Tag Archives: innovation

Learning Is the Most Celebrated Neglected Activity in the Workplace

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by Gianpiero Petriglieri

When I am invited to “teach leadership” to managers in corporations, I use the first few minutes to address the issue of where and how one learns to lead—and what gets in the way. I usually begin with a confession and a question.

My confession is always the same. That I am hoping to learn something from our encounter, brief as it may be, that I will remember and use. This is what I believe good leaders and good teachers have in common—the commitment to keep learning as they practice.

I have never met a manager who disagrees. Good leaders, they tell me, like good teachers, raise tough questions and make others feel stretched, empowered, inspired. Mediocre ones issue commands and make others feel overlooked, bored, underutilized. Continue reading →

Feeling Good Friday

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by Gayle Hilgendorff

About ten years ago (or was it fifteen?  I seem to take five years off of everything I remember to make me feel younger), back in my corporate executive days, the ‘Corporate Word of the Year’ was Paradigm.  You know what I mean, right?  Every year or so, the corporate world buzzes with some new word or phrase.  Laser Focus.  At the end of the day (add calming observation here…).  Synergy.  Disruptive Innovation.  Mindshare.  Shout them out – I’m sure you all know a few of them, including whatever word or phrase that is most popular right now.  Paradigm was used when talking about doing something differently.  “We have a new paradigm”.  “We need to consider a new paradigm”.  “Try to imagine a new paradigm.”  “Let’s create a new paradigm”.  “It’s a paradigm shift.” Continue reading →

Great Entrepreneurs Do What Can’t Be Done

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By Steve Tobak

 

 

Let me ask you a multiple-choice question: How often do you find yourself attempting to do what people say can’t be done?

a) Never. I’m not that stupid.
b) Occasionally. But I always live to regret it.
c) Way too often. It’s stressful as hell.
d) Constantly. It’s what I live for.

There’s no right or wrong answer, but, if you dream about making it big on your own and changing the world, you better have answered “d” or at least “c.” If not, it’s time to start dreaming a lot smaller. And don’t quit your day job, either. Continue reading →

First Things First: How to Prioritize and Really Get Things Done

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Avatar of Glen Stansberryby Glen Stansberry

Stephen Covey’s timeless “Big Rocks” principle can ensure you’re getting the important tasks done every day. Here are 5 practical ways to use this idea to become your most productive self.
Most of us have likely heard at least a variation of the “Big Rocks” principle made famous by author and educator Stephen Covey in his book, First Things First. The Big Rocks principle says that you choose a few “big rocks” each day to work on first, so you’re sure to get the important stuff done. The rest of your time can be used for smaller tasks to fill out the day. (Here’s a visual representation of the concept.) It’s how you ensure you’re always getting the critical things completed. Continue reading →

What New Team Leaders Should Do First

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80-Carolyn_OHara by Carolyn O’Hara

Getting people to work together isn’t easy, and unfortunately many leaders skip over the basics of team building in a rush to start achieving goals. But your actions in the first few weeks and months can have a major impact on whether your team ultimately delivers results. What steps should you take to set your team up for success? How do you form group norms, establish clear goals, and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and motivated to contribute? Continue reading →