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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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The consultant's dilemma

by Rick Baker
On Aug 15, 2014

I need to figure out if anybody can help you before I determine if I can help you. Some people don't want my help. Some people don't want anybody's help.

I'm interested in helping you make serious improvements at your work. I'm talking about helping you build the things you want to build and influence the people you want to influence.

On the other hand, maybe you're comfortable and content with your current state? If that is the case then you will not want my help. 

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Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Recipe for Complication: mix up a few simple things, set basic courtesy aside, and watch people get heated up.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 15, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

When we do simple things right we pave smoother paths. When we are courteous or at least civil with others we pave smoother paths. When we do not do these things we should expect a rough road ahead.

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Seeking Simple! | Thought Tweets

Why are some people so inclined to be morale busters at work? And - How might we help them get over it?

by Rick Baker
On Aug 15, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

I want to create a Top 10 list of ways to help morale-busting people get over whatever it is that causes them to want to spread negativity at work. I am not talking about people who express concerns openly, in front of those who they blame for this or that. I am talking about people who do their complaining behind the backs of the people about whom they complain.

I'd like to create a list of the Top 10 Remedies for Behind-the-Back Complaints.

Any help you can provide will be appreciated...

Here's one - Ask people to accept an environment where others can, without risk, openly express concerns about one another directly to one another. And, if that doesn't work the concern must be escalated to the boss or the 'team'.

Thick-skinned people can handle both sides of that approach.

Do you agree?

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Thick Skin & Thin Skull | Thought Tweets

Seeking Simple: When things are (1) easy to understand, (2) easy to weigh against alternatives, (3) easy to implement.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 15, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Apply Seeking Simple to Client interactions, Co-worker interactions, Supplier interactions, Business Ally interactions...etc.

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Seeking Simple! | Thought Tweets

When we are able to describe things in 1 or 2 words we possess a tool of genius!

by Rick Baker
On Aug 15, 2014

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet

Most people need to make their communications more concise. They can learn how to do that by studying creative thinking.

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Seeking Simple! | Thought Tweets

Objective, well-intentioned, well-delivered criticism will still gnaw, rip, and tear thin skin.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 15, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Criticism will always gnaw, rip, and tear at thin skin. That is a given. The only question is: how will the thin-skinned person react as the thin skin rips and tears? The natural reactions are fight & flight...aggression & avoidance. 

And, of importance – will ‘motivation’ get dragged into the bloody discussion after the ripping and tearing of thin skin? Sometimes it will. More often the thought will be there, but it will be unspoken. And, as they say, “It's the thought that counts.” I have strong views on ‘motivation’, and my strong views contain intolerance of those who blame others for the failures or the lack of motivation. Bosses have a tough enough job without having to bear the burden of every subordinate’s ‘motivation’.

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Thick Skin & Thin Skull | Thought Tweets

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