Joyce, my brilliant Organizational Development mentor, often used the following quote when we talked about Organization Design:
“Every organization is perfectly designed for the results it gets.
Joyce Wilson Sanford
In other words, if your results are below expectations, there’s a big chance your design is flawed.
And vice versa, when you’re doing great, your organization works for you.… Read the rest
It’s been a few weeks since I read “More Time to Think.”
More Time to Think is the sequel to Time to Think. The first book addresses the theory behind creating a thinking environment culture. The second book is more of a practical how-to guide.
Both books are created on a scientifically justified premise that when companies can create a culture where each individual feels safe and encouraged to access, use and share their thinking, all performance indicators point in the right direction.… Read the rest
We all have a story.
A story that shows who we are, where we come from, what we value, what gives us energy, and what stops us from being ourselves.
A story that we bring with us every day.
In every conversation we have.
With family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.
What’s the best team you’ve ever been part of?
You can think about this question in the broadest meaning. Not just business teams, sports teams, and perhaps a team of friends or family at home.
I classify people ‘working’ together as teamwork.
I often ask this question as an introduction to teamwork. … Read the rest
Imagine.
You’re the star of the company or team.
Thanks to your contribution, the company makes significant profits, is recognized as a leading brand, is admired by everyone in the industry, and is a heavily sought-after employer.
You know the results of the company (or team) would dive if you decided to leave or something would happen to you.… Read the rest
I wonder what percentage of companies have some version of teamwork in their values.
All the companies I was employed by had some form of teamwork in their values.
That last part of the sentence was intentional — ‘the posting on the walls’ part.… Read the rest
That was the argument from a traveler last Friday morning at 5.18 am when I was in a massive security line at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
The lady was talking to a security assistant and making her case that she was about to miss her flight with her group if she would not be allowed to get to the front of the line.… Read the rest
I thought I would never write this insight.
Frankly, I still can’t believe that I do.
If there’s one thing I would expect that any team leader knows how to do well, it’s to run a meeting.
Recently I spent a few hours in one room with a highly visionary entrepreneur.
Frequently, I seek the company of visionary leaders because they’re a breath of fresh air in a world where target-driven managers dominate.
