Tip on Strategy .
Try This Exercise to Think Like Your Company's Competitors !
" Sometimes a company’s strengths can quickly turn into weaknesses.
For example, a small and seemingly unimportant rival might figure out how to use your firm’s size against you !
Here’s an exercise to help you look for threats and opportunities where you hadn’t realized they exist.
First, divide your employees into two teams.
Ask Team A to list your company’s strengths and Team B to list its weaknesses.
Then have the teams swap lists.
Ask Team B to argue that the strengths are actually threats to the organization’s future, and Team A to argue that the weaknesses are opportunities.
Next, do an external analysis: Ask Team A to list the strengths it sees in your competition, and Team B the weaknesses.
Again, have the teams swap lists and make the counterarguments.
The goal of this exercise is to open your, and your employees’, eyes to new possibilities — and guard against sudden changes that could mean trouble for your company !
This tip is adapted from “Are Your Company’s Strengths Really Weaknesses?,” by Adam Brandenburger
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Project Priorities
Tip 23 Sept 2019 Mon
Ask 3 Questions Before Taking on a New Project
" Being proactive at work is generally a good thing. But if your initiative isn’t channeled in the right way, it can backfire — squandering resources and even damaging your reputation. That’s why it’s important to think carefully before taking on a project. Ask yourself three questions to help.
First, “Am I the right person to lead this?” Consider whether you have the personal interest and professional expertise needed, as well as whether you can commit enough time and resources. Remember, not every problem is yours to solve. Second, “Whose support will I need?”
Consider who will be affected by the project and who you’ll need on board for it to succeed. Make sure you’ll be able to get the blessing of key stakeholders. Last, “Do I understand how important this project is, or isn’t, to the company?” If an idea doesn’t align with your goals or the organization’s mission, pursuing it is likely to be a waste of time.
This tip is adapted from “When to Take Initiative at Work, and When Not To,” by Sharon K. Parker and Ying (Lena) Wang
Ask 3 Questions Before Taking on a New Project
" Being proactive at work is generally a good thing. But if your initiative isn’t channeled in the right way, it can backfire — squandering resources and even damaging your reputation. That’s why it’s important to think carefully before taking on a project. Ask yourself three questions to help.
First, “Am I the right person to lead this?” Consider whether you have the personal interest and professional expertise needed, as well as whether you can commit enough time and resources. Remember, not every problem is yours to solve. Second, “Whose support will I need?”
Consider who will be affected by the project and who you’ll need on board for it to succeed. Make sure you’ll be able to get the blessing of key stakeholders. Last, “Do I understand how important this project is, or isn’t, to the company?” If an idea doesn’t align with your goals or the organization’s mission, pursuing it is likely to be a waste of time.
This tip is adapted from “When to Take Initiative at Work, and When Not To,” by Sharon K. Parker and Ying (Lena) Wang
Monday, November 25, 2019
A " Learning Tip " for Trainers, L&D Pros !
A " Learning Tip " for Trainers, L&D Pros !
When You’re Learning, You Should Feel Uncomfortable !
" Being a beginner at something can feel awkward and embarrassing, especially if you’re used to being an expert.
But those feelings are the inescapable " growth pains" that come from developing and improving.
To get used to the discomfort, know that it’s BRAVE to be a beginner.
Exposing your weaknesses and trying new things takes courage.
You can make the challenge a bit easier by looking for learning situations where the STAKE are LOW — maybe a class where you’re not expected to be an expert or you don’t know anyone else.
If it helps, tell fellow participants that you may mess up whatever you’re about to attempt.
Your willingness to take risks may inspire others to do the same !
And whatever you do, don’t stop learning. Keep pushing yourself, especially in the areas where you are accomplished, so you can get even better. If you are WILLING to feel embarrassment and shame, and even to FAIL, there’s no end to what you can do ; you can improve by leaps & bound !
This tip is adapted from “Learning Is Supposed to Feel Uncomfortable,” by Peter Bregman
Courtesy : Harvard Business Review
When You’re Learning, You Should Feel Uncomfortable !
