Can “mess” generate creativity? The TED Talk by Tim Harford, titled “How messy problems can inspire creativity” suggests exactly that. It was an interesting idea to me. Tim suggests that adding a dash of mess or randomness inspires creativity in what people do. He gave the example of composer Brian Eno whose role was to… Continue reading Chaos, Cosplay and Creativity
Category: Leadership
Are You Changing Your Communication During COVID?
Might sound like an odd thing to think about. And I am not just talking about working from home.My daughter left me this note "Don't Touch" with respect to her late night art project on the dining room table. My first reaction in the morning was "how could she use the kitchen table?" She has… Continue reading Are You Changing Your Communication During COVID?
What I Learned in Transforming a Design Thinking Workshop to Virtual
Flight cancelled. Coronavirus spreading. I love facilitating Design Thinking workshops but found myself grounded and a team left disappointed. Happy to hear the precautions IBM had taken but struggling with how I could still help this team remotely. Working in a transformational role, I catch myself when the word “can’t” surfaces in my mind. To… Continue reading What I Learned in Transforming a Design Thinking Workshop to Virtual
Maybe I Just Need to Ask?
I have a confession. I had lost a little steam with writing. Not sure why. Maybe because the book didn't fly off shelves like I thought it might. Maybe because I even had a hard time getting reviews on Amazon. Or maybe because life is just so plain busy. And even more now with… Continue reading Maybe I Just Need to Ask?
Always Be Serving!
I know. I know. Don't you really mean "always be selling"? Yeah. That's the phrase. But something strikes you wrong when you hear the words: "sell, sell, sell". The image of a used car salesman pops in your head. High pressure sales. That's why it was so refreshing to hear Phil Gerbyshak discuss "Selling with… Continue reading Always Be Serving!
How Mindfulness Leads to Meaningful Change
"Valley of Despair." That's what I called it in my book ("Inspiring Bold"). I first learned about the change curve when facilitating Lean events. A Lean event would bring together a team of 10-12 employees that would focus on break through change. The change curve used to describe the mood of the team as they worked… Continue reading How Mindfulness Leads to Meaningful Change
Design Thinking Makes It Safe for Employees
There is so much focus today on employees. What do they want? How do we help them be healthy? How do we connect them with the company mission? How do we give them purpose, such that they bring their best self to the job? Countless articles like " Show Me The Money. The ROI of… Continue reading Design Thinking Makes It Safe for Employees
“Why write?”
There is always so much to do. Every once in awhile someone asks me, "why bother writing? A lot of work and you don't have huge following? " or " It's an interview no one really reads. Why do it?" I don't know. Sometimes I write because I am thinking like a child. Just… Continue reading “Why write?”
Don’t Crack Up!
"Don't crack up. Bend your brain. See both sides. Throw off your mental chains!" Everyone has those points in life where it's hard. That voice in the back of your head that casts doubt especially when working through challenges in your life. The feeling that you are not where you should be or that you… Continue reading Don’t Crack Up!
Would You Send the Steak Back?
I have been reflecting on various buying experiences with a common theme. When service is not quite right, I don't mention it. Even if asked directly, I sometimes gloss over the "bad" experience. It struck me when I was getting my oil changed at our regular car dealer. It seemed like a typical experience. The… Continue reading Would You Send the Steak Back?
