“Nothing is set in stone” is an empowering adage for leading change. We have choices for how we achieve our personal and organizational goals. That’s where strategy comes in: you decide what mindsets and behaviours will achieve the changes you want to make. These examples may help you think and act in ways that will translate intention to impact.
– Phil, Mel and Tim
We don’t all have
crystal balls to see
into the future
Many people today write with certainty, positioning themselves as experts on what the future holds for AI. However, as this article illustrates, while the future remains uncertain and ever-evolving, it doesn’t mean it’s predetermined. Change can bring about unexpected opportunities if we remain open to them.
Don’t tell anyone, but one of my primary objectives in most corporate videos I craft is to “make ‘em cry.” If I can elicit an emotional response, I’ve done my job, because emotional responses mean people are paying attention and maybe even care, and when people care, they’ll go to the wall for you. I’m not saying I’m anywhere near the late great Hitchcock, but it’s nice to be in good company. His point, and mine: have one goal and make sure everything you do lines up with it. Who knows, it might even make you cry. Or scream.
The remote, hybrid or in-office work debate doesn’t seem to be going away soon, with Amazon mandating the latter this month. A main philosophical difference is between mandated rigidity and authorized flexibility—which one achieves maximum performance? Most current research supports the latter, as do I. Whatever your preference, it speaks volumes about the workplace culture you wish to create.
Actor Jodie Foster sums up what it’s like to work – in Hollywood and, let’s face it, everywhere – from gogogo to stop. Here’s hoping we can all move past competing with our former selves and simply participate in the work, sooner. Viva contentment!
Collaboration is a core capability or value of most organizations. Who would disagree that working together to achieve common goals is in the best interest of all?
Behaviours determine a team’s ability to positively interact and benefit from everyone’s contributions. Seth Godin suggests behaviour-based “Practical Approaches for More Effective Teams.” As a leader, you get to go first and set expectations.
Corporate buyers often push purchasing decisions down the road, many times ghosting those who have presented to them. Robert Cialdini’s book Influence continues to be a must read in understanding human behaviour. By outlining six key principles—scarcity, authority, social proof, liking, reciprocation, and commitment—Cialdini reveals how persuasion techniques have only grown more powerful in our digital age.