‘Tis the time of year when many people slow down and relax, consider the year past, and plan for the year ahead. Not me so much. Truth be told, this time of year, with so many people not working, leaves me jittery and waiting with much anticipation for life to resume.
But, my wife–who I love [...]
Abstract: identifying good communication skills in yourself and others.
Big picture, conceptual, strategic thinking is NOT knowing Porter’s 5 Forces. It’s not having an MBA, and it’s not being invited to a strategic meeting… Strategic thinking is thinking on a conceptual plane… Strategic thinkers can see things that aren’t there… yet. They can envision a different world from the one that exists, based on extrapolation as opposed to pure imagination.
If I differentiate strategic thinking from conceptual thinking, it’s to distinguish those who can merely think the big thoughts from those who can also see how to implement them.
Power is the source of strength behind all those soft-skills we consultants like to use. Negotiations, influence, politics, and diplomacy only work when they can be backed by a threat of real power. Here’s how to use power and spot the ability to use power in others.
Abstract: problem solving, bulldog style. Starring Lenny.
Abstract: how to spot confidence in others and develop it in yourself.
Abstract: spotting passion and developing it within yourself.
I believe that within 2 weeks of meeting someone (by which I mean before the 15th contact), you know whether or not a person could be your spouse. (Here’s why)
Abstract: how to handle ambiguity and how to spot the ability in others.
Abstract: how to spot loyalty in others and how to commit yourself to your own success