De-escalate your emotions in stressful situations by imagining you are observing the situation from another vantage point. Watch as David explains the value of getting out from behind your own eyeballs. If you’re going into a stressful event (maybe it’s an evaluation or feedback for you) and you anticipate you might get kind of your...
David suggests how to move toward a growth mindset by replacing one simple word. I received a one-word hack, which I think is genius. And the idea is this: Instead of saying “to me” you replace it with “for me.” So instead of “Why is this happening TO me?” – “Why is this happening FOR...
Leaders can provide Organizational Clarity during the initial decision phase of a project to guide the team. With that clarity, the team can present several options to keep the project moving in the right direction. Watch David explain. Hey! In Nudge 372, I talk about the frustration of the “Bring Me a Rock” game, where...
Instead of giving all the answers, leaders provide opportunities for the team to learn the answers and make decisions. Watch as Peter explains. I’m in the beautiful French Alps, at the wonderful resort of Mirage. I’ve been coming here for about 21 years with the same group of people. And what I realized this week...
Practice using open questions to be curious, not compelling. Watch David explain how to become a Question Master. Here’s an activity that will have you practice being curious before being compelling. Have someone write down every question you ask in a meeting = verbatim. What I’m looking for is it needs to be specific enough...
Saying “well” at the start of an answer to a question is a good indicator that what follows includes things like deflection, accountability avoidance and blame. Watch as David explains. “Well” is a tell. When you ask a question, if the first word you hear back is “well,” most likely what will follow has an element...
Being deliberate about THINKING while DOING a task will help you balance redwork and bluework. Watch David explain with an everyday example from the kitchen. To learn more about redwork and bluework, read Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say — and What You Don’t. Get your autographed copy here. Hey, you...
Giving people decision-making control over their work and resources is an alternative to feeling the need to hold people accountable. Watch David explain. I don’t like the term “holding someone accountable.” Usually, for me, it means I need to make someone else feel the sting or feel bad for their bad performance. And I kind...
But first . . . redwork When you are asked to work on a project, start by doing some redwork. Then use that work to ask what changes should be made. Gaining clarification on a project is easier when there is a tangible place to start. Hey, you want to earn the right to ask...
When we use self-deprecating language, we negate the words that follow. Stop saying things like “I’m just . . . a receptionist . . .” or “I’ve been here just two years . . .” Instead, remove the word “just” and say what you think and what you see. Your voice matters! Hey, here’s a...
