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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The Problem With Perfectionism
The Problem With Perfectionism. Expecting more from yourself and others is a push even highly motivated people need on occasion. But don’t confuse challenge with demand. Pursuit and insistence are very different directives. Challenge creates energy while perfectionism destroys it.
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Leaders Who Hide Behind Their Intentions Don’t Apologize Often Enough
Like everyone else, leaders occasionally cross boundaries, say hurtful things, and break relationship rules. Those affected by those transgressions expect and deserve an apology. Leaders who say they are sorry bring closure to the mistake or mishap and reaffirm the rules of the relationship. Apologies also heighten self-awareness and strengthen a leader’s resolve not to give in to the…
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What Qualifies You as an Expert?
Those with a command of the facts but without the ability to use them to predict the future will be seen as knowledgeable but not expert. As you continue to develop your expertise, work at becoming more accurate about what elements or factors matter most in any given situation. Then, begin to use those elements…
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Rewarding Disagreement
Good leaders encourage those around them to disagree, candidly offering an opposing view whenever they have one. They explicitly tell colleagues they want their disagreement, and they do their best to embolden them by tempering their reactions to any opposing viewpoints. Asking them to expound on their thinking before debating the merits demonstrates the leader’s…
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When to Say No to an Opportunity
In so many cases, knowing which opportunities to pursue and which to decline defines long-term success. Becoming a good judge of good fortune requires principles that can better guide your choices. Perhaps you can add to the touchstones above. The key is to know what you’re looking for before it knocks on your door.
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Leaders Who Don’t Suffer Fools Gladly
Leaders who don’t suffer fools gladly, as the expression goes, have a difficult time tolerating incompetence or sloppy thinking. Their impatience with those unprepared, naïve, or lacking in aptitude is often palpable to others. While this reputation has some advantages, it is generally not the compliment leaders secretly think it is. Those leaders who are…
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Don’t Empower the Wrong People
Even though empowerment is a windfall best practice that grows talent and tremendously benefits organizations and leaders, it is not a magic bullet that works in every situation. The best leaders empower others when they are ready or near ready for it, and not a moment before.
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Take The Expenses Quiz
What it costs to run a business or enterprise of any size is typically lost on people. Understanding the many layers of expenses, including taxes, rent, and operating costs is not easy for team members. Unless they have to make the connection between revenue and expenses, they prefer to let others think and worry about…
