All actions teach the belief system that motivates them
All actions teach the belief system that motivates them. So what did you teach today? I find this question a powerful behavior modifier. I take…
The System Secret
I’ve long believed that a certain system —which almost any intelligent person can learn— works way better than the systems most people use [to understand…
It’s the System, Silly
Sufficient credit often is not given for the supporting system in the success or failure of a business or enterprise. A recent case is the…
All Actions Teach the Belief System That Motivates Them
So what did you teach today? I find this question a powerful behavior modifier. I take my responsibilities as a parent, a role model, a…
What is Your Relationship Belief System?
People have many belief systems about relationships that powerfully affect the quality and length of their relationships. Interestingly, many of these beliefs are not consciously…
Think Smart, Think Systems: Solve the Problem, Then Fix the System
If you wish to truly make a difference in the world, if you wish to advance, it is not enough to solve the problem right…
Solve The Problem, Then Fix The System
As a leader, I attempt to mentor, help Team Members grow, find the greatness in them, how to be both efficient AND effective; how to…
What is Your Belief System About Yourself?
What do you believe about yourself? Of what do you think you are capable? Who do you see yourself as? How do you see yourself…
Where Does the Baton Get Dropped?
In relay races, if the baton is dropped, it is almost always dropped at the handoff. If a relay race is a business or organizational…
Systems and Sisyphus
Do you think in terms of Systems? That many situations involve multiple players making multiple moves over time? Always focus First on Removing Restraining Forces…
Four Thoughts on Teamwork
#1 “In teamwork, silence is not golden, it’s deadly.” — Mark Sanborn #2 “What we need to do is learn to work in the system,…
Expect Success, Plan for Failure
The more complex a system or situation, the more true this phrase is. I am a firm believer in having backups within backups for all…
“Set big goals and own the responsibility for meeting them”
Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach for America, the company that recruits for difficult teaching positions in urban and rural schools, was recently interviewed by The…
Expect Success, Plan for Failure
The more complex a system or situation, the more true this phrase is. I am a firm believer in having backups within backups for all…
Expect Success, Plan for Failure
The more complex a system or situation, the more true this phrase is. I am a firm believer in having backups within backups for all…
PopCap: Three Reasons Why Wall Street Bonus Plans Don’t/Can’t Work
(A Populist Capitalist Blog) The headlines are full of stories of huge Wall Street and CEO bonuses in spite of their companies’ disastrous financial results.…
The Joy of Optimizing
Optimizing is the act or process of making something, anything, a task, system, or decision as fully perfect, functional, or effective/efficient as possible. As a kid…
PopCap: Massive Failure of Morality and Regulation, Not Capitalism
(A Populist Capitalist Blog) The current economic crisis is the result of a massive failure of morality and regulation, not a blanket indictment of capitalism…
PopCap: Sometimes Stuff Just Happens
Passengers of the U.S. Airways flight that landed recently in New York City’s Hudson River are having a hard time getting the airline’s insurance company…
Why Smart People Do Dumb Things: Good Intentions Gone Awry
Systems theory states that organizations are systems of connected and interdependent groups, none of which can be understood in isolation from each other. Unfortunately, individuals…
Truths Are Caught, Not Taught
I believe that the task of a leader, as a parent at home or as a supervisor at work, is to find ways to bring…
Systemize Your Success
“Every activity contains a series of steps that must be completed correctly to be successful. Systemize your success. Identify the critical steps required to complete…
Systemize Your Success
“Every activity contains a series of steps that must be completed correctly to be successful. Systemize your success. Identify the critical steps required to complete…
Beware the Cost of the Middleman!
Understanding Systems and How to Make them Better Maine lobsters have plunged in price from $10 a pound a few years ago to less than…
Opportunity Costs: The Road Not Taken
Every action has an opportunity cost. Opportunity cost is – the cost, the sacrifice made, in choosing one mutually-exclusive option over another – the alternative…
“Do You Understand the Difference?”
This blog is a paraphrase of “The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals” by Sean Covey & Jim Huling, Full Disclosure: The…