Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Tag: action

  • Loving Monday: Too Long in the Idea-Sphere?

    loving_mondayAn idea cannot be perfected without taking the first practical step.

    Sure it would be nice to work out all the kinks ahead of time.

    Sure it would be nice to commit to the project without risk.

    Real is the danger, though, of never taking the first step at all. Very possible, we discover, is missing out on an opportunity because of postponing the first step too long.

    Ideas can only float around in the idea-sphere so long.

    A good idea is only as good as it leaves the idea-sphere, takes concrete form, and becomes a reality.

    The problem with reality is that it is messy, problematic, and complicated. It feels like our pristine idea becomes diminished, polluted, or compromised as it takes practical form.

    And so we keep working on it. Keeping it in the idea-sphere where we can work through all the messy, problematic complications until it is perfect. Until it is as pristine and beautiful in reality as it is in our dream.

    We may keep working on it… forever.

    As you begin this week, take one practical, concrete step toward the implementation of one of your ideas.

    One step, however messy, problematic or complicated.

    One step.

    On your side,

    – Karl Edwards

    Loving Monday is a weekly column designed to encourage us to step into our weeks with an intention to show up authentically, engage fully, and choose to make it a good week for ourselves. Explore past columns here.

  • Listen In -> Bold Resolutions for the New Year #1: Too Much Fear, Caution and Passivity

    Doesn’t it seem like everyone is waiting? Waiting for the economy to improve before making important decisions.

    The problem with everyone waiting is that leaves no one taking actions that might stimulate the economy.

    No one wants to take the first step, which, while understandable, leaves open the possibility (which is currently being realized) that no first steps are being taken.

    This week Claudia and I begin a new series entitled Bold Resolutions for the New Year.

    Let’s use the tool of setting New Year’s resolutions as a means for taking the initiative, making some decisions, and taking concrete action… even if it seems like we’re the only ones.

    How can we be bold without being rash or impulsive?

    We certainly don’t want to repeat the mistakes that landed us in the economic mess of the past several years!

    Are there ways to be both bold and responsible?

    Bold Resolutions for the New Year
    Week #1: Too Much Fear, Caution, and Passivity
    Week #2: Think Outside the Box
    Week #3: Build a Team, Not Fill a Job
    Week #4: Create Your Own Opportunities
    Week #5: Rethink Failure

    Listen in.

  • Quote to Consider: Integrity Tell All

    quote-to-consider“The only measure of what you believe is what you do. If you want to know what people believe, don’t read what they write, don’t ask them what they believe, just observe what they do.”

    Ashley Montagu

  • Question of the Week

    What concrete, practical action (no matter how small) can you take today to move toward an elusive goal or dream?

    The Question of the Week is offered to increase awareness of one’s personal leadership practices and encourage experimentation with creative alternatives.

  • Flip

    FlipFlip: How to Turn Everything You Know on Its Head—and Succeed Beyond Your Wildest Imaginings

    Peter Sheahan, Wm. Morrow Publishers, New York, NY 2008.

    In the spirit of enjoying any piece that affirms my counter-intuitive tendencies, I believe I have come upon a treasure.

    “There is nothing more important in business today than an action orientation.” If that quote isn’t what you and I have been working on together in developing a “bias toward action,” I don’t know what is. Instead of making big changes, experiment and adjust while moving. If we are coaching together, I will be wanting you to read this book.

    At the other end of the spectrum, Sheahan asserts that control does not come from controlling, but from equipping and empowering others to act. He also shares how to personalize business relationships and find marketing niches where no one else is looking for them.

    More beneficial for its paradigm shifts than for any practical specifics, you’ll go away with a fresh and clearer set of lenses through which to evaluate your efforts.

  • 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

  • PodcastPost! “Enterprising Teams 5: A Bias Towards Action”

    We conclude our series on Enterprising Teams² with the assertion that a bias towards action characterizes thriving teams. Listen here and join the conversation.

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