Efficiency
The Communications Cocktail
Some of you got excited when you saw cocktail in the title above, didn’t you? You figured, “Finally, somebody agrees with me—a little liquid social lubricant can go a long way to getting people to loosen up and talk…” Slow down there, Norm. We’re not heading for Cheers. That’s a different conversation. But I’ll give you this much:…
Read MoreThe Real Problem Isn’t The One They’re Complaining About
When your employees voice a problem, split off the complainer from the complaint to get at the real issue (For my previous thoughts on workplace problems and a drama-free workplace, see People are the Problem and Solve it with Structure.) We live in an age of outrage. Whatever it is—jobs, schools, restaurants, auto repair, retail…
Read MoreWhy Can’t I Decide?
Are big decisions keeping you up at night? Is fretting over the benefits and risks ahead of you taking up your time for work and rest? Are you losing sleep trying to decide which path will bring you to success and which one will lead to ruin? Stop it. “I want to stop it,” you…
Read MoreThe Three-Legged Stool
“All I want is stability!” But really, what is “stability”? Why do you want it? And more importantly, how do you achieve it?
Read MoreLayers of Change
Layers that Build Success Now, let’s take a look now at how the ACMP Standard actually fits into the layers. As I mentioned, the ACMP Standard has a layered structure. Starting at the highest conceptual level, it details the change process all the way down to day-to day tactical steps for implementation—which all map out…
Read MoreThree Sins to Derail Successful Change
Layers of Change Lately, in the change management initiatives I’ve worked on, I’ve noticed more and more leaders who feel anguished and anxious because they believe they should be at a certain point in the change process—a point they still haven’t reached yet. So I’ve found myself more and more having to explain that the…
Read MoreIt’s Not Real If You Don’t Write It Down
First off, let’s get one idea clear: Your organization needs documentation – even if you’re using Agile Methodology for your development. It’s a fallacy that using Agile means you don’t write documentation. Agile seeks to minimize waste, yes. But it’s misguided to eliminate documentation altogether. Rather, you should be creating records of what you’ve done—decisions…
Read MoreDrama-Free Workplace — Part 2
Livin’ the Dream: A Drama-Free Workplace Part 2: But I Have Good News—Structure Can Fix Your Drama (People) Problem In Part 1, I discussed how drama and conflict in the workplace are usually caused by personality clashes. We talked about identifying personalities and motivations, and how understanding them can help you target the actual issues…
Read MoreDrama Free Workplace — Part 1
Livin’ the Dream: A Drama-Free Workplace Part 1: I Hate to Tell You, But It’s Your People Do you dream of a drama-free workplace? One without personality conflicts? Or emotional turmoil? Experience has convinced me that all workplace issues are usually people issues. And it doesn’t matter what industry or what problem—if you’re experiencing a…
Read MoreTime: Your Most Precious Resource—Are You Spending It the Way You Want or Just Staying Busy?
Your Most Precious Resource—Are You Spending It the Way You Want or Just Staying Busy? When asked “How are you?” do you reply “Busy”? Is busy-ness a symbol of your importance? Is it a badge of honor you wear and shine to impress others? Let me ask you this: How many times in the last…
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