Category: Essentials
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You’d Better Whys Up!
You’ve probably heard of the 5 Whys Method. It’s the exercise that has you ask 5 “Why” questions to help you get to the root cause of a problem. We typically use this method of questioning for troubleshooting issues, quality improvement, or process analysis. It goes something like this: Now, looking at purchasing an integrated…
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Unlock the Elusive Pot of Gold
As leaders, we all know we have to set goals to get where we want to go. Even if we don’t know where that is yet, we need to create a vision of where we want to be and how we are going to get there. And if you’ve been keeping up with the leadership…
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Feedback is for Narcissists
You’re finishing up a presentation and you feel like you could have done better. Sure, things went pretty well. You didn’t pass out or throw up at the front of the room, but you know it wasn’t your best work. So afterwards, you ask a couple of colleagues for some feedback. Of course, they regale…
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The Layers of Connecting
You’re at a conference. (Ok, let’s pretend you’re at a conference because no one is doing these right now.) So anyway, you’re at a conference and you meet someone you really enjoy talking with and you want to be cordial and supportive. You know that connecting people and showing value is a great way to…
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The Words We Use Say a Lot
You’ve asked one of your direct reports to see you in your office. It’s about a recent mistake they’ve made and you want to provide some feedback and maybe a little coaching. They enter the room sheepishly and slump down in the chair opposite your desk. You don’t want to beat around the bush, so…