When an organization creates steep power gradients with things like physical separation, executive dining rooms, and intimidating office size, they limit the flow of information. Information flows inversely proportional to the power gradient. Flatten the power gradient to get the information flowing. I’m here at the RBS headquarters outside of Edinburgh airport at Gothenburg in...
Leaders create mechanisms that allow the team to signal that they feel like it’s time for a pause. It’s this tool that enables the team to feel comfortable pausing the production work (redwork) in order to bring unusual problems to light or to ask questions. Today I want to talk about the power of pause. ...
Dr. Damasio, a head neurologist, discovered that our decision making is processed through the emotional part of our brain. Healthy emotions are necessary for healthy decision making. Our job as leaders in a Leader-Leader organization is to create an environment where people can come to work with healthy emotions. Learn more by reading this blog: Healthy...
Back before the coronavirus shut down travel, I was in Stockholm for an event and I was able to visit the Vasa museum. This is an amazing story of a warship that sank on its maiden voyage 350 years ago. Even though that seems like a long time ago, the lessons are still highly applicable...
Dividing your attention is difficult. The 100:0 Rule helps maintain quality relationships. Either devote 100% of your attention to a person, or 0%. If you can’t give 100% of your attention right now, schedule a time when you can. One of the things that’s gonna help you maintain quality relationships, but at the same time stay sane...
A virus is a different kind of enemy. It’s hard to pinpoint. Unlike a tragedy like 9/11 where we had a clear enemy and we depended on the military to fight for us, we are all in this fight together. We all have to do our part. And there are many things that are going...
It’s useful to put an expiration date on your decisions. When you change your process, establish a date to reevaluate the process maybe once a quarter, maybe once a year. But when things are so dynamic, like during this pandemic, shorten the expiration date. You may want to reevaluate your decisions every week or even...
Positive feedback can have negative consequences if it’s delivered improperly. When giving praise, acknowledge the behavior that is controllable (their effort) instead of praising someone for an intrinsic characteristic (their ability.) Want to learn more? Watch Andy discuss this Nudge and some other things on our Facebook Page – here Hey guys, the latest release...
Stress makes us feel isolated. We are adding self-isolation and social distancing to that stress which means social connection is more important than ever. Be deliberate about it. Schedule virtual coffee with coworkers and friends. Check in with your parents and your kids and siblings. Have some ideas that may help others? Let us know.
The defending behaviors of the “be good” self actively inhibit our willingness to accept critique. The “be good” self is protective about attaching our ego to what we’ve done in the past. Instead, the “get better” self invites feedback and involves asking questions and seeking help. This leads to learning, growth, and innovation. Learn more...
