead of” forces you to come up with an alternative action, which is usually good. However, if time is critical, or it’s not all that consequential, or you can’t come up with an alternative, try this: “Resist the temptation to…”It works … Read more
The brilliant folks at Manager Tools–specifically, Mark–have recommended this book highly for years. I read much of it a while ago, and recently picked it up to re-read it. In 300 words, here’s why it’s worthy of attention; read at least chapters 1, 2, 16, and 20. (Those chapters recommended by Luther College professor Schweizer — … Read more
Frequently, people ask me that question. Those who ask are usually witnessing me in a professional situation; if they saw me after the alarm goes off, there’s no way they’d ask that! But it’s true- if we lead, we have an obligation to give those we serve our best, and that means maintaining optimal mental … Read more
Have you seen productivity dip while creating a positive atmosphere? There’s a likely reason, and a solution. So much of this blog’s content is devoted to positive, encouraging, servant leadership. Every once in a while, a leader comes along who is so committed to positivity that they wonder why productivity might be down, not up. … Read more
A few weeks back, I was at a presentation of Janyne Peek Emsick, and she reminded us of a great quote from Karl Lewin: To know,and not do,is to not yet know. Have you ever explained how to tie your shoes? Better yet, was there ever a time that you tried tying shoes simply based … Read more
A coping strategy when things “drive you crazy” at work or home: Take a moment to consider the potential positive side. About 20 years ago, in a college class about marriage, the professor pointed out this fact: The things that we adore about our future spouses will eventually, at times, drive us nuts. “He’s so … Read more
How are the New Year’s resolutions coming? How about any commitment to self-improvement? A helpful idea that’s quite simple (it almost seems silly to write about it) is the “sticky-note” technique. I credit this technique for a number of ideas that have become habit for many people. How does it work? Pick one element of your … Read more
There are scientists and psychologists who report that the most powerful expression in the human repertoire is the smile. When there is work to be done, and we’re “all business,” we might forget the power of the smile. Not just to transmit our happiness, but to disarm tension and settle nerves at tough times. We’ve … Read more
In an earlier post, I wrote about the value of picking up the phone to ask for help, information, or other assistance from fellow professionals. On the other side of things, what do you do when you get that call? Share. Abundantly. In my former profession, many of us Iowa band directors worked toward the … Read more