" Being a beginner at something can feel awkward and embarrassing, especially if you’re used to being an expert.
But those feelings are the inescapable " growth pains" that come from developing and improving.
To get used to the discomfort, know that it’s BRAVE to be a beginner.
Exposing your weaknesses and trying new things takes courage.
You can make the challenge a bit easier by looking for learning situations where the STAKE are LOW — maybe a class where you’re not expected to be an expert or you don’t know anyone else.
If it helps, tell fellow participants that you may mess up whatever you’re about to attempt.
Your willingness to take risks may inspire others to do the same !
And whatever you do, don’t stop learning. Keep pushing yourself, especially in the areas where you are accomplished, so you can get even better. If you are WILLING to feel embarrassment and shame, and even to FAIL, there’s no end to what you can do ; you can improve by leaps & bound !
This tip is adapted from “Learning Is Supposed to Feel Uncomfortable,” by Peter Bregman
Courtesy : Harvard Business Review
Ask Your Employees to Give You Feedback
20 Sept 2019 Fri
Ask Your Employees to Give You Feedback
" Managers, your employees usually know where you need to improve. That’s valuable information for you to have as you keep growing and advancing — but are you encouraging your team to share it?
Make it SAFE for employees to give you feedback.
At team meetings, for example, you could take a moment to report on your recent work and ask people to rate your efforts. They may hesitate at first, but they’ll get more comfortable with it OVER TIME ! You can also ask a candid direct report to be your coach.
Meet regularly to request feedback, and be public about the commitment to show your sincerity.
Whatever method you use, give examples of when you’ve gotten tough feedback in the past, to show it’s OK for employees to give it now.
You might say, “I’ve heard from Madan that I am often inaccessible because I spend a lot of time out of the office. I’m working on a plan to fix that. What else can I do to improve?”
This tip is adapted from “How Leaders Can Ask for the Feedback No One Wants to Give Them,” by Joseph Grenny and Brittney Maxfield
Ask Your Employees to Give You Feedback
" Managers, your employees usually know where you need to improve. That’s valuable information for you to have as you keep growing and advancing — but are you encouraging your team to share it?
Make it SAFE for employees to give you feedback.
At team meetings, for example, you could take a moment to report on your recent work and ask people to rate your efforts. They may hesitate at first, but they’ll get more comfortable with it OVER TIME ! You can also ask a candid direct report to be your coach.
Meet regularly to request feedback, and be public about the commitment to show your sincerity.
Whatever method you use, give examples of when you’ve gotten tough feedback in the past, to show it’s OK for employees to give it now.
You might say, “I’ve heard from Madan that I am often inaccessible because I spend a lot of time out of the office. I’m working on a plan to fix that. What else can I do to improve?”
This tip is adapted from “How Leaders Can Ask for the Feedback No One Wants to Give Them,” by Joseph Grenny and Brittney Maxfield
How to Answer One of the Hardest Job Interview Questions
How to Answer One of the Hardest Job Interview Questions
“So…tell me about yourself.” Although this job interview question seems simple, answering it is anything but.
Should you share your life story? Your job history? It’s tempting to turn your LinkedIn page into a monologue, but don’t — the interviewer already has your résumé. Instead, talk about what the company really needs from the role you’re vying for.
Before the interview, scrutinize the job description for phrases like “required,” “must have,” and “highly desired.”
Go to the About Us section of the company’s website and read up on the corporate culture and core values. Then think about how to connect your background and interests to what the company is looking for.
Practice your response so that you’re ready when you walk into the interview room. You want to sound like your career has been building to this role and you are the best person to fill it.
This tip is adapted from “How to Respond to ‘So, Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview,” by Joel Schwartzberg
“So…tell me about yourself.” Although this job interview question seems simple, answering it is anything but.
Should you share your life story? Your job history? It’s tempting to turn your LinkedIn page into a monologue, but don’t — the interviewer already has your résumé. Instead, talk about what the company really needs from the role you’re vying for.
Before the interview, scrutinize the job description for phrases like “required,” “must have,” and “highly desired.”
