Decision Making Hubris?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I recently found myself working on a project that involved gathering information to help support a decision. While digging through file after file, I started to question how much information was really going to be used to support the decision, and how much was going to be gathered in theContinue reading "Decision Making Hubris?"

Betting the Farm on Progress

There are quite a few initiatives deeply in debt from borrowing against their future intelligence when the interest was high and the prospects were low. These teams rightly believe that during the course of an initiative more data will lead to a progression of understanding. The later an analysis comes the more data it hasContinue reading "Betting the Farm on Progress"

Don’t put your money on 100, take the over on 50

Perfection is a losing game, but endurance and appetite in chasing an 100% outcome often yields better options even when it becomes apparent the 100% outcome isn't achievable. In transformation projects teams tend to gravitate towards one of two approaches. Aggressive De-Risking: A team can 'de-risk' a path to an 100% outcome, convincing themselves to trade aContinue reading "Don’t put your money on 100, take the over on 50"

Making adversaries of comrades

Purpose: Become aware of when we are choosing to make an adversary and challenge ourselves whether making an adversary is appropriate. Adversaries are inevitable. Whether it be the competitor trying to take over your market share, a different department vying for control, or an individual with a competing objective. Even when not a 'leader,' itContinue reading "Making adversaries of comrades"

9 Agile Ways to Launch Your Agile Idea Agilely

Get an Agile Coach Scrum coaches are what make agile a team sport. Without them you're going to have to use a soccer metaphor. Make sure they tell teams to deliver things faster, and agile. Clarify your products from projects This distinction will help you keep the non-agile people separated from the Agile ones. ThisContinue reading "9 Agile Ways to Launch Your Agile Idea Agilely"

In Defense of Ignorance: Not Waiting on Certainty’s Permission

Earlier today while driving I came upon an intersection in a forest preserve. I had two options: continue straight to the parking lot or turn left down a scenic one-way road. I was almost certain the scenic road to the left was a public drive. However, I will admit, to my shame, "almost certain" wasContinue reading "In Defense of Ignorance: Not Waiting on Certainty’s Permission"

The Trouble with Meetings

An open secret in the corporate world is that meetings are a necessary evil that replicate rapidly and consume time greedily. Consider how so many meetings conclude with a thoughtful consensus: there ought to be more meetings about these things. Chances are that no one is really clear on what the things are, but byContinue reading "The Trouble with Meetings"

The Dressing of Hyper Competence

We all know someone like this.  That person who everyone else asks for help.  The one the boss relies on to pitch in on every project that is floundering, even while spearheading other work.  The friend who seems able to think about your problems and their problems, while you perhaps feel weighed totally with simplyContinue reading "The Dressing of Hyper Competence"

Skirting Disaster with a Quick Wit and a Strong Point of View

Sometimes the question is not “how do we solve this problem?” but “what is the actual problem?”  Some six sigma minded types would tell you that the first step to solving any problem is diagnosing it properly.  They are not wrong, but that way of phrasing can be a bit misleading.  I am not talkingContinue reading "Skirting Disaster with a Quick Wit and a Strong Point of View"

Cult of the Obvious

I think we've all had moments when an 'obvious' idea is unreasonable, but inexplicably supported by others.  "Obviously, we should create an engagement committee to handle the day to day for the financial governance committee. Engagement is a key driver of our financial results." "Good point Drake, I'd hate to be someone who doesn't support engagement or committees" Ideas can be soContinue reading "Cult of the Obvious"