It’s a sports cliché – because it is true, and it is true in the working world as well. Winners are the ones who get the fundamentals right. Management is complex, but here are the five fundamentals to make sure you get it right: Set Clear Expectations. It makes common sense and it is backed up by research (1). Make sure that your direct reports are perfectly clear on … [Read more...] about Five Management Fundamentals
Good is the Enemy of Great
Every chance I get, I talk with people about how to pursue breakthrough performance. And I can tell this gets on some people’s nerves. “Rob, we are working our butts off and now you are suggesting we do more? Why?” Yes, I am suggesting that more is possible. Why? Because there are millions of people on our planet who need more and better. And “No,” I am not … [Read more...] about Good is the Enemy of Great
Thriving in a VUCA World
Earlier this week I attended the annual conference of the Executive MBA Council where directors of these programs from across the globe gather once a year to share best practices, concerns, and plans for the future. A common concern that was expressed: “How do we prepare executives to survive in VUCA world?” Indeed, the environment in which we all operate is … [Read more...] about Thriving in a VUCA World
When Are You at Your Best?
“Being extraordinary . . . means pursuing our full potential.”* You have had moments of performing at an extraordinary level; maybe many moments. It feels really great, doesn’t it!?! What would it be like to have a job and set of work responsibilities that gave you the opportunity to feel that way on a regular basis? Right! Awesome!!! So how can you make that … [Read more...] about When Are You at Your Best?
A Cool Tool Gets Cooler
A couple of years ago I blogged about the Organization Capacity Assessment Tool (OCAT) that McKinsey & Co developed in partnership with Venture Philanthropy Partners (“A Cool Tool”). Well, now the 2.0 version is out and it is even cooler. The OCAT allows an organization to perform a thorough self-analysis of its operations and performance. It asks questions in seven … [Read more...] about A Cool Tool Gets Cooler