Polite Excuses
“Deciding that someone else’s face should be saved is an act of mistrust of the other person’s capacities.”
– Chris Argyris
anxiety
“Your estimates are wrong.”
“Management told us ‘Your estimates are wrong. Estimate better so it’s done by Christmas.’” That was at the heart of a recent conversation with a colleague. Now, they have a team that’s angry, demotivated, and unlikely to do anything beyond bare compliance. If that. Why? Context and Anxiety It’s clear that management had context that … Read more
Squeezed
What comes out of an orange when you squeeze it?
What comes out of you when you’re squeezed?
Patience
How many times have you wished you were more patient? Or regretted acting in reaction to something, not response? First, congratulations on being human. You, like everyone, live in a world that rewards and reinforces speed and rapid action – provided it’s the “right” action. It can be amazing to see someone make a momentous … Read more
Should I Stay or Should I Go
Ever think about leaving the place you’ve been working? End up singing The Clash in your head? “Should I stay or should I go now?” Sometimes you’ve left. Others, you’ve stayed. It can be hard to know what you want to do. There are benefits to knowing all the people, the products, the company. And … Read more
Correcting Lenses
your correcting lenses invalidate others, and make them “incorrect.” That’s a terrible place to put another human being.
Stop Coping!
First, let me say that all of the content, concepts, and practices only work when self-applied. I will not and cannot “make you” stop coping. As they say, only you can do the push-ups. You make the choice to cope or not, over and over, every time there’s an upset, problem, or issue in your … Read more