Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Category: Article Links

  • A Bias Toward Action: What Opportunity Arose Today?

    You know how strongly I feel about having a “bias toward action” in effective decision-making.

    I found a great series of questions for evaluating unexpected opportunities over on Liz Strauss’ site. She calls it, “The Opportunity Action Test.”

    Not an exam at all, these reflective questions help you discern. Before undertaking any time-consuming or budget-busting analysis, spend half an hour running through the list and see whether enough insight emerges for you to make a decision.

    At least to go ahead and make your next decision today!

    On your side,

    – Karl

  • Idea Link: To-Learn Lists

    You know how I’m always pushing the value of lifelong learning. I came across a fun (even useful) idea that I thought you’d enjoy checking out.

    Scott Young suggests having a “To-Learn” list. More intentional and less haphazard than casual reading, so you’re more likely to make progress in more areas. But still simple and doable, so you’re less likely to put it off as you might a degree program or developing a long-term plan.

    Check it out. Give it a try. Don’t be surprised if it turns up in one of my coaching assignments.

  • Resource Find! Concrete Goals Tracker

    Concrete Goals TrackerCheck out this Concrete Goals Tracker. David Seah has put together an easy-to-use tool for prioritizing and encouraging progress on the tasks most important to you.

    We’re always looking for ways to move away from overwhelmed busyness and move toward satisfying effectiveness. (Without, of course, needing to be divine first.) I like his priority categories for weighting the value of the various outcomes of our efforts.

    Here is a simple tool I am going to try right away. I thought you’d like to know.

    On your side,

    – Karl

  • Trust the Employees or Trust the Controls?

    What would happen if you made additional tools and support available to your employees without dictating to them how or for what to use them?

    See what IBM experienced when it made various publishing and broadcasting tools available to its employees and trusted them with the uses. Read Eric Eggertson’s insights into how building a corporate “culture of trust and authenticity” will result in unanticipated creativity and buy-in.

    People are not an interchangeable commodity whose energies we exploit as long as we can get away with it. They are our primary asset, a source of infinite energy and creativity, IF we come to terms with the reality that core to their (our) motivation is the opportunity to contribute and make a difference.

    Try an experiment of your own and see what amazing new improvements, initiatives and/or innovations emerge from your team.

    On your side.

  • Inspirational Quotes on Failure

    Check out these “Go For It” quotes I came across on Phil Gerbyshak’s Make It Great! site.

    He, ironically enough, chooses three quotes on failure to exhort us to aim high. Rosalynn Carter, Henry David Thoreau and Robert Kennedy.

    Here is my own: Fear of failure sabotages. Planning for failure instructs.

    On your side.

    Karl

  • Inspiration Fix

    Looking for a pithy pick-me-up this morning?

    Check out 10 Inspiring Thoughts on Leadership. Anna Farmery has a down to earth style and sound approach I think you’ll enjoy.

    For those of you who have been working with me on either career or leadership style adjustments, Inspiring Thought #7 is particularly powerful.

    When you learn how to stick to your vision and values but evolve the journey you take – then you increase the chance of success.

    On your side,

    – Karl

  • Top Performers are People Too

    My top three Hard Facts About Working with People are:

    1. They want an opportunity to contribute and make a difference.
    2. They want an opportunity to learn and develop.
    3. They want an opportunity to connect and belong.

    I was reading Marshall Goldsmith’s blog this morning, and he challenges us about the risks of ignoring your top performers.

    Worth a read not only because he agrees with me, but because he’s pointing to what makes top performers tick and come alive at work. Stoke these deep and powerful inner motivations, and these people will change the world for you.

    On your side,

    – Karl