We obsessively over-communicate. Each of our values needs to make us distinctive, and it needs to have behaviors that we use internally, as well as with clients and partners. Let’s talk about one-word emails. A one-word email to avoid: “Thanks.” In a world of too many emails, this one-word response simply adds to the pile … Read more
We are accountable, responsive, and timely. Each of our values needs to make us somehow distinctive, and it needs to have behaviors that we use internally, as well as with clients and partners. One of my favorite questions to ask workplace teams is, “Around here, what is the expectation for email and voice mail response time?” … Read more
Personal development goals at work are essential for leaders in order to grow and develop in your career. This may include learning new skills, familiarizing yourself with company practices, policies, and technology, or getting feedback from others. Whatever personal development goals you choose, they must— 1. Be achievable 2. Be measurable Here are two formats … Read more
Hi there,Alan Feirer here with a book report. It’s been awhile since I have done one, but I just read something great—Daniel Pink’s latest, “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.” I love it. I recommend it. It’s a fairly easy read, and a fairly interesting one. Like a lot of Dan Pink books, like … Read more
We are creatures of habit, yet we experience change in every facet of our lives. Some of these changes are good, some aren’t, but regardless of where the changes fall on the spectrum, they all require a mental shift. In her ground-breaking book Death and Dying, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross discusses the stages of grief. She identified five non-linear … Read more
Mary Coffin of Wells Fargo has a great nugget about customer experience at 90 Ideas. I found it to be a new way to look at efficiency versus effectiveness. Each customer interaction depends on four ingredients:People, Process, Data, and Technology Coffin asks, “Which gets the focus?” She made the point that technology gets the focus. … Read more
Two weeks ago, I wrote about Scott Raecker’s water obsession. I also said there were two big things he shared at 90 Ideas. Here’s the other, and it’s timely, because New Year’s resolutions are coming in just a few weeks… To make change stick, you need four ingredients. Clearly communicate the expectations of the change. … Read more
In a recent address from Dana Wingert, the Des Moines Chief of Police, he emphasized the value of everyone in an organization thinking a rank or position above themselves. The guiding question is this: “How would my boss handle this, and what are his/her expectations?” A few examples: When you’re assigned a project, execute it … Read more
People who analyze in-depth tend to perform a thorough examination of facts and details. The alternative is to act on the gut – relying on initial feelings and views to move forward, and simply follow first impressions. This is very common among those who suffer from The Success Deception; when you are smart, and successful, … Read more
People who plan tend to develop an organized course of action, setting clear expectations and deadlines. The alternative is to improvise – figure things out as you go, without much planning and preparation. I used to teach jazz. I assure you that I was nothing like the guy from “Whiplash“. But improvisation is important. And … Read more