Improvisational listening

Rule number one of improvisation: Don’t Deny Denial is the number one reason most scenes go bad. Any time you refuse an Offer made by your partner your scene will almost instantly come to… Continue reading

Three styles that take you there

Paul Thornton believes successful managers practice and master three core management styles. Directing — Discussing — Delegating Directing includes defining deliverables, establishing timelines, and explaining how you want something done. Vague directions produce… Continue reading

You make conflict worse when you …

You make conflict worse when you … #1. Say calm down. Does anything fire you up more than someone telling you to calm down? You’ve just been invalidated. Feeling put down makes you… Continue reading

Withhold “I” say “you”

Here’s a technique guaranteed to enhance your listening skills. Withhold “I” – say “you.”  Let me explain. Typically Typically, while someone is speaking, we’re not listening. We’re formulating. We’re thinking of what to say… Continue reading

Strategic Speed

“Strategic Speed: Mobilize People, Accelerate Execution,” is a leadership book not a strategy book. Through research, illustration, and application, the authors clearly explain that leaders create fast organizations that reduce time-to-value by focusing… Continue reading

Journey to Strategic Speed

John Wooden said, “Be quick but don’t hurry.” From a business point of view, going slow at first enhances speed in the end. I recently enjoyed an enlightening conversation with Ms. Jocelyn Davis,… Continue reading