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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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Thought Tweet #912

by Rick Baker
On Jan 14, 2014

Thought Tweet #912 The thicker the explanation, the less absorbent the message. It's like a paper-towel paradox.

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

If it don't make sense and the explanations that follow make even less sense...methinks the person doth protest too much.

When you mess up a communication - stop, think, accept the burden of error, and speak concisely, with clarity.

Tags:

Communication: Improving Communication | Humour | Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #911

by Rick Baker
On Jan 13, 2014

Thought Tweet #911 As your creativity increases your ability to receive good advice decreases.

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Creativity is one of the most threatening commodities. As a rule, when people observe it happening around them they feel threatened. This causes them to construct opinions and express them. When you show people your creativity the amount of advice you receive is sure to increase...

But A BIG OUCH on the quality of that advice should you choose to heed it.

Tags:

Thought Tweets

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

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.

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