It is hard to know the appropriate balance between transparency and prudence. If there is a project "in the works", there are times when it is best not to disclose anything, lest a premature announcement could negatively impact the outcome. Other times it is best to widely share that something is under consideration so that people may contribute input and actually aid in the project's completion.
Of course the spectrum of sharing depending upon the information and the intimacy with whom that knowledge is shared, but it is still not clear cut.
Do you share with your boss that someone is being difficult to work with or wait until the situation persists? Do you put your strategic plan on line for all to see or keep it as a confidential document? Do you confide with others that you are approaching a donor for a gift? Or how about letting your boss know that you are applying for another job? Or telling business acquaintances that you are looking to relocate your firm?
Each of these situations -- and millions more -- call for a delicate judgment call. Some days you have to be like Goldilocks and determine when the timing is "too soon", "too early" or "just right". It is one of the most challenging things for new employees and supervisors to align, but "too soon" almost always wins over having someone important being surprised.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
#431 lending to learn
While the traditional library began with its book collection, over the years most have expanded to accommodate the changing methods of communication. Typical libraries now loan DVDs, audiobooks, newspapers, CDs and other multi-media, but for some cities, the role of the today's library is expanding beyond sharing informational resources and artistic materials.
In Grosse Point, Michigan, the library loans out tools. Other libraries loan musical instruments, video cameras and multi-media equipment, telescopes, energy meters and even fishing poles. In the San Francisco area, one library started a Home Resources Collection to provide tools for rebuilding after a firestorm.
For the libraries that have "unusual collections" they have redefined their mission to "have jointly held resources available to the community." Other libraries have expanded their offerings into tools and instruments as a way to "offer residents a chance to learn -- just not necessarily with a book."
Think of the possibilities of what could be shared throughout the community. Training tools for puppies. Equipment for scrapbooking or crafts. Hiking supplies and binoculars. Skis. Kitchen gadgets and specialty pans for cooking experimentation. The list could go on and on.
I doubt Andrew Carnegie could have conceived a library lending out tools, but I suspect he would have embraced the idea of helping people continue to learn. How can your organization take a lesson from these modern libraries and remain true to your mission while expanding the implementation of it to meet the times? Think outside the shelf to see if there aren't opportunities out there for you too.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Source: Need some tools? Libraries lending more than books. By Mike Householder for the AP, in the Telegraph Herald August 4, 2013
In Grosse Point, Michigan, the library loans out tools. Other libraries loan musical instruments, video cameras and multi-media equipment, telescopes, energy meters and even fishing poles. In the San Francisco area, one library started a Home Resources Collection to provide tools for rebuilding after a firestorm.
For the libraries that have "unusual collections" they have redefined their mission to "have jointly held resources available to the community." Other libraries have expanded their offerings into tools and instruments as a way to "offer residents a chance to learn -- just not necessarily with a book."
Think of the possibilities of what could be shared throughout the community. Training tools for puppies. Equipment for scrapbooking or crafts. Hiking supplies and binoculars. Skis. Kitchen gadgets and specialty pans for cooking experimentation. The list could go on and on.
I doubt Andrew Carnegie could have conceived a library lending out tools, but I suspect he would have embraced the idea of helping people continue to learn. How can your organization take a lesson from these modern libraries and remain true to your mission while expanding the implementation of it to meet the times? Think outside the shelf to see if there aren't opportunities out there for you too.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Source: Need some tools? Libraries lending more than books. By Mike Householder for the AP, in the Telegraph Herald August 4, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
#430 authentic
If I asked you where the Running of the Bulls occurred, many of you could answer Pamplona, Spain. I doubt that Richmond, VA or Atlanta would be on the tip of your tongue, but starting next year both answers would be correct.
The two U.S. cities are going to begin their own version of the traditional Spanish event -- only on a drag racing strip in VA and a horse park in GA instead of through the city. Now when you boast that you "ran with the bulls" -- it may be the authentic running or it may be a modified extreme sport in the States.
