FieldNotes
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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When Others React Emotionally
Leaders often confront situations where emotions run high. In response to an event or issue, a team member loses control and acts out by expressing what they are really feeling. In their emotional release, a colleague might cry, shake, give emphatic answers, raise their voice, display angry gestures, or turn inward in obvious pain. How
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Wickedly Predicting the Unintended Consequences of Decisions
For leaders, the devil isn’t in the details. It’s in the unintended consequences of the decisions they make. The perverse and unpredicted effects of a decision can sometimes magnify a problem and make it much worse. Known as “blowback” in clandestine operations, the unforeseen outcomes of a decision can cause a big mess and turn…
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Not Responding Is a Loud Response
In an increasingly mediated communication society, however, such small acts carry a heavy impact. Those leaders who prize relationships get this idea and find a way to respond quickly. They know that not responding is a relationship offense that speaks volumes about who really matters to them. Taking the time to respond, even with simple…
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The Distinction of an Inquiry-Based Conversation
The Distinction of an Inquiry-Based Conversation
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Deleting Information Often Draws More Attention to It
Attempts to censor or remove information often produces the opposite outcome. Efforts to censor information will usually draw more attention to it, make it more widely known, and increase the appetite to learn more about it. Resisting the urge to squash information is sometimes the smart play. Erasing the past can be risky. There are…
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Communication Design Gets More Important Every Day
Every leader should be working to better understand the best communication design processes. Effective teamwork begins and ends with effective communication. Communication is, and has always been, the essential language of leadership. How good is your team and organization in communicating what is important?
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The Obligations of Leadership
When organizations make clear the Obligations of Leadership, they spell out precisely what it means to agree to the role. The title, authority, and position of leadership then become a decision, not wishful thinking. When other leaders outline the obligations and ask those stepping into a leadership role to make the commitment and promise to…
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You Can’t Talk Yourself Out of a Problem You Behaved Your Way Into
Some relationship problems can only be resolved by behavior. You can’t talk your way out of them. Trust is built through consistency. When trust dies, it can only be resurrected through the long process of repeating trustworthy behaviors. The key word in “unwavering trust” is unwavering.
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Answering a Question With a Question
Good leaders are ready with a question, as well as an answer to any query they receive. Sometimes, answering a question with a question is the best way to create real understanding. What is your question?
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Getting a Word In When Senior Colleagues Present
Realizing after the presentation that you didn’t say much or add any value is an empty feeling, even when the presentation is well received. Finding a way to get in on a more outspoken or experienced colleague requires courage and a strategy. You owe it to everyone to find a way to get heard. Agreement…