Comments for Humanergy Leadership Blog

Comment on Curiosity: A leadership superpower by Pat Barrett

Pat Barrett — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:55:41 +0000

Hi. The reality of life is that often we are put on the spot and virtually required to provide instant answers.
Having an “open mind” or the ability to stand back for a minute to ask yourself some other questions and alternative responses before responding is a great asset.
At the risk of being regarded as indecisive, it is often a good tactic to provide a considered answer but note that there may be other questions/answers to be considered, such as >>>. Can I get back to you in a short time on the latter is at least one possible response, if the person concerned is open to that approach. We all know that situations alter cases. Judgement is also a great asset.

Comment on Curiosity: A leadership superpower by Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:21:56 +0000

I know a leader who was advised to make sure the first words that came in response to others was, “Tell me more.” It is simple and he says it has been powerful to reprogram him from what’s wrong, or what’s missing, or what’s next to cultivating ideas in his colleagues.

Comment on Curiosity: A leadership superpower by Mary

Mary — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:54:20 +0000

Amen! I think one of the greatest challenges of leadership is to keep an open and curious (non-judgmental) mind. As we gain expertise in our “business” there can be a tendency to use past experience to predict future outcomes; while efficient, this “been there, done that” thinking keeps us from possibility-thinking. I find the least interesting people to be those who lack a fundamental curiosity about the world around them…
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.”
Albert Einstein

Comment on Darn it! Does swearing make you colorful or crude? by Christi Barrett

Christi Barrett — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:27:30 +0000

Steve Tobak of CBS News MoneyWatch blog weighs in on swearing at work:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-57406770/$-my-boss-says/

Comment on Darn it! Does swearing make you colorful or crude? by Pat Barrett

Pat Barrett — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:53:18 +0000

There are gradations of offensive language, from the often – perhaps reluctantly – accepted to barely tolerated to simply unacceptable. Unfortunately people, often in high places, do not seem to make any distinction. There is reason to believe that such language is used for effect and, unfortunately, too frequently, to intimidate. That has become more evident particularly among young people. The family and society have to share a good deal of the responsibility for this situation and the answer therefore largely lies in their hands. Workplaces have been more active in creating environments where such language is not acceptable but example is always a good teacher.

Comment on Darn it! Does swearing make you colorful or crude? by Mary

Mary — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:52:14 +0000

I’m of the mind that a well-placed and delivered cuss word can amplify and clarify a message. Swearing every day in every way isn’t necessary; and those who find it necessary can become boring as their expletives become commonplace and demonstrate a lack of vocabulary. And yet, when I stub my toe you might think that a fishmonger’s wife has taken control of my mind and my mouth…somehow it makes the pain go away

Comment on Darn it! Does swearing make you colorful or crude? by Fred Pieplow

Fred Pieplow — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:34:24 +0000

I have always considered swear words as FAT words. A little fat adds flavor, a lot of fat is hard to chew and swallow. I prefer lean cuts of meat and challenge people to develop their thoughts to deliver a clear, concise (lean) message and leave the fat on the platter.

Comment on Darn it! Does swearing make you colorful or crude? by Robert Smith (Smitty)

Robert Smith (Smitty) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:58:31 +0000

In my past working life I had a Boss who believed that I was in need of changing my words when expressing my dissatisfaction with performance or people. He know that I held myself to a high level of accountablity and that performance was at a high level but my swearing or use of colorful languages only held me back from being promoted. It was very hard to move from using to not using the colorful words. However now that I have made the change and I am around a individual who does I understand completely he was helping me become a stronger Manager.

Comment on When two heads are not better than one by Mary

Mary — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:16:44 +0000

It’s great to read a message that shares when teamwork may not be the way to approach a challenge/issue/assignment. Teamwork is important in most work environments; however, unless the team is fully functional it can create a bigger challenge than the one the team is tasked to tackle. I like Lynn’s commentary on how to address teams that are broken…and that going solo is an appropriate option.

Comment on Why being willing to learn is not enough by Bill Dobbins

Bill Dobbins — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:21:59 +0000

Continous learning, what a great tool to have in your leadership tool kit and what a great asset to go through life with. Does not cost a dime….
Thanks for sharing this.