"Conventional wisdom" . . . . a generally accepted theory or belief Is deferring to conventional wisdom wise? Yes . . . ish Why do you get the oil in your car changed every 3,000 miles? Have you researched the design of your car's engine to validate this bit of conventional wisdom? Have you explored [...]
The following statements are true: - You are blessed with the immeasurably awesome gift of life - You have a finite number of days remaining before losing this gift. Which statement motivates you more - in a Carpe Diem sort of way? Intellectually, I know that gift of life is the miracle to celebrate. Gratitude [...]
Little Johnny's report card: Math: A, Science: A, Reading: C, Writing: B Which of these subjects do you place the greatest emphasis? Studies show that parents with a pulse will emphasis the need to improve Johnny's writing skills. Is this right? With additional encouragement and opportunity in math/science, Johnny might be the one to cure [...]
You possess an unlimited number of talents, but before these talents will emerge from the shadows, you must first "get the suck out." The amount of "suck" that precedes success is finite. Expedite its expulsion and expedite your success; which is a nice way of saying, "the quicker you suck, the quicker you won't [...]
I don't like the show "Undercover Boss." I am not impressed that CEOs learn about their frontline employees because a gimmicky reality show pays them to do so. However, the show (rather, than advertisement for the show) rattled loose a question: How would life at work be different if every knew that the CEO was [...]
What is this? Why do we do that? I don't understand, can you answer more simply? Who in your organization is most likely to ask these types of questions? The rookie or the pro? Both! But, unfortunately, less likely from a veteran in between. Asking questions (of your peers, your boss, your direct reports, your [...]
Are time and information the allies of smart decisions or enemies? It depends. Balancing time and information requires keen judgment which, when successful, is a thing of beauty. That's right it is beautiful. The best decision makers are artists. The longer you wait to make a decision, the more information you will have but . [...]
Let's debunk the most prominent motivational metaphor . . . "Success exists outside of your comfort zone" Nope! Success ONLY exists in your comfort zone. Success outside of a comfort zone is called luck. The mental construct of a singular "comfort zone" is incorrect, confining, and degrading. You don't have ONE comfort zone, you have [...]
An automobile has a "blind spot." (Seen Note 1) We know this. Therefore, we check our blind spot before changing lanes as an added precaution. We are aware of the danger, so we pause for a small but important safety check. Creating a safety net . . . just in case. We each have our [...]
When we were toddlers everything was new and exciting. Luckily (and tragically) we have since learned life's patterns and therefore live in a relatively predictable word - the sun will rise and they screw you at the drive-thru. Therefore, I am fascinated by how often we are completely unprepared for life's most predictable events. We [...]
