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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Learning From the Competition Can Make You Better
Competitors can be a source of learning, growth, and inspiration — if leaders let them be. They can provide the foil and contrast by which leaders can judge the quality and approach taken in their organization to the same problem. The insights and questions that arise from a thorough analysis of a competitor can often
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Leaders Must Ask for Sacrifice or All They Get Is Compliance
So, when leaders ask team members to sacrifice for the greater good, it becomes a delicate calculus. Over time, team members who make sacrifices without truly believing in the payoff sour, become resentful, and disengage. Teams that sacrifice for external rewards without the intrinsic beliefs behind why lose their commitment and spirit. Sacrificing primarily to…
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Strong Leaders Always Defend Others From Unfair Criticism
Strong Leaders Always Defend Others From Unfair Criticism
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Create Internal Certifications Team Members to Showcase Their Skills
When thoughtfully designed and instilled with rigor, Certifications provide tangible evidence of skill achievement. They represent a proof of proficiency that is both a source of pride and a recognition of critical experience, skill, and knowledge.
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Initiate New Relationships by Finding a Common Connection
Making new connections and finding new introductions are challenges for even the most gregarious and social people. Just ask any salesperson. Relationships don’t just happen. They must be started through an initial conversation of mutual interest. While some new conversations occur because of proximity, shared assignments or projects, and seeking a resource for work to
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Making the Office More Attractive to Team Members
For many organizations, maintaining a remote or hybrid working arrangement makes the most sense for what they do. But other organizations have learned that remote work doesn’t create the apprentice-style learning or collaboration they depend on. Many are creeping ever closer to a full return to the office for all team members. Asking team members
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Leading a Highly Emotional Colleague
Good leaders remember there is a genuine honesty in emotions that is as refreshing as it is uncomfortable at times. Emotionality carries conviction along with the noise.
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Sorry, I Can’t Help You Right Now
While most people cooperate with others and want to help their colleagues, a highly collaborative team seldom happens organically. Presuming a team or organization will naturally develop a highly collaborative spirit of working together doesn’t make it so.
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Your Leadership Role Opens Up New Conversations if You Let It
Smart leaders open doors that many other leaders don’t even realize exist. Once a leader takes on a leadership role, they gain something beyond the responsibilities of the position and the authority, influence, and station that come with it. They also gain access to a network of peers outside the organization who are excited to
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Don’t Cast Team Obligations as Goals During the Review and Planning Process
Don’t Cast Team Obligations as Goals During the Review and Planning Process