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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Knowing What Battles Are Worth Fighting
Famed psychologist Carl Jung first pointed out this insight. He suggested that what irritates us usually serves as a mirror, reflecting our own values, beliefs, and insecurities. Most commonly, what bothers us connects with our core values. For instance, if rudeness irritates us, it typically indicates we view respect and politeness as critical priorities. Whatever…
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Developing a Shooter’s Mentality
Famed psychologist Carl Jung first pointed out this insight. He suggested that what irritates us usually serves as a mirror, reflecting our own values, beliefs, and insecurities. Most commonly, what bothers us connects with our core values. For instance, if rudeness irritates us, it typically indicates we view respect and politeness as critical priorities. Whatever…
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Whatever Irritates You Can Lead to a Deeper Understanding of Yourself
Famed psychologist Carl Jung first pointed out this insight. He suggested that what irritates us usually serves as a mirror, reflecting our own values, beliefs, and insecurities. Most commonly, what bothers us connects with our core values. For instance, if rudeness irritates us, it typically indicates we view respect and politeness as critical priorities. Whatever…
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A Great Decision Without Vigorous Execution Might as Well Be a Lousy Decision
Weaknesses are the beat of a drum that everyone notices. They stand out like a bad note in an otherwise beautiful melody. By definition, weaknesses get in the way of effectiveness and dilute the best qualities people display. So, people naturally take aim to fix them. But weaknesses are highly resistant to change. They don’t…
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Drown Out a Weakness by Amplifying a Strength
Weaknesses are the beat of a drum that everyone notices. They stand out like a bad note in an otherwise beautiful melody. By definition, weaknesses get in the way of effectiveness and dilute the best qualities people display. So, people naturally take aim to fix them. But weaknesses are highly resistant to change. They don’t…
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Why Do Some People Have Poor Judgement?
After making a bad choice, team members are often told by the leader that their judgment was “off,” suggesting they need to make a better decision next time. When bad choices and decisions become a more regular pattern, then those team members are typically labeled as having “poor judgment.” Such a reputation can be devastating…
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Promoting People Before They Are Ready
Before promoting people into a higher role or one with more responsibility, the best leaders consult a checklist of requisite questions. Do they have the foundational skills and experience to succeed? Will others around them celebrate their promotion and work hard to make them successful? Do they have the judgment necessary to make quality decisions…
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How Autocratic Are You?
An autocratic leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes decisions unilaterally without input from others, dictates rules, policies, and procedures without discussion, and directs team members on both what to do and how to do it.
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The Belief Required for Super Bowl Stardom
As millions tune in to cheer for their favorite team and players in today’s Super Bowl, it’s worth remembering a story about the power of having someone in your corner. Saquon Barkley was playing JV football his sophomore year of high school when something extraordinary happened. Norris Wilson, the running back coach at Rutgers University,…
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Sending Flowers Is Easy. Showing Up Is Hard.
In moments of significance for others, good leaders write a note, send flowers, or offer an acknowledgment. For leaders who genuinely care about people, such expressions are relatively easy. But great leaders go one step further. They show up when others don’t expect them to. Many leaders know how important it is to show up…