When someone dies in an emergency operating room, it is the moral obligation of the doctor to report this to the family: “We did everything we could possibly do.” Before leaders remove team members for non-performance, they have the same obligation. Ask yourself: “Did I do everything I could possibly do?” It’s easy, especially when … Read more
I used to be a band director. In my first of three jobs, things didn’t start out very well, but after about three years, I “figured it out,” developed a system, and things worked for that group of 26. Then, I moved to a new school, and tried the same system for a group of … Read more
From yesterday, an email exchange that took a bit too long: Them: Dear Group Traveler, Thank you for booking your Group with Southwest Airlines. The attached Travel Agreement contains your itinerary, instructions on how to complete your Group reservation, and Group policies…. Me: If in the next week, I wanted to add 6 seats at … Read more
Sarah and Alan talk about a technique to cut down on passive-aggressive and/or sarcastic speech from the people around you. Related post: Ignore the Tone
Jayson and Alan discuss: Sometimes leaders need to walk the fine line between consistency and flexibility. Related Post: Grace vs. Enabling
When we don’t like the way things are, we have three choices on how to deal: adapt, report, or accept. Sarah and Alan discuss.
Matt shares the Quantum Apology Model with Alan; the AAMR method helps leaders – and anyone – apologize with sincerity and grace in order to improve positive relationships and move forward from conflict or misunderstanding.
Jayson and Alan focus on this rule of thumb: 80% of choices are based on emotion, not reason. How can leaders cope with this reality in others — and themselves? Related posts: Beware acting when stressed. Fear and Vision
Alan demonstrates the way a frequently-moved sticky note can be a simple yet effective tool to aid your commitment to self-improvement. Related post: Sticky note idea. Another use for sticky notes to stay organized.
p=P-i Performance equals Potential minus Interference. Jayson and Alan talk about the way this simple equation helps us decide a course of action.