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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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Thought Tweet #910

by Rick Baker
On Jan 10, 2014

Thought Tweet #910 I now know constructive criticism is an oxymoron. So how do you recommend we go about doing performance reviews?

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Do you derive pleasure out of criticizing others? If so, don't read on...

So, you do not derive pleasure out of criticizing others. So, why do you continue to do it? It is never constructive. If you don't believe this ask your boss or your spouse or one of your friends to surprise you when you least expect it with some criticism. When they lay the surprise criticism on you observe how you react...your emotions/feelings/actions. 

If that doesn't work ask your boss or your partners to give you some criticism at your next performance review.

Thought Tweet #909

by Rick Baker
On Jan 9, 2014

Thought Tweet #909 An interview or performance review question: How do you go about expanding your ability to influence people?

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

The Gallup folks have defined 4 Talent Domains for leadership: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, & Strategic Thinking.

When we look at local leaders' Talent Themes we notice a lack of Influencing Talent Themes. A lack of Influencing talent & strength is widespread throughout businesses in our geography.

Understanding that, we need to help leaders improve their ability to Influence others.

A good starting point is understanding whether or not they understand the importance of Influence...and are taking steps to improve in the area of Influencing.

A good next step is providing Influencing-help in the form of specialized knowledge, situations/opportunities, and time to practice skills.

Thought Tweet #908

by Rick Baker
On Jan 8, 2014

Thought Tweet #908 Anyone can become a constructive leader. The right first step is making a small change for the better.

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

People who want to be leaders improve the likelihood of that happening when they realize change begins with self. 

Sure, [at least from time to time] we all wish other people would change.

Yet, we know wishing won't get it done.

So, rather than limit it to wishing we do things aimed at causing other people to change.

That rarely works because, human nature being as it is, people do not change until they see change.

So, don't expect the change - be it.

Tags:

Change: Creating Positive Change | Thought Tweets

We grow when we...

by Rick Baker
On Jan 8, 2014

We know Situations hold power over People.

As a general rule, it is more accurate to say Situations hold power over People than to say People hold power over Situations. It's a social psychology thing...mob behaviour, laughing at the boss' jokes, 'trapped' in bad relationships, etc.

At the very least, it is prudent to give The Power of Situations attention and respect. Those who ignore The Power of Situations, either intentionally or unintentionally, indeed lead difficult lives and face never-ending strings of challenging interactions with other people.

Considering this, how do we grow?

I mean, how do we grow our character we bring to our businesses or how do we grow the value we bring to our business tables?

It seems to me...

  1. We grow when we use Good Habits in new Situations. 
  2. We grow when we try New Things in new Situations.
  3. We grow when we do New Things in old/familiar Situations.

These 3 things are how we grow.


PS: We 'hold our ground' when we do Good Habits in old/familiar Situations.

Thought Tweet #907

by Rick Baker
On Jan 7, 2014

Thought Tweet #907 Your boss has weaknesses; so you have opportunities.

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Many people complain about the boss. That's the norm.

Few people realize the boss' weaknesses are prime routes to opportunities. That's unfortunate.

Seeking Simple & The Power of 3

by Rick Baker
On Jan 6, 2014

Seeking Simple is a good habit.

This applies on many fronts, as examples:

  • seeking simple ways to communicate with people, 
  • seeking simple ways to build things, & 
  • seeking simple ways to solve problems.
Some things we do are simple, some are complicated, & some are complex.
 
All else being equal:
  • Simple things take the least amount of time and energy to complete,
  • Complicated things take more time and energy to complete, & 
  • Complex things take the most time and energy to complete.
Each of us has a limited amount of energy. 
 
So, it makes sense, at least from time to time and more often when possible, to simplify things.
 
Here are two examples:
 
Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations.
 
People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things.
 
When we use simple guidelines like these we focus on what's most important in business...People, Processes, Habits, and the effect Situations have on behaviour. Certainly, we could make business and people much more complicated. However, that would add little value to improve our businesses or improve our interpersonal relationships.
 
When we want to make improvements in business and interpersonal relationships it is best to Seek Simple first. More often than not that's where the best solutions will be found.
 
If we seek simple solutions first, we find them.
 
If we don't seek simple solutions first, we don't find them.
 
 
PS: About New Things...it is interesting to note how rarely people do New Things. People truly are creatures of Habit. If we want to understand People, we must understand the special power habits hold over human behaviour. 
 

Copyright © 2012. W.F.C (Rick) Baker. All Rights Reserved.