New Problem Solving Technique
“How do I get a new perspective on intractable problems when you’re not here?” a client asked me. I suggested he try an idea I’d just read about. Describe your problems with different words, namely, eliminate the verb “to be.” Why Eliminate To Be: The theory is that our language and our words form our abstract concepts, and they contain hidden traps. The verb “to be,” was identified as containing the most traps, and creating distortions of reality. If I say my...
Read MoreOptimism, Courage and the Power to Lead from Anywhere
Having optimism (the ability to see the best in yourself and others), and having courage (the willingness to risk failure) are necessary to be a leader (able to create and carry out a vision that takes you into the unknown). All well and good, but where do you get optimism and courage? Not at the mall, that’s for sure! I spoke on this topic several days ago at the American Business Women’s Association(thanks for the invitation, ladies). We started the meeting in the dark, a 20 minute...
Read MoreWhat does your customer or patient experience with you?
Do you know what it’s like to be your own customer or patient or client? What’s it like to work with you? I’ve recently experienced some pretty lousy customer and patient experiences and it’s got me thinking about how you and I can improve how we provide service. So there’s my mom lying on a bed in the ER having been brought in by ambulance for a long-standing chronic but dangerous condition. When the ER physician came in he started telling her things about her condition rather...
Read MoreTiny Acts that Matter Big
Don’t overwhelm yourself with big steps. A continual aggregation of tiny acts can be all you need to achieve something important. A Swedish client once told me ‘you can only eat a potato one bite at a time.’ I have a goal I’ve set for myself this year, but I don’t have hours to devote to it. If I set out to take big steps, I’d quit right away. So my plan is once a day to do something. It’s manageable to commit myself to just one little action every day, whether a phone...
Read MoreSuccess Keys to Achieving New Goals
Here’s 6 secrets to successfully accomplishing new goals, resolutions, or whatever you call them. Want to make more successful sales calls, be a better team leader, or prioritize your time effectively? Focus on tips 3 to 6 because you’ve probably already done the first two. Haven’t set goals? Look back at last year (Use this evaluation) for clues. 1. Clarify your goals. Be extremely specific about what you’d like to achieve, what success will look like for you,...
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