Psychologists know that people’s beliefs affect how they interpret data. So the Circle of Assumptions teaches us that people can get caught in self-justifying feedback loops, where they become blind to data which does not reinforce their beliefs. A critical element of productive conversation is the ability to assess what people really know, and what …
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To accelerate the pace of change, leaders must focus on creating localized systems of learning. It sounds easy, but it’s not. The secret is what I call “learning loops.” Learning loops are similar to feedback loops except they are deliberately designed to involve a small group of people who are empowered to achieve organizational change …
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Effective conversations need to be organized so that people can move through them in a logical way. One technique is the GROW model. You can use this tool to manage virtually any kind of conversation. For people familiar with the Socratic inquiry, the GROW model is a way to remember each step along the path. …
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Delegating effectively is one of the most important things a manager does. The best managers in the world excel at knowing when to delegate, how to delegate, and to whom to delegate. A key to their success – perhaps the most important key – is that they’ve learned how to hire effective people and then …
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Most people assume they make good decisions most of the time. But a new body of research reveals a phenomenon called “decision fatigue,” which means the more decisions you make during the course of a day, the more likely you are to make a bad decision. This tool explains how decision fatigue works – and …
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I was asked by the CEO of a large health care plan to coach one of his executives, the head of IT. “Mike’s got problems,” he told me. “People feel that he doesn’t listen to them. Some complain that he has stopped communicating with them. I’d like you to see if you can help.” My …
Continue reading “Using Straight Talk® to Balance Your “AQ” and “EQ””
I was asked by the CEO of a large health care plan to coach one of his executives, the head of IT. “Mike’s got problems,” he told me. “People feel that he doesn’t listen to them. Some complain that he has stopped communicating with them. I’d like you to see if you can help.” My …
Continue reading “Using Straight Talk® to Balance Your “AQ” and “EQ””
It’s an issue that pops up every day in a million different ways: What’s the right level of guidance to give somebody? Sure, you don’t want to micro-manage. At the same time, you want to make sure the expectations and constraints are clear. How do you strike the right balance? How do you lead and not manage? The …
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Inside every organization are clues to whether people are treated equitably or whether a system of favoritism prevails. Who has access to the boss? Who gets the newest computers? Whose budget is protected? Consider the question of status. People are always looking for cues about where they stand in relation to one another. Ancient cultures …
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Several years ago, the CEO of an executive recruitment company called me out of the blue. “I’ve heard about how you teach people straight talk,” she said. “I think we could use you. Could you be here next week?” Immediately I knew I was dealing with a Director. She was looking for results — the …
Continue reading “Communication Styles at Work in Other People”
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