One of the really great things we do in Business School is to teach students an abundance of analytical tools. There’s the basic SWOT analysis – what are your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats? And there’s . . . Scenario Planning – let’s forecast the possible futures. Balanced Scorecard – how can we predict future performance by tracking metrics in various … [Read more...] about Analysis Cannot Answer the Question “Why”
“Nice Guys” Finish . . .
Which group is least successful in their work life? “Givers” who are characterized by being helpful, compassionate, caring, and kind? Or “Takers” who are always looking out for what is best for themselves? It turns out that “Givers” make up this least successful group. And the most successful? “Givers” as well! What’s going on here? It turns out that some “Givers” … [Read more...] about “Nice Guys” Finish . . .
The Performance Paradox
Yes! I want to be a high performer! Yes! I want to accomplish all of my goals! Sorry. You can’t have it both ways. What!?! Why? While it may seem like a contradiction – the only way to maximize your performance is to give up your desire to attain your goals 100%. Research on goals shows that the higher you set your goals, the greater performance you will have.* So, … [Read more...] about The Performance Paradox
Management via Panic
I knew a manager once who liked to start the day with her team by saying “What’s on fire!?!” It was said enthusiastically, expectantly – almost hopefully. There is a certain “jazz” that some people get from addressing an “emergency” situation. But trying to “motivate” your team on a regular basis by inflicting panic on them is not a winning management style. Unless you … [Read more...] about Management via Panic
Leadership is Fragile
I am blogging today from Columbus, OH, home of one of my alma maters, The Ohio State University. Later today I will be doing a one day workshop based on the Mission Impact book entitled “Clearing Hurdles to Innovation & Strategy” for about sixty-five nonprofit executives from Central Ohio. Usually when I visit here, the buzz is about football or basketball. But not … [Read more...] about Leadership is Fragile