Yes…”stuff happens…” and it always will.  And yet you can control more of it than you think.   Most people spend their time at work in motion…moving, getting things off their never-ending to do list.  Leaders have to slow down and think more.  Thinking is where real innovation and competitive advantages live.  Thinking sets the course for preparation and when you think and prepare effectively, you will create smarter...

I often hear:  “our leaders aren’t inspiring us or my work place isn’t fun.”  There is no doubt that a fun and inspiring workplace makes for more productivity and innovation regardless of your business.  And yet, looking outside for your inspiration and good time is a waste of time.   You create your environment.  How are you engaging?  What do you do to add some fun and laughter?  Do you focus on how you are contributing...

“For every nine people who denounce innovation only one will encourage it…For every nine people who do things the way they have always been done, only one will ever wonder if there is a better way. For every nine people who stand in line in front of a locked building, only one will ever come around and check the back door. Our progress as a species rests squarely on the shoulders of that tenth person. The nine are satisfied with...

Recently I experienced an amazing encounter.  A team of people had been working on a project and had uncovered opportunities that would allow a key demand generator in their business to substantially improve the business’ results.  You would think there would have been screams of victory. And what happened was remarkable. In less time than it took to grab a cup of java, a leader with a negative attitude shut down what was possible,...

Do you find your team discussing the same issues and customer challenges?  If you do that means you are doing more problem solving (reactionary) than problem resolution.  When something is resolved it allows you to focus on more proactive issues.  Here are a few steps to move you from problem solving to problem resolution. Identify one issue that never seems to go away Brainstorm all of the issues associated with the problem Select the...