Bob Sutton has been a considerable influence on me on how I think about scaling. Recently he taught me about three intertwined scaling challenges.
(more…)Intertwined Challenges of Scaling
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Insight on Validation
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This week I had the most fascinating experience while on vacation with my family.
First a bit of context. I’m in the middle of a LinkedIn experiment where I’m attempting to post 100 times in 100 days. May 25th marked my halfway point. It is not easy, and I have slipped into asking myself questions that are not particularly useful mid-experiment.
These questions sound like
(more…)Strategy Without the Jargon
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You finished the third quarter goals and started working on your org strategy with your leadership team. This strategy will help you make progress and achieve your goals for the next fiscal year.
Last year you and the team collectively spent 20+ hours creating the strategy and getting each and every word of your mission statement and vision just right. The year did not go as planned. Not all the team members were aligned, the strategy was clear to some and not clear to others and worst of all, your team took on more projects than it could let go. This year things will be different.
(more…)Empowering Others
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Microsoft’s mission is stated the following way:
Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
This mission statement is energizing to me because it aligns well with my values. I want to empower others to be the absolute best they can be. Empowerment is not easy. It requires intentional action and space to allow individuals to take action themselves and to learn and grow.
(more…)Being a Clumsy Student
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Since as early as I can remember, I have had an interest in making a special birthday cake for each of my children when their birthday comes around. When it comes to making birthday cakes, I am no cake boss, but I do enjoy creating something that makes them smile and is also delicious. Building and decorating cakes is outside my wheelhouse so I look to Pinterest and YouTube to teach me how to bring to life these birthday cakes for my children. Most times I don’t have any idea what I’m doing so I ask lots of questions and I don’t feel dumb for asking questions because I really don’t know what I’m doing.
(more…)Joseph
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As I have studied leadership, I have become increasingly convinced of the importance of living values that you hold close.
Those that have integrity in living their values immediately gain my respect. When an individual lives values that I strive to live by myself, this individual now has the potential to influence me.
(more…)Being in Integrity
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One of my favorite podcasts is Ryan Hawk’s The Learning Leader Show. He interviews interesting people and leaders across all backgrounds. In every episode he asks the following question.
(more…)Progress Requires Asking Questions
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A quick thought today – a pattern I have seen from observing my role models and mentors. Nothing worth learning and discovering has come without their first being a question.
Progress requires asking questions.
How are you at asking questions?
If you have tips for staying hungry, curious, and having a questioning mindset please share them with me and I can update this post.
