Posts Tagged ‘problem solving’
We cannot solve the problems of the future
Because we don’t know what they will be. Think of all the jobs that exist today but did not exist 20 years ago. Now imagine the other side of the coin: with all the new opportunities we couldn’t have predicted, think of all of the challenges that we won’t be able to predict. We can’t…
Read MoreDecisions, decisions, decisions: start by saying no.
Decisions. What to eat for breakfast. How much coffee to have. Which route to take to work. What to listen to on the radio. What to do first. What to do later. When to take a break. Which shoes to wear. Just some of the decisions we have to make within a few hours of…
Read MoreHow to be a good leader: (hint: know when you should follow 😉)
One way in which people demonstrate leadership is by knowing when to be followers. This was a lesson I picked up recently from listening to the McKay Interview podcast episode with Dr. Cynthia Cherrey and Professor Mike Hardy. (If you want to both feel and be smarter, spend some time with The McKay Interview). A…
Read MoreThe risks of bad management
Last week we established that management is happening in your business right now, tomorrow, and every day, whether you acknowledge it or not. This also means that somebody is managing the business, whether they acknowledge it or not. And that someone is probably you. But what happens when you don’t acknowledge it? Does any of…
Read MoreHow to be specific and not too specific at the same time
Tell your employees exactly what is expected of them. But don’t tell them what to do. A client recently asked me how to balance these two instructions. We were building role descriptions and she wanted to know how to be specific enough that people knew what to do but also open enough that she wasn’t…
Read MoreThe quick and easy solution to business problems
She had a crack in her windshield. She decided she would go to the repair shop to have it looked at, but of course not today, she was too busy today. And not tomorrow, because what if they hold on to the car for hours and she needs it. At some point, when the opportunity…
Read MoreHow to make your business pass the So What test?
New year, new you, new resolutions, new goals. But all in the service of what, exactly? As you start the new year – or any new day – make sure you know why you do the things you do and why others should take interest. Make sure your business passes the so what test. What…
Read MoreIt’s easy to find out what your clients value
Value is a highly subjective attribute. It is about significance, worth, and usefulness. And each person makes these determinations in their way. When you are writing your value proposition, and are deciding what your clients want to accomplish, don’t forget to consider their personal needs. Personal Value When I train clients on writing their value…
Read MoreHow will your clients replace you?
Not all competitors are direct competitors. You are not only competing against people whose business cards have the same words as yours does. Your clients could also find a whole new option or direction that eliminates their need to hire you at all. Understand how you can be replaced. Replacement competition There are various ways…
Read MoreHow to always learn from failure
It is a common trope that failure is a lesson. The question is: are we learning it? In school, we had lesson plans, curricula, lectures, and homework. To truly learn our lessons from failure – or mistakes, or problems, or imperfections – we need a lesson plan. When you find that something has gone wrong…
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