It’s New Year’s Resolution time and here is a common resolution I hear: Level 1: “I’m going to step it up this year. I am going to re-commit myself, work harder, and put in even more time.” This one gets repeated annually unless, hopefully, a light goes on: Level 2: “I’m going to keep working harder, but also work smarter!” And the process of learning about best … [Read more...] about New Year Resolution for Excellence
performance
Being Fantastic
The basic question is this – if you want excellence, awesomeness, fantastic performance from your team/organization then what do you need? Talent & Teamwork. Both of these aspects of performance are appreciated, but I am suggesting that the way in which they complement one another is underappreciated. Some organizations tend to go the Talent route. “Let’s just hire … [Read more...] about Being Fantastic
Five Management Fundamentals
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
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