The Art of Asking
Asking the right questions to think creatively. High turnover. Low profits. Stale ideas. Organizations sometimes face chronic problems. Moving forward when it feels like our wheels are spinning is all about asking the right questions. Often the right questions don’t address individual organizational problems at all. Instead, they take a broader look at the organization’s environment, goals and assets. The right questions don’t ask, “how do we solve this problem?” but rather, “what is the best way to serve our customers or achieve our goals?” I was recently on a team that...
Read MoreThe Danger of Groupthink
Read any business review blog today, and you’ll soon notice a trend: teams. Democratic teams – where every member contributes ideas and efforts – are popular solution to today’s business challenges. Some say they’re the best way to improve a business’s output, efficiency, and innovation. Check out HBR’s article, “The Power of Teamwork”, to see what I mean. Ideally, these teams harmonize the voices of all members to reach a consensus. The ComLead grad program is designed to prepare students for excellence in today’s business world. And...
Read MoreLeadership and Life in the Miltary
For Veteran’s Day Lieutenant Colonel Brian Gibson spoke to Canisius students about leadership in the military. Gibson has been a lifetime soldier. A member of the United States Army, LTC Gibson currently is studying at the Army War College. This prestigious institution brings the best and brightest together. One area that the college focuses on is transformational leadership. What is the difference between great leadership in the military versus among civilians? Surprisingly, not much. Gibson focused on servant leadership, which is founded on doing something and leading a mission that is...
Read MoreChanging Tide of Social Change
A recent study conducted by Walden University found that respondents believe that they can positively contribute to social change. This is refreshing among the backdrop of a turbulent economy and challenging political times. Nine out of ten Americans agree that quickest way to turn an interest into a movement was through the use of digital technology. The most common ways cited for promoting social change was at a local level, through informal groups and non-profit organizations. “Americans believe that digital technology enhances social change by making it easier to do many things,...
Read MoreThe Importance of Playing to Your Strengths
I think it is safe to say that people enjoy what they are good at. Knowing your strengths is important to success, whether on an individual level or in a team. “Putting Your Company’s Whole Brain to Work” describes how being aware of thinking patterns as well as the thinking patterns of your team-mates impacts outcomes. It seems self-evident, but let’s explore some more. Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton describe talents as being unique and relatively static. The key to building strengths is narrowing talents and then refining them with knowledge and skills. In order to build upon...
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