I see parallels to the proliferation of college sweatshirts; it used to be that you had to attend Harvard or Notre Dame or Duke -- or at least visit the campus -- to have (or want) one of their shirts, but now you can get a jersey of your favorite team without leaving your armchair or taking a class. Ditto for paraphernalia from Disney World or I (heart) NY or any souvenir-type momento that you can name.
We have lost something in the mass marketing and replication of unique aspects of our culture. I think we should run the bulls on the streets of Pamplona, see Mickey in Orlando and let only the people with some connection to the Blue Devils wear the logo-emblazoned shirts.
What are you doing in your organization that is genuinely, authentically "you"? Can you make some aspect of your experience exclusive and special for those who truly have experienced it? There is a reason they don't sell green jackets in the pro shop at Augusta.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Source: Running of Bull coming to U.S. by Jeff Martin and Michael Felberbaum for AP in Telegraph Herald August 4, 2013
The two U.S. cities are going to begin their own version of the traditional Spanish event -- only on a drag racing strip in VA and a horse park in GA instead of through the city. Now when you boast that you "ran with the bulls" -- it may be the authentic running or it may be a modified extreme sport in the States.
I see parallels to the proliferation of college sweatshirts; it used to be that you had to attend Harvard or Notre Dame or Duke -- or at least visit the campus -- to have (or want) one of their shirts, but now you can get a jersey of your favorite team without leaving your armchair or taking a class. Ditto for paraphernalia from Disney World or I (heart) NY or any souvenir-type momento that you can name.
We have lost something in the mass marketing and replication of unique aspects of our culture. I think we should run the bulls on the streets of Pamplona, see Mickey in Orlando and let only the people with some connection to the Blue Devils wear the logo-emblazoned shirts.
What are you doing in your organization that is genuinely, authentically "you"? Can you make some aspect of your experience exclusive and special for those who truly have experienced it? There is a reason they don't sell green jackets in the pro shop at Augusta.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Source: Running of Bull coming to U.S. by Jeff Martin and Michael Felberbaum for AP in Telegraph Herald August 4, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
#429 your best
There is a story about a boy who was trying to move a big rock. He grunted and groaned and tried to push it, but the rock wouldn't budge. Finally, the boy told his dad that he had done his best to move it, but failed.
"You didn't do your best," said the father, "because you did not ask for help."
Don't try to be the little boy who does all the heavy work alone. There is help available if you ask for it.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
"You didn't do your best," said the father, "because you did not ask for help."
Don't try to be the little boy who does all the heavy work alone. There is help available if you ask for it.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Saturday, August 3, 2013
#428 local impact
Recently McDonalds has released a campaign in our area thanking Iowa for the role the state's farmers play in supplying the company with its products. Corn and beef are big products for McDonalds, and apparently they purchase a great quantity from our farms.
I have never thought of McDonalds Corporation as an economic driver in our area. We have a few of the restaurants, of course, but I always considered McDonalds as a seller instead of a buyer. These billboards and radio ads have made me pause to reconsider that.
Other companies could take McDonald's lead to show what goods they are purchasing from the state or highlight the economic impact of their presence. Banks already place signs on construction sites indicating "this project financed by XYZ Bank." Colleges could show that X% of the teachers/nurses/therapists in the city were educated by them. Manufacturers could show that they make X for the world market.
All of our organizations have some impact on the greater community. We are all buyers and sellers in the larger marketplace. How can your organization make the connections explicit for others?
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
I have never thought of McDonalds Corporation as an economic driver in our area. We have a few of the restaurants, of course, but I always considered McDonalds as a seller instead of a buyer. These billboards and radio ads have made me pause to reconsider that.
Other companies could take McDonald's lead to show what goods they are purchasing from the state or highlight the economic impact of their presence. Banks already place signs on construction sites indicating "this project financed by XYZ Bank." Colleges could show that X% of the teachers/nurses/therapists in the city were educated by them. Manufacturers could show that they make X for the world market.