Go to the About Us section of the company’s website and read up on the corporate culture and core values. Then think about how to connect your background and interests to what the company is looking for.
Practice your response so that you’re ready when you walk into the interview room. You want to sound like your career has been building to this role and you are the best person to fill it.
This tip is adapted from “How to Respond to ‘So, Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview,” by Joel Schwartzberg
Friday, November 1, 2019
Presentation Tip when you are using NUMBERS !
01 Oct 2019
Presentation Tip when you are using NUMBERS !
Help People Understand Your Data by Making It Relatable !
People can’t use data to make decisions if they don’t understand what the numbers mean !
To help colleagues wrap their heads around a data point — how big or tiny it is, how important it should seem — compare it with something concrete and relatable.
When you’re talking about lengths of TIME , frame your data in terms of flights between cities, or train journeys or road trips , or TV episodes — whatever your audience will know !
( By the time you travel between Jaipur and Delhi by road, my coding will be over ! )
When you’re talking about SIZE , use places and things that are familiar to listeners.
For instance, if you were trying to show a Kolkota audience what 1 million users ( 10 Lakhs people ) really looks like, you might mention Eden Garden cricket stadium , which has 1 lakh seats: “Our users would fill the Eden Gardens stadium almost 10 times.”
Articulating figures this way can keep the narrative from getting lost in the numbers.
Presentation Tip when you are using NUMBERS !
Help People Understand Your Data by Making It Relatable !
People can’t use data to make decisions if they don’t understand what the numbers mean !
To help colleagues wrap their heads around a data point — how big or tiny it is, how important it should seem — compare it with something concrete and relatable.
When you’re talking about lengths of TIME , frame your data in terms of flights between cities, or train journeys or road trips , or TV episodes — whatever your audience will know !
( By the time you travel between Jaipur and Delhi by road, my coding will be over ! )
When you’re talking about SIZE , use places and things that are familiar to listeners.
For instance, if you were trying to show a Kolkota audience what 1 million users ( 10 Lakhs people ) really looks like, you might mention Eden Garden cricket stadium , which has 1 lakh seats: “Our users would fill the Eden Gardens stadium almost 10 times.”
Articulating figures this way can keep the narrative from getting lost in the numbers.
Time Management Tip for busy Managers & Executives
01 Nov 2019 Fri
Time Management Tip for busy Managers & Executives
If You’re Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed, Try This !!
Between work, family, and our personal lives, it’s no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. If your to-do list never seems to get shorter, step back and try a new approach. For example, consider whether certain tasks are stressing you out more than others. If so, focus on those first: Finish a big project as soon as possible, or break down a complicated goal into more manageable steps. You should also consider whether perfectionist tendencies are getting in your way. For each task, think about what “good enough” looks like, and be honest about whether spending more time on something will meaningfully improve it. (If not, take a breath and move on.) Finally, ask yourself which to-dos are truly a good use of your time — and then delegate those that aren’t. Could you send an employee to a meeting you don’t need to be at, or outsource meal preparation at home if you don’t like cooking? Thinking about how you’re using your time can help you use it more wisely.
This tip is adapted from “How to Deal with Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed,” by Rebecca Zucker
Time Management Tip for busy Managers & Executives
If You’re Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed, Try This !!
Between work, family, and our personal lives, it’s no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. If your to-do list never seems to get shorter, step back and try a new approach. For example, consider whether certain tasks are stressing you out more than others. If so, focus on those first: Finish a big project as soon as possible, or break down a complicated goal into more manageable steps. You should also consider whether perfectionist tendencies are getting in your way. For each task, think about what “good enough” looks like, and be honest about whether spending more time on something will meaningfully improve it. (If not, take a breath and move on.) Finally, ask yourself which to-dos are truly a good use of your time — and then delegate those that aren’t. Could you send an employee to a meeting you don’t need to be at, or outsource meal preparation at home if you don’t like cooking? Thinking about how you’re using your time can help you use it more wisely.
This tip is adapted from “How to Deal with Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed,” by Rebecca Zucker
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