Work
A Persistent Feeling of Frailty
November 20th is the one year anniversary of my collision with a tree that nearly killed me.
Work
Work
Overcoming the Downside of Pursuing Excellence
The problem with the pursuit of excellence is there is no done, only better.
Done satisfies. Move on. Yes!
There is no check box in the pursuit of excellence.
The second challenge with the pursuit of excellence is feedback. Excellence demands feedback but feedback begins in the past. Beware, the past sucks in like black holes.
Danger of “should have”:
“Should have” is the language of regret. “You should have…,” puts down.
“Should have” corrects the past; something impossible to do. “We should have…,” belittles past wisdom, effort, and passion.
Should-have-leaders honor critics and, in so doing, create more critics. “You’re right, I should have…,” is an invitation for second-guessers, nay-sayers, and critics. You get what you honor.
Next time:
“Next time” is better than “should have.”
“Next time” honors participants and ignores critics.
Next-time-leaders:
* Honor effort, learning, and progress.
* Build platforms for future initiatives.
* Look to the future more than the past.
* Instill hope and show confidence.
* Ask, “What did we learn?”
No “next time”:
Critics judge, they never focus on next time. They don’t add value.
Critics sit on the sidelines, seldom offering useful suggestions. They tear down.
If the best you can do is point out failures in others, you’re probably failing yourself.
Participants, on the other hand, build the future by offering insightful evaluations coupled with positive suggestions.
Momentum:
“Should have” ties to the past. “Next time” maintains momentum.
Bonus tip:
“What worked” and “What didn’t work” is better than “What went wrong?”.
Work
Moving Stagnant Organizations
Every team has a few passionate leaders chomping at the bit to create the future.
Work
Is Your Boss Holding You Back?
Everyone has a jerk-boss, sooner or later.
Don’t worry if your boss is a jerk to everyone; do worry if he singles you out.
If the boss is a jerk to everyone, you have three options:
* Change him. (Good luck.)
* Live with it.
* Change jobs.
If you choose the first option, be prepared for the third!
If the boss is a jerk to you, but not to everyone:
* Is she playing favorites?
* Is he threatened?
* Is it you?
If your boss is playing favorites or threatened – change her, live with it, or change jobs.
If it's you:
If there’s a chance the trouble with your boss is you, assume it’s you! Grab the bull by the horns and ask yourself some tough questions.
* Are you overestimating your value and performance? It’s more likely you are than you aren’t.
* Is it blind-spots? Everyone has them. Are you overestimating your positive traits and minimizing negatives? The only way to see blind-spots is through the eyes of others.
* Is it personal? Have you offended them? Seek forgiveness.
* Are you aligned with organizational goals? Do you fully embrace the direction of your organization or are you rowing in your own direction? If you’re too good to help others, you’re the problem! Shut up and grab an oar.
* Are you a whiner? Gratitude solves whining. When was the last time you said “Thank you”?
Never let a jerk-boss be your excuse for poor performance.
But, what if they take credit for your work, like jerk-bosses do? Do your best for you.
But, what if they don’t appreciate you? Never let a jerk-boss be your excuse to be a jerk.
But, what if they are threatened? Scaling back hurts everyone, especially you. Continue performing and lavish credit on everyone.
Now I ask you:
What have your experiences been with jerk-bosses?
What are the best ways to deal with them?
How do people cause their own troubles with the boss?
