Dick Davies's Blog – January 2012 Archive (11)

Source Of Praise

I’ve been working as part of a civic organization and recently noticed some illuminating behavior. One member of our team gets fairly constant praise for average work.

I never thought much about it, but then as results got worse, the praise increased. It has gotten to the point where pointless adulation is a…

Continue

Added by Dick Davies on January 31, 2012 at 12:57pm — 2 Comments

Knock It Off!

A manager asked me the best way to “knock the rough edges off” his team?

I said, “How about we grow them until the rough edges are covered?”

Are you a knocker or a grower?

Added by Dick Davies on January 30, 2012 at 8:30am — No Comments

I’m really low tech. I take notes when I talk with someone because I’m trying to figure out and remember what they mean. Also, I’ve noticed if I take notes, people lie less. I use paper, usually graph ruled, because the placement of the notes is an important part of the meaning.

I tried to use a laptop computer, but the customers thought I wasn’t listening to them, and…

Continue

Added by Dick Davies on January 25, 2012 at 2:13pm — 4 Comments

Ridin’ That Train

The ability to see ahead (or even around the curve) is a requirement for leadership. Every time I get in a leader slot I am amazed by how my vision shortens.

As a consultant, subordinate leader, or individual contributor I could usually make a substantial contribution, often seeing farther than the…

Continue

Added by Dick Davies on January 23, 2012 at 11:00am — 1 Comment

A Salesman’s Integrity

A salesman’s integrity is battered and worn...from use.

A salesman’s integrity is bright and shiny...from use.

Integrity is making and keeping promises. There are three stages to…

Continue

Added by Dick Davies on January 20, 2012 at 8:47am — No Comments

Reference Year

I was listening to Joe Scarborough explaining our current economic situation. He has said repeatedly that our situation comes from choices that were made in the ’70’s, shaping subsequent choices that control what we can do today.

In…

Continue

Added by Dick Davies on January 18, 2012 at 2:42pm — No Comments

And Welcome Again!

This is the second post of our new blog Leadership.

My name is Dick Davies, and I have learned that leadership is the usually the key between winning and losing. Here are some aspects.…

Continue

Added by Dick Davies on January 17, 2012 at 9:02am — No Comments

Networking

I first met Jim Hodges at the event described. I’m big, but my wife says Jim makes me look puny. I have never seen a man have so much fun charging through life. He has shown me the humor in a couple of triumphs and even a few semi-triumphs. Any opportunity with Jim is an adventure. Here is his first blog:…

Continue

Added by Dick Davies on January 11, 2012 at 5:29pm — No Comments