All of our organizations have some impact on the greater community. We are all buyers and sellers in the larger marketplace. How can your organization make the connections explicit for others?
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Friday, August 2, 2013
#427 colors
Crayola commemorated its 110th anniversary by holding a contest to re-name the crayon colors of its classic 8-pack of crayons. Instead of yellow, purple, orange, blue, brown, red, black and green, for a limited time only you can buy a set contains the same colors but with the names of Sunny Side Up; Peace, Love & Purple, Freshly Squeezed, Beyoutiful Blue, Freckle, Ladybug, Night Owl and Jalepeno.
I did not participate in their gimmick, but I have done a similar thing before with an icebreaker before where I ask participants to rename a color. The difference: it's not just a random name as they did above, but the task is to attach a name to the color that evokes special memories. Examples: Aqua could become Favorite Shoes in honor of the pair of the comfy aqua shoes I own. Light pink would be renamed Puppy Blanket as it reminds me of the wrap I brought my pups home in. Rover could be the name of a mint green in honor of that color Impala I drove in college.
Having people think about the unintentional connection they have made between colors and things evokes many memories and elicits great stories about what is behind the object. Think about what you would name your own personal set of crayons and then share some of your colorful stories with others.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Source: Parade Magazine, June 30, 2013 p. 4
I did not participate in their gimmick, but I have done a similar thing before with an icebreaker before where I ask participants to rename a color. The difference: it's not just a random name as they did above, but the task is to attach a name to the color that evokes special memories. Examples: Aqua could become Favorite Shoes in honor of the pair of the comfy aqua shoes I own. Light pink would be renamed Puppy Blanket as it reminds me of the wrap I brought my pups home in. Rover could be the name of a mint green in honor of that color Impala I drove in college.
Having people think about the unintentional connection they have made between colors and things evokes many memories and elicits great stories about what is behind the object. Think about what you would name your own personal set of crayons and then share some of your colorful stories with others.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Source: Parade Magazine, June 30, 2013 p. 4
Thursday, August 1, 2013
#426 yet another one
One of my great annoyances is the stack of cards that I feel compelled to carry around in my purse: loyalty/reward cards, identification cards, specialty store credit cards, etc. There are true perks that come from using these things -- gas discounts, coupons for great savings at stores, reward dollars that come later in the mail, etc. -- so I haul them around, but they irritate me.
And then there is Walgreens, who now offers a similar rewards program to many others, but allows you to punch you phone number into the keypad at the register instead of carrying around yet another card. What a great idea. It's not some obscure number like my Eddie Bauer Friends Card, rather something I actually know.
Not long ago, it was one phone per family, so it made using the phone number more difficult (actually, more rewarding for the customer since many family members would contribute to one reward -- so the companies didn't embrace that idea). But now many people have one phone number per person. Those numbers are portable so they stay with the customer longer (forever?), again making them more convenient to use for electronic tracking purposes.
Think of how you can allow your customers to use cell phone numbers for multiple purposes. Physical cards are so "yesterday." If you have anything to do with customer programs, try to implement some electronic tracking system rather than handing out another card for your patrons to carry. That in itself should earn you some loyalty points!
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
And then there is Walgreens, who now offers a similar rewards program to many others, but allows you to punch you phone number into the keypad at the register instead of carrying around yet another card. What a great idea. It's not some obscure number like my Eddie Bauer Friends Card, rather something I actually know.
Not long ago, it was one phone per family, so it made using the phone number more difficult (actually, more rewarding for the customer since many family members would contribute to one reward -- so the companies didn't embrace that idea). But now many people have one phone number per person. Those numbers are portable so they stay with the customer longer (forever?), again making them more convenient to use for electronic tracking purposes.
Think of how you can allow your customers to use cell phone numbers for multiple purposes. Physical cards are so "yesterday." If you have anything to do with customer programs, try to implement some electronic tracking system rather than handing out another card for your patrons to carry. That in itself should earn you some loyalty points!
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
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