As I've watched the news over the past week, I've searched for "leadership" truths.  Have you seen any?  I hope the leadership is occurring behind closed doors.  The individuals willing to stand in front of the cameras seem to be merely posturing themselves and their political party.  At least I hope that is the case.

When it comes to passion and logic, I fall more to the logical side.  Yet I value those with passion, for they are able to drive progress far more effectively than I.

Passion precisely applied drives productive enhancements, and I'm all about improvement!  So, let's hear it for those who are able to harness their passion and lead progress in specifically chosen directions.  Read "Put Your Passion into Execution, Please."

Dennis

On the “Article Archives” page is now a search function allowing you to enter a particular word and find all the references to that word in the pages on the site.  That's a big, much needed enhancement.  But the search capability is not "new" technology.  It occurred because my colleague who helps me with the website responded to a question I raised in a conversation.

So, I'm asking you, my readers, to offer suggestions for what else is technologically possible, but would be an appropriate addition to this website.  Be gentle---read the attached article, “Overcoming the ‘Curse of Knowledge’,” and realize that you may be cursed with understanding the perfect addition for the site, but you will be dealing with a computer-ignorant person as you describe what's possible!  Leave a comment or send me an e-mail:  dhooper2@juno.com.


Regarding the attached article, I know well what it is like to listen to more experienced leaders speak in a language I didn't understand.  I tended to be the one among my peers who would periodically say, "Excuse me, but could you explain what you mean by that term?"  Those leaders had no comprehension that they suffered under the "curse of knowledge"----they believed that they were communicating well.  I am a smart person, and I can assure you that MANY people did not understand what they were saying!

Avoid the curse by being aware that those under your authority may not understand that topic that is so obviously understandable to you!

Dennis

You can thank one particular individual at a client company for this week's article, “The Best Question Ever about Time Management.”  Over the past couple of weeks, I've been sharing the Andy Stanley resource with him.  It was an easy step to realize that more people would benefit if I just made them aware of it.

If you find the attached article of value, send a comment and I'll forward your thoughts to this particular client/colleague.  Because of who he is and his beliefs, he will celebrate that others have found benefit because of the opportunities for growth that he's been seeking.

Dennis

With my articles, I work to provide very practical, productive suggestions.  This week's article fits that criterion very well.  This is not a high-flying, theoretical "ivory tower" white paper.

This is very practical guidance.  If you are not already a note-taker, please give the guidance in "Making Notes in Meetings Makes You More Effective" a try.

If you are a leader in your organization, start this practice with yourself.  After about three months of developing this skill, then start encouraging others to follow suit.  If you've not seen a major difference in six months, I will be quite surprised (and will welcome you sharing with me your story).

Dennis

I'd be delighted to have your thoughts and dialogue about this topic, but I ask that you conduct some observations and conversation with your colleagues first.

If you already have done some work to enhance the quality of your organizational culture and processes, these questions will be stimulating and perhaps lead you to make your next improvements.  If you have tended to focus on completing immediate commitments the best way you can, these questions will feel overwhelming--just print the article and put it in a suspense file to consider later.

The conversations I've had regarding this topic have been extremely stimulating.  “How do Your Feelings, Values, and Beliefs Affect Your Actions?” is a process of inquiry.  Take you time and enjoy.  I hope you find some exciting paradigm shifts.

Dennis