Are you busy or productive?

Shane Parrish is a former cybersecurity expert who now coaches top executives on methods for improving the clarify of their thinking and the quality of their decisions. He writes about it on his web site, Farnum Street. The “Tiny Thought” in a recent post challenged his readers to “ask yourself the difficult question of whether … Read more

Influencing Others

In order to get the results expected by our organizations, we often have to collaborate with people and groups outside our direct line of authority. In these situations, being successful can depend on our ability to influence others. Here are two short articles on the techniques of influence. How Influence Works – Terry Bacon, the … Read more

20 Areas of Improvement Examples

Whether you’re thinking about your own professional development or that of your direct reports, having some “thought starters” can help you think more constructively about where performance could be improved. Here’s a list of 20 areas for improvement. In each area there are questions to aid your evaluation. 20 areas of improvement examples managers should … Read more

Laughter May Be Effective Medicine for These Trying Times

In this New York Times article, we learn that one doctor prescribes “one good belly laugh a day” for his patients. Several studies show the beneficial effects of laughter for reducing stress, increasing endorphins and improving cognitive functions. (I wonder if I can deduct my Netflix subscription as a medical expense?) Laughter May Be Effective … Read more

Managing Remote Teams

Here is a short list of resources on creating and managing remote teams. I compiled this list during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of them may be a bit dated now.

The Benefits of Reviewing Your Own Performance

If you, or a member of your team, struggle with the annual self-evaluation, take a few minutes to read this article. The author advocates writing short reviews every week, every month and then annually as a way to improve personal performance. The Benefits of Writing Your Own Weekly, Monthly and Annual Reviews

Problem Solving and Pop Tarts

Are you having problems making decisions within your team? Then spend 25 minutes and listen to “Problem Solving and Pop Tarts”. This is episode #46 of the “At The Table” podcast with Patrick Lencioni, the author of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” and other books on organizational improvement. In this episode, he talks with … Read more

10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation

This is a TED Talk by Celeste Headlee, an award-winning journalist and author. This talk has been viewed more than 25 million times. She mixes straightforward advice and humor to make a point. As we consider how to develop better relationships at work or at home, Celeste’s advice is worth listening to. 10 Ways to … Read more

A Founder’s Guide to Writing Well

This article by Dave Girouard, the CEO of Upstart, an online lending platform, and former President of Google Apps, is one I wish I had written. Much like William Zinsser, he advocates using simple language, eliminating unnecessary words, and other simple rules to make your writing more effective. A Founder’s Guide to Writing Well

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