Why are we so woefully bad at critical thinking? That's the question that was discussed at a Philadelphia Alliance for Capital + Technology (PACT) human capital symposium on the 07th Dec 2019. New research replicated the findings we saw reported by IBM and Deloitte a decade ago - that corporate executives and venture capitalists are fed up with sloppy business [...]
This article was published first by Keiretsu Forum Mid Atlantic/SouthEast as part of their investor education initiative. Growth entrepreneurs have the Courage to optimize wealth-creation and make a big bold difference. They’ll pivot away from their pet project or artistic interest if an adjacent market looks like a better, faster and less risky way to generate a return for themselves [...]
…to take risks for each other - not overpower each other Leaders with a healthy EnQ look past zero-sums disputes over budget allocations, egos, power and hegemony - and get factions to find the optimal win/win/win solutions, not political compromises and the easy but flawed solutions. It may seem strange to include trust, altruism and a “giver” (rather than “taker”) [...]
Risk-averse traps are hard-wired into human nature according to research by Israeli Nobel Prize behavioral economists and North American business psychologists. Most of us prefer to see the world through our own lenses, fulfill our self-interests and ignore diverse colleagues who rub us the wrong way. Most of us seek harmony and approval rather than being the nail who sticks [...]
In teams with initiative, creativity, and inventive thinking, things look a little chaotic. And a bit heated, as key issues get wrestled down and people challenge each other's best thinking. Sharp direct questions jab - as teammates with diverse perspectives offer their best critical thinking to sharpen up team decisions and critique actions while there's still room to pivot. The [...]
The Financial Times reports that workers are resigning from McDonald's - because new menus, new choices and frequent changes require too much thinking and learning, and creates too much stress for employees. In the "good old days," menu choices were limited. Buttons told McDonald's workers exactly what to do. It was the ultimate non-VUCA work environment, tailored for entry workers [...]
Too bad for gravid.ca - whose troubles were featured in the Financial Post. Even with a hot product and an huge unmet market need, they’re not a great investment. By the time they get their supply chain problems sorted out, competitors will meet the need they’ve discovered and will cash in on all they’ve done to educate customers. They'll lose their [...]
According to a recent Financial Post report, “The most common reason people quit their US$200,000 tech jobs” isn’t because they were offered more money or better perks elsewhere. It’s because the job they are leaving isn’t fun - or because it’s unpleasant to see coworkers pushed hard, ridiculed or treated unfairly when difficulties or complications arise, as they inevitably do [...]
Ouch! You've probably felt the sting - when someone talks over you, dismisses your best recommendations or mutters a sarcastic quip about your accent, profession, age, professional experience or gender. Double ouch - if your antagonist has the authority to scuttle a deal you are putting together or red-line your career. At Ouch! or Double-Ouch! moments of truth, it's tempting [...]
The NY Times reported on “Jerks and the Startups they ruin.” Jerks often are oblivious to the seeds of damage they are sowing, creating a fraternity of "bro-culture" adherents, who see things the same way and egg each other on - rubbing each other the right way. Charging-buffalo innovation leaders seem invincible. They don't suffer fools gladly. They set a [...]
