I bet that you have a less-than-stellar attitude toward at least one relationship, project, vendor, client, manager or employee in your world.
During this week of Thanksgiving, pick one and try changing your attitude for the next six weeks. Before you know it, the season of miracles will be upon us, and you just may have one of your own.
Joe Raasch :: Nov.23.2009 :: Change Management, Leadership, Life :: No Comments »
You are at a meeting that has no published agenda, few know why they were invited, and 45 minutes into the meeting you are thinking…why am I here? There is a lot of discussion, no notes, and little direction. Great way to pass the time, if you’re so inclined. I bet most of us have better things to do. As leaders, our calendars are packed with meetings that are billed as ‘strategic’ or ‘action-oriented’. Focus on the outcomes when you’re at that meeting. If the presenter/facilitator doesn’t explicitly state the outcome for the meeting, you may want to ask up front.
Everything Is A Problem
Solving problems, as in definition #2 below. Not as in an issue, challenge or something is wrong. As a question for engaging in action that provides discussion and solution.
problem – [prob-luh m]
1. any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.
2. a question proposed for solution or discussion.
3. Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
Leaders Are Paid To Solve Problems
Complex problems. Easy problems. Political problems. Solved. We need to lead our teams, our colleagues, our own bosses, towards solution-based actions. The rest is conversation. If you are lucky enough to work in an organization that has a robust performance management process, you’ll find that solving problems is what you should be doing all the time.
Joe Raasch :: Nov.14.2009 :: Change Management, Leadership, Organizational Development, Performance Management :: No Comments »
(originally posted August 29, 2008)
On August 27th at the Democratic National Convention, President Clinton gave a speech in support of Democratic nominee Barack Obama (full text of speech here.)
One line in particular resonated with me:
“People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.”
I am usually bemused by turns of phrase in speeches, especially political ones. This one transcended the rhetoric.
An Example of Power
The New York City police department has been doing interesting training exercises in the past year or two. They are sending 100s of police officers in a ‘saturation’ exercise into neighborhoods – and then leaving. This is a thought-out, strategic display of power to mitigate the risk of large scale problems in various parts of the city. It scares the citizen on the street, and for NYPD, hopefully any terrorist activity.
The Power of an Example
Think of the best leaders you’ve witnessed. One example is Winston Churchill. He walked the streets of London during the worst bombing of World War II. With his position in the English government he had every opportunity to flex his power from somewhere safe, and let the average citizen suffer on their own. He did not. What do you do with your team to set an example versus demand one?
At Work
There are times when presence, context, and respect could require a display of power – though I can’t think of many. Next time you feel an urge to say, “do you realize who you’re speaking to?” or “I am the (insert lofty title here), you can’t do that to me,” – think if a power play will be a better example than demonstrating by example (accomplishment, tact, collaboration) your power.
Joe Raasch :: Nov.01.2009 :: Leadership :: 2 Comments »