Cutting Through Complexity

Want to have an edge in business? Learn to cut through complexity. We live in an era of work that is invigorating. We have more information on a daily basis than ever. Knowledge is no longer what enables a competetive advantage. Know-how is. Know-how is the innate ability of leaders to understand how to dissect information and execute on the vital few things that matter to their business. Ram Charan documents his coaching and observation in his book, Know-How.

He skillfully makes his argument that leaders must be able to exercise this ability to make forays into the unknown. The unknown is now part of everyday business life. As the rules of business are constantly being upheaved because of the complexity and lower barriers for people to innovate, know-how is what will differentiate.

Learn and understand how to get this most vital attribute. It is through rigorous mental exercise and acumen that one can learn to lead in the new economy.

Life Is Short!

I was saddened today to hear of the death of rock climbing legend, Todd Skinner who was killed on October 23, 2006. I did not know Todd personally but felt like I knew him well from reading his book, Beyond The Summit. I first received this book over a year ago as a gift from a friend, Jim Juergens. Today I consider the book to be one of my Top 10 favorites. I have probably given out over 100 copies of this book during the last year to friends.

Todd was killed descending fixed ropes on the Leaning Tower of Yosemite. It appears that he and his partner Jim Hewitt were working on a free route on the 1,200-foot monolith. Todd and Jim were rappelling the route, “Jesus Built My Hot Rod” and were about 500 hundred feet above the base when the accident occurred. Apparently, Todd went first and suddenly fell; his rappel device and locking carabiner remained on the rope. Todd lived in Lander, Wyoming and is survived by his wife Amy, son Jake, and daughters Hannah and Sarah.

I discovered he had died today when my partner was attempting to call his office and schedule Todd to speak to our Coaching Seminar. What a shock to find out he had died at only 48 years old. Then my partner said something that made sense. Wow — he died doing what he loved and was passionate about it. He lived a passionate and fulfilling life doing what he loved. What a thought —- How passionate are we about what we are doing?

Authentic Connecting

You’ve seen these schmooze artists I’m sure. They are the ones that have a business card in hand ready to hand them out to anyone and eager to get from anyone. They have that pre-rehearsed elevator speech and are ready to deliver it even if you’re not ready to hear it. These type of people are generally out for themselves and have a false sincerity. This is the image that many people have when they hear the word — “networking.”

The reality is these are networking jerks. They don’t have the foggiest idea what true connecting is about or the value of meaningful trust-based relationships. In Keith Ferrrazi’s book, Never Eat Alone he shares a few rules to ensure you never become a “networking jerk:”

1. Don’t schmooze. Have something to say and say it with passion. Make sure you have something to offer when you speak, and offer it with sincerity.
2. Don’t rely on the currency of gossip. It just creates lack of trust in the long run.
3. Don’t come to the party empty-handed. In connecting, you’re only as good as what you give away.
4. Don’t treat those under you poorly.
5. Be transparent. People respond with trust when they know you’re dealing straight with them.
6. Don’t be too efficient. Reaching out to others is not a numbers game. Nothing comes off as less sincere than receiving a mass e-mail. It’s not about mass —- it’s about connecting.

Are You Working in Vanity?

Marcus Buckingham stated, “Damage control can prevent failure, but it will never elevate you to excellence” in his book, Now, Discover Your Strengths.
He makes the strong case that if you do not have the hardware in your being - the raw talent like empathy, presence, responsibility, etc. you will have a frustrating time trying to develop an acumen you do not naturally possess. You should instead work on your strengths and use those to get your job done with your custom style. Just watch NBA players as they play their positions. Their game and style is custom. Each guard or forward or center plays their position differently. They feel natural and comfortable with certain patent moves, but a bit uncomfortable with others. Some love to drive to the
basket and improvise. Others have an automatic jump shot that goes in. Buckingham would make the case that their synaptic makeup is what contributes to their comfort and ease with some skills while they may
struggle to develop other parts of their game.

In the same way, those strengths you have should be your focus in your job. Minimize your weaknesses and put your energy into refining your strengths, those things which lend to “consistent, near perfect execution” every time.

If you want to take steps to discover these and get some real coaching to take you to higher levels of success, we can help you with that.