Givers Finish Last … And First
Leadership
Are you a giver or a taker? Or perhaps a matcher who operates on the principle of reciprocity? Most of us might respond, “it depends.” In relational settings like family and community we would like to be the thought of as a giver. Though upon careful reflection and some honest feedback we might discover even among loved ones we are, at best, a matcher. But perhaps in the more competitive areas of our life, like work, we would be more comfortable being labeled a matcher or even a taker. In those competitive environments we probably feel that being a giver…
Read more.The Necessity of Co-Creation
Organizational Transformation
Every few years “the solution” arrives. The true believers enthusiastically evangelize their networks while the skeptics announce, “there is nothing new here.” The truth often lies somewhere in the middle. Given that leadership and management practices have been illustrated and discussed from the beginning of human interaction, it would be surprising to discover an overlooked significant truth. The more likely explanation is that the current context and challenges have created the right environment for a particular idea to be fruitful at this time. Victor Hugo captured it well: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.”
Two approaches…
Read more.The Moments of Your Life
Leadership
There are random events, conversations, and songs that trigger nostalgic feelings. At those times we tend to remember impressions or moments from the past much more than a clearly defined timeline of everything that happened. Even though the memories are incomplete and probably not wholly accurate, they are emotionally powerful. In the Heath brother’s latest book, The Power of Moments, they explore why certain moments not only stay with us but shape us as well.
We tend to remember the best or worst moments of an experience (the peak) and the ending (peak-end). When people recall…Read more.
Getting the Story Right
Organizational Transformation
The film industry loves the sequel. The artistic argument revolves around a chance to more fully develop characters, explore new plot lines, and tell an even better story. However, the track record for most sequels falls under the category of underachievement. Given that reality, it is also illuminating to consider the economic argument. An established fan base, previous success, and a workable formula for production and marketing greatly reduce the economic risk. Despite being an industry driven by creativity, risk mitigation plays a big role in the decision making. So, how do film companies find the balance between enabling…
Read more.The Invisible Hand of Leadership
Leadership
“Setting oneself on a predetermined course in unknown waters is the perfect way to sail straight into an iceberg.” Henry Mintzberg
Adam Smith, often cited as the father of modern capitalism, introduced the idea of an economic “invisible hand” that helps demand and supply in a free market to reach equilibrium. Smith argued that market forces naturally do the necessary work to keep economies in balance. One of the great debates among economists is how much economic intervention is healthy and necessary. At what point do government policies bolster and at what point…
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