Dealing rather than doing
May 19, 2013
As a manager things get thrown at you; often lots of things, some with important deadlines. Your job is NOT to CATCH and then DO all these things. Your job is to CATCH and then DEAL with them. What’s the difference? Step 1 is the CATCH. This you must do. Ignoring or dropping things just [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Are you a Taker, Matcher or Giver?
May 12, 2013
Dr. Adam Grant (in his book “Give and Take”) describes three types of people: Takers, Matchers, or Givers. ‘Takers’ strive to get as much as possible from others and ‘Matchers’ aim to trade evenly. ‘Givers’ are the rare breed of people who contribute to others without expecting anything in return. Which are you? How about [...]
Read the rest of this entry »So you want to change do you? Hmmm…
April 28, 2013
There is just one little problem, and Einstein said it so well. “I must be willing to give up what I am in order to become what I will be.” Who will you be? Think about the person you want to be. Write down a list of their values and beliefs, and a description of [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Here’s what I’m thinking
April 21, 2013
“Here’s what I’m thinking”… What did you expect me to say, and are you interested? Turn that around and realise that people on your team are interested in what you are thinking. You are in charge, but that doesn’t mean you are smarter, or more insightful than everyone else. Back up your statements and decisions. [...]
Read the rest of this entry »A simple way to be liked
April 14, 2013
When did you last give your staff a good listening to? To be really listened to is a unique experience for many people. It is a gift they seldom receive. There is a great deal of difference in being listened to, and being heard. When was the last time you received such a gift when [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Get Rid of Job Descriptions
April 9, 2013
I read a rather provocative blog post the other day titled “get rid of job descriptions and you’ll hire better people”. Lou Adler, who wrote the blog, advocates a performance profile rather than a job/candidate description. For him a performance profile is a description of the work that a person needs to successfully accomplish in [...]
Read the rest of this entry »The ultimate goal most people have
April 7, 2013
Aristotle said “Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole end and aim of human existence.” Ask people what they want and they will give you many answers. Ask them WHY they want what they want, and most will give you a high level reason like happiness. How do you know that getting [...]
Read the rest of this entry »There is a platinum rule? Really?
March 25, 2013
The Golden Rule is ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated.’ But you are different to other people… aren’t you? Some people like to be the centre of attention, others prefer the side-lines; some like to be given all the little details, others just want the big picture; some like to have everything [...]
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