Getting things done Part 2: Accept the weird and irrational
If you think saying something smart is all you need to make your idea a reality, you will have a career filled with disappointment and frustration. You need help, money, permission and support and getting it isn’t easy. In Part 1 of Getting Things Done I introduced a framework for driving change when all you […]
Getting things done Part 1: When you don’t have authority
I’ve spent my career trying to get things done or change things with no authority, no budget and no reports. Sometimes you have to make it work when all you have is charm, determination, persuasiveness and wit. Many mentors, managers and friends have helped me develop this framework. I’ve tried to pay that forward by […]
When we meet in person, I may not look in your eyes
When I was seven, I passed out. Understandably my parents and doctors were concerned so they ran a battery of tests. Eventually I was diagnosed with ADHD because I didn’t make eye contact with the doctor. Luckily my parents and teachers made sure I got the help I needed to do well in school and business. […]
Want to drive change internally? Here are two reasons you shouldn’t skip the interviews
I’ve spent most of my career being a troublemaker trying to push an organization into trying new things. Sometimes I’ve failed miserably and a few times I’ve succeeded. As an outside consultant I always start by taking to different groups to understand their perspective on the problem and it helps me understand the points of […]
Ask simple questions to drive change
Who is our customer? What are we trying to accomplish? How did we get here? What did we learn? I like simple questions about important things. They strip away marketing speak. They force us to make choices. They expose misunderstanding and misalignment. They make it easy for people to understand take action. Asking simple questions can […]
Anatomy of an Innovative Team: Humility and Resilience
Note: This is the fourth in a series of posts about what is needed on an innovative team. Previous posts were on discipline, inquisitiveness and empathy. On one of my first days at 3Pillar I told my CEO I was going to get things wrong. I have delivered on that promise and will continue to. I’m one of […]
Anatomy of an Innovative Team: Hustle
Note: This is the fifth in a series of posts about what is needed on an innovative team. Previous posts were on humility, discipline, inquisitiveness and empathy. They said it wasn’t possible to bring soldiers and their families from Walter Reed to Liberty Mountain Resort for a weekend of skiing and fun. My mom proved them wrong. My dad was in […]
Anatomy of an Innovative Team: Discipline
Note: This is the third in a series of posts about what is needed on an innovative team. Previous posts were on empathy and inquisitiveness A new idea is exciting and addictive. You can see the possibilities everywhere. Every new prospect or client I encounter is deeply passionate about their new idea. The trap is that […]