Our daily Field Notes email is just the kind of jumpstart you need. A fast read. Maybe less than a minute. Because sometimes it just takes one insight to change the trajectory of the day.
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Identifying the Talent You Can’t See
There are always people doing great things out of view. Team members who work in other parts of the organization or who are junior or do specialized tasks unconnected to you are common. Too often, these colleagues do impressive work and sustain a record of excellence but fall below your radar. Yet, one of the…
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Challenging People to Think
Challenging People to Think. Good leaders get people thinking differently. They challenge others to stretch their views beyond what is comfortable and commonplace. People naturally gravitate toward confirming their existing beliefs and opinions, and they seek out others to validate their views.
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The Highest Compliment a Leader Can Receive
The Highest Compliment a Leader Can Receive. Like everyone else, leaders like to be complimented for the good results they produce and the manner in which they get there, both individually and through their team. Giving leaders praise for achieving extraordinary outcomes feels like a crowning achievement to most. When good results become a consistent…
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Identifying Mediocre People in the Recruiting Process
Identifying Mediocre People in the Recruiting Process. Designing a talent selection process where the team’s best performers get a crack at assessing those they will work with pays big dividends in the hunt for exceptional talent. The most ambitious, driven, and skillful team members will repel a mediocre candidate by just engaging in honest conversation.…
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Why the Word Partner Carries So Much Weight
In a world of seemingly endless titles and personal monikers, Partner still means something distinct and honorable to most. Smart leaders know better than to give the title and not also the rights imbued with it. They reserve the label only for those worthy of it. But it isn’t always the title that matters. Those…
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Developing Skills Through Job Rotation
Developing Skills Through Job Rotation. The best organizations and leaders understand the importance of moving the most talented team members into new and challenging roles. This means convincing some colleagues not to hoard and protect talent because of their fear of losing their go-to team members. Once an entire organization embraces the power of job…
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When Excluded, Ask the Question
There is nothing wrong with a strong, emotional reaction to being excluded. The problem arises when we presume there is a secret message in the choice. There rarely is. Knowing always solves the problem and sets the record straight. Make it a habit to ask, “Why was I not included?” The answer is likely to…
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Setting Aside Resources for Small Bets
Once everyone in the organization knows resources exist for a bright, new idea, more appear. Funny how that works. Whatever leaders fund, they get more of. Setting aside the resources needed to take small risks and make small bets on new ideas is what good leaders do.
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Practice Mental Toughness Every Day
The best athletes and leaders need to be mentally tough to perform at elite levels. Without mental toughness, it is hard to overcome obstacles and achieve important goals. But what is it, exactly? Mental toughness is one of those qualities everyone understands until they have to define it. Some believe it to be a personality trait.…
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Knowing the Details of Those You Lead
Great leaders who truly care always know more about those they lead than others expect. They demonstrate their affection for people and for leading by knowing the details that matter to others. What details should you know about those you lead?