First One to Simple

How does one fill the need for what seems to be an arduous task?  The answer is classic and thought provoking: "the first one to simple wins!" The point is clear. Take the difficult and work hard to make it simple, and do it with a sense of urgency. How does one go about becoming "the first one to simple?" I would offer there are three things that require intense focus—Objectives, Planning, and Execution. Objectives must be stated in clear, unmistakable terms. It is telling the team where they are going and why. Objectives are the destination.  Giving insight into why, builds in the sense of urgency and importance of the effort to the team. Planning is always “right-to-left.” Looking at a calendar and laying it out linearly, the date of completion, producing the objective is to the right. As Steven Covey would say, one starts with the end in mind. Execution is “left-to-right.” You are now accomplishing each task in the reverse order of the right-to-left planning.

 

Click here to read more

 

 

A Tale of Two Women: What You Can Learn for Your Own Resume 

Much has been, and will be, written about Hillary Rodham Clinton. Just when you think there may be nothing new, take a closer look. A comparison between Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina gives us a tale of two women who have taken two entirely different paths in reaching their seventh decade. You can like career politicians or not. But you can’t argue with the fact that experience counts. If experience didn’t count, you would let your eight year old babysit. Hillary and Carly have two completely different resumes. One held one high profile job for six years until she was fired. She has been elected to nothing. The other held several high profile jobs. The people of New York State elected her twice. The lesson here is about your own resume.  What do you want your resume to look like? Yes fresh perspective is important and not drinking the Kool-Aid can be important. Would you really want to get in a NASCAR with someone driving for the first time?

 

Click here to read more

 

When Life Happens

Mentoring partnerships are reciprocal. As a mentor, one can learn valuable lessons from their mentee. One such lesson is, ‘Never burn bridges’; which became true for Caroline who was being coached by Vicki Hamilton. Caroline had been successful in her job for many years and had mastered the responsibilities of her role. But it had come to a point where she was ready for her next challenge, in another organisation. How was she going to leave her present employer with no grumblings while trying to meet the demands of her new employer and deal with a personal problem at the same time?  

 

Click here